The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? An accurate, high-quality focus powered by an upgraded Ultra Silent Drive (USD) motor results from fine engineering. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. Nikon has one more wildlife lens on its roadmap: a 200-600mm zoom, which competes directly with the Sony 200-600mm lens. This lens gives you telephoto superpowers in a relatively lightweight package. It has a super-fast ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system, a highly effective optical stabilizer with switchable static and panning modes, dual switchable autofocus modes giving priority to either automatic focusing or manual override, and switchable custom modes that you can set up via Sigmas optional USB Dock. This latest generation optic is significantly lighter than its predecessor thanks to the Flourite lens elements used. Your prices on the three lenses are off by over $2000.! No matter the focal length of the lens, the closer you are, the bigger the subject. The effects of camera shake are minimized by vibration reduction VRII. In daylight conditions the Nikon 70-300mm VR can overall produce great results, but its performance does suffer in low-light situations something to be expected from a slow variable aperture zoom lens. Looking to turn pro? The next best wildlife lens is Nikons heavyweight super telephoto bazooka, the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E VR. November 14, 2018 May 6, 2019; . It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. Do you have any recommendations or questions? After falling head over heel hooks for climbing in a gym in Boston, she moved to Golden, Colorado because the mountains were calling. Now Kate spends as much time as possible exploring the crags of the Front Range and beyond, usually with her camera in hand. The auto-focus works a charm in broad daylight. The main problem with prime is that it requires a photographer to observe the birds behavior and spots. The second is that 400mm isnt always long enough for smaller or more distant birds. Instead, it will automatically adjust as the light changes. Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L. Diaphragm control via electric signals from the camera body provides reliable AE control. One of the newest Nikon telephoto lenses at the moment is the 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Just like the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, this 600mm lens has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. If you love birdwatching, visit our best bird feeder camera (opens in new tab) guide! The best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. It has very impressive optical features and it delivers exceptionally good-looking images, especially at its maximum aperture of f/2.8. It also features 2 FL (fluorite lens elements) to minimize weight and improve optics. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. If you are still shooting with a DSLR, then this might be a good option, since you cannot use the new Z-mount version. NY 10036. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. VR is Vibration Reduction that minimizes blur due to camera shake. Auto White Balance requires zero input from you, the photographer. If you dont have your lens with you, it cant help you capture stunning bird images, so youll want to factor in the weight of lens you choose. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a lens designed exclusively for Sony E-mount; it's made for full-frame bodies, but will work with APS-C, delivering an effective focal length of 225-750mm (though it will produce a pretty unbalanced setup). Nikon bird photography lenses Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Rating: 8/10 Mount: Nikon F Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring type) Stabilised: Yes (although it's labelled as "vibration reduction") Filter size: 95mm Minimum focus distance: 2.2m Weight: 2.3kg Cost: ~1250-1500 Pros: Great zoom range Because the 300mm f/4 is so small and takes a 1.4X TC teleconverter reasonably well, it is a perfect lens for wildlife shooters who absolutely do not want to carry a huge lens. The D850 is Nikon's best all-purpose DSLR, striking a great balance between capability and affordability. This typically happens in wildlife after the sun goes down. I would say a much longer lens would be significantly harder to aim. One of my favorite lenses for photographing birds at my feeders is the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. Optically it is an insanely sharp lens, I would say about the same as the Nikon 600mm f/4E below. lighter. Yet, professional bird photographers prefer prime. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. Want to learn more about a technical term? Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. The only possible con for the lens is the electromagnetically controlled aperture. An eliminated ghosting and flare while shooting backlit or semi-back-lit subjects results from this improved optics capability. Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. Our Top Picks Best Price: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Best Choice: Nikon 300mm f/4E PF VR AF-S ED-IF Telephoto Nikkor Lens Best Overall: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens Most Durable: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens Its a very good lens but rather expensive for a 100-400mm, and lacks the outright telephoto reach of more recent 150-600mm independent designs. We check out the best cameras for professionals (opens in new tab). There are plenty of options available for everyone who has a good Nikon camera body in bird photography lenses. A mixture of zooms and primes, these are the lenses that bring distant subjects closer, filling the frame with birds and animals and making the most of your camera's sensor to capture them in all their gorgeous detail. Canon felt that it would be hard to improve on the image quality of the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM so opted to extend the focal range even further with the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. The XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR covers the focal length of 229mm 914mm in equivalent 35mm film terms and also supports Fujifilm's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. It's not cheap, but less than half the price of the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. This recent addition to Sonys E-mount line-up has the same 600mm maximum focal length as Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Canon and Nikon SLRs. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. Due to its massive size, this lens requires a good tripod setup. A long lens to capture subjects in the distance. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography. This is especially true for mammals that are often active during these dark periods. The optical path is top drawer too, featuring no less than five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. Theres no clear winner between the prime or telephoto debate. 2. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. These enable different behaviors in the autofocus speed and stabilization effect, as well as fine-tuning for autofocus accuracy for individual camera bodies, plus the application of firmware updates. It really depends on the types of subjects that you shoot. Even so, the difference isnt particularly noticeable in practical terms and the Nikon lens has the advantage of a constant-aperture design, so f/5.6 remains available throughout the zoom range, rather than dropping to f/6.3 at the long end. 1. Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures. Would love to hear the reasons, if any. Theres no other difference between the two versions. Best macro lens: TAMRON 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD. The Canon EF . So get the best lens you can afford, then learn to use . As in the Sigma and Tamron lenses, this enables more consistency in rapid-fire exposures but, with older Nikon bodies, youll only be able to shoot at the widest aperture. Canons original EF 100-400mm zoom was something of a classic, but wasnt to everybodys taste, especially in regard to its trombone-style push-pull zoom mechanism. But, since you have a crop sensor camera, a lens zooming to 400mm, 500mm or even 600mm would be an option. If you dont have your lens with you, it cant help you capture stunning bird images, so youll want to factor in the weight of lens you choose. Corner-to-corner sharpness and vivid colors are essential for bird photography. Neutral Color NC Filter and Circular Polarizing Filter II have been specially crafted for this lens. Nikons 300mm F2.8 is fondly called a super-telephoto lens. The second edition of the lens has a more typical twist-action zoom ring and a host of upgrades. The best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) are generally getting lighter, and optical image stabilization systems make it possible to capture sharp images at the outer edge of a telephoto zoom, without having to use a tripod. As always, this makes it a challenge to keep everything steady while shooting, but the Panasonic has excellent build quality and comes complete with a zoom lock ring, tripod mounting collar and optical image stabilizer, to help beat the shakes. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. It also has a dust- and moisture-resistant rubber gasket on the mounting plate, although it lacks the additional weather seals of the Sports lens. The equivalent lenses in full frame would be approximately 24mm f2, 45mm f2, and 85mm f2. Heres how it works. Performs well at broad daylight with quick auto focus. Nikons Silent Wave Motor AF system allows for super fast autofocusing, but with just a turn of the manual focus ring, you can take control yourself. With birding, you will likely be using the lens with its built-in teleconverter all the time. It has a tripod detection mode that helps minimize shutter release vibration, making it an intelligent VR workhorse. And what about probably the most popular Nikon lens the 500 f5.6 PF, why would you not include this as it is actually sharper than the 200-500, 1/3 of the price and so much lighter than the f4 500mm which you would need a mono all the time. You now know how to do the calculation: the 200-500 is the equivalent of 300 mm to a whopping 750 mm. Theres also lens lightness that helps them enjoy the process and learn the art of bird photography. Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. You might be wondering, does it still make sense to get an F-mount lens now that Nikon is focusing its effort and support on Z-mount? Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 A useful range of handling extras ensure top-quality results time after time, with excellent consistency even in handheld shooting. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. When looking at lenses, consider how they'll interact with your camera sensor. It is easy to get carried away by the camera body. The narrower aperture range of f/5-6.7 is going to restrict you a little in terms of how much light you need, which is simply something to be aware of and factor in. Sony budget: Sony 6400. If you are in situations where you only shoot larger animals at dusk or dawn, and you really need the shorter focal lengths, then I can see a case for this lens. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. In addition, you will have to buy a good heavy duty tripod + accessories (batteries, memory cards, etc). The addition of highly effective optical VR that works in tandem with IBIS in Z system full-frame cameras should ensure exceptionally sharp avian images. Impeccably turned out, the XF100-400mm looks and feels a high-quality item Looks arent deceiving either, as the internals include a super-fast autofocus system based on dual linear stepping motors, and a high-performance 5-stop optical stabilizer. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels, By Nasim Mansurov 305 CommentsLast Updated On January 13, 2023. 2. If you're looking for affordable options, these are the best budget telephoto lenses (opens in new tab). Similar to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II, it also works exceptionally well with all teleconverters, including the Nikon TC-20E III. If you just want one lens that can do it all for bird photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm is an excellent option. Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. The camera makes the images. Taking inspiration from the Nikon 180-400mm F-mount lens, the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 was Nikons first Z-mount lens to feature a built-in 1.4X teleconverter. At 1,260g, its perfectly viable for long periods of handheld shooting, aided by a highly effective optical image stabilizer. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. It is a workhorse tool used by professionals for sports, wildlife and portrait photography. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR At a glance: 95mm filter thread 2.2m minimum focus 268mm length x 108mm diameter Weighs 2300g Nikon F mount Price: 1,399 / $1396 The silent wave matter is added for an extra-fast and noise-free bird photography experience. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isnt the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. It renders the lens incompatible with older Nikon DSLRs. Hey Im Peter. Being around for much longer than the Z-mount, the F-mount currently has more lenses suitable for wildlife. Why you can trust Digital Camera World Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. A system that automatically focuses on the subject to keep it crisp and clear. DOWNLOAD THE ADVANCED AFFINITY PHOTO COURSE NOW! It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? The Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is one of the company's longest focal length lenses available, and with a price tag that's nudging five figures, it's squarely aimed at the professional sports and wildlife photographer. Surprisingly u didnt included Nikon 200-500 /f5.6 lens one of the best selling lens for wildlife photography. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. Nikon D7500 with Tamron 100-400 Lens Zoomed Out (with Hood) Picking the best camera for bird photography on a budget means balancing competing requirements. Its equivalent focal range is so large, at 190-810mm, it just may inspire wildlife photographers to switch to the compact mirrorless Nikon 1 line of cameras. The speed of continuous shooting is not compromised with modern cameras like D4S. Handling highlights include a customizable Lens-function button, a four-stop image stabilizer that gives up to a six-stop benefit when combined with in-camera stabilization, and an autofocus range limiter that can lock out either short or long focus distances. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a classic example, costing more than some new cars. It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. It does feature a Tripod Mode, to reduce camera shake from ground vibrations you might not even notice, as well as a Sport Mode that can be useful when youre following birds in flight. Let us know which is your favorite lens for bird photography. Bird photography is a tough job. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens is one of the sharpest and fastest lenses available. See my detailed Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II Review for more information on this lens. Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency (eBAND) coating and Broad-Band Anti-Reflection (BBAR) coating make the optics even more refined. If you are passionate about bird photography, but want to keep your costs under $10,000, the Z-mount 800mm f/6.3 offers an insane amount of reach at a lower cost than the traditional f/4 primes. The upgraded VR II provides three stops of image stabilization. In addition to using the twist-action control ring, you can alter the zoom setting in a push-pull fashion. But if you have the budget, then the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR II is the best option for image clarity. Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. Image quality wise: an entry level Nikon DSLR matches the image quality you can get from any other camera in Nikon's line up . And if you need an 800mm equivalent lens, you could always put a 2x TC on the 400mm f/2.8. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. I have the 80-400, never use it. For absolute beginners with a lesser budget, a non-VR version may suffice. When done well, you can get some truly magnificent photographs. The Sonys size and weight are fairly typical but feel a little more imposing on comparatively lightweight Sony Alpha mirrorless bodies. This Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM super-telephoto lens for Canon EOS R-series full-frame mirrorless cameras gives phenomenal reach but is much smaller and more lightweight than competing lenses for DSLRs. The older model was bulky and heavy and needed a tripod for support at all times. This translates to a high price tag, with the lowest end of the spectrum averaging between $500 to $1,500, and the highest-quality / best reach lenses costing as much as $10,000+. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand? The best lenses for bird photography provide you with enough magnification to fill the frame with a feathery subject and have a fast enough autofocus to track it as it moves. From the basics of My 350 Nikon Wildlife Photography Kit D300 300mm F4 Af Lens to the latest trends and innovations, you'll find a wide range of articles that cover all aspects of this field. Lens Weight: Heavier lenses are challenging to use without tripods. I have been shooting with the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR lens for the last 4-5 years and I can assure you that the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II is overall a better lens to buy (unless you shoot large animals from a close distance, like bears in Alaska). ED glasses are Extra-Low Dispersion Glass, an optical glass developed by Nikon to reduce or remove chromatic aberration. My super favorite lens is the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR. Sharpness, contrast and other image attributes are excellent and very consistent throughout the entire zoom range. Hand-holding, the Nikon D500, feels better. Its a superfast (f/2.8) 400mm lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter (thats what the TC, stands for in the lens name). Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Add 4.5 stops of vibration reduction, and this lens qualifies as a mini beast for bird photography. These features make this lens an even more excellent piece of treasure. +80Photoshop Actionsfor NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS. Fancy features include a dual-mode, 4.5-stop VR (Vibration System) system and an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm for adjusting the aperture. The optical image stabilizer is effective on its own and even better when coupled with in-body stabilization, featured in later Sony Alpha A7 and A9 mirrorless cameras. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. Capture birds in flight or bears on the hunt without disturbing them with powerful, high-quality Nikkor wildlife photography lenses designed for the nature enthusiast. View at Amazon. Since this lens offers a 1.4X TC with still excellent image quality and significant 850g weight savings over the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E, this new Z mount 400mm f/2.8 could indeed be the ultimate wildlife lens. The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. Coupled with the Nikon Z9 you can use the newly developed Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM), which enables fast, highly accurate, and quiet AF control. Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. Sir, Pls. If you always find yourself at the long end of your zoom, it definitely makes sense to get this lens instead of the 100-400mm. You need a pretty good reason to trade up from Panasonics 100-400mm zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras and it might just be this Olympus prime. Theres a more effective, triple-mode image stabilizer and the Mark II also gains weather-seals and fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements. There are two potential downsides with this lens, and they go hand-in-hand. The biggest advantage of this lens is its maximum aperture of f/2.8. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. This lens is great for general wildlife, especially if you often shoot the large kind like moose and bears. I hope youll excuse the lack of sample photos, but by all indications, this lens is just as sharp and versatile as the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. Would you find more use with this lens, which is a 600mm f/4 and an 840mm f/5.6? In fact, this lens is only 775g, which is almost twice as light as the Olympus 300mm f/4 lens for micro four thirds, and this is a full-frame lens! As we've touched on, Canon's EF 100-400mm zoom has been an incredibly popular lens for Canon DSLR shooters, so it's no surprize to see something arrive for the brand's EOS R range of full-frame mirrorless cameras. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. The downsized build has been achieved by a modest f/6.3 aperture rating and a Phase Fresnel optical element, a technology thats commonly used to focus the beam in a lighthouse. Sharpness is really impressive throughout the zoom range, so you can push it to 600mm with confidence that you're still going to get some great images. I may have got lucky because mine is very sharp. Getting a gently used model could save you many thousands of dollars, which would go a long way towards other gear. It is a great buy that will get you to 300mm at just under $600 USD. Fujifilm XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR, 12. The lens needs to be ready for the same. There will barely be anything you cant catch that you cant see with the iconic Nikkor 500mm F4G ED R. It is rugged, having a magnesium die-cast barrel which makes it highly resistant to dust and moisture. B&H offers a good rundown of. Personalized Recommendations Show All AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR The biggest consideration when buying a Nikon lens for bird photography is focal length. Next comes getting closer to the birds. This has seen a weight saving of some 25%, though it still tips the scales at an arm-wobbling 3,810g. Canon premium: Canon EOS R3. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports isn't just a quick reskin of the DSLR version (below); it's actually been retooled from the ground up with mirrorless cameras in mind, and it's an impressive 760g lighter.