Hummingbirds are some of the most captivating birds to photograph. Their metallic colors, incredible speed, and curious nature make them a joy to capture on camera. However, photographing these fast-moving subjects requires specialized equipment to get the clarity, color, and detail that hummingbird images demand. With so many camera options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide what gear is best suited for hummingbird photography. In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know to choose the right camera, lens, and accessories to start taking stunning photos of these feathered acrobats.
Camera Type
The first major consideration is what type of camera to use. There are three main options:
- DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras
- Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras
- Advanced point-and-shoot cameras (also known as bridge cameras)
Each camera type has pros and cons for hummingbird photography:
DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras have traditionally been the top choice for wildlife photography thanks to their versatility, lens selection, excellent autofocus performance, and viewfinders that make it easy to track moving subjects. The two biggest brands in DSLRs are Canon and Nikon, both of which offer strong choices for hummingbird shooting. Canon models like the 7D Mark II and 5D Mark IV have fast autofocus tracking modes, while the Nikon D500 boasts a 10 frames per second (fps) burst rate to capture fleeting moments.
Pros:
- Wide array of telephoto lens options
- Fast autofocus capabilities
- Optical viewfinders support tracking motion
- High burst frame rates
Cons:
- Larger and heavier than other camera types
- Fewer megapixels than some mirrorless options
- Lack latest video features like 4K resolution
Mirrorless Cameras
Mirrorless cameras are the hottest trend in photography right now. These cameras forgo the mirror and optical viewfinder of a DSLR, instead using a digital live view on the rear LCD screen. This makes them smaller and lighter overall. Mirrorless cameras also lead the way with cutting-edge technology like 4K video capture. Top choices like the Sony A9 II have blazing fast 20 fps burst rates to keep up with hummingbirds. The smaller size does mean fewer native telephoto lens options compared to DSLRs, but lens catalogs are expanding.
Pros:
- Smaller and lighter body design
- Feature-packed with latest technology
- Electronic viewfinders offer focus assist tools
- Increasing number of telephoto lenses available
Cons:
- Fewer telephoto lens options than DSLRs (for now)
- Battery life not as robust as DSLRs
- More expensive than other options
Bridge Cameras
Bridge cameras fall between point-and-shoots and DSLRs. They offer extended zoom lenses built right in, with many boasting up to 1000mm or higher telephoto reach. They also have manual controls, RAW shooting, and fast burst modes. Recent models like the Nikon Coolpix P1000 include DSLR-like clutters and improved autofocus to track action. The fixed lens limits flexibility but makes an all-in-one solution.
Pros:
- Powerful built-in telephoto zoom
- Relatively affordable price
- Compact all-in-one design
- Full manual controls and RAW support
Cons:
- Smaller sensors struggle in low light
- Limited flexibility from fixed lenses
- Autofocus can be slow compared to DSLRs/mirrorless
For most users, a DSLR or mirrorless camera will provide the best performance, autofocus, and image quality for hummingbird photography. But bridge cameras can still capture nice backyard hummingbird portraits at a lower price point.
Key Camera Features
When comparing specific camera models for photographing hummingbirds, keep an eye out for these key features:
Fast Burst Frame Rate
Hummingbirds move lighting fast, so you need a camera that can keep up. Look for burst frame rates of 10 fps or faster to capture their rapid motions.
Advanced Autofocus System
The camera should have a high-performance autofocus system with plenty of focus points to track hummingbirds around the frame. Advanced systems use AI to recognize birds and optimize AF.
Fast Shutter Speed
To freeze the fast-flapping wings clearly, a shutter speed of 1/1000s or higher is ideal. Make sure the camera provides short shutter speeds.
Flip-Out LCD Screen
A flip-out LCD screen lets you compose shots at tricky angles and review images easily while shooting handheld.
4K Video Recording
4K video produces exceptional quality footage of hummingbirds in action. Look for this if video is a priority.
Lens Options
An interchangeable lens camera provides the most flexibility to use specialized lenses. Here are top lens choices for hummingbird photography:
Telephoto Zoom Lenses
An extended telephoto zoom like a 100-400mm or 150-600mm lens lets you tightly frame hummingbirds from a distance. Optical stabilization helps counteract camera shake.
Prime Telephoto Lenses
Prime lenses like a 400mm or 500mm fixed focal length provide excellent sharpness and low light performance for capturing details. But they lack zoom flexibility.
Macro Lenses
A dedicated macro lens allows ultra-close focusing to highlight intricate details in hummingbirds during a portrait session.
All-in-One Zoom Lenses
All-in-one zoom lenses like an 18-300mm or 24-200mm provide wide-angle to telephoto range, but won’t offer the same level of sharpness or low light performance as specialized lenses.
Here’s a quick comparison table of top lens choices for hummingbird photography:
Lens Type | Example Models | Benefits | Drawbacks |
---|---|---|---|
Telephoto Zoom | Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 |
Extended reach, optical stabilization | Narrower apertures than primes |
Prime Telephoto | Nikon 300mm f/4 PF Canon 400mm f/5.6L |
Excellent image quality, fast apertures | No zoom versatility |
Macro Lens | Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro Sigma 105mm f/2.8 Macro |
Incredibly close 1:1 magnification | Very close minimum focus distance |
All-in-One Zoom | Sony 24-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Canon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 |
Huge zoom range from wide to telephoto | Image quality and aperture compromises |
Camera Settings
Correct camera settings are also crucial for success in hummingbird photography. Here are key settings to use:
Shutter Speed
Increase shutter speed to 1/1000s or faster to freeze the rapid wing beats of hummingbirds in flight or 1/200s or higher for portraits and perched shots.
Aperture
Use a wider aperture in the range of f/4 to f/5.6 for shallow depth of field and to isolate the bird from busy backgrounds. This also maximizes the amount of light for the sensor in challenging conditions.
ISO
Boost the ISO higher (to around 800-1600 and beyond) to allow those fast shutter speeds in low light while maintaining a wide aperture. Be aware of noise at extremely high ISOs.
AF Mode
Choose a high-performance autofocus mode designed to track moving subjects like Canon’s AI Servo AF or Nikon’s Dynamic AF mode.
Drive Mode
Switch to high-speed continuous shooting mode to capture bursts of images at the frame rate your camera allows.
Exposure Compensation
Since hummingbirds are iridescent, dial positive exposure compensation like +1 or +2 to prevent underexposure and dark photos.
Accessories
Some additional accessories that are very helpful for hummingbird photography include:
External Flash
An external flash adds light to fill in shadows and supply additional illumination of fast moving hummingbirds.
Flash Diffuser
A flash diffuser is attached to the flash head to soften light and prevent harsh hotspots on iridescent feathers.
Monopod/Tripod
Camera support like a monopod or tripod helps stabilize heavy camera gear and lenses to prevent blurry shots.
Remote Shutter Release
A wired or wireless remote lets you trip the shutter without touching the camera, reducing vibration for sharper shots.
Backyard Setup Tips
To attract hummingbirds to your backyard oasis for photography, some setup tips include:
- Get a specialized hummingbird feeder and fresh nectar mix to reliably draw in visitors.
- Include vibrant flowers like trumpet vines, bee balm, and impatiens that hummingbirds are attracted to.
- Have natural perches around like branches that allow the birds to comfortably rest.
- Position the feeders and flowers so the background is clean and not distracting.
- Set up a blind/hide or stay behind a window to not startle the hummingbirds.
- Pay attention to the direction of sunlight and try to have it at your back for great lighting.
With the right camera gear, techniques, and backyard setup, you’ll be ready to capture stunning hummingbird images. Don’t be intimidated by their speed – with practice and perseverance, you can get fantastic shots of these flying gems. The joy of reviewing brilliant photos of hummingbirds you took yourself makes all the effort worthwhile.
Conclusion
For outstanding images of hummingbirds in action, a DSLR or mirrorless camera with advanced autofocus capabilities offers the best combination of performance, features, and telephoto lens options. A telephoto zoom lens in the 150-600mm range provides the necessary reach while maintaining versatility. Features like fast continuous burst rates, 4K video (for mirrorless), flip-out screens, and fast shutter speeds are ideal. Accessories like an external flash, monopod, and remote shutter release help fine-tune your setup. With the right camera equipment, proper exposure settings, and some hdr feeders and flowers to attract these energetic birds, your backyard can become your own personal hummingbird photography studio.