16 Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography (Nikon & Canon)

Are you looking to take better photographs of animals and birds?

 

Well, it’s no secret that the closer your camera can zoom, the more dramatic and interesting your pictures become.

 

On the other hand, while taking pictures of wildlife, it’s imperative to respect nature and not cause any stress or harm. You don’t want to alter an animal’s natural behavior in any way. And remember that the closer you get, the more likely that you could get hurt!

 

Luckily, purchasing a telephoto camera lens solves the problem!

 

That’s because a telephoto lens allows you to take the fantastic wildlife pictures you desire, while still being far enough away that you are not disturbing any animals.

 

Quick Links: Best Lenses For Wildlife Photography

 

But here’s the next problem:

 

Shopping for the BEST lenses for wildlife photography is confusing!

Camera Lenses For Pictures of Animals and Birds

If you haven’t looked recently, there are literally HUNDREDS of options to choose from, and typically trying to sort through them brings up more questions than answers; Will this lens fit my camera? How close will this lens get me to my subject? What focal length should I choose? How much does each one weigh? Does that camera lens actually cost $11,000?!

 

To help direct you to the best buying decision you can make, I tried to put together a list of some of the best telephoto lenses; 16 options in all!

 

Please know that this list is not all-encompassing. There are honestly hundreds of different lens choices on the market! I tried my best to include a few valuable options for each section. Think of this list as your starting point that provides education and points you in the right direction.

 

Here are a few things I thought worth mentioning before we begin:

 

First, are you shooting with a Nikon or Canon camera?

My apologies if you are using another brand, but this article only includes lenses compatible with Nikon or Canon. Also, Nikon and Canon mounts are incompatible with each other. If you have a Canon camera, DO NOT buy a telephoto lens made for a Nikon, and vice versa.

 

Second, are you looking for a Full Frame Lens or an APS-C lens?

If you’re not sure what I’m talking about or which option to choose, check out the helpful video at the bottom.

 

Lastly, all the wildlife photography lenses featured below can zoom and are considered Zoom lenses.

This means you will see a focal length range (I.E., 70-200mm, 18-300mm) advertised. Many camera lens options do not zoom and are known as Prime lenses. To keep this article consistent, I did not include any prime lenses. While you are shopping if you see a lens with a single focal length number, e.g., 50mm, it is a Prime lens and doesn’t zoom.

  • To view other Frequently Asked Questions, please scroll to the bottom or CLICK HERE.

 

Best Wildlife Telephoto Lenses: CANON Cameras

  • These four lenses have a Max Focal Length of under 300mm.

 

1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

 

best telephoto lens for canon

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This versatile and relatively light-weight telephoto zoom is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, but the lens can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 112-320mm equivalent focal length range.

 

You can expect consistent performance throughout the zoom range with the constant f/4 maximum aperture. This feature is also partially responsible for the light weight of the lens and its compact form.

 

Color fringing and chromatic aberrations are reduced by the two ultra-low dispersion glass elements and one fluorite element, which help make your wildlife pictures look outstanding!

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 70 – 200mm (Can be used with APS-C models with a 112-320mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: f/4 – f/32

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 3.9 ft / 1.2 m

Dimensions: 2.99 x 6.77 inches / 76 x 172 mm

Weight: 26.8 oz / 760 g

 

Other Resources:

 

2. Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

 

lenses for photographing animals, wildlife, birds

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The EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS from Canon is an ideal all-around lens. The lens is designed for APS-C-format Canon EF-S-mount DSLRs and offers a 28.8-320mm equivalent zoom covering a versatile wide-angle to telephoto range.

 

Because of the enormous range and lightweight design, it’s perfect for someone looking for the convenience of only carrying one lens as they walk around. The biggest drawback of the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 is that because of the enormous range, some quality and color will be sacrificed in your pictures.

 

But the price is incredibly affordable!

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 18- 200mm (Used only with APS-C models with a 28.8-320mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/3.5 to 5.6, Min = f/22 to 40

Lens Mount: Canon EF-S

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 1.48 in / 45 cm

Dimensions: 3.09 x 4.02 in / 78.6 x 102 mm

Weight: 1.3 lb / 595 g

 

Other Resources:

 

3. Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD All-In-One Zoom Lens

 

Tamron lenses for wildlife photography, animals, birds, nature

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The Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 is a versatile lens that can be used for many purposes, from macro shots of insects to stunning wildlife photographs of large mammals. This wide-angle, telephoto zoom lens is for Canon EF-mount APS-C cameras, so it has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 25.6-480mm.

 

This fantastic lens is affordable and perfect if you are looking for a single lens to carry on your next adventure.

 

Tamron boasts a superb reputation and uses high-quality lens coatings, low dispersion elements to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberration, and moisture resistant construction to help keep equipment safe on your next adventure.

 

*This exact Tamron lens is also manufactured to fit Nikon cameras. See lens #11 below for more information.*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 16- 300mm (25.6-480mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/3.5 to 6.3, Min = f/22 to 40

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 15.3 in / 0.39 m

Dimensions: 2.95 x 3.92 in / 75 x 99.5 mm

Weight: 19 oz / 539 g

 

Other Resources:

 

4. Sigma 18-300mm ƒ/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Contemporary Lens

 

best sigma lenses for wildlife photography

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This 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 from Sigma is an incredibly affordable all-in-one zoom lens for Canon APS-C cameras. The extremely versatile focal length is ideal for photographers that want to carry one lens.

 

It’s packed full of features considering the low price tag, including optical image stabilization, Super Multi-Layer coatings, and Special Low Dispersion glass elements, which are all designed to make sure your image is as clear and sharp as possible.

 

*This fantastic lens is also available for Nikon cameras. See lens #12 below!*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 18- 300mm (28.8-480mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/3.5 to 6.3

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 15.3 in / 38.86 cm

Dimensions: 3.11 x 4.00 in / 79 x 101.5 mm

Weight: 20.6 oz / 584 g

 

Other Resources:

 

Best Super Telephoto Lenses For Canon Cameras:

 

  • These four lenses have a Max Focal Length of over 300mm.

 

5. Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens

 

The BEST Lens For Wildlife Photography

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Yes, this lens is EXPENSIVE. But if we are talking about the BEST lenses for wildlife photography, then I had to include the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L USM Extender 1.4x! And because of its versatility and amazing quality, you eliminate the need for most of your other telephoto lenses.

 

It’s hard to do this lens justice in just a few short sentences. It’s characterized by its fast performance and unique optical design; with the built-in 1.4x extender, you can switch back and forth between 200-400mm f/4 setting or 280-560mm f/5.6 for even greater zoom!

 

Whether you have the teleconverter on or off, you can expect amazing images of animals, nature, or people. Flourite elements, Ultra-low dispersion elements, Super Spectra coating, an advanced four stop-effective Image Stabilizer system, a sophisticated ring-type USM; this super telephoto lens has it all, including a heavy price & weight!

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 200- 400mm (Can be used with APS-C models with a 28.8-480mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 6.56 feet / 2 m

Dimensions: 5.04 x 14.41 in / 128 x 366 mm

Weight: 8 lb / 3.6 kg

 

Other Resources:

 

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

 

best lens for wildlife photography

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For those of you that can’t afford lens #5 above, the Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L is a spectacular super telephoto zoom lens that provides an extremely long reach for faraway animals and birds.

 

It has outstanding image quality throughout the entire range and no matter the distance you can expect fantastic contrast and color. Not too mention the lens keeps the image sharp, even while shooting at 400mm.

 

An advanced Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. Photographers that use this lens say that hand-held shots are entirely possible, even while taking pictures at 400mm.

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 100 – 400mm (Can be used with APS-C models with a 160-640mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/4.5 to f/5.6, Min = f/32 to 38

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 3.22 feet / 98 cm (Yes, decent Macro photographs are possible with this lens!)

Dimensions: 3.70 x 7.60 in / 94 x 193 mm

Weight: 3.6 lb / 1640 g

 

Other Resources:

 

7. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

 

Lens for photographing birds and animals

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The Tamron SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 is an excellent lens for wildlife photography and is more affordable than most other lenses in its class. The 4x zoom covers telephoto to super telephoto ranges.

 

Some things to know about this Canon EF-mount lens:

  • The image stabilization is fantastic for the long length and relatively low price.
  • The motor focus is fast and relatively quiet.
  • Because of the lens aperture, it performs best outdoors with natural daylight. A tripod is highly recommended for low light situations.

 

*This lens is also available for Nikon cameras. See # 15 below.*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 150- 600mm (Can be used with APS-C models with a 240-960mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/5 to f/6.3, Min = f/32 to 40

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 7.22 feet / 2.2 m

Dimensions: 4.27 x 10.24 in / 108.4 x 260.2 mm

Weight: 4.4 lb / 2010 g

 

Other Resources:

 

8. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens

 

camera lens for photographing animals and birds

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This lens is a popular option for wildlife photographers looking for an affordable super telephoto lens that provides a far reach along with quality pictures.

 

A big complaint of many telephoto lenses is the weight. Even though this lens is still fairly heavy, the design is compact along with being weather resistant. I think it’s entirely possible to use the Sigma 150-600mm as a handheld zoom lens!

 

The Sigma 150-600mm competes with the Tamron 150-600mm (#7 above) as the best affordable Canon EF-mount super telephoto lens on the market that is not made by Canon.

 

*This lens is also available for Nikon cameras. See # 16 below.*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 150- 600mm (Can be used with APS-C models with a 240-960mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/5 to f/6.3, Min = f/22

Lens Mount: Canon EF

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 110.2 in / 2.8 m

Dimensions: 4.1 x 10.2 in / 10.41 x 25.91 cm

Weight: 4.3 lb / 1.9 kg

 

Other Resources:

 

Best Wildlife Telephoto Lenses: NIKON Cameras

 

  • These four lenses have a Max Focal Length of under 300mm.

9. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Lens

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This Nikon lens is not only great for wildlife photography but also works well for sports and portraits, due to its focal length range.

 

It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture which maintains a consistent exposure throughout the zoom range. The f/4 aperture also makes this lens a more compact and lightweight alternative to the f/2.8 zoom option.

 

I also like that the advanced VR image stabilization system compensates for up to four stops of camera shake, so you get sharper pictures while handheld shooting.

 

Assuming the price fits in your budget, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4 is overall an excellent medium telephoto zoom lens.

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 70-200mm (Can be used with DX models with a 105-300mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: f/4 – f/32

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: Full-frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 3.28 feet / 1 m

Dimensions: 3.07 x 7.03 in / 78 x 178.5 mm

Weight: 1.9 lb / 850 g

 

Other Resources:

 

10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens

best lenses for travel photography

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This is a spectacular all-in-one zoom lens for Nikon cameras.

 

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm is incredibly popular for photographers because of its versatility! The broad focal length range spans from wide-angle to telephoto.

 

This lens is perfect as your “walking around” lens. It is affordable, lightweight, and takes fantastic photos! I think it’s an excellent option for travel photography.

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 18-200mm, but this lens is designed for DX models, which provides a 27-300mm equivalent focal length range.

Aperture Range: Max = f/3.5 to 5.6, Min = f/22

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 1.64 feet / 50 cm

Dimensions: 3.03 x 3.80 in / 77 x 96.5 mm

Weight: 1.2 lb / 560 g

 

Other Resources:

 

11. Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD All-In-One Zoom Lens

 

lens for photographing animals and birds

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The Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 is a versatile lens that can be used for many purposes, from macro shots of insects to stunning wildlife photographs of large mammals. This wide-angle, telephoto zoom lens is for Nikon F-mount APS-C cameras, so it has a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-450mm.

 

This is a fantastic, affordable lens that is perfect if you are looking for a single lens to carry on your next adventure.

 

Tamron boasts a superb reputation and uses high-quality lens coatings, low dispersion elements to reduce color fringing and chromatic aberration, and moisture resistant construction to help keep equipment safe on your next adventure.

 

*This exact Tamron lens is also manufactured to fit Canon cameras. See lens # 3 above for more information.*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 16- 300mm, but this lens is designed for DX models, which provides a 24-450mm equivalent focal length range.

Aperture Range: Max = f/3.5 to 6.3, Min = f/22 to 40

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 15.3 in / 0.39 m

Dimensions: 2.95 x 3.92 in / 75 x 99.5 mm

Weight: 19 oz / 539 g

 

Other Resources:

 

12. Sigma 18-300mm ƒ/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Contemporary Lens

 

best sigma lenses for wildlife photography

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This 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 from Sigma is an incredibly affordable all-in-one zoom lens for Nikon F-mount cameras. The extremely versatile focal length is ideal for photographers that want to carry one lens.

 

It’s packed full of features considering the low price tag, including optical image stabilization, Super Multi-Layer coatings, and Special Low Dispersion glass elements, which are all designed to make sure your image is as clear and sharp as possible.

 

*This fantastic lens is also available for Canon cameras. See option #4 above!*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 18- 300mm, but this lens is designed for DX models, which provides a 27-450mm equivalent focal length range.

Aperture Range: Max = f/3.5 to 6.3

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 15.3 in / 38.86 cm

Dimensions: 3.11 x 4.00 in / 79 x 101.5 mm

Weight: 20.6 oz / 584 g

 

Other Resources:

 

Best Super Telephoto Lenses For Nikon Cameras:

 

  • These four lenses have a Max Focal Length of over 300mm.

 

13. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5 – 5.6G ED VR Lens

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This zoom lens from Nikon is convenient for telephoto pictures because the focal length covers such an extensive range. It’s advertised as being an excellent option for both portraits and long-range wildlife photography, plus everything in between!

 

The considerable focal length reduces the number of lenses you need to carry with you, and luckily the lens is reasonably light and compact. Along with taking long-range photographs of birds and animals, it also lets you take close up photos, as near as 5.74 feet!

 

The AF-S NIKKOR 8–400mm strikes a great balance between performance, weight, price, versatility, and convenience.

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 80 – 400mm (Can be used with DX models with a 120-600mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/4.5 to f/5.6, Min = f/32 to 40

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 5.74 ft / 1.75 m

Dimensions: 3.76 x 7.99 in / 95.5 x 203 mm

Weight: 3.5 lb / 1570 g

 

Other Resources:

 

14. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E Zoom Lens

camera lenses

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The AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens from Nikon is an incredible choice if you want to take stunning photographs of animals and birds.

 

It’s characterized by a LONG zoom range, spanning from medium telephoto to super telephoto. The constant f/5.6 maximum aperture provides a consistent performance through the entire zoom range.

 

Some other features include:

  • Three extra-low dispersion glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and increase color accuracy and sharpness.
  • A Super Integrated Coating was applied to lens elements. This feature lessens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and clarity.
  • An advanced VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by up to 4.5 shutter speed stops, which helps taking pictures in fast-paced situations and difficult lighting.

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 200- 500mm (Can be used with DX models with a 300-750mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: f/5.6 – f/32

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 7.22 feet / 2.2 m

Dimensions: 4.25 x 10.53 in / 108 x 267.5 mm

Weight: 5.1 lb / 2.3 kg

 

Other Resources:

 

15. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

best tamron lenses

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The Tamron SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 is an excellent lens for wildlife photography and is more affordable than most other lenses in its class. The 4x zoom covers telephoto to super telephoto ranges.

 

Some other things to know about this Nikon F-mount lens:

  • The image stabilization is fantastic for its long length and relatively low price.
  • The motor focus is fast and reasonably quiet.
  • Because of the lens aperture, it performs best outdoors with natural daylight. A tripod is highly recommended for low light situations.

 

*This lens is also available for Canon cameras. See option #7 above.*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 150- 600mm (Can be used with DX models with a 225-900mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/5 to f/6.3, Min = f/32 to 40

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 7.22 feet / 2.2 m

Dimensions: 4.27 x 10.15 in / 108.4 x 257.7 mm

Weight: 4.4 lb / 1990 g

 

Other Resources:

 

16. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens

 

nikon camera lenses for wildlife photography

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This lens is a popular option for wildlife photographers looking for an affordable super telephoto lens that provides a far reach along with quality pictures.

 

A big complaint of many telephoto lenses is the weight. Even though this lens is still fairly heavy, the design is compact along with being weather resistant. I think it’s entirely possible to use the Sigma 150-600mm as a handheld zoom lens if you want to leave your tripod at home!

 

The Sigma 150-600mm competes with the Tamron 150-600mm (#15 above) as the best affordable Nikon F-mount super telephoto lens on the market that is not made by Nikon.

 

*This lens is also available for Canon cameras. See # 8 above.*

 

Technical Specifications:

Focal Length: 150- 600mm (Can be used with DX models with a 225-900mm equivalent focal length range.)

Aperture Range: Max = f/5 to f/6.3, Min = f/22

Lens Mount: Nikon F

Format Compatibility: Full-Frame

Autofocus: Yes!

Image Stabilization: Yes!

Closest Focusing Distance: 110.2 in / 2.8 m

Dimensions: 4.1 x 10.2 in / 10.41 x 25.91 cm

Weight: 4.3 lb / 1.9 kg

 

Other Resources:

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Camera Lenses:

 

1. How does aperture affect the cost of a lens?

 

This is a common question because you will see lenses from the same manufacturer that have the same focal length but cost VASTLY different prices. The key difference is most likely the aperture, which is how wide the lens can open. The aperture is measured in f-stops. The lower the f-number on a lens, the more light that is captured. The more light that can be captured, the more expensive a lens becomes.

 

The lenses with the lowest f-number are also typically a manufacturer’s BEST lenses, so they usually have the highest quality glass and other features too. I would recommend the most expensive lenses with the lowest f-number only for professionals. Most amateurs can get away wonderfully with a mid-priced lens.

 

For more details about aperture, check out this video:

 

2. What does focal length mean? How does it relate to telephoto lenses?

 

The focal length of a camera is measured in millimeters (mm) and is displayed with the name of each lens. So a lens that says 70-200mm means that the focal length range is from 70mm to 200mm.

 

A smaller focal length captures more of the scene, while a larger focal length brings the subject in closer. So a 500mm focal length magnifies the subject more than a 200mm focal length and so on.

 

For landscape photography, wide angle lenses are often used because they show an entire scene. The telephoto lenses listed in this post offer high focal lengths to bring the subject in nice and close for fantastic pictures.

 

Watch this video to have focal length explained in pictures:

 

3. Full Frame Lens vs. APS-C Lens?

 

This topic gets very confusing especially if you are considering a full frame lens on an APS-C camera!

 

I found the below video that should help answer your questions much better than I could!

 

 

4. I need help selecting a CAMERA for wildlife photography?

 

I have an article that gives lots of recommendations for camera bodies. Make sure you read to the bottom of the post for tips on purchasing a camera, including some insights on sensors (full frame vs. crop), ISO, autofocus, etc.

 

I hope that you were able to find a lens that fits your specific needs on the above list.

 

If you have any recommendations or questions, please leave a comment below!

Scott is the creator of Bird Watching HQ. His goal is to inspire you to care more about the birds and wildlife in YOUR backyard. Over the past 5 years, he has been focused on improving the habitat in his own yard by doing things like adding native plants, not using pesticides, etc. He is happy to report that over 50 species of birds have now been seen on his 1.5-acre property (that's in a suburban neighborhood). Learn more about Scott on his About page. And make sure to check out his LIVE bird cameras.

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3 Comments

  1. Very helpful! I am very new to these types of lenses and this is a very thought out and understandable list to reference. Thank you very much!

    Reply

  2. Great overview of lenses! I have just been using a Canon 70-200 non-IS f/4 since it is lighter, cheaper, and works well with plenty of sunlight outdoors. Good for those wanting to get a nice quality zoom lens without breaking the bank up front until they decide about getting more serious. Hoping to get a version 1 of the Canon 100-400 (push-pull version which goes for about $600-700 on ebay used) or possibly 150-600 Sigma if I really want to get serious but not break the bank. It really does make a big difference though compared to just taking photos with a smartphone and being able to enjoy the higher quality photos later is a wonderful way to appreciate these birds even more!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Lanny! I tried my best, I am not an expert but put a lot of research and effort into the article. There are so many amazing lenses available it was hard to narrow down the ones that eventually appeared in the post. Thanks a ton for reading and commenting.

      Reply