The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sport, 14. The lens is fully weather-sealed and features a fluorine coating on its front and rear elements. 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. However, neither of them seems to have impressed you. In this list, we've included some of the best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) around right now. Then there's the full frame pro or serious enthusiast DSLR body with a Canon or Nikon 400mm, 500mm, 600mm, or even an 800mm prime lens. The best lenses for bird photography in 2023 - digitalcameraworld Not only does its resolving power drop with the teleconverter engaged, but it will be a 560 f/5.6 at its longest end and hence not provide an advantage over the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 lens, which is nearly four times cheaper. Fujifilm XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR, 12. Best cameras for bird photography - BirdWatching Still, its hard to beat the price of this lens at $1400. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. The lens has 11 elements (3ED) in 8 groups. 3 Best Nikon DSLR Cameras - Mar. 2023 - BestReviews On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. But there are still good values to be found, and I hope that this article can point you in that direction, too, if thats what youre after. At 400mm, it's a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. These include a refined optical path with fluorite and Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements and high-tech Air Sphere coating. It literally eliminates axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. 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 Re: And the penny drops: Sigma is making Z mount lenses: Nikon Z 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. 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. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. In fact, for many situations, it will be too long, and f/6.3 may not be bright enough. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. The 5-axis stabilization mechanism will keep shots sharper towards the far end of the zoom range, and while the f/5.6-8 is limiting in low light conditions, you can't argue with the lens's performance overall especially given its price. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. I believe this article might have been written before that lens, not sure but an update to this article is coming soon. November 14, 2018 May 6, 2019; . A cheap APS-C macro lens is coming, for almost all mounts, Shots fired! You can switch focus mode by simply turning the focus ring. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. The effects of camera shake are minimized by vibration reduction VRII. So, this is a great lens for bigger or closer wildlife, but its not the right choice for all wildlife photographers. Combined with Canon's legendary L-series build quality and stunning optical performance, it's up there with the very best Canon zoom lenses we've tested. An image stabilization system that reduces the effects of camera shake and the consequent blur that causes. It all works together very well, except that stabilization can be relatively ineffective for panning. 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. When youre ready to invest a big budget in your bird photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm will help you take your photos to the next level. 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. Best wide-angle lens for landscapes: NIKON Z 14-24MM f/2.8 S. Best super telephoto lens for wildlife photography: SIGMA 60-600MM F/4.5-6.3. 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). A Guide to Birding with Long Lenses | B&H eXplora One can also double their effective focal length using teleconverters. Astrophotography in March 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month, "Thats the beauty of photography, it is a democratic medium", AI portraits are hard work, says deceitful Instagrammer with 28K followers, The Lumix S5 II is a serious tool for content creators here's why, GuruShots: Winning photos from the Beautiful Nights competition, Sony's new camera is a "baby A7S III for vloggers", Motorola's mini $99 widget turns any phone into a satellite communicator, Good news! Review of the Nikon D500 for Wildlife and Bird Photography Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. Lens Weight: Heavier lenses are challenging to use without tripods. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. The 7 Best Nikon Lenses For Wildlife Photography in 2023 It also makes it very easy to use teleconverters, especially the built-in 1.4x TC. They improve the all-weather shield for shooting in the most severe conditions. The NIKKOR 70-300mm lens functions very well in daylight, but performance notably suffers in low light conditions, so youll want to invest in another lens if you plan to shoot often at nightfall. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. Theres no clear winner between the prime or telephoto debate. The autofocus takes a little setting up, and isn't quite as fast as that of rival lenses from Sony and Tamron, but this is still an impressive lens for birding. It is also only about 2.4kg, which means it is handholdable for longer periods compared to most supertelephotos. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15. Except that one. It offers bird photographers an opportunity to capture almost anything in the wild. Using DO (Diffractive Optics) and a relatively narrow f/11 fixed aperture rating, it's also pretty light at 930g. AF performance is top notch, with super fast and accurate autofocus acquisition, even in low-light situations. If you want to get into wildlife photography on a tight budget, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P is the lens you want to get. Best Budget Lenses for Wildlife Photography of 2022 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. So, join me on this journey of discovery, and let's explore the many wonders of My 350 Nikon Wildlife Photography Kit D300 300mm F4 Af Lens together! Tamron 150-600mm Review and how to use it for Wildlife Photography, 24 Tips for Fantastic Flower Photography (2022), Video Courses from Friends of Photography-RAW. Guide To Nikon Cameras For Birds. Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! 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. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography. The camera makes the images. The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. Nikon has made several innovations to make this lens lighter, but it is still quite a large lens, so you will benefit from a sturdy tripod setup to hold it steady. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I make sure that you get the best articles about photography. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. Without a doubt, wildlife photography is a very expensive hobby to have (unless you are so good that you can sell your pictures and make good money), especially once you add up all the gear and travel costs. The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is about the same size and weight as Sigmas competing Contemporary lens, but adds a more comprehensive set of weather seals, similar to those of Sigmas more exotic Sports edition while splitting the difference in terms of price. This is especially true with mammals, which like to come out during such times. 1. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. Image quality is impressive, while the size of the lens makes it excellent for handheld shooting and, overall, its a great choice for bird photography. For hobbyists, a zoom lens might be a better shot. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? If you like birds, you might also like to see the best camera for wildlife (opens in new tab), as well as the best bird feeder cameras. Sigma also has two similar versions of the same focal range, Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Sigma 150-600mm Sports. Best macro lens: TAMRON 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD. 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. B&H offers a good rundown of. Because this lens is so new, its the only one here that our team at Photography Life hasnt used yet. These are 600mm, 750mm and 900mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. Find out more about how we test. It is optimized to deliver results quickly and perfectly. If you can find a way to deal with the weight, this lens with a D500 would still be a very capable wildlife setup. Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. DDSSM (Direct Drive Super Sonic Motor) autofocus is super-fast and comes complete with customizable focus-hold buttons mounted around the barrel. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. This lens keeps pushing the boundaries. Even so, thats rarely a disadvantage for birding, as youre likely to use a zoom lens at its longest available focal length anyway. The auto-focus works a charm in broad daylight. They are reporting the actual lens specifications, 16mm f1.4, 30mm f1.4, and 56mm f1.4, which is irrespective of the sensor size they are to be used with. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The Canon EF . Instead, the Nikon 180-400 f/4E lens is for those shooters who shoot larger mammals and landscapes, and wider shots of animals in their habitat. Is This the Best Bird Photography Lens? | Fstoppers Many aspiring wildlife shooters will no doubt be aware of the stratospheric prices of supertelephotos. Usually, hobbyist photographers are happy with a good bird in natural surroundings. It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. Best Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography of 2022 The best cameras for bird photography will help ensure that your patience pays off. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. Diaphragm control via electric signals from the camera body provides reliable AE control. The Sonys size and weight are fairly typical but feel a little more imposing on comparatively lightweight Sony Alpha mirrorless bodies. Overall performance and image quality are excellent, although outright sharpness drops off a bit at the long end of the zoom range. Canon premium: Canon EOS R3. 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? Its three-mode stabilisation system helps out here too birders will probably get the most use out of Mode 3, which only applies the stabilisation effect during actual exposures, making it easier to track erratically moving subjects. The lens is light and compact, making it easy to carry it around when scouting for wildlife in parks and wildlife spots. I am a wildlife photographer, started in the 70s. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? 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. 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). They can also be used on DSLRs, and I would say for 90% of wildlife, a mirrorless camera will not provide any significant advantages over a DSLR and an F-mount lens. A long lens to capture subjects in the distance. Among other notable features are a lag-free switch from automatic to manual focus. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). When looking at lenses, consider how they'll interact with your camera sensor. 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 A lens that can vary between focal lengths. If youre new to wildlife photography and you have only one lens in your kit, a zoom lens is the best option since it provides you more flexibility, But if youll be switching lenses out, you can use a variety of prime lenses based on the situation and terrain you find yourself in. Next comes getting closer to the birds. Its tripod-compatible VR offers up to 4 stops of Vibration Reduction. That said, pair it with the EOS R5 or R6 and the combined image stabilisation delivers up to 6 stops compensation (5 stops on the EOS R or RP). The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); I have kept my Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P as I moved from DSLR to Nikon Z5 and Z7-II. The flip side is that no optional tripod mounting ring is available, which would have enabled a better balance, especially in portrait orientation shooting. Hey Im Peter. Read more about Nasim here. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Compatible Camera Mount: Canon EF Features Dust And Water Resistant Design Autofocus Is Both Smooth And Quiet Wide Focal Range Allows A Wide Variety Of Shots This is especially true for mammals that are often active during these dark periods. I may have got lucky because mine is very sharp. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. An accurate, high-quality focus powered by an upgraded Ultra Silent Drive (USD) motor results from fine engineering. No also f/1.4. Canon: Canon EOS R7. As of January 2022, Nikon just released their latest addition to the Z mirrorless system lens line-up. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 It boasts 2 focus modes with fast auto, silent focusing with a minimum focus range of 4.9 feet. If you are still shooting with a DSLR, then this might be a good option, since you cannot use the new Z-mount version. It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. The maximum effective focal length stretches from 600mm to around 900mm when shooting on an APS-C camera. The 8 Best Lenses For Birds And Wildlife Photography 2023 - Avibirds.com The only possible con for the lens is the electromagnetically controlled aperture. New York, Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, 16. B&H offers a good rundown of how to build your camera kit for birding, and a Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup to give you some ideas. Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. I added this lens to the list because it is so good, but it is also questionable whether it is still worth its price, given that you can get a Nikon Z9 and a Z 800mm f/6.3 and still have over $4000 to spare. This lens is somewhat on the heavy side, although it still can be used handheld, and the vibration reduction reduces camera shake whether you have it on a tripod or are holding it. Being around for much longer than the Z-mount, the F-mount currently has more lenses suitable for wildlife. That's why, in my opinion, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best bird photography lens for the money at a touch over $2000 (or significantly cheaper pre-owned). Nikon has always been a great choice for wildlife shooters. How to Create an Online Portfolio Using Format? The optical path is top drawer too, featuring no less than five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Starts with the 70-300, but ignores the 200-500 or new 100-400s also ignores all the pf lenses .. the 500pf being one of the best wildlife lenses out there. Sony premium: Sony 1. The Sports model is a superior lens for photographing birds. We've tested the best lenses for bird photography to bring you options for a range of prices, from budget telephoto lenses to professional lenses. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. Thus, if you are still using a Nikon 200-500 on an F-mount camera and are looking to transition to Z-mount, I would wait for this lens to come out, instead of buying one of the other Nikon Z lenses above. That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. Pls. 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. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. Best Canon: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Best Canon premium: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens Best Nikon: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Best Nikon premium: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The construction is uncompromised with the new magnesium alloy barrel and fluorite elements. I have the 500mm f4g VR, a crazy sharp lens. Which Nikon Camera Is Best For Bird Photography? Guide To Nikon Cameras 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. See sample zoom photography (View in a lightbox) View the COOLPIX P1000 Product Tour . Best lenses for wildlife photography in 2023 - Amateur Photographer This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is a lens that works really well in birds and wildlife photography, a great tele-zoom of choice, and whose weight, although very unbalanced, we do not believe to be excessive even for carrying out wandering photographic hunting activities. Nikon has one more wildlife lens on its roadmap: a 200-600mm zoom, which competes directly with the Sony 200-600mm lens. Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography (opens in new tab)? Tamrons 150-600mm was a gamechanger. This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot. 11 Best Lenses for Macro Photography (2023) Sigma Announces Three Lenses for Nikon Z-Mount Cameras 10 Best Travel Tripods You Can Buy (in 2023) Upcoming E-Mount Lenses: . Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. Nikon budget: Nikon Z50. Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. Going up to 500mm, while not the longest lens on this list or even in the Sony section, is pretty handy, and it's helped by the Tamron lens's real ace in the hole: it's super-fast autofocus system. Birds are tricky subjects for even the most experienced wildlife photographers; they move quickly, don't stay still for long, and they generally won't let you get very close without flying off. Nikkor 400mm f2.8E FL ED VR is the next-gen model of the 2007 Nikkor 400mm f2.6G ED VR. Takes continuous shots at 8 frames per second. Pros Hand-holding, the Nikon D500, feels better. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, 9. 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. It is an upgraded version of the earlier lens. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. It also features 2 FL (fluorite lens elements) to minimize weight and improve optics. For more of our top outdoor photography gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides: Kate is a climber, creator, and community builder. 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. Autofocus is very quick and highly accurate and image quality is excellent overall, although sharpness drops off a little at the longest zoom setting. On the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. The Best Lens for Bird Photography in 2023 (Updated) Ergonomically, the Nikon D500 feels just right. However, this lens is fairly hefty, so it will add some weight to your pack, which is something to consider if youre going on a long adventure in the backcountry. The Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM (and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM (opens in new tab)) is designed for EOS R-series mirrorless cameras and offers a very different experience to a typical prime telephoto lens. If you are looking for the best lens for bird photography with extreme capabilities, then this universal model is worth considering. But no matter what camera system you use, we've found the best lenses for bird photography. It is also quite lightweight for a lens, so you can easily take it with you into the wild. Its more comfortable for long periods of handheld shooting and you can also use it with the camera body mounted on a tripod or monopod. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. It really depends on the types of subjects that you shoot. This lens is the real winner for use on any Nikon body: a 200-500 mm zoom with vibration reduction. Lots of opinions why this and that lens is not on the list. 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 is still just possible to handhold, and it offers a lot of versatility with its zoom and very decent image quality. A unique Sport-VR helps take sharper images even while panning and using continuous shooting mode. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead?