Best Lenses for Bird Photography (2024)

It’s true—great photos are made by the person behind the camera, not just the gear. But in bird photography, the right equipment, especially lenses, can mean the difference between a “nice try” and a “wow, that’s incredible!” shot.

With today’s mind-blowing advances in camera and lens technology, I’ve seen newcomers to photography nail bird photos that used to take years of practice to perfect. The latest mirrorless cameras come packed with eye-tracking autofocus, ultra-sensitive sensors for low light, high FPS rates, and burst modes that make missing a shot almost impossible. And let’s not forget the lenses that bring all this tech to life.

Manufacturers have rolled out lenses with advanced image stabilization, lightning-fast focusing, and zoom ranges that would make any bird photographer’s heart race. In short, with the right gear, your chances of capturing those bucket-list shots are better than ever.

Whether you’re snapping photos of the hummingbirds at your feeder, capturing the fleeting moments of migrating warblers, or trying to nail that perfect shot of an osprey diving into the water, choosing the right lens is crucial.

So, how do you pick the perfect lens for your bird photography needs? That’s where we come in—we’ve got the insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s get you one step closer to those dream shots.

Contents

1. How we picked the best lenses for bird photography
2. Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
3. Canon EF 600mm F/4 L IS III USM
4. Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm
5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F/5.6E Pf ED VR
6. Sony FE 200-600mm F/5.6-6.3 G OSS
7. Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS
8. Tamron SP 150-600mm G2 F/5-6.3 Di VC
9. Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG DN OS
10. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F/4.0-5.6 R
11. Olympus M. Zuiko 40-150mm F/2.8 PRO
12. What kind of lens do you need for bird photography?
13. What’s the minimum focal length for bird photography?
14. What aperture do you need for bird photography?
15. What lens do professional bird photographers use?
16. How to choose the best lens for bird photography

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Canon EF DSLR/mirrorless with EF-RF Adaptor
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 400mm
• Aperture: f/4.5-38
• Weight: 3.6 lbs
• Dimensions: 7.6 by 3.7 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 3.2 feet
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Prime/Zoom: Super Zoom Telephoto

WHAT WE THINK

Picking the perfect lens for bird photography is like trying to find a needle in a haystack—if that needle also needed to be lightweight, have a killer zoom, and not make your bank account weep. The Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is pretty much that needle. It hits that sweet spot of versatile focal length, top-notch image quality, and ease of use.

This lens is a dream to handhold, and the image quality is nothing short of impressive. With its fast autofocus and upgraded stabilization, it’s made for capturing birds in motion—whether they’re just waking up or making a beeline for the horizon.

If you’re dipping your toes into bird or wildlife photography and not quite ready to drop a fortune on a giant prime lens, this is a fantastic place to start. Plus, it’s a great way to play around with a flexible focal length before committing to something more specialized. And if you want to push your reach even further, it pairs nicely with Canon’s 1.4x and 2x extenders.

In short, the Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is a solid choice for anyone looking to up their bird photography game without breaking the bank.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Canon Full-frame DSLR & 35mm EOS/mirrorless with EF-RF Adaptor
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 600mm
• Aperture: f/4.0-32
• Weight: 6.71 lbs
• Dimensions: 6.6 x 17.6 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 13.78 feet
• Filter Size: 52mm
• Prime/Zoom: Prime

WHAT WE THINK

If you’re deep into bird photography, the allure of a 600mm f/4.0 lens is hard to resist. It’s like the holy grail for serious bird photographers—the kind of lens that makes you drool just thinking about it. With its stellar low-light performance and impressive reach, this lens is a must-have in any serious bird photographer’s arsenal.

In this review, I decided to skip the 500mm version and zero in on Canon’s 600mm lens, mainly because, shocker—it’s nearly the same weight as the 500mm! So why not grab that extra reach? Seems like a no-brainer, right?

The image quality? Top-notch. We’re talking about dreamy, buttery bokeh and razor-sharp detail that’ll make your photos pop in a way that’ll have other photographers green with envy.

Now, let’s be honest, handholding this behemoth isn’t going to be a walk in the park for everyone. But with some practice and the right technique, even this beast of a lens can become manageable. It’s all about getting your reps in and figuring out what works for you.

Dropping cash on a lens this size is a big decision, no doubt. But if you’re looking for reach, image quality, and an overall edge in your photography, investing in Canon’s 600mm f/4.0 lens is a move you won’t regret. That extra reach without a major weight penalty makes it a standout choice for any dedicated bird photographer.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Gen 2 Nikon FX & DX DSLRs ; mirrorless with converter
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 500mm on FX/750mm on DX
• Aperture: f/5.6-32
• Weight: 5.07 lbs
• Dimensions: 4.2 x 10.5 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 7.2 feet
• Filter Size: 95mm
• Prime/Zoom: Zoom

WHAT WE THINK

Before mirrorless systems and Nikon’s featherweight PF lenses swooped in to steal the show, one of the top bird photography setups was the Nikon D500 (a DX, or cropped format) paired with the 200-500mm zoom lens. This dynamic duo was the go-to choice for birders everywhere, and for good reason.

With the crop factor in play, that 500mm lens suddenly packs a 750mm punch, all without losing an ounce of image quality. It’s a combo that’s proven its worth time and again, including in my own photography adventures.

If you’re just starting out in bird photography and want the flexibility that a zoom lens offers, this setup is an affordable and solid option. Plus, with so many photographers making the leap to mirrorless gear, you can often score this combo on the used market for a steal.

So, if you’re hunting for an entry-level rig that delivers zoom versatility and the potential for stunning bird shots, the Nikon D500 and 200-500mm combo is definitely worth a look.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Gen 2 Nikon FX & DX DSLRs ; mirrorless with converter
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 500mm
• Aperture: f/5.6-32
• Weight: 3.2 lbs
• Dimensions: 9.3 x 4.2 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 9.8 feet
• Filter Size: 95mm
• Prime/Zoom: Prime

WHAT WE THINK

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Sony E-mount cameras (full & crop sensor)
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 600mm
• Aperture: f/5.6/6.3 -32
• Weight: 4.7 lbs
• Dimensions: 12.5 x 4.4 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 7.9 feet
• Filter Size: 40.5mm drop-in
• Prime/Zoom: Zoom

WHAT WE THINK

So you’ve got a Sony E-Mount body and an urge to try your hand at bird photography? The Sony 200-600mm lens is a solid choice that won’t make your wallet cry. This lens offers a versatile zoom range, fast autofocus, and a lighter feel compared to some of the non-Sony options out there.

Honestly, it’s hard to find much to complain about with this lens, except maybe the somewhat narrow maximum aperture. But let’s be real—unless you’re planning on selling your shots or splurging on a prime lens, that’s hardly a dealbreaker.

I’ve seen plenty of folks who switched to Sony’s system and picked up this lens while they bide their time (and save their cash) for those more high-end telephoto options.

If you’re looking to dive into bird photography without spending a fortune, the Sony 200-600mm is a fantastic place to start. It’s got the reach, the flexibility, and the price tag that makes it a no-brainer for budding bird photographers.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Sony E-mount cameras (full & crop sensor)
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 600mm
• Aperture: f/4-22
• Weight: 6.11 lbs
• Dimensions: 6.22 x 14.13”
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 15 feet
• Filter Size: 40.5mm drop-in
• Prime/Zoom: Prime

WHAT WE THINK

​The Sony 600mm f/4 lens, paired with their flagship A1 mirrorless camera, has quickly become the dream team for many pro bird and wildlife photographers. It’s like the peanut butter and jelly of high-end photography—except with way more megapixels and a lot less stickiness.

Sure, there are still die-hard Canon and Nikon fans out there, and they’ve got some killer mirrorless setups too. But when it comes to autofocus and eye-tracking, Sony’s system has earned its stripes. A lot of pros are swearing by it, and it’s easy to see why.

This powerhouse combo of the Sony 600mm f/4 lens and the A1 camera delivers jaw-dropping image quality and makes nailing those fast-moving birds or skittish wildlife a breeze.

So, if you’re after the crème de la crème in bird and wildlife photography gear, this Sony setup is definitely worth putting on your radar. It’s a serious investment, but for the results it delivers, it’s hard to beat.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Canon EF, Nikon F
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 600mm
• Aperture: f/5-6.3 – f/32-40
• Weight: 4.3 lbs
• Dimensions: 4.27 in. x 10.24 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 7.22 feet
• Filter Size: 95mm
• Prime/Zoom: Zoom

WHAT WE THINK

The standout feature of this lens is its impressive focal length at a price that won’t leave you eating instant noodles for the next month. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of DSLR systems, making it a great pick for beginners dipping their toes into the world of bird photography. You get flexibility without emptying your wallet—what’s not to love?

That said, there’s a bit of a trade-off. The autofocus on this lens isn’t exactly lightning-fast, especially when you stack it up against more advanced (and pricier) systems. This means you might find yourself struggling a bit to track and capture birds in flight at first. Expect to have a few more misses than hits as you get the hang of it, but hey, that’s all part of the learning curve.

Still, for the budget-conscious photographer eager to start snapping birds, this lens is a solid entry point. It’s a great way to begin your birding journey, and when you’re ready to level up, upgrading will feel like a natural next step.

📌 Pro Tip: When you’re ordering this lens, double-check that you’re getting the version compatible with your camera brand. Trust us, it’s worth the extra minute to avoid a major facepalm moment later.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: Canon, Nikon, and Sony E-mount cameras (full & crop sensor)
• Stabilization: Yes
• Maximum Focal Length: 600mm
• Aperture: f/5-6.3 – f/22-29
• Weight: 4.10 lbs
• Dimensions: 4.31 x 10.38 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.10 feet
• Filter Size: 95mm
• Prime/Zoom: Zoom

WHAT WE THINK

The 150-600mm zoom range of this lens offers serious flexibility and reach, making it a great choice for anyone looking to step up their photography game without taking out a second mortgage.

Sure, it’s not a top-tier telephoto lens, but the images it can produce are anything but average.

With its wide range of focal lengths, this lens is perfect for capturing birds, whether they’re flitting around your backyard or perched in the wild. It’s a fantastic option for bird lovers who want to dive into bird photography with a lens that’s powerful yet won’t break the bank.

📌 Pro Tip: Before you hit that “Order” button, make sure you’re getting the version that’s compatible with your camera brand. It’s a small step that’ll save you a lot of headaches later.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: OM-D or OM Pen, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds
• Stabilization: No
• Maximum Focal Length: 150mm (80-300mm in 35mm equivalent)
• Aperture: f/4-5.6 -f/22
• Weight: 6.7 oz
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.5 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.35 feet
• Filter Size: 58mm
• Prime/Zoom: Zoom

WHAT WE THINK

For bird enthusiasts focused on documenting the birds they encounter, a micro four thirds camera presents a cost-effective solution. Olympus is a standout in this category, offering a lens with a versatile focal length range that delivers flexibility at an affordable price point.

While this particular lens lacks built-in optical image stabilization, it’s not a significant drawback if you’re using it with an Olympus body that includes stabilization. The two work seamlessly together, ensuring you still get sharp, steady images.

This lens is especially well-suited for backyard bird photography, making it a great choice for capturing images of birds at your feeder. It offers a balanced mix of affordability and performance, ideal for those who want to document their bird sightings without sacrificing flexibility or image quality.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that allows you to capture and document your birding experiences effectively, the Olympus 40-150mm lens is a reliable choice that meets the needs of many bird photographers.

BEST PRICES

SPECIFICATIONS

• Compatibility: OM-D or OM Pen, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds
• Stabilization: No
• Maximum Focal Length: 150mm (80-300mm in 35mm equivalent)
• Aperture: f/2.8 – f/22
• Weight: 1.7 lbs
• Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.1 inches
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 2.3 feet
• Filter Size: 72mm
• Prime/Zoom: Zoom

If you’re already invested in a Micro Four Thirds Olympus body, this lens is a game-changer that will help you capture those crystal-clear bird photos you’ve been dreaming of.

The zoom range is impressive, though it might not offer the extended reach some bird photographers crave. However, what it lacks in reach, it makes up for in optical performance, making it a top choice for serious birders.

As with other Olympus lenses, the absence of optical image stabilization isn’t a drawback if you’re using an Olympus camera body, thanks to the in-body stabilization. But if you’re shooting with a Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera, you’ll want to look at a lens with built-in stabilization to ensure your images come out sharp.

For those committed to the Olympus Micro Four Thirds system, this premium lens is a solid investment for capturing stunning bird images with professional-grade quality.

BEST PRICES

The challenge of shooting birds in flight is, well, that they can fly! And, as any birder will tell you, they usually fly when you take just one step closer to get a better look at them.

Therefore, the big challenge for bird photographers is choosing a telephoto lens that balances speed, weight, a wide aperture, plenty of reach, and of course, falls within your budget.

Because of the skittish nature of birds, it’s a clear advantage to have a lens with a long focal length. Whether your camera has a crop sensor or full-frame sensor, more focal length means the subject looks closer in the viewfinder, and the better the image you’ll be able to capture.

The first choice you’ll make about the best lens for bird photography for you is whether you want a zoom lens or a prime lens.

A prime telephoto lens is a fixed-focal length lens. They’re typically sharper and have wider maximum apertures than zoom lenses, allowing more light to enter the camera and greater control over depth of field. These features make them ideal for bird photography as they allow you to move quickly while capturing your subject, even when working in low light conditions.

A zoom lens is a type of camera lens that allows you to adjust the focal length with a single twist of the barrel. Zoom lenses are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from wide-angle shots to telephoto close-ups. They make it easy to capture detail in distant subjects without having to move closer or quickly adjust on the go if your subject flies into closer range. This versatility makes a zoom lens a fantastic option for bird photography.

As an ethical wildlife photographer, I am sensitive to not altering the behavior of my wild subjects. Getting too close can stress birds and disrupt their behavior, which could mean the difference between a life-saving meal and starvation. That’s why I let my lens help me get “closer.”

Let’s dig into more detail about focal length.

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

When it comes to bird photography, the minimum focal length you should use depends on the type of bird you’re photographing.

For small birds like warblers, an ideal focal length is upward of 600mm. This gives you enough magnification to get close-up shots without losing any detail or clarity in your image.

For larger birds, such as herons and egrets, a 300mm telephoto lens could do just fine. You don’t need the same amount of reach for these big, frame-filling birds.

Other factors to consider when choosing a lens for bird photography include lighting conditions, distance from the subject, and solutions to potential challenges.

If you’re shooting in low light conditions, using a longer focal length with an aperture of f/4 or 5.6 will help you capture more light and get better results.

On the other hand, if you’re shooting from far away, using a shorter focal length with an aperture of f/2.8 or higher will help you capture more details in your image, even at long distances.

A telephoto lens with a maximum focal length between 400mm and 600mm is ideal for most types of bird photography as it gives you enough flexibility to compose your shots while still providing excellent magnification.

A long telephoto lens can be a significant investment, so it’s helpful to know what minimum focal length might work best for you. We’ve taken all these factors into account when choosing the telephoto lenses we recommend in this guide.

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem. It depends on several factors, such as the type of lens you’re using, the distance between you and your subject, and the amount of light available.

Aperture is measured in f-stops. It’s one of the most important settings for controlling shutter speed and depth of field (DOF). That’s why it’s a significant factor in deciding which lens to purchase.

The lower the f-stop number, the wider the aperture; thus, more light is let into your camera to be recorded by the sensor. The lowest f-stop is called the “maximum aperture.”

When less light is available, such as at dawn or dusk, you’ll need to use a lower f-stop to capture as much light as possible. This is when “fast” lenses – those with very low f-stops, such as f/2.8 or f/4 – are incredibly helpful.

For instance, you might want to photograph the early morning activity of warblers busy finding breakfast among tree branches. There isn’t much light available in that scene, so you’ll need a very low f-stop. A lens with a maximum aperture of at least f/4 will be critical.

Additionally, the lower the f-stop, the less of your image will be in focus – making it ideal for creating a shallow depth of field with blurred backgrounds. On the flip side, higher f-stop numbers create a deeper depth of field, which means more of your image will be in focus.

For example, if you want all parts of the bird – from bill to tail – to be in focus, a higher f-stop number is needed. However, you may want to blur out a distracting background, creating an artistic effect with bokeh highlights behind the bird. In that case, a lower f-stop is better suited.

Finally, when shooting birds in motion, it’s often best to use a “wide-open aperture” – the lowest possible f-stop – so enough light can enter your camera quickly to freeze their movement without blurring them.

If you do this on a bright day, a lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or more will work fine. But again, suppose you’re in a low-light situation, such as at dawn or dusk or within shady tree cover. In that case, having a very low f-stop gives you more flexibility for using a faster shutter speed to freeze motion.

Of course, getting the perfect shot requires considering other factors like shutter speed and ISO. But again, we’re staying focused (haha) on aperture because that’s one of the essential features to look at when considering the right lens.

Overall there isn’t one single “right” aperture value that works best for all bird photography scenarios – but understanding how different values affect your images will help you make informed decisions about which camera lens is right for you and your bird photography.

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

You might hope to narrow the search by just going with whatever the pros use. Understandable!

Different lenses can produce different results, and when it comes to capturing birds in flight or perched on a branch, you need something that will give you sharp images with plenty of detail.

Having years of experience as a pro in wildlife photography and taking workshops from other pros in this field, I can confidently say there isn’t ONE best lens.

What matters most is finding the lens that suits your unique needs and style. What works for one photographer may not work for everyone else.

And, of course, professional wildlife photographers change their lens choice based on what they’re trying to accomplish for different shoots.

It’s easy to get caught up in gear envy and focus on what the pros are using, but what really matters is how the lens works for you to achieve the results you want.

Remember, capturing stunning images of nature is not just about the gear; it’s about your passion for nature and creating photos that inspire audiences to care about birds and their future on the planet.

With all this in mind, let’s cover how you can make a great choice for your best bird photography lens without feeling overwhelmed.

Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch

The first step is to set a realistic budget. This alone can help narrow down your choices considerably.

It’s no secret that faster lenses—those that let in more light—tend to come with a heftier price tag. Long, fast prime lenses, like a 600mm f/4, can easily run into five figures, so knowing your financial limits is crucial.

Prime or Zoom?

This decision often comes down to budget and shooting style. Prime lenses, with their fast apertures (f/2.8 – f/4.0), are perfect for low-light situations and deliver sharp, high-quality images. However, they lack the flexibility of zoom lenses, which offer a range of focal lengths in one package. If you can only afford one lens and need versatility, a zoom lens might be the better choice.

Aperture Considerations

While prime lenses boast wide apertures, like f/2.8, that create beautiful background bokeh, they aren’t always necessary. Many bird photographers, myself included, often shoot at f/5.6 or f/8.0. These apertures give you a bit more depth of field, ensuring more of the bird is in focus. You can still achieve a nice background blur even at f/5.6, depending on the distance between your subject and the background.

Handheld vs. Tripod

For handheld shooting, weight is a big consideration. A lightweight lens with image stabilization (IS or VR, depending on the manufacturer) is ideal, as it reduces camera shake, which is inevitable when hand-holding your gear. If you prefer using a tripod, make sure it can handle the weight of the lens you choose.

Do You Really Need That Fast Aperture?

While f/2.8 is great for low light and bokeh, it’s not always a necessity. Today’s camera sensors are incredibly sensitive, and even in low light, you can shoot at smaller apertures like f/5.6 or f/8.0 without sacrificing image quality. For birds in flight, where you want to shoot at 1/2000 of a second or faster, the combination of a capable camera sensor and a reasonable ISO setting can compensate for not having the fastest lens.

Focus Speed

More important than aperture, in my opinion, is the lens’s ability to quickly and accurately focus on your subject and maintain that focus. Birds are fast, and you need a lens that can keep up.

Once you’ve settled on your camera body, choosing a lens becomes much simpler. You can narrow down your options to what fits your specific camera model and your budget, making the final decision easier and more tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best lens for bird photography isn’t just a decision—it’s a journey. With so many factors to weigh, from aperture and shutter speed to budget and weight, it’s easy to feel like you’re navigating a dense forest of options.

But here’s the thing: different lenses can yield different results, so what’s perfect for one photographer might not hit the mark for another.

The right lens for you will ultimately depend on your unique needs, style, and the kind of bird photography that excites you.

As a passionate bird photography enthusiast, don’t let the decision-making process hold you back. Take the leap, invest in a high-quality lens that aligns with your goals, and make every shot count.

Carefully considering all the essential factors will lead you to a lens that not only helps you capture those awe-inspiring moments but also gives you the best bang for your buck.

In the end, your dedication to finding the perfect lens will pay off in spades. Not only will you create stunning bird photos that turn heads, but you’ll also ensure that your work reflects the value and care you put into choosing the right gear.

So go ahead—get out there, and let your bird photography soar!