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. 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. Two screw-on types of 95mm lens filters are available that are handy during bird photography. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15.
The Essential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight It is fairly wide on a full-frame camera at 180mm so it can also be used to capture tighter landscapes. It is more compact than the flagship gripped cameras like the Z9 and D6, and yet it still is very capable in the autofocus department. The VC Mode II is specifically for panning, aiding the birds-in-flight photography. For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography.
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 Super-telephoto digital camera 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. 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. This is especially true with mammals, which like to come out during such times. 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.
What are the Best Lenses for Bird Photography? - Nature TTL Or do you want a high-quality prime lens with a set focal length? The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Neutral Color NC Filter and Circular Polarizing Filter II have been specially crafted for this lens. At F2.8, it is the fastest lens for bird photography. A stunning lens if you can justify the price - see our full Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR review (opens in new tab). Theres no other difference between the two versions. Sony premium: Sony 1. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access, Enjoy your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. It comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 1,725g (1,880g with tripod mounting ring), Amazing shot of angry birds wins Nature in Action Photo Competition, Sony releases first pictures of Earth from its Star Sphere space satellite, Hipster camera alert: A full-frame Nikon Z fc could be on the way, Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography, 2. very long. It is good. 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. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. A Nano-crystal coat and fluorine coat cut down on all reflections. Naturally, it has a fixed focal length, equivalent to 600mm in full-frame terms, and lacks the versatility of a zoom. Autofocus itself is very fast and image quality is fabulous. Theres also considerably lower quality owing to the higher number of lens elements. Next comes getting closer to the birds. A camera that takes high-definition images and comes with a lens for up-close shots of subjects. It is a workhorse tool used by professionals for sports, wildlife and portrait photography. Add 4.5 stops of vibration reduction, and this lens qualifies as a mini beast for bird photography. When you need to nail the definitive moment in wildlife photography, this is a lens you can surely count on. 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.
The Ultimate Nikon Telephoto Lens Guide - Schubert Photography Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. 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. 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. For Nikon, a good choice is the Nikon 200-500mm lens for DSLR cameras. The NIKKOR 200-500mm also features an autofocus system that you can override by turning the manual focus ring. 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. These include a refined optical path with fluorite and Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements and high-tech Air Sphere coating. They, however, are prone to more lens aberrations and vignettes. longer. The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range. Its my favorite because i can get it up and shooting anytime Im in a hurry, which is often. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM The best bird photography lenses help you grab those moments. Its built-in teleconverter means you can reach 560mm. 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 The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall. It is possible due to the diaphragm blade unit with a drive mechanism. 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. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. At 400mm, it's a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. If any reason pls explain. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. lighter.
Lens for Nikon D5600 recommended for bird photography Nikon: Nikon Z9. In this list, we've included some of the best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) around right now. Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. Surprisingly u didnt included Nikon 200-500 /f5.6 lens one of the best selling lens for wildlife photography. Introducing the 7 Best Nikon Lenses For Wildlife Photography Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED - Best Overall Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR - Best for Pros Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR - Best on a Budget Nikon AF-S Nikkor DX 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II - Landscape and Nature in One If well-cared for, such F-mount lenses can still last many years. Bought it because it can be hand held. Bird photography is a tough job. It offers bird photographers an opportunity to capture almost anything in the wild. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, The Sports model is a superior lens for photographing birds. 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. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. In fact, for many situations, it will be too long, and f/6.3 may not be bright enough. The Nikon 300mm f/4E PF is the smallest 300mm f/4 lens because of its phase-fresnel (PF) technology that has subsequently been used in the F-mount 500mm f/5.6 PF and the Z-mount 800mm f/6.3. It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. Find out more about how we test. Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. Because this lens is so new, its the only one here that our team at Photography Life hasnt used yet. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. 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. However, neither of them seems to have impressed you. And if you need an 800mm equivalent lens, you could always put a 2x TC on the 400mm f/2.8. A useful range of handling extras ensure top-quality results time after time, with excellent consistency even in handheld shooting. 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. The linear stepping motoris blisteringly speedy and practically silent in other words, exactly what you want for birding. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. 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. A finely-crafted lens, the Panasonic 100-400mm is relatively large for a Micro Four Thirds format zoom and weighs almost a kilogram. Want to learn more about a technical term? Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. Simply, getting close is the best way to get a bigger subject in your viewfinder. It has fully professional-grade build quality with comprehensive weather-seals and a dust-, freeze- and splash-proof construction.
Re: And the penny drops: Sigma is making Z mount lenses: Nikon Z Theres more, however, with the construction boasting an upgraded lens construction. Theres no clear winner between the prime or telephoto debate. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. Fujifilm XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR, 11. Some of the features that one needs to keep track of for bird photography lenses are: The above lenses cover a variety of focal length ranges and lens features, covering both hobbyists, semi-professionals, and professionals along the way. This is the lens that will get you to 800mm at f/5.6 with a 2x teleconverter! The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 is also an insanely sharp lens, so it still looks good at 560mm and thus is suitable for many varieties of wildlife.
Best Nikon Lenses for Wildlife Photography in 2023 Pros We also have bird lenses for Nikon and Canon. For longer reach, you can use the Nikon TC-14E III, which will give you 840mm of effective focal length to work with at f/5.6, although it certainly does not reach the insane resolving power of the native 800mm f/5.6 as we have shown in our tests on Photography Life. If youre heading out into the backcountry, you might not want to lug around a heavy lens, but if youre only planning to hike short trails, that might be okay. It also features 2 FL (fluorite lens elements) to minimize weight and improve optics. This helps you to change the settings quickly. With its MFT mount, it will work on Olympus mirrorless cameras, as well as compatible Panasonic Lumix models. Please keep in mind that the information I present below is a personal opinion based on my experience so far, which is subject to change. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. 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. 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 See my detailed Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II Review for more information on this lens. 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). It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. 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. 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. 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.
Best Nikon Lenses for Bird Photography of 2022 Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, 9. A tack-sharp AF precision allows panning shots to be perfectly sharp. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. and a game-changer for birders, sports and wildlife enthusiasts, travel photographers and even those aspiring to venture to the moon and beyond without leaving their backyard. The opening in the lens that allows light to pass through. And lastly, I present you the Cadillac of all Nikon super telephoto lenses: the Nikon 600mm f/4E VR. Personally, I prefer to shoot landscape, nature and macro photography. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a classic example, costing more than some new cars. I agree with all the conclusions, my thoughts are the same, why and how. 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. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we have sorted through a variety of Nikon lenses to give you the lowdown on your options and help you choose the best Nikon lens for bird photography to keep in your camera kit. 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 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. Weather Resistance: Bird photography is out there in the wild. Sporting a clever retractable design, this lens collapses down to 200mm. Do you have any recommendations or questions? This makes it easier to track the erratic movement of birds in flight. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. It has a 22.2x zoom and an 18-400mm focal length, its ultra-telephoto range matches 620mm in the 35mm format. If you are one of those, the best combination for bird photography would be something like the Nikon D5 or D500 + one of the above-mentioned lenses + 1.4x TC ( TeleConverter ), which will give you the best performance and reach. Has a 20.9MP resolution and records 4K video in ultra-high definition. Due to its massive size, this lens requires a good tripod setup. This lens gives you telephoto superpowers in a relatively lightweight package. Check out our, For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the, For the best experience turn your device horizontally, BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS, BEST FOR: TAKING YOUR PHOTOS TO THE PRO LEVEL, THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING NIKON LENSES FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, A decent lens is an essential piece of camera equipment for capturing beautiful bird photos. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. DOWNLOAD THE ADVANCED AFFINITY PHOTO COURSE NOW! Im the owner and editor of Photography-RAW. Lens Weight: Heavier lenses are challenging to use without tripods. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Undoubtedly, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is the most popular budget lens for bird shooters. Compared with Sigmas 150-600mm Sports lens, the Contemporary edition is smaller and almost a whole kilogram lighter in weight. The Nikon TC-17E II nor the new Nikon TC-20E III can work but not as reliably. 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. But no matter what camera system you use, we've found the best lenses for bird photography. 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. A system that automatically focuses on the subject to keep it crisp and clear. Bird photography is unimaginable without the use of a quality telephoto lens. The lens needs to be ready for the same.
7 Best Lenses for Bird Photography in 2023 - FixThePhoto.com You can switch focus mode by simply turning the focus ring. 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. 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. It's one of the best 150-600mm lenses (opens in new tab) overall. This large lens, when coupled with the DX-format sensor, gives him the optical equivalent of an 18x binocular. Getting a gently used model could save you many thousands of dollars, which would go a long way towards other gear. 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. Further anti-reflection technologies help create even sharper pictures with great picture quality. Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup, If youre heading out into the backcountry, Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Aperture Allows for Good Low Light Performance, Super Integrated Coating Reduces Lens Flare, Or Glare From The Lens That Can Show Up On A Photo, Electromagnetic Aperture Gives Good Exposure Control So The Lighting Level Doesnt Get Too Dark Or Too Light, Internal Focus Allows For Speed In Focusing, Provides Shallow Depth Of Field For Selective Focus, Tripod Mode Reduces Shake From Ground Vibration, Vr Image Stabilization Compensates For Camera Shake, Coating On Front Of Lens Protects From Water & Dirt. I would say a much longer lens would be significantly harder to aim. 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. View at Amazon. Costing $6500, this lens is the cheapest way to reach this focal length. It also lets you play with selective focus to highlight the birds in your shot, due to the aperture opening and the amount of light it lets in. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. 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. 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 Sony: Sony a7 IV. Its tripod-compatible VR offers up to 4 stops of Vibration Reduction. An accurate, high-quality focus powered by an upgraded Ultra Silent Drive (USD) motor results from fine engineering. Wildlife situations come and pass quickly and this lens is easy to deploy quickly, fast optics, feather weight, and has VR. But it will come in handy on a third camera at some point on some wildlife expedition. Heres how it works. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. This lens keeps pushing the boundaries. If you are looking for the best lens for bird photography with extreme capabilities, then this universal model is worth considering. So you conclude with what you have- The article is intended for ALL.. judging and justifying availability with a Brand?
Nature & Wildlife Photography Lenses | Nikon This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isn't the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. If you love birdwatching, visit our best bird feeder camera (opens in new tab) guide! The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. 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. This is a very specialized tool. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 features a 3000mm super telephoto lens, . Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best 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. Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera. But, since you have a crop sensor camera, a lens zooming to 400mm, 500mm or even 600mm would be an option. Nikon has one more wildlife lens on its roadmap: a 200-600mm zoom, which competes directly with the Sony 200-600mm lens. Its autofocus is pretty good in daylight and its versatile zoom range of 70-300mm is great for large animals and perched birds. 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. Out of the many options available for you in the market, here are the bird photography cameras that are worth the purchase. Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. In particular, its much easier to use a 1.4x teleconverter with this lens, turning it into a very reasonable 560mm f/6.3. Many aspiring wildlife shooters will no doubt be aware of the stratospheric prices of supertelephotos. My second best buy of my life. 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. Still, weighing just 1,725g without the tripod collar, the Tamron 150-500mm is perfectly useable hand-held. Basically, if youre not sure which lens youll need, you definitely dont need this one. Id love to hear in the comments! Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. All of these can be used on Z-mount cameras with the FTZ or FTZII adapter, and since some of these do not yet have Z counterparts, they are worth a look whether you shoot a Nikon DSLR or a Nikon Z mirrorless camera. Nanocrystal provides for even better construction. This is not the lens you would pack in a backpack for hiking. 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. Autofocus is fast and image quality is impressive in all respects, making this lens great value for an own-brand Nikon. What is the best one you would suggest for wild life (perched birds) with Z6 and FTZ adapter ? Although it is an F-mount lens, it is still used by many Z-mount users with an FTZ adapter. Canon: Canon EOS R7. However, the price tag is hefty at just above $12,000. Bird photographers carrying a lot of gear find the 500mm f/4 a bit easier to travel with compared to the 600mm f/4. Shell climb just about anything, from leading fun sport to projecting boulders to following multi-pitch trad (as long as its not slab). The best lenses for bird photography let you get closer to birds and capture incredibly sharp, beautiful images. View at Amazon. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? Optical quality is first-rate as you'd expect for a high-end Nikon prime, while the autofocus performance doesn't disappoint either. Zoom lenses carry the advantage of flexibility. Nikons 300mm F2.8 is fondly called a super-telephoto lens. 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. They help cut down on any reflection, including the reflection of the camera sensor. Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! How to Improve your Bee Photography and Capture Amazing Photos? 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. Sigma stops developing Micro Four Thirds lenses; APS-C "also in decline", Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration. It has very impressive optical features and it delivers exceptionally good-looking images, especially at its maximum aperture of f/2.8. I hope you enjoy the site . That is all the reach you will need. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. 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 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. The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. The maximum effective focal length stretches from 600mm to around 900mm when shooting on an APS-C camera. 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. Tamrons 150-600mm was a gamechanger. 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. Compared with Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Nikon cameras, this own-brand competitor comes up slightly short in maximum reach. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. I get 10 times more keepers with this lens than with my 500mm, and 20 times more keepers than with my 80-400. If you're looking for affordable options, these are the best budget telephoto lenses (opens in new tab). As each birder's requirements are a little different, there is no one perfect camera and lens for bird photography.