It can be challenging to figure out which equipment is right for you when you want to photograph birds. You don’t have to break the bank to get spectacular photos; we will break down options across price points and brands to help you make an informed purchase.
The most important thing to remember is that the best camera for you is the one you have in your hands!
All prices listed are the full MSRP. There are often manufacturer-offered instant rebates, making the products cheaper than listed here. Check B&H for sales and other great ways to save.
CAMERA BODIES
As technology continues to advance, so do our cameras. We once used film cameras, then we used DSLR’s, and now we’re using mirrorless cameras. While DSLRs may have a more preferable price point, most brands have phased out production of new models and therefore won’t service them anymore, making them more costly in the long-run as you’ll often pay more for repairs or flat out replacements. Due to this, we will only be listing mirrorless options.
Nikon
Top
Z9 ($5,896.95)
– Full frame 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, which reduces rolling shutter distortion for fast-moving subjects – like birds!
– Uses 2 CFexpress Type B/XQD cards, much safer and faster than SD cards
-Can photograph up to 120 fps in JPG with Pre-Release capture, and can buffer 1000+ RAW images in a burst with barely any lag
– Has bird detection autofocus
Mid
Z6III ($2,696.95)
- Full frame 24.5MP partially-stacked CMOS sensor, reduces rolling shutter distortion for fast-moving subjects like the Z9/Z8, just not as “fast” – it’s still really fast for being mid-tier, and the fastest sensor for its class!
- Has one CFexpress Type B/XQD card slot, and one SD card slot
- Pre-Release captures up to 120 fps in DX mode, retaining up to 4 seconds’ worth of frames after fully pressing the shutter – also buffers 1000+ images in a single burst
- Has bird detection autofocus
Budget
Z50II ($1,006.95)
- Cropped (DX) 20.9MP CMOS sensor – not stacked like the other levels, but uses the same EXPEED 7 Image Processor, allowing this camera to have a high ISO sensitivity (100-51200) and fast auto-focus
- Cropped sensors effectively “zoom in” all of your images, making your telephoto lenses appear longer/giving you extra reach
- Has one SD card slot
- Has bird detection autofocus
Canon
Top
R5II ($4,399.00)
- Full frame 45MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor with DIGIC Accelerator Processing – continuous shooting up to 30 fps full-frame RAW with reduced shutter distortion, suppresses flicker in LED lighting environments, and native ISO range of 100-51200
- Pre-release mode allows you to shoot up to 30 fps completely RAW, capturing up to half a second of images before you fully press your shutter
- One CFexpress Type B card slot and one SD card slot
- Has bird detection autofocus
Mid
R6II ($2,299.00)
- Full frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel CMOS AF II – more precise auto focus with faster processing, with smart features to detect birds and other subjects
- Records up to 30 fps in RAW Burst mode, which offers pre-release capture to record moms that happened up to half a second before you fully press the shutter – 30 fps is less than Nikon’s pre-release options (up to 120 fps), but Canon offers this in RAW format as opposed to only JPEG as on now
- Has 2 SD card slots
- Has bird detection auto focus
Budget
R7 ($1,649.00)
- Cropped 32.5MP CMOS sensor with the DIGIC X image processor – great for high speed photography and sensitive to ISO 100-32000
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II – features 651 autofocus points, making the AF faster and more precise; has bird detection autofocus
- In-Body Image Stabilizer (IBIS) corrects up to 7 stops of camera shake from shooting handheld
- Has one SD card slot
- Cropped sensors effectively “zoom in” all of your images, making your telephoto lenses appear longer/giving you extra reach
Sony
Top
A1II ($6,998.00)
- Full-frame 50MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor with the BIONZ XR Processor, an AI processing unit, and 8.5-stop IBIS, making this the fastest and most stable camera on this list
- Up to 30 fps continuous RAW shooting, expandable ISO sensitivity of 50-102400, and 15 stops of dynamic range, plus Pre-Capture up to 1 second before fully pressing the shutter button and Speed Boost functions
- Has two dual CFexpress Type A and SD card slots
- Has bird detection autofocus
Mid
A7IV ($2,498.00)
- Full-frame 33MP Exmor R CMOS BSI sensor with the BIONZ XR Processor, making it great in low light with an ISO range of 100-51200, plus 15 stops of dynamic range, and 5.5 stop IBIS
- 759 phase-detection points for quick and precise focusing, with Real-time Tracking that recognizes color, pattern, and subject distance for high accuracy and focusing speed; has bird detection autofocus
- Has one dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slot, and one SD card slot
Budget
A6700 ($1,498.00)
- Cropped 26MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor with the BIONZ XR Processor, giving this sensor a higher resolution without sacrificing sensitivity; the ISO range is 100-32000, and it has 14 stops of dynamic range
- 759 phase-detection points for quick and precise focusing, with Real-time Tracking that recognizes color, pattern, and subject distance for high accuracy and focusing speed; has bird detection autofocus
- Rangefinder style
- Has one SD card slot
- Cropped sensors effectively “zoom in” all of your images, making your telephoto lenses appear longer/giving you extra reach
TELEPHOTO LENSES
Every brand offers a wide variety of lenses to choose from based on your shooting applications. For this list, we are only showing you telephoto options. This is to be more in line with ethical bird photography practices, in which you must maintain a safe distance from the bird(s) so as not to disturb any potential nests or cause them any stress.
Nikon
Top
Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S PF ($6,996.95)
- One of the longest focal lengths in a compact housing – this lens only weighs 5.25 pounds, half the weight of the F-mount version; this is made possible due to the use of a Phase Fresnel element, which replaces several conventional glass elements
- Multi-focus system uses two separate, synchronized AF drive units to deliver fast and accurate autofocus; it uses stepping motors to make the AF performance smooth and quiet, especially important when hiding in a blind to photograph birds!
- Vibration Reduction image stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by approximately 5 stops to better enable handheld shooting in low-light situations, and the lens is equipped with multiple coatings and rubber gaskets to repeat dirt, moisture, and oils
Mid
Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR ($2,196.95)
- Super-telephoto zoom gives you the versatility to photograph birds at varying distances while maintaining a compact size due to its use of a single aspherical glass element; this is perfect to photograph birds in flight!
- Utilizes an STM stepping motor for fast, accurate, smooth, and quiet autofocus
- Offers 5.5 stops of optical Vibration Reduction
- Durable and weather-sealed lens barrel along with a front fluorine coating for use in inclement conditions
- Weighs 4.3 pounds
Budget
Tamron Z 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD ($1,199.00)
- The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor delivers impressively quiet, quick, and smooth focusing performance
- Designed and built with moisture-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions, the front lens element has a fluorine coating to protect against dust, dirt, and smearing
- VC image stabilization facilitates shooting handheld at the 500mm ultra telephoto position, with three modes: standard, panning, and framing priority
- Weighs 3.79 pounds
Canon
Top
RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM ($18,799.00)
- Ultrasonic Motor delivers fast, accurate, and near silent autofocus performance
- Optical Image Stabilization compensates for 4.5 stops of camera shake for sharper imagery. Due to the long focal length, in-body image stabilization, or Coordinated IS, from EOS R-series bodies is not supported with with this lens
- Weather-sealed design for reliable use in inclement conditions; Fluorine coating on front element helps repel moisture, dust, and fingerprints and is also easier to clean
- Weighs 6.9 pounds
Mid
RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM ($3,099.00)
- Dual Nano USM system utilizes both a ring type USM and an STM mechanism to realize quick and accurate focusing that is also smooth and nearly silent
- An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by five stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds
- Protective fluorine coating has been applied to the front and rear element to resist fingerprints and smudges and to make cleaning these elements significantly easier; this lens has a weather-resistant design that protects against dust and moisture to enable its use in inclement conditions
- Weighs 3 pounds
Budget
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD ($1,399.00)
- An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by 5.5 stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds
- Nano USM system utilizes both a ring type USM and an STM mechanism to realize quick and accurate focusing that is also smooth and near silent
- Modest f/5.6-8 maximum aperture range promotes a relatively compact, lightweight form factor, with this lens weighing only 1.4 pounds
- Rounded 9-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality
Sony
Top
FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS ($14,098.00)
- XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motor System quietly and quickly focuses on fast-moving subjects while shooting at high speeds
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake to better enable making sharp shots when working handheld
- Weather-sealed construction to protect against dust, dirt, and moisture
- This lens is designed to achieve a balance of impressive resolution and sharpness along with distinctive and pleasing bokeh
- Weighs 6.7 pounds
Mid
FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS ($2,098.00)
- XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear Motor System quietly and quickly focuses on fast-moving subjects while shooting at high speeds
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake to better enable making sharp shots when working handheld
- Weather-sealed construction to protect against dust, dirt, and moisture
- This lens is designed to achieve a balance of impressive resolution and sharpness along with distinctive and pleasing bokeh
- Weighs 6.7 pounds
Budget
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD ($1,399.00)
- The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor delivers impressively quiet, quick, and smooth focusing performance
- Designed and built with moisture-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions, the front lens element has a fluorine coating to protect against dust, dirt, and smearing
- VC image stabilization facilitates shooting handheld at the 500mm ultra telephoto position, with three modes: standard, panning, and framing priority
- Weighs 4.14 pounds
TELECONVERTERS
Teleconverters help extend the reach of the lenses you already own without having to purchase pricey longer lenses. These teleconverters will retain full communication between the lens and the body, enabling metering, autofocus, and vibration reduction, as well as transmit Exif data. It is important to note that while these will extend your focal length 1.4 times or 2 times, they will also cut your light by one to two stops, making an f/2.8 with the 1.4x an f/4, and f/5.6 with the 2x.
Nikon Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x ($586.95) / TC-2x ($646.95)
Compatible lenses:
- NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
- NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
- NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
- NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
- NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
- NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
Canon RF Extender 1.4x ($589.00) / 2x ($689.00)
Compatible lenses:
- RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Z
- RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
- RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM (can only be used within 300-500mm range)
- RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
- RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM
- RF 600mm f/4L IS USM
- RF 600mm f/11 IS STM
- RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM
- RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
- RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM
Please see the lens and/or camera body manual for full compatibility information with the Extender RF2x
Sony FE Teleconverter 1.4x ($598.00) / 2x ($598.00)
Compatible lenses:
- FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS
- FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
- FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II
- FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
- FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS
- FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS
- FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS
Accessories
BlackRapid Cross Shot Breathe Camera Strap
- Crossbody strap with a non-slip, 1.5” wide shoulder pad, adjustable from 36-70”
- Drapes the camera from one shoulder to the opposing hip, resting the camera upside-down along the hip so it’s easy to quickly raise for use
- Durable, brass and zinc-alloy CR-3 ConnectR locking carabiner attaches to camera or lens’s 1/4″-20 tripod mount with provided BlackRapid FR-5 FastenR Breathe
Gitzo GIGT1545T Traveler Series 1 Carbon Fiber Tripod
- 4 section carbon fiber legs with G-lock leg lock system allows you to easily adjust height of the tripod, and the carbon fiber allows the tripod to feel lighter
- Weighs 2.3 pounds with a load capacity of 22 pounds
- 16.7” folded, max height range 8.6-60.2”
SmallRig Lightweight Fluid Video Head
- Compact video head that’s standard arca-swiss compatible
- Detachable telescoping pan handle that supports 360° swivel
- Pan and tilt axes have independent locks and fixed drag
- Can adjust the camera balance by sliding the camera platform back and forth, allowing you to use larger lenses
- Weight capacity of 11 points
COMAN M1S Monopod with Detachable Clamp & Base Modules
- One-touch lever to easily adjust the height of the four telescopic sections
- Includes a detachable tilting base with foot pedal; base can change from a single spike to three feet
- Integrated adjustable ball bowl that’s arca-swiss compatible
- Weighs 3.85 pounds with a load capacity of 22.05 pounds
- 26.18” folded, max height 65.16”
MEDIA
Make sure to stick to reputable brands for your memory cards as there typically is less chance for corruption; lesser known brands aren’t always truthful in their advertised capacity, and you may not be able to access the images you may have taken. It’s also good practice to have a few cards in rotation so they last longer.
SD card
Lexar 128GB Professional 1667x UHS-II SDXC (2-pack) $259.99
CFexpress Type B
ProGrade Digital 128GB CFexpress 2.0 Type B Gold $169.99
CFexpress Type A
ProGrade Digital 120GB CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold $169.99
