12 Best Lenses for Bird Photography (2022)

Bird photography can be a bit challenging if you want to fill the frame with a bird from a distance.

For that, you will want at least 300mm of focal length and a camera with 6 FPS+ (if you want to nab that bird in flight).

The best lens for bird photography comes with fast autofocus, sharp images, and a large focal length. Here are our favorites.

We Recommend

Best Lens for Bird Photography

1. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Bird Photography Lens

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The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens is one of the best options for beginner bird photographers. This was my first real bird photography lens when I first started and I still use it today.

This lens offers excellent focal length at a reasonable price. The fact that this is a zoom lens makes it even more user-friendly.

Another great thing about Sigma lenses is that they can fit multiple brands, such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony.

Just be sure to purchase the correct version for your camera, or, in the case of Sony, make sure to buy the right mount.

Photographers who use the Sigma 150-600mm will enjoy the amount of zoom that is available to them. Serious photographers, though, may be upset with the lack of sharpness at high magnification.

Overall the Sigma 150-600mm performs quite well considering its price. It may not compete with the upper-tier lenses, but it’s a great beginner lens that gets photographers close to the action.

Matching camera: Canon EOS 80D DSLR

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Focal length: 150-600mm
Aperture: f/5-6.3
Autofocus: Yes, using Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor to reduce noise and increase speed.
Image Stabilization: Yes, using Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer system.
Close Focus: 9.2 ft
Glass Elements: 20, 1 FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) and 3 SLD (Special Low Dispersion)
Weight: 4.25 lbs
Matching Camera Body for Birding: A variety of Canon, Nikon, and Sony Cameras

2. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

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If you are looking to get the best telephoto lens for bird photography and you have a Canon then I think the Canon EF 100-400mm is the best you can get for a reasonable price.

This is a lens that provides ideal functionality for professional photographers and gives you the ability to get higher quality photos when combined with an appropriate camera body.

The lens does have a heavier weight compared to Canon ED 300mm. An Air Sphere Coating is used on the lens which helps to reduce the risk of ghosting and glare in your shots.

It also produces better clarity when capturing moving targets, such as flying birds. The focal length of the lens can be adjusted between 100mm and 400mm. There is also an adjustable setting for the aperture, which you can set from F/4.5 to F/5.6.

Paired with a decent Canon camera such as the Mark IV, this lens can be ideal for bird photography.

Matching Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV

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Focal length: 100-400mm
Aperture: F/4.5-5.6L
Format: USM Lens
Type: Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Weight: 3.46 lbs
Warranty: Yes

3. Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E Vibration Reduction Lens

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The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm the right telephoto zoom lens if you have a Nikon camera.

After playing around with this 200-500mm focal length, I found that it’s a reasonably priced and good-performing telephoto lens for all wildlife, not just birds.

It features a focal length that reaches 500mm and also has an advanced AF system that allows for better focus. Compared to the Nikkor 80-400mm, the glass is noticeably sharper and the VR is way more effective.

This lens also features 3 ED glass elements ensuring images will be vibrant and sharp.

Paired with a solid full-frame camera, such as the Nikon D850, this lens can capture impressive bird photos in a range of situations: long-distance waterfowl shots, energetic warbler shots in the woods, or even during a hawk watch. Overall, this lens is of great value for its price.

Matching Camera: Nikon D850 FX DSLR

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Focal length: 200-500mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Autofocus: Yes, high-speed, near-silent AF using Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor.
Image Stabilization: Yes, using Nikon’s in-lens Vibration Reduction.
Close Focus: 7.2 ft
Elements: 19, including 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements.
Weight: 5.07 lbs

4. Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5–5.6 GM OSS

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The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens is the real deal.

If you have the budget and want the best, the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens will not disappoint.

As a birding camera, its focal length may not reach the lengths of the higher zoom cameras, but the quality of the images taken at the max 400mm are superb and don’t appear to lose any sharpness.

This lens creates nearly flawless images and is packed with high-end features such as Optical SteadyShot IS, an excellent AF system, and high-quality glass.

The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens gives Canon and Nikon ample competition. If you have the money and prioritize image quality, this is the lens for you.

Matching Camera: Sony a7 III Mirrorless

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Focal length: 100-400mm
Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Autofocus: Yes, using a Double-linear, Direct-drive SSM motor.
Image Stabilization: Yes, using Optical SteadyShot IS.
Close Focus: 8.43 ft
Elements: 22, including 2 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and 1 Super ED glass elements.
Weight: 3.08 lbs

5. Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 Lens

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The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 offers one the largest focal length ranges in its class.

The lens makes it easy to set the focal length from 150mm all the way up to 600mm. This provides much greater versatility as the result of your photography session.

In fact, this range would make some people consider it the best lens ever for bird photography.

The lens comes with an adjustable aperture too. This can be adjusted between the range of F/5 and F/6.3. It allows you to customize the aperture based on the environment you are taking the shot in.

The lens does have a relatively high weight to it. It is important to take this into consideration, especially when the camera body already has a heavyweight. It features an Arce-Swiss release plate.

This makes changing lenses in the field faster and easier. The VC system provides 4.5 stops. There are three different VC modes that you can choose from too.

Matching Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV

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Focal length: 150-600mm
Aperture: F/5-6.3
Type: Telephoto zoom lens
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Weight: 4.4 lbs
Warranty: Yes

6. Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Fixed Lens

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Another great option for people asking what the best bird-watching camera lenses are is the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Fixed Lens.

As the name suggests, this is a fixed zoom lens – you will not be able to adjust the focal length as with some of the other options on the market.

The benefit is that it is much easier to use the lens since it will always give you the same fixed zoom and angle.

The lens also comes with a fixed aperture rating of f/4L. The lens is compatible with the Canon EF mount system. It has a built-in Ultrasonic motor that helps ensure autofocus is no problem to use.

If needed, you can also use manual focus as an override if you are not happy with the results from the autofocus system. This is a telephoto lens that is great for capturing shots of a single bird.

Matching Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV

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Focal length: 300mm
Aperture: f/4L
Format: Canon EF
Type: Telephoto
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Weight: 2.62 lbs
Warranty: Yes

7. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF ED Vibration Reduction Lens

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If you want to buy the best Nikon lens for bird photography, then you have a few options to consider.

If you want something that requires less adjusting and gives you an opportunity to shoot targets faster, then the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF ED Vibration Reduction Lens is one that you do not want to overlook.

This particular lens comes with a fixed focal length and aperture. This allows you to only focus on getting the subject in your shot and pressing the capture button.

This is a multi-purpose lens. While it is a great Nikon telephoto lens for bird photography, you can also use it to capture wildlife, sports events, portraits, and more. It is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras.

The lens features a Nano Crystal Coat, which reduces the amount of ghosting and flares on your shots. It also uses a Silent Wave Motor for noiseless autofocusing. A vibration reduction system helps to reduce the effect of movement from the camera on the final shot.

Matching Camera: Nikon D850 FX DSLR

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Focal length: 300mm
Aperture: f/4E
Format: AF-S
Type: Fixed zoom telephoto lens
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Weight: 1.66 lbs
Warranty: Yes

8. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens

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If you want the best Nikon birding lens that is used by the pros, then the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens is another good option you should look at.

This is the “National Geographic” level lens, so the price is high.

This particular lens comes with a wide range of features that make it an ideal option for the professional photographer.

It is a telephoto lens that features a fixed zoom rate. The 600mm focal length also offers wider exposure in your shots.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens comes with a built-in advanced autofocus system. The lens uses a Silent Wave Motor to provide superior autofocus capabilities.

It also offers a nonstick fluorine coating on the lens. This helps to ensure dirt and water splashes do not cause damage to the product. The lens also has a built-in vibration reduction system.

Matching Camera: Nikon D5 FX DSLR

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Focal length: 600mm
Aperture: f/4E
Format: Nikon F-Bayonet
Type: Telephoto
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Weight: 8.40 lbs
Warranty: Yes

9. Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens

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This Canon 600mm is another National Geographic level pro lens.

While the price tag is high, the features give you the ability to take superior shots. The lens offers a fixed 600mm focal length.

This is great for capturing shots with an entire group of birds. The focal length cannot be adjusted.

lens on a white background
The lens also offers an f/4L constant maximum aperture exposure. It is compatible with a range of cameras that features a Canon EF mount.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens forms part of the L-series from the Canon brand. It has a Super Spectra Coating to help reduce flaring. The Air Sphere Coating also helps to limit ghosting that may appear on your shots.

The lens has a design that makes it resilient to dust and water. It has a built-in autofocus system, along with advanced image stabilization technology.

Matching camera: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III DSLR

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Focal length: 600mm
Aperture: f/4L
Type: Telephoto
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: Yes
Weight: 6.72 lbs
Warranty: Yes

10. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens

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Another great option when looking at the best lenses for bird photography is the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF.

This lens is compatible with any Canon camera with the standard Canon EF lens mount.

It provides greater versatility when combining it with a camera. The lens has an aperture that can be set from F/5 to F/6.3.

You can also customize the focal length based on the photo you are trying to capture. The focal length ranges from 100mm to 400mm.

The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF comes with a built-in autofocus function. This helps you focus on the subject, even while it is moving.

This is a telephoto lens, which also further contributes to why it is a great lens for bird photography. The lens features a dust-proof seal, which helps to keep the accessory safe when you use it for photography sessions on the outside.

Matching camera: Canon EOS 80D DSLR

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Focal length: 100-400mm
Aperture: f/5-6.3
Format: Canon EF
Type: Telephoto
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Weight: 3.00 lbs
Warranty: Yes

11. Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom

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The Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom Lens is a great option when looking at a Nikon birding lens.

The product comes with both an aperture and focal length system that can be adjusted according to your environment.

You can adjust the focal length from 18mm up to 400mm – making it great for high-quality birding photography sessions.

This is also the best budget lens for bird photography if you own a Nikon DSLR camera. Its pricing is much lower compared to some of the alternative options that offer similar features.

It features a Nikon DX mount and offers APS-C format capabilities. It is a telephoto lens. The Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom has built-in autofocus technology. This makes it easier to capture moving birds as the lens can focus on the subject automatically.

Matching camera: Nikon D3400

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Focal length: 18-400mm
Aperture: F/3.5-6.3
Format: APS-C
Type: Nikon DX
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Weight: 1.55 lbs
Warranty: Yes

12. Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm Lens

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The Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm Lens is a decent lens that fits nicely with the compact Panasonic Lumix GX85.

This lens, paired with a solid mirrorless camera offers a lightweight option for travelers hoping to maintain a higher focal length.

The Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm lens delivers fantastic images that burst with color.

For bird photography, this lens will be limited because of its lower focal length. But it’s still possible to take great shots of birds that you can post online. If you plan to print your photos, you will want to choose a lens with greater zoom capabilities.

If you are looking for a travel zoom lens that can double as a birding lens, the Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm Lens might be the right choice for you.

Matching Camera: Panasonic Lumix GX85

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Focal length: 100-300mm
Aperture: f/4-5.6
Autofocus: Yes, using a linear autofocus motor for precise and smooth focusing.
Image Stabilization: Yes, using Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) and 5-Axis Dual I.S. 2.0.
Close Focus: 4.92 ft
Elements: 17, including 1 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element.
Weight: 1.15 lbs

Types of Lenses for Birding

When searching for a lens for birding, there are 2 main types: prime and zoom.

Prime lenses

Prime lenses offer a fixed focal length.

There will be no zoom ring, so in order to get closer to the object you are focused on, you will have to move closer physically.

The benefit to a prime lens is that you will have a wider aperture. (Indicated by a lower f-stop number. For example, f/2.8). A wider aperture will provide you more leeway when it comes to shooting in dark settings.

Zoom lenses

Zoom lenses, on the other, offer a focal length range.

This allows you to zoom in and out on an object from a stationary position. Zoom lenses will typically have a smaller aperture, starting around f/4.5.

For most beginner bird photographers, a zoom lens is the best option.

They are more versatile and offer more opportunities to capture birds at varying distances and are a great option for wildlife photography.

Do You Really Need an Expensive Lens?

A quality camera lens will go a long way when it comes to image quality, particularly with bird photography. Most bird photographers tend to prioritize the lens over the camera. So if you are choosing between an expensive lens or an expensive camera, it might be best to go with the expensive lens and compromise on the quality of the camera.

It may take some research to determine the right camera and lens setup for your budget, but finding the right gear will certainly make photographing birds a much easier task.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at different price points when searching for a camera lens specific to bird and wildlife photography:

$500 – $1,000 – Lenses in this range will typically offer minimal focal length–300mm or less. Although there are brands, such as Tamron and Sigma, that offer a focal length of up to 600mm in this price range. The glass elements will be lower quality, causing photos at high zoom to appear less sharp.

$1,000 – $3,000 – You’ll find excellent options in this price range with focal length ranging from 150mm-600mm. The glass elements in these lenses will be much better, and the lens itself will feature better autofocus and image stabilizing capabilities.

$3,000 – Higher – In terms of wildlife photography, you may see quite a jump in price point for specialty, high-zoom lenses. Name brand prime lenses with a wide aperture, and a focal length of 400mm or 600mm will cost over $10,000. These are professional grade lenses that feature the best glass, the best AF motors, and the best IS systems.

What About Camera Bodies?

It is certainly possible to purchase an expensive lens and use it with a cheaper camera body, but it’s important to take a few things into consideration. Also, check out our guide on best cameras for bird photography.

For bird photography, a quality lens is a priority, but you’ll also want a camera that can keep up with the birds that you are photographing.

Some features you’ll want to prioritize on a camera are:

Sensor

A camera’s image sensor is responsible for the resolution, depth, and overall image quality a camera can produce. Quality sensors directly correlate to size: the bigger the sensor, the better the photos.

This is because a large sensor will have more surface area to capture light, which helps produce clear and colorful photos. For bird photographers who prioritize image quality, find a camera that features a full-frame sensor.

If you are looking for more affordable options, then cameras with APS-H or APS-C sensors are excellent mid-range choices. For budgets under $1,000 you’ll have to settle for smaller sensors, still capable of capturing great photos, just don’t expect to enlarge prints to be sharp.

Autofocus

A fast (and smart) autofocus will help you quickly focus on the subject in the viewfinder.

Great autofocus works on a variety of levels, such as the camera sensor, the mechanics of the lens, and internal computing. It’s difficult to attribute great autofocus to any one thing.

For this reason, it’s important to research reviews to find the best camera and lens combinations that produce excellent autofocus.

Shutter speed

Cameras these days are incredibly fast machines. Still, bird photographers will certainly want to make sure their cameras are capable of capturing the lively movements of the birds they observe.

Finding a camera that can shoot continuously at full resolution is essential to capturing great bird shots. Look for cameras that can produce a quick shutter speed and a decent frame-per-second rate.

A shutter speed of at least 1/1,000 paired with a continuous shooting rate of 6 fps or more is sufficient for capturing birds in flight.

A Bird Photographer’s Best Friend: Focal Length

When searching for a camera lens specific to bird photography, the first thing you should look for is a lens with adequate focal length. This measure will be shown as either a fixed measure (such as 400mm) or a range (such as 150mm-600mm).

In order to capture images of birds, you’ll want to purchase a lens 300mm or higher. The higher focal length will give you even better glimpses of the birds you are trying to capture in a frame. 

For most birdwatchers, they understand focal length in terms of image magnification. For example, an 8×42 binocular will essentially be equivalent to a 400mm camera lens. Consider every 50mm a level of magnification.

6x = 300mm
8x = 400mm
10x = 500mm
12x = 600mm

For bird photographers, a high focal range is essential to capturing excellent images of birds. But just because a lens has a high focal length doesn’t mean it will produce outstanding photos.

There are other considerations too. So even though your first thought should be to look at a lens’ focal length, be sure to consider the other components such as the quality of the AF and IS systems and the quality of the glass elements used in the lens.

RELATED: Best Canon Lenses for Landscape Photography in 2022

How to Choose the Best Lens for Bird Photography?

When choosing a lens, some obvious things should be considered, such as brand and budget. If you own a Canon or a Nikon or a Sony, you’ll want to purchase a lens that is compatible with your camera. 

If you have a certain budget, make a list of compatible lenses that are in your price range. Once you have that list, assess which lens offers the best quality for your money.

Zoom

For bird photography, you’ll want to have a lens that is capable of at least 300mm zoom. Woodland birds can be captured quite easily with zooms from 300-500mm. Waterfowl can be harder to capture at close proximity, so a zoom 500mm or larger might better serve you if you live near the coast or plan to do a lot of photography around lakes.

Glass

Each lens is composed of a number of elements, some of which will be composed of specialized glass to create clear and sharp images. The glass will typically be described as ED, UD, or Fluorite. Top-end lenses will have Fluorite elements, whereas mid-range lenses will have ED and UD elements. If you prioritize image quality, lenses that have Fluorite will produce professional-grade images. If a lens with fluorite glass doesn’t fit your budget, then look for lenses with ED and UD elements. Lenses that feature this glass can still offer great quality but at a more affordable price.

Durability

Bird photographers travel to many destinations: dusty, rainy, humid, sandy, etc. It’s important to get a lens that is durable and can withstand the environmental factors that will come into play in the locations where you’ll be shooting.

Frequently asked questions

What lens is best for bird photography?

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM is one of the best options for bird photography.

If you are looking at the best canon lens for bird photography, then the Canon EF 300mm is also good. 

What is the best focal length lens for bird photography?

The best focal length for bird photography is 500mm, if you want high-quality photos. Anything from 300mm can work too, however. 

Is 400mm enough for bird photography?

400mm is generally considered adequate when looking at the best lens for bird photography. It gives an appropriate angle to capture birds in action. 

Is 300mm enough for bird photography?

It’s good enough but not perfect. While 300m is not the best birding lens focal length, it is still a good option if you are unable to find one with a larger focal length setting. 

What is the best Nikon lens for bird photography?

The best lens for bird photography Nikon can offer you is the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300MM f/4E PF ED. It offers customizable settings for a better shot in various conditions.

What is the best Canon lens for bird photography?

The best Canon lens for bird photography is Canon 300mm Telephoto Fixed Lens, offering great value for the low price.

What is the best Sony lens for bird photography?

The best Sony lens for bird photography is Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5/5.6 OSS lens, offering great value for the price.

How do you take good pictures of birds?

A good birding lens is essential, along with the right camera. Always consider the background of the shot and choose a good angle. 

What shutter speed should I use for flying birds?

Flying birds need a fast shutter speed. The best lens for birds that are flying should offer you a minimum of 1/1000 shutter speed. The faster, the better, however.