Four Great Lenses That Make Wildlife and Birding Photography Affordable
Wildlife and birding photography don’t need to be expensive.
The pandemic has seen the popularity of both birding photography and wildlife photography skyrocket in recent months. With social distancing in place, we have begun training our lenses on other creatures. However, you need a lens long enough to capture the great action. Fortunately, there are lenses out there that can get the job done well at an affordable price. Do you want to improve your wildlife and birding photography without breaking the bank? If so, you owe it to yourself to check out the affordable zoom lenses we have rounded up after the break.
Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS
In our review, we said:
“The Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary is an outstanding value at only $949 USD. It’s a budget superzoom many wildlife and sports photographers will love. The results are sharp with accurate colors. Performance is also comparable to Sony’s excellent 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 G Master. The Sigma is even smaller and lighter.”
Buy now L Mount: $949
Buy now Sony E: $949
Canon 600mm f11 IS STM
In our review, we said:
“The Canon RF 600mm f11 IS STM is a unique lens that will give the masses a chance to own a super-telephoto at an affordable price. For most, the Canon 600mm f11 will be fine, especially for photographers who like to shoot wildlife or birds in good weather.”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $699
Pro Tip: Birding and wildlife photography are waiting games more than anything else. Zoom lenses surely help, but ensure you have a place that you can remain hidden in while maintaining a good line of sight to the action areas. If you’re spotted, the birds will simply fly on by. If you’re new to this type of photography, perhaps pick up this tutorial. It will help you get the shots you want.
Sony 70-350mm f4.5-6.3 G OSS
In our review, we said:
“The Sony 70-350mm f4.5-6.3 G OSS is an excellent lens for the price. Sony owners who shoot with APS-C cameras will love how versatile this lens is. It is well built, produces sharp images with great colors, and focuses incredibly quickly. This lens is perfect for wildlife photographers who want extra reach, is great for photographers who want to capture sports or any action, and you can even put it to use in the landscape and portrait genres too”
Brett Day – Gear Editor
Buy now: $998
Tamron 70-300mm f4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
In our review, we said:
“This lens exhibits beautiful bokeh. If you’re using it to photograph birds on your porch, you’ll have lots of fun. It’s going to do a terrific job singling out the birds and blowing the rest of the scene out into glorious bokeh. At times it will also look like there’s a swirl or extra smooth bokeh.
Chris Gampat – Editor In Chief
Buy now: $499