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See sample zoom photography (View in a lightbox) View the COOLPIX P1000 Product Tour . Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. In fact, it is significantly lighter than the F-mount 300mm f/2.8G II lens, which is very impressive! Lenses are the second half, and in some cases, the better half. Autofocus itself is very fast and image quality is fabulous. Sony premium: Sony 1. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. Again, not much to complain about in terms of optics and features. No also f/1.4. It is a massive lens for a reason its large aperture of f/2.8 requires huge glass elements to transmit so much light into the camera. 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). Reviews - The Best Wildlife Photography Budget Lens Sigma 60 - 600mm f/4.5 - 6.3 Specs Type: Zoom Aperture: f/4.5 - 6.3 Dimensions: 4.7 x 12.7 x 10.6 in Focal Length: 60 - 600mm Weight: 4 lbs. This lens is the real winner for use on any Nikon body: a 200-500 mm zoom with vibration reduction. 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). How to Create an Online Portfolio Using Format? This is the lens that many wildlife photographers get, especially those that photograph birds. The Sonys size and weight are fairly typical but feel a little more imposing on comparatively lightweight Sony Alpha mirrorless bodies. It's heavily weatherproofed, with oil-repellent coatings on the elements, and it's got 4-stop optical stabilisation to help keep things sharp at the telephoto end. VR is Vibration Reduction that minimizes blur due to camera shake. The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. The best bird photography lenses help you grab those moments. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? It goes without saying that you need a good support system for this lensa very sturdy Gitzo Systematic series tripod with a Wimberley Gimbal head is what I would get to hold this monster. Theres no other difference between the two versions. The Silent Wave Motor further boosts this ability, helping create stable and dramatic images in the wild. At 1,260g, its perfectly viable for long periods of handheld shooting, aided by a highly effective optical image stabilizer. Hand-held shooting is possible with the newer model. Theres also lens lightness that helps them enjoy the process and learn the art of bird photography. 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. The camera is built to be used with a tripod. Pros ED glasses are Extra-Low Dispersion Glass, an optical glass developed by Nikon to reduce or remove chromatic aberration. Canon premium: Canon EOS R3. This lens still has no equal in Z mount (or any other mount) and thus I have seen quite a few people adapting it to their Z50 cameras for a very lightweight and capable setup. 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. Learn more about the Panasonic Lumix S5 at Adorama, Amazon, and B&H. FUJIFILM's X-T4 is the only APS-C sensor type in our round-up. Best lens for street photography: NIKON AF NIKKOR 35MM F/2D. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Shell climb just about anything, from leading fun sport to projecting boulders to following multi-pitch trad (as long as its not slab). This helps you to change the settings quickly. A major plus point is that the aperture rating of f/4 is relatively fast, compared with most zoom lenses that drop to f/5.6 or f/6.3 at a similar focal length. For the first time, it allowed shooters to reach 500mm at a fairly low cost compared to the 500mm f/4, and it is an easy lens to handhold all day at only 1.5kg. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures. DDSSM (Direct Drive Super Sonic Motor) autofocus is super-fast and comes complete with customizable focus-hold buttons mounted around the barrel. 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C for Canon, DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH Power OIS, Massive telephoto reach in a compact, affordable package, The latest premium super-telephoto zoom for EOS R mirrorless cameras, This shouldn't be ignored for bird photography, Best own-brand Nikon lens for bird photographers, Nikon's mighty 600mm prime is a beast of a lens, A monster performer, if you don't mind the modest aperture and weight, Sonys biggest and best super-telephoto zoom for birding, Tamron's affordable tele-zoom for Sony boasts fearsome autofocus, Best Fujifilm lens for bird photographers, The longest X-mount lens is also lightweight and affordable, Sony E-mount and Leica L get a Sports lens to call their own, Best lens for bird photography for Canon & Nikon DSLRs, Best budget lens for birding for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, This Tamron lens combines the attractions of both Sigma lenses, A great lightweight, budget super-telephoto zoom, Best MFT zoom lens for birding, thanks to the 2x crop factor, Best prime lens for Olympus and Panasonic MFT cameras, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. 17. But it is only half part of the story. 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. It has a tripod detection mode that helps minimize shutter release vibration, making it an intelligent VR workhorse. 2. You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a classic example, costing more than some new cars. The construction involves 3 ED glass elements, minimizing chromatic aberration and achieving super sharpness. 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. Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? This is a lens you'll want to partner with a sturdy monopod for long periods of shooting. 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 Unlike landscape and portrait photography, where you could get away with a cheap lens and still get great results, wildlife photography pretty much requires high-quality, fast-aperture telephoto optics. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Traditionally, 400mm f/2.8 lenses were much more specialized tools, being very heavy and a bit short for smaller wildlife. lighter. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography. The lens is light and compact, making it easy to carry it around when scouting for wildlife in parks and wildlife spots. It has fully professional-grade build quality with comprehensive weather-seals and a dust-, freeze- and splash-proof construction. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{active_palette:0,config:{colors:{62516:{name:Main Accent,parent:-1}},gradients:[]},palettes:[{name:Default Palette,value:{colors:{62516:{val:var(tcb-color-4) ,hsl:{h:46,s:0.87,l:0.58}}},gradients:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{active_palette:0,config:{colors:{62516:{name:Main Accent,parent:-1}},gradients:[]},palettes:[{name:Default Palette,value:{colors:{62516:{val:var(tcb-color-4),hsl:{h:46,s:0.8692,l:0.01}}},gradients:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. 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. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. 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. View at Amazon. The best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. Best low light lens for Z-Mount - Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S (2,299) Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S. The Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S is Nikon's premium 50mm lens for Nikon Z series cameras, giving excellent image quality, as well as beautiful bokeh. It comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. Forget about trying to hand-hold it, even if you have arms as big as Schwarzeneggers. It is also only about 2.4kg, which means it is handholdable for longer periods compared to most supertelephotos. Optical quality is first-rate as you'd expect for a high-end Nikon prime, while the autofocus performance doesn't disappoint either. Although the very light 500mm f/5.6 PF has replaced it for many shooters, and the 400mm f/4.5 in an attractive alternative for Z-mount users, it is still lest costly than both (especially used), and so it is worth considering if you need quality in a very small package. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. In fact, Nikon specifically released the TC-20E III together with this lens, which makes this lens almost like a reference lens for use with teleconverters (with the TC-20E III, the lens becomes a 600mm f/5.6 lens). Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. 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. Add 4.5 stops of vibration reduction, and this lens qualifies as a mini beast for bird photography. Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E redraws creative boundaries with a constant-aperture telephoto zoom. This has seen a weight saving of some 25%, though it still tips the scales at an arm-wobbling 3,810g. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! 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. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 But if you have the budget, then the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR II is the best option for image clarity. As of January 2022, Nikon just released their latest addition to the Z mirrorless system lens line-up. Fortunately, your camera offers a neat solution: Auto White Balance, also known as AWB. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand? The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. This is the lens that will get you to 800mm at f/5.6 with a 2x teleconverter! A fixed f/11 aperture isn't quite as limiting as it might first appear as thanks to the Dual Pixel AF sensor-based autofocus systems of EOS R-series cameras. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. 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. I would say a much longer lens would be significantly harder to aim. Compared with Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Nikon cameras, this own-brand competitor comes up slightly short in maximum reach. For full compatibility with Canon EOS R and Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, V2 or later firmware can be applied via Tamrons optional USB-linked TAP-in Console. See my detailed Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II Review for more information on this lens. But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. The VC Mode II is specifically for panning, aiding the birds-in-flight photography. Whereas 400mm and 600mm lenses work better for general wildlife photography outings. 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. The flip side is that no optional tripod mounting ring is available, which would have enabled a better balance, especially in portrait orientation shooting. When done well, you can get some truly magnificent photographs. Coupled with the Nikon Z9 you can use the newly developed Silky Swift VCM (SSVCM), which enables fast, highly accurate, and quiet AF control. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. It brought everyone into action with this insane zoom range of 150-600mm. But this aint your daddys 400mm f/2.8. It boasts 2 focus modes with fast auto, silent focusing with a minimum focus range of 4.9 feet. For Z-mount users, the Nikon 100-400mm seems far more attractive at 1.4kg, and the 500mm f/5.6 PF is a great alternative if you are mostly at 500mm. In addition to using the twist-action control ring, you can alter the zoom setting in a push-pull fashion. This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot. Having VR is a definite plus when hand-holding the lens. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. If you like the idea of a 300mm f/2.8G II but in a zoom, this is your lens. If you are looking for the best lens for bird photography with extreme capabilities, then this universal model is worth considering. For sensors smaller than full-frame, there is a trade-off in terms of image quality but you'll get the advantage of a crop factor that amplifies the telephoto reach of the lens. The electro-mechanics diaphragm mechanism works in conjunction with the cameras shutter. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Which Nikon Camera Is Best For Bird Photography? 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. For example, the best 100-400mm lenses (opens in new tab) on a full-frame sensor will cover 150-600mm on APS-C and 200-800mm on Micro Four Thirds! The older model was bulky and heavy and needed a tripod for support at all times. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. 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! And you'll also find lenses for Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus cameras. An image stabilization system that reduces the effects of camera shake and the consequent blur that causes. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. Two screw-on types of 95mm lens filters are available that are handy during bird photography. They help cut down on any reflection, including the reflection of the camera sensor. The best cameras for bird photography will help ensure that your patience pays off. It's an easy-to-carry, (relatively) affordable, and fast-focusing long lens, which makes it ideal for photographing birds in the field. 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. very long. 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: . 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 At 400mm, it's a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR A good option zoom lens for bird photography and it comes at a reasonable cost. Sony: Sony a7 IV. A stunning lens if you can justify the price - see our full Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR review (opens in new tab). It renders the lens incompatible with older Nikon DSLRs. The lens needs to be ready for the same. It is fairly wide on a full-frame camera at 180mm so it can also be used to capture tighter landscapes. Interestingly, it is 3.25kg, which is not much heavier than the 2.9kg of the 300mm f/2.8. Due to its slower f/4 aperture, it is a much lighter lens than the 400mm f/2.8E VR. 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. One can also double their effective focal length using teleconverters. The D850 is Nikon's best all-purpose DSLR, striking a great balance between capability and affordability. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Focusing is very swift on Canon's two new mirrorless cameras, but could be quicker on the R and RP. They have some great F-mount lenses that have been supplemented in the past few years with some amazing new Z-mount lenses. 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. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. When photographing wildlife, whether capturing birds in flight or photographing bears in Alaska, one of the most important factors in choosing a lens is its focal length. Nikons 200-500mm f5.6E has carved a space of its own among hobbyist and semi-professional wildlife photographers. 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. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm is a versatile lens that lets you get up close and personal with birds, whether they are nearby or far away. Its wide range and 0.38x magnification (minimum focus distance of 75cm) make this lens well-suited to larger wildlife and pseudo-macro shots of insects. I used the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II for several months and I was very impressed by its performance, especially when coupled with teleconverters. Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. The second edition of the lens has a more typical twist-action zoom ring and a host of upgrades. 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 A camera that takes high-definition images and comes with a lens for up-close shots of subjects. 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. Want to learn more about a technical term? If you're shooting on the Nikon Z-mount system, then the newly released 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 is a good choice. 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. The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S is a pro-grade zoom that goes all-out for speed and performance. Lots of opinions why this and that lens is not on the list. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Except that one. 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. 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. Important command dials for wildlife and bird photography are located on the camera body itself. When you need to nail the definitive moment in wildlife photography, this is a lens you can surely count on. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Best macro lens: TAMRON 90MM F/2.8 Di VC USD. The fixed zoom mechanism feels smooth throughout the entire range and is near silent, which is exactly what you want if you're stalking skittish wildlife and don't want to alert it to your presence. It comprises 21 elements in 13 groups, having three LD (low dispersion) lens elements. If one plans to use the camera hand-held, it is better to look for lighter lenses while compromising slightly on the range. Nanocrystal provides for even better construction. Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency (eBAND) coating and Broad-Band Anti-Reflection (BBAR) coating make the optics even more refined. A specially shaped lens hood with a thumb and finger groove helps with this. It also helps reduce weight and is ideal for outdoor shooting. The lens is designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs but is also an option for Canon RF and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras using a mount adapter. Canon: Canon EOS R7. Id love to hear in the comments! AF performance is top notch, with super fast and accurate autofocus acquisition, even in low-light situations. Would love to hear the reasons, if any. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. The Nikon 70 300mm telephoto lens with f/4.5 -5.6 maximum aperture is best for Nikon digital SLR cameras. The opening in the lens that allows light to pass through. 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. The upgraded VR II provides three stops of image stabilization. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). However, its weight and size are its biggest enemy. 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. Because this lens is so new, its the only one here that our team at Photography Life hasnt used yet. Heres how it works. I have in fact met some people using this lens on a monopod. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount Included in this guide: 1 Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Check Price 2 Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Check Price 3 Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Check Price 4 Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Check Price 5 Nikon DOWNLOAD THE ADVANCED AFFINITY PHOTO COURSE NOW! Instead, it will automatically adjust as the light changes. Our readers often ask us about lenses for nature photography, and while I have already written about which Nikon lenses I consider to be the best for landscape photography, I have received numerous requests to write about lenses for wildlife photography as well. The only downside of this lens is its eye-watering cost of $14000. Image quality wise: an entry level Nikon DSLR matches the image quality you can get from any other camera in Nikon's line up . You are a bit mixed up. It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. The one thing I would not use this lens for is birding. Instead, it has one telephoto length, so it is best for searching the skies and the trees, rather than capturing birds right in front of you. Whatever kind of wildlife you like to photograph, whether it be large mammals or small birds, you are sure to find the right Nikon lens. Still, weighing just 1,725g without the tripod collar, the Tamron 150-500mm is perfectly useable hand-held. You cant move much during wildlife photography, as you may disturb the surroundings. 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). 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. And I dont want to spend thousands more on new zooms. 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. Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. But it will come in handy on a third camera at some point on some wildlife expedition. It also has a retractable mechanism to cut down on stowage size, making it ideal for use anywhere and everywhere from local sporting events to wildlife shoots in far-flung corners of the world. 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. Finally, the Nikon Z 400mm is also 190 g lighter than the 100-400mm, which makes a difference if you are carrying the lens and other equipment all day. At F2.8, it is the fastest lens for bird photography. It was originally introduced as an answer to third-party large focal length telephoto zoom lenses. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. A long lens to capture subjects in the distance. Even so, thats rarely a disadvantage for birding, as youre likely to use a zoom lens at its longest available focal length anyway. The lens is fully weather-sealed and features a fluorine coating on its front and rear elements. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide. Why you can trust Digital Camera World 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. Overall performance and image quality are excellent, although outright sharpness drops off a bit at the long end of the zoom range. The Nikon 500mm f/4G VR works well with the TC-14E III teleconverter, giving an effective focal length of 700mm at f/5.6. In many cases, it still does. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR on D850 and D500. Nikon: Nikon Z9. With its MFT mount, it will work on Olympus mirrorless cameras, as well as compatible Panasonic Lumix models. With birding, you will likely be using the lens with its built-in teleconverter all the time. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. The lighter weight helps in more rapid framing and composition, giving the extra few milliseconds to create the masterpiece. Sony budget: Sony 6400. It is still just possible to handhold, and it offers a lot of versatility with its zoom and very decent image quality. Today's clever optical designs like the CanonRF 800mm F11 IS STM (opens in new tab) offer massive telephoto reach in a refreshingly compact and affordable package. 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.