Patience and diligence are key to capturing any wildlife shots, but you really need to have essential gear for bird photography. This type of photography remains popular for obvious reasons. The avian subjects of these exquisite shots pose numerous challenges that make capturing the perfect image all the more rewarding when you can pull it off. They can be hard to find, tricky to focus on and frame, seldom sit still for long and could easily be out of range in the blink of an eye, but you’ve got an extra advantage if you have the right gear. Here are some suggestions.
Cameras
Many shooters tend to remain fairly loyal to a particular camera brand and may also prefer to stick to a particular format – their trusty APS-C DSLR, say, or a full-frame mirrorless model – but there are a couple of key camera features that are even more crucial when it comes to bird photography: build quality and autofocus capability.
Build quality matters because of the various environments and weather conditions you’ll be shooting in. From swampy marshes to sandy dunes, your camera must be able to withstand harsh elements – weather sealing is essential. As for AF, speed and precision are indispensable requirements, as is state-of-the-art tracking capability. A few newer models even boast dedicated bird recognition and tracking functions designed to deliver flawless results.
The Nikon Z 9, Sony A1 and Canon R3 all offer highly reliable bird detection, but these premium mirrorless models are beyond the reach of most casual photographers. The OM System OM-1, however, falls into a more affordable bracket. It’s also weather-sealed, compact and lightweight. You can easily activate Bird Detection AF via the camera’s menu or customize one of the function buttons to get quicker access to this setting when you need it.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly entry-level option, the new Panasonic Lumix FZ80DK features a powerful fixed 60x zoom lens with a whopping full-frame equivalence of 20-1200mm. It uses the latest POWER O.I.S. technology to help reduce image blur, essential when shooting distant birds across such an expansive zoom range, especially handheld.
The FZ80DK also boasts a cool Post Focus feature that will come in especially handy with these sometimes erratic subjects: this enables the camera to take a series of burst shots with several focus points scattered across the image (saved as a 4K MP4 file at 30 fps) and allows you to choose your preferred focal plane after the shot has been taken.
Lenses
Your choice of lens matters even more than the camera body, which is only as good as the glass attached to it. A prime lens will usually deliver sharper results than most zoom lenses, but the latter will always offer greater versatility. Either way, you’ll probably need something with a 300m focal length at minimum, ranging upward to 500m, 600m or more. As with the camera, look for robust build and weather resistance with your lens, and if possible give yourself the added advantage of built-in stabilization.
Currently available only for E-mount and L-mount cameras, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 DG DN Sport lens is considered one of the clearest standout super-telephoto zoom lenses for bird photography, with fast, accurate autofocus performance and a level of build quality perfectly suited to shooting in the most demanding situations.
Tripods
You might be tempted to ditch this seemingly cumbersome apparatus when planning an excursion into swampy or sandy terrains in pursuit of evasive bird life, but the advantages that a tripod affords cannot be discounted, especially when shooting with long, heavy lenses. One of the latest lightweight carbon-fibre models won’t add too much bulk to your kit, and some fold down neatly to a highly manageable length for easy transport.
Constructed from nine layers of carbon fibre, the legs of the Benro Travel Angel Series 2 tripods are designed to maximize the strength-to-weight ratio and deliver sturdiness without excessive weight. The triple-action ballhead and quick-release plate offer separate controls for pan lock, drag and ball lock, and dust resistance also makes it a logical choice for shooting bird photography in challenging environments.
Backpacks
As with all of the gear mentioned so far, the bag you carry it in should be rugged and durable enough to handle the great outdoors but also light enough not to become a needless burden on your trek. Make sure yours is well suited to your body size and proportions, not only offering ample room to accommodate all your equipment but also designed to give you quick and easy access to your accessories the moment you need them.
The Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II backpack is clearly up to the task. Weighing just 2kg when empty, it features four access points, including top turret, dual side access and a back panel, plus a spacious 26×12.5x40cm interior and modular external attachments for things like your tripod and water bottle. The back panel offers targeted comfort and support, and the included all-weather cover keeps your gear protected from rain and snow, as well as dust and sand. What more could a bird photographer ask for?