Nikon bird photography lenses Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Rating: 8/10 Mount: Nikon F Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring type) Stabilised: Yes (although it's labelled as "vibration reduction") Filter size: 95mm Minimum focus distance: 2.2m Weight: 2.3kg Cost: ~1250-1500 Pros: Great zoom range I believe this article might have been written before that lens, not sure but an update to this article is coming soon. +80Photoshop Actionsfor NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS. Best portrait lens: CANON EF 85MM F/1.2L II USM. Since this lens offers a 1.4X TC with still excellent image quality and significant 850g weight savings over the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E, this new Z mount 400mm f/2.8 could indeed be the ultimate wildlife lens. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a classic example, costing more than some new cars. What are the best Nikon lenses for wildlife photography? Costing $6500, this lens is the cheapest way to reach this focal length. In this article, I will not only talk about which Nikon lenses I believe are the best for wildlife and nature photography but also when I use a particular lens, along with plenty of image samples from each lens. Naturally, it has a fixed focal length, equivalent to 600mm in full-frame terms, and lacks the versatility of a zoom. Because this lens is so new, its the only one here that our team at Photography Life hasnt used yet. This lens gives you telephoto superpowers in a relatively lightweight package. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isn't the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. Instead, you need to decide which camera is perfect for YOU. Reviews - The Best Wildlife Photography Budget Lens Sigma 60 - 600mm f/4.5 - 6.3 Specs Type: Zoom Aperture: f/4.5 - 6.3 Dimensions: 4.7 x 12.7 x 10.6 in Focal Length: 60 - 600mm Weight: 4 lbs. So get the best lens you can afford, then learn to use . Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a lens designed exclusively for Sony E-mount; it's made for full-frame bodies, but will work with APS-C, delivering an effective focal length of 225-750mm (though it will produce a pretty unbalanced setup). Instead, it will automatically adjust as the light changes. But if youre photographing small birds that are 10-15 meters away from you or greater (30+ feet), 800mm will be ideal. It has fully professional-grade build quality with comprehensive weather-seals and a dust-, freeze- and splash-proof construction. Nikons Silent Wave Motor AF system allows for super fast autofocusing, but with just a turn of the manual focus ring, you can take control yourself. The maximum effective focal length stretches from 600mm to around 900mm when shooting on an APS-C camera. A fixed f/11 aperture isn't quite as limiting as it might first appear as thanks to the Dual Pixel AF sensor-based autofocus systems of EOS R-series cameras. In particular, its much easier to use a 1.4x teleconverter with this lens, turning it into a very reasonable 560mm f/6.3. A 600mm f/4 is the gold standard for birding and other types of wildlife, and its a lens that still does not exist in Z-mount. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sport, 14. Instead, the Nikon 180-400 f/4E lens is for those shooters who shoot larger mammals and landscapes, and wider shots of animals in their habitat. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. In fact, Nikon specifically released the TC-20E III together with this lens, which makes this lens almost like a reference lens for use with teleconverters (with the TC-20E III, the lens becomes a 600mm f/5.6 lens). Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. However, neither of them seems to have impressed you. As always, this makes it a challenge to keep everything steady while shooting, but the Panasonic has excellent build quality and comes complete with a zoom lock ring, tripod mounting collar and optical image stabilizer, to help beat the shakes. With its MFT mount, it will work on Olympus mirrorless cameras, as well as compatible Panasonic Lumix models. Focusing is very swift on Canon's two new mirrorless cameras, but could be quicker on the R and RP. A VR lens helps create sharper pictures and provides three stops insurance. They improve the all-weather shield for shooting in the most severe conditions. This helps you to change the settings quickly. But, since you have a crop sensor camera, a lens zooming to 400mm, 500mm or even 600mm would be an option. Capturing stunning images of birds is not easy, and you definitely need the right lens to be able to do it. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Sharpness is very good at or near 600mm but less impressive towards the short end of the zoom range. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm is a versatile lens that lets you get up close and personal with birds, whether they are nearby or far away. Next comes getting closer to the birds. If you are still shooting with a DSLR, then this might be a good option, since you cannot use the new Z-mount version. Its equivalent focal range is so large, at 190-810mm, it just may inspire wildlife photographers to switch to the compact mirrorless Nikon 1 line of cameras. If you want to get into wildlife photography on a tight budget, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P is the lens you want to get. Landscape vs Portrait Orientation in Photography. Image quality is fabulous throughout the entire zoom range. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. The lens has 11 elements (3ED) in 8 groups. For example, the best 100-400mm lenses (opens in new tab) on a full-frame sensor will cover 150-600mm on APS-C and 200-800mm on Micro Four Thirds! Its more comfortable for long periods of handheld shooting and you can also use it with the camera body mounted on a tripod or monopod. Its wide range and 0.38x magnification (minimum focus distance of 75cm) make this lens well-suited to larger wildlife and pseudo-macro shots of insects. This is a very specialized tool. It was originally introduced as an answer to third-party large focal length telephoto zoom lenses. Image quality wise: an entry level Nikon DSLR matches the image quality you can get from any other camera in Nikon's line up . VR is Vibration Reduction that minimizes blur due to camera shake. The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall. This lens is somewhat on the heavy side, although it still can be used handheld, and the vibration reduction reduces camera shake whether you have it on a tripod or are holding it. Sigma stops developing Micro Four Thirds lenses; APS-C "also in decline", Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration. The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. One of the newest Nikon telephoto lenses at the moment is the 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Just like the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, this 600mm lens has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to look at some lightly used F-mount lenses, the E-versions of which are still optically outstanding. In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Unlike landscape and portrait photography, where you could get away with a cheap lens and still get great results, wildlife photography pretty much requires high-quality, fast-aperture telephoto optics. The effects of camera shake are minimized by vibration reduction VRII. Bird photographers carrying a lot of gear find the 500mm f/4 a bit easier to travel with compared to the 600mm f/4. The cost difference between the two is significant. Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. And what about probably the most popular Nikon lens the 500 f5.6 PF, why would you not include this as it is actually sharper than the 200-500, 1/3 of the price and so much lighter than the f4 500mm which you would need a mono all the time. Sophisticated controls include switchable dual-mode autofocus options with priority given to autofocus or manual override, static/panning stabilization modes and dual custom setups. I hope you enjoy the site . The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. Birds are tricky subjects for even the most experienced wildlife photographers; they move quickly, don't stay still for long, and they generally won't let you get very close without flying off. The lens is fully weather-sealed and features a fluorine coating on its front and rear elements. Nikon: Nikon Z9. In fact, for many situations, it will be too long, and f/6.3 may not be bright enough. You can only shoot at the widest aperture possible on older Nikon bodies. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Deputy Director of Audubon North Carolina Walker Golder uses the discontinued Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR lens on his Nikon DSLR to capture images of birds. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. A Nano-crystal coat and fluorine coat cut down on all reflections. The optical path is top drawer too, featuring no less than five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements plus a Super ED element. The modern model is almost 2 lbs. However, its weight and size are its biggest enemy. Yet, professional bird photographers prefer prime. So, this is a great lens for bigger or closer wildlife, but its not the right choice for all wildlife photographers. The autofocus is extremely fast, thanks to an internal focus element, and you can easily override the autofocus if you want manual control. Best Lens For Wildlife Photography Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Zoom Lens Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD Best Lens For Sports Photography Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD Best Budget Telephoto Lens For Nikon Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Astrophotography in March 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month, "Thats the beauty of photography, it is a democratic medium", AI portraits are hard work, says deceitful Instagrammer with 28K followers, The Lumix S5 II is a serious tool for content creators here's why, GuruShots: Winning photos from the Beautiful Nights competition, Sony's new camera is a "baby A7S III for vloggers", Motorola's mini $99 widget turns any phone into a satellite communicator, Good news! Impeccably turned out, the XF100-400mm looks and feels a high-quality item Looks arent deceiving either, as the internals include a super-fast autofocus system based on dual linear stepping motors, and a high-performance 5-stop optical stabilizer. Optically it is an insanely sharp lens, I would say about the same as the Nikon 600mm f/4E below. It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. Best low light lens for Z-Mount - Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S (2,299) Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S. The Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S is Nikon's premium 50mm lens for Nikon Z series cameras, giving excellent image quality, as well as beautiful bokeh. Has a 20.9MP resolution and records 4K video in ultra-high definition. Due to its massive size, this lens requires a good tripod setup. Interestingly, it is 3.25kg, which is not much heavier than the 2.9kg of the 300mm f/2.8. The lens is designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs but is also an option for Canon RF and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras using a mount adapter. Let us know which is your favorite lens for bird photography. Birds are often tiny, very fast, and since it happens in the wild, theres no control over the light. I may have got lucky because mine is very sharp. Two screw-on types of 95mm lens filters are available that are handy during bird photography. Id argue that the 400mm f/2.8 is actually more versatile, because sometimes youll really need that f/2.8 maximum aperture. Bought it because it can be hand held. Finally, the Nikon Z 400mm is also 190 g lighter than the 100-400mm, which makes a difference if you are carrying the lens and other equipment all day. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens is one of the sharpest and fastest lenses available. Then again, for maximum image quality at the longer focal lengths, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S would be the one to beat. It offers bird photographers an opportunity to capture almost anything in the wild. From the basics of My 350 Nikon Wildlife Photography Kit D300 300mm F4 Af Lens to the latest trends and innovations, you'll find a wide range of articles that cover all aspects of this field. A lens that can vary between focal lengths. Handling highlights include a customizable Lens-function button, a four-stop image stabilizer that gives up to a six-stop benefit when combined with in-camera stabilization, and an autofocus range limiter that can lock out either short or long focus distances. A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. When you need to nail the definitive moment in wildlife photography, this is a lens you can surely count on. The Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is one of the company's longest focal length lenses available, and with a price tag that's nudging five figures, it's squarely aimed at the professional sports and wildlife photographer. This makes the lens very versatile, giving 400mm and 560mm at the flick of a switch. Canon: Canon EOS R7. And feeders, offering . It offers the quality and construction of Nikon, a top-notch auto-focus, and unparalleled versatility. If you have a favorite lens of yours for wildlife photography that is not listed below, please feel free to add a comment at the bottom of the page with some information and links to pictures (if you have any that you would like to share). New York, If youre heading out into the backcountry, you might not want to lug around a heavy lens, but if youre only planning to hike short trails, that might be okay. Sony: Sony a7 IV. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. B&H offers a good rundown of. Do you have any recommendations or questions? The NIKKOR 200-500mm also features an autofocus system that you can override by turning the manual focus ring. View at Amazon. 7 Best Camera for Bird Photography. The next big jump (in terms of size, weight and cost) gets us to the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II a phenomenal lens. __CONFIG_colors_palette__{active_palette:0,config:{colors:{62516:{name:Main Accent,parent:-1}},gradients:[]},palettes:[{name:Default Palette,value:{colors:{62516:{val:var(tcb-color-4) ,hsl:{h:46,s:0.87,l:0.58}}},gradients:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{active_palette:0,config:{colors:{62516:{name:Main Accent,parent:-1}},gradients:[]},palettes:[{name:Default Palette,value:{colors:{62516:{val:var(tcb-color-4),hsl:{h:46,s:0.8692,l:0.01}}},gradients:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. The next best wildlife lens is Nikons heavyweight super telephoto bazooka, the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E VR. The lens is under $600 and is among the cheapest lenses to achieve any bird photography. Sold all other FX lenses to get a full set of Z lenses. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. Traditionally, 400mm f/2.8 lenses were much more specialized tools, being very heavy and a bit short for smaller wildlife. Id love to hear in the comments! He is also an encyclopedia when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. The first is that the maximum aperture of f/5.6 on the long end doesnt let in as much light as an f/4 or f/2.8 lens, which also makes it harder to use teleconverters. Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. (Libor wrote a separate article on why thats his favorite budget combo.). Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E redraws creative boundaries with a constant-aperture telephoto zoom. For bird photography, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary is the perfect complement to the S5's light and streamlined ergonomics perfect for the hand-held photographer on the go. A tack-sharp AF precision allows panning shots to be perfectly sharp. But there are still good values to be found, and I hope that this article can point you in that direction, too, if thats what youre after. These cookies do not store any personal information. Generally, the longer the lens (in focal length), the better. The speed of continuous shooting is not compromised with modern cameras like D4S. If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below: Getting F-mount Lenses in a Z-mount World, Best Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G DX VR AF-P Review, Best Nikon Lenses for Wedding Photography. I make sure that you get the best articles about photography. It all works together very well, except that stabilization can be relatively ineffective for panning. The main problem with prime is that it requires a photographer to observe the birds behavior and spots. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. The auto-focus works a charm in broad daylight. In addition to using the twist-action control ring, you can alter the zoom setting in a push-pull fashion. Scouting for birds in national parks and bird sanctuaries is accessible with this range. If you always find yourself at the long end of your zoom, it definitely makes sense to get this lens instead of the 100-400mm. However, the price tag is hefty at just above $12,000. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary. But it is only half part of the story. B&H offers a good rundown of how to build your camera kit for birding, and a Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup to give you some ideas. It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary, 15. For hobbyists, a zoom lens might be a better shot. Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Sharpness is really impressive throughout the zoom range, so you can push it to 600mm with confidence that you're still going to get some great images. Seeing a gorgeous bird in flight is awe-inspiring, but it can be difficult to translate that beauty into a photo. Upgrades over the original Tamron lens include a revamped 4.5-stop optical stabilizer with three switchable options for static, panning and exposure-only modes, the last of which leaves the viewfinder image unadulterated, and makes it easier to track erratic movement. Want to learn more about a technical term? Do you want a zoom lens that offers a focal range from up close to far in the distance? If you are one of those, the best combination for bird photography would be something like the Nikon D5 or D500 + one of the above-mentioned lenses + 1.4x TC ( TeleConverter ), which will give you the best performance and reach. Our readers often ask us about lenses for nature photography, and while I have already written about which Nikon lenses I consider to be the best for landscape photography, I have received numerous requests to write about lenses for wildlife photography as well. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. First, it is 0.63 stops faster, which although small, does make a difference in challenging wildlife conditions. Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR The Nikkor 70-300 f4.5-5.6G VR must be on the list of bird photography lenses purely to provide an entry. The uprated ring-type autofocus system is faster and more accurate, and a fluorine coating is added to the front element. I added this lens to the list because it is so good, but it is also questionable whether it is still worth its price, given that you can get a Nikon Z9 and a Z 800mm f/6.3 and still have over $4000 to spare. It does feature a Tripod Mode, to reduce camera shake from ground vibrations you might not even notice, as well as a Sport Mode that can be useful when youre following birds in flight. I have been shooting with the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR lens for the last 4-5 years and I can assure you that the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II is overall a better lens to buy (unless you shoot large animals from a close distance, like bears in Alaska). It is also only about 2.4kg, which means it is handholdable for longer periods compared to most supertelephotos. It's heavily weatherproofed, with oil-repellent coatings on the elements, and it's got 4-stop optical stabilisation to help keep things sharp at the telephoto end. As of January 2022, Nikon just released their latest addition to the Z mirrorless system lens line-up. If one plans to use the camera hand-held, it is better to look for lighter lenses while compromising slightly on the range. It also features 2 FL (fluorite lens elements) to minimize weight and improve optics. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? Compared with Sigmas 150-600mm Sports lens, the Contemporary edition is smaller and almost a whole kilogram lighter in weight. I have in fact met some people using this lens on a monopod. A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isnt the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. Panasonic DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 Asph. In addition, you will have to buy a good heavy duty tripod + accessories (batteries, memory cards, etc). In fact, it is significantly lighter than the F-mount 300mm f/2.8G II lens, which is very impressive! Taking inspiration from the Nikon 180-400mm F-mount lens, the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 was Nikons first Z-mount lens to feature a built-in 1.4X teleconverter. The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. It boasts 2 focus modes with fast auto, silent focusing with a minimum focus range of 4.9 feet. Nikon has always been a great choice for wildlife shooters. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The camera is built to be used with a tripod. It comes at half the price of a decent 300mm prime. If you dont have your lens with you, it cant help you capture stunning bird images, so youll want to factor in the weight of lens you choose. Check out our, For more of our top wildlife photography gear recommendations, check out the, For the best experience turn your device horizontally, BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS, BEST FOR: TAKING YOUR PHOTOS TO THE PRO LEVEL, THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING NIKON LENSES FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY, A decent lens is an essential piece of camera equipment for capturing beautiful bird photos. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 is also an insanely sharp lens, so it still looks good at 560mm and thus is suitable for many varieties of wildlife. If you are passionate about bird photography, but want to keep your costs under $10,000, the Z-mount 800mm f/6.3 offers an insane amount of reach at a lower cost than the traditional f/4 primes. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) are generally getting lighter, and optical image stabilization systems make it possible to capture sharp images at the outer edge of a telephoto zoom, without having to use a tripod. The fixed zoom mechanism feels smooth throughout the entire range and is near silent, which is exactly what you want if you're stalking skittish wildlife and don't want to alert it to your presence. Capture birds in flight or bears on the hunt without disturbing them with powerful, high-quality Nikkor wildlife photography lenses designed for the nature enthusiast. The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is a lens that works really well in birds and wildlife photography, a great tele-zoom of choice, and whose weight, although very unbalanced, we do not believe to be excessive even for carrying out wandering photographic hunting activities. The lighter weight helps in more rapid framing and composition, giving the extra few milliseconds to create the masterpiece. Get the best camera deals, reviews, product advice, competitions, unmissable photography news and more! The Best Canon Lens For Bird Photography Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding DOWNLOAD THE ADVANCED AFFINITY PHOTO COURSE NOW! Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, 16. Being around for much longer than the Z-mount, the F-mount currently has more lenses suitable for wildlife. longer. On the other hand, mirrorless doesnt necessarily mean spending more money. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up. The only possible con for the lens is the electromagnetically controlled aperture. You can switch focus mode by simply turning the focus ring. The flip side is that no optional tripod mounting ring is available, which would have enabled a better balance, especially in portrait orientation shooting. If you're shooting on the Nikon Z-mount system, then the newly released 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 is a good choice. There will barely be anything you cant catch that you cant see with the iconic Nikkor 500mm F4G ED R. It is rugged, having a magnesium die-cast barrel which makes it highly resistant to dust and moisture. The Nikon 500mm f/4G VR works well with the TC-14E III teleconverter, giving an effective focal length of 700mm at f/5.6. The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary is half the weight of the larger 150-600mm Contemporary lens and just a third of the weight of the Sports edition. Extending the focal length gives it even more reach, though the trade-off is a pretty modest maximum aperture of f/7.1 at the long end. Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup, If youre heading out into the backcountry, Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Aperture Allows for Good Low Light Performance, Super Integrated Coating Reduces Lens Flare, Or Glare From The Lens That Can Show Up On A Photo, Electromagnetic Aperture Gives Good Exposure Control So The Lighting Level Doesnt Get Too Dark Or Too Light, Internal Focus Allows For Speed In Focusing, Provides Shallow Depth Of Field For Selective Focus, Tripod Mode Reduces Shake From Ground Vibration, Vr Image Stabilization Compensates For Camera Shake, Coating On Front Of Lens Protects From Water & Dirt. For Nikon, a good choice is the Nikon 200-500mm lens for DSLR cameras. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. Canons original EF 100-400mm zoom was something of a classic, but wasnt to everybodys taste, especially in regard to its trombone-style push-pull zoom mechanism. Nikons 300mm F2.8 is fondly called a super-telephoto lens. The Nikon 70 300mm telephoto lens with f/4.5 -5.6 maximum aperture is best for Nikon digital SLR cameras.