Bird watching, also known as birding, is a popular hobby that involves observing wild birds in their natural habitats. With over 10,000 species of birds worldwide, bird watching offers endless opportunities to see amazing birds up close. To get the most out of birding, having the right gear is essential. The most important piece of equipment for bird watching is a good pair of binoculars. However, bringing along a camera allows you to document and share your sightings. When choosing a camera for bird photography, there are several factors to consider to capture high-quality images.
What features make a good bird watching camera?
Here are some of the top features to look for in a bird watching camera:
- High optical zoom – A long zoom range like 20x or greater will allow you to zoom in close on distant birds.
- Fast autofocus – Birds move quickly, so you need a camera that can lock focus fast.
- Continuous shooting mode – Also called burst mode, this allows you to capture rapid sequences of images by holding down the shutter.
- Manual exposure controls – You often need to override auto settings to properly expose bird photos, so manual mode is useful.
- Raw image capture – Raw files allow for more flexibility in editing compared to JPEGs.
- Large image sensor – A larger sensor can achieve better image quality, especially in low light.
- Weather sealing – Since you’ll be outdoors, weather-resistant cameras hold up better.
- Fast maximum shutter speed – To freeze fast motion, shutter speeds of 1/4000 sec or faster are best.
- Image stabilization – Helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially at long zoom lengths.
What are the best bird watching camera types?
There are a few main options when choosing a camera type for bird photography:
- DSLR camera – Digital SLR cameras allow you to switch out lenses to cover any focal length. They offer great image quality and responsive performance perfect for capturing bird behavior and flight shots. But they tend to be bulkier.
- Mirrorless camera – Mirrorless cameras provide DSLR-like quality in a more compact form factor. They have interchangeable lenses and many of the same features as DSLRs. The smaller size makes them easier to carry into the field.
- Superzoom camera – Superzoom digital cameras have extremely long built-in zoom lenses up to 24-2000mm equivalent. Their long reach makes them ideal for birding. But image quality is not as good as interchangeable lens cameras.
- Compact camera – Point-and-shoot style cameras offer an affordable, portable option. But their small sensors often struggle in low light and they have limited zoom ranges.
Serious bird photographers typically prefer the image quality of a DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a long telephoto lens. But superzoom and compact cameras can also work well and provide impressive reach in a smaller package.
What features should you look for in a zoom lens for bird photography?
When choosing a telephoto zoom lens for birding, keep these features in mind:
- Focal length – Look for long zooms such as 150-600mm on crop sensor cameras or 70-200mm full frame paired with teleconverters.
- Maximum aperture – Faster apertures (lower f/numbers) allow more light capture and blurred backgrounds.
- Image stabilization – Helps minimize blur from camera movement at such long focal lengths.
- Fast, quiet autofocus – Essential to lock in focus on moving birds.
- Moisture resistance – Protects the lens from dust and moisture when shooting outdoors.
- Lens coatings – Special coatings reduce flare and improve light transmission.
What are the best DSLR cameras for bird photography?
Here are some top-rated DSLR cameras for bird and wildlife photography:
Camera | Key Features |
---|---|
Nikon D500 | 153-point AF system, 10 fps continuous shooting, great dynamic range |
Canon EOS 7D Mark II | 65 cross-type AF points, 10 fps continuous shooting, weather sealed |
Nikon D7500 | 51-point AF, 8 fps continuous shooting, tilting touchscreen display |
Canon EOS 80D | 45 cross-type AF points, 7 fps continuous shooting, fully articulating screen |
Nikon D750 | Full frame sensor, 6.5 fps continuous shooting, tilting screen, Wi-Fi |
What are the best mirrorless cameras for bird photography?
Here are some top mirrorless cameras for birding:
Camera | Key Features |
---|---|
Sony a9 II | 693-point AF, 20 fps continuous shooting, 5-axis image stabilization |
Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 121 cross-type on-chip AF points, 60 fps burst mode, handheld high res mode |
Fujifilm X-T4 | 425-point AF, 15 fps mechanical shutter, 5-axis image stabilization |
Sony a7R IV | 61MP full frame sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting, 567 phase/425 contrast AF points |
Nikon Z7 II | Dual EXPEED 6 processors, 10 fps continuous shooting, 493 AF points |
What are the best superzoom cameras for birding?
Some top superzoom point-and-shoot cameras for bird photography include:
- Nikon Coolpix P1000 – 125x 24-3000mm zoom lens
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 – 60x 20-1200mm zoom lens
- Canon PowerShot SX70 HS – 65x 21-1365mm zoom lens
- Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV – 25x 24-600mm zoom lens
- Panasonic Lumix FZ300 – 25x 25-600mm zoom lens
What compact point-and-shoot cameras work best?
Top point-and-shoot cameras for casual birding include:
- Panasonic Lumix ZS100 – 25-250mm zoom, large 1″ sensor
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II – 28-84mm zoom, 1″ sensor, slim design
- Nikon Coolpix A1000 – 35x 24-840mm zoom, tilting LCD screen
- Canon PowerShot SX740 HS – 40x 24-960mm zoom
- Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII – 24-200mm zoom, 20MP 1″ sensor
How can you photograph flying birds?
Here are some tips for photographing birds in flight:
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000 sec or faster) to freeze the motion.
- Increase the camera’s continuous shooting speed to machine gun multiple frames.
- Pan the camera smoothly to track the bird’s erratic movements.
- Use a monopod or tripod to stabilize the camera and minimize camera shake.
- Position yourself with the sun at your back to properly expose the fast-moving subject.
- Set the autofocus to AI Servo mode on Canon or Continuous AF on Nikon.
- Pre-focus on a spot where you predict the bird will be as it approaches.
- Shoot in burst mode and pick the sharpest images later.
What camera settings work best for bird photography?
Recommended camera settings for bird photography include:
- Aperture: f/5.6-f/8 for adequate depth of field
- Shutter speed: 1/1000+ sec for birds in flight, otherwise adjust to blur motion artistically
- ISO: 400-1600, or higher for low light situations
- Focus mode: Single (AF-S), Continuous (AF-C), or Manual
- Metering mode: Evaluative/Matrix for even exposures
- Drive mode: Continuous High for sequences of shots
- Autofocus: Dynamic or Group Area AF for moving birds
Also, remember to stop down the aperture to maximize sharpness when depth of field is desired, and open up the aperture when you want a soft, defocused background.
What are the best lenses for bird photography on a budget?
Here are some great lens options for birding that won’t break the bank:
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR – Offers great reach and vibration reduction at around $500.
- Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 – Lightweight zoom ideal for handheld birding.
- Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS – Incredible zoom range for under $1,000.
- Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC – Matches Sigma’s zoom for a little less money.
- Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR – Constant aperture across entire zoom range.
Buying refurbished/used lenses or third-party options like Tamron and Sigma can save you hundreds compared to brand name lenses.
What accessories are useful for bird photography?
Handy accessories for birding include:
- A sturdy tripod or monopod to stabilize your camera and minimize shake.
- A remote shutter release allows you to fire the camera without touching it.
- A bean bag can provide a stable support for your lens when shooting out in the field.
- A flash can be used to fill in shadows and illuminate birds in dark settings.
- A camera rain cover protects your gear in wet weather.
- Extra memory cards ensure you never miss a shot while changing cards.
- A lens hood shades the front of the lens to reduce lens flare.
Should you shoot JPEG or RAW for bird photos?
RAW format is generally preferred over JPEG for bird photography. RAW files contain more image data and allow for much more flexibility when editing photos later. This allows you to adjust details like exposure, white balance, and color that are “baked in” to JPEGs.
The downside is that RAW files require more post-processing work and take up significantly more storage space. But the tradeoff in quality and editing freedom is worth it for most bird photographers. Consider shooting RAW + JPEG if you want both options available.
How can you get tack sharp bird photos?
Tips for getting crisply focused bird shots:
- Use a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s to freeze motion.
- Activate your camera’s image stabilization if available.
- Shoot in bright sunlight whenever possible.
- Use a monopod or tripod to steady the camera.
- Select the camera’s highest continuous drive mode.
- Set your lens to the optimal aperture for sharpness, usually around f/8.
- Focus carefully on the bird’s eye for the most critical part of the image.
Also, be sure to focus again if the bird moves closer or farther after initially locking focus. The extra effort pays off in ultra-crisp bird photos.
How can you attract birds to photograph?
Strategies to draw in birds for better photo opportunities:
- Set up feeders with preferred foods like black oil sunflower seeds, suet, and nyjer.
- Add a water source like a birdbath, fountain, or pond.
- Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees that attract birds.
- Use decoys of birds of prey to drive songbirds toward your camera position.
- Build a blind to conceal yourself and your gear.
- Use audio calls to draw birds into view.
- Sit quietly and wait for birds to become comfortable with your presence.
Scattering some seed on the ground close to your setup can persuade hesitant birds to come a little nearer. Be patient and let the birds come to you.
Where are the best places to go birding with a camera?
Top spots for bird photography include:
- National wildlife refuges and nature preserves
- State and national parks
- Wetland areas like marshes, lakes, ponds, and rivers
- Coastlines and beaches
- Woodlands and forests
- Backyard feeders and gardens
- Farms with open fields and wood fence lines
Search for birding hotspots near you and explore all your local parks, nature trails, and open spaces. Even your own backyard can offer awesome bird photo opportunities.
Conclusion
In summary, the gear you choose and how you use it plays a big role in getting great shots of your avian subjects. Look for a camera with fast autofocus, rapid burst shooting, and long zoom capabilities. Support it with a stabilizing tripod and remote shutter release. A long telephoto lens in the 200-600mm range provides close-up magnification birds fill the frame. With some bird bait, patience, and the right technique, your camera will capture amazing bird photos in no time.