Ted 2455

I am looking to buy a new camera and lens to capture hummingbirds and birds in flight. Any ideas???

Alphabravo2020

I'd go with a D7100, but your choice will depend on many variables. It is still used by many professionals for birds since the pixel density on the sensor is higher than even the D850 and it is a very high quality sensor. There are a lot of high quality inexpensive lenses available as well.

levinton

Hummingbirds are a challenge because of small size, distance to subject (usually 10 feet at best), and high velocity wings. Excellent focus, multiple rapid shots, good long lens are required. Many cameras will work, full frame or smaller. Most recently I have used a Fujifilm XT-3 with a 100-400 mm lens with a 1.4x adaptor. High speed is necessary, burst mode assures one frame will capture what you want and in focus. I also agree that the D7100 is very good and can be obtained extremely cheaply on ebay.

Ted 2455

Thank you.
KEH has a D7100 for $422.
Fujifilm XT-3 is around $1,000.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

What camera and lens(es) do you have today? How much do you have to spend? How close are your hummingbirds and can you capture them in full light or will you need a flash?

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I am looking to buy a new camera and lens to capture hummingbirds and birds in flight..." Ted those are two very different missions. Very unlikely you will ever capture a hummingbird in flight however you may find it rather doable when they are hovering... See below for some kit combos used on Archilochus colubris that worked for me.

That said for BIF you want to spray and pray i.e. a very high frame rate and deep buffer... A Nikon D500 is on sale now... albeit a Nikon D6 would be a better choice provided you are well funded. Seek out posts on this site by Steve Perry... He is the man... No BS just hard facts from actual experience...

Food for thought... There is virtually no market for hummingbird imagery... Would suggest you consider portraiture if you actually want to paid for your kit investment via your photo artistry...

Hope this helps Ted...
All the best on your photographic journey.
Please stay safe...
.

Nikon D3; Lens: AF 200mm f/4 IF ED micro

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Nikon D3; Lens: AF Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

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Nikon D7200; Lens: AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR

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Ted 2455

Thank you for your reply. Those are great photos.
I have a used Nikon D610, it has a build in flash, 70-300mm f/4-5.6G Lens, the birds are in my backyard, so 20 to 30 feet.
I am open to moving to another manufacturer.
Never thought of selling photos.....just a hobby since we cannot travel.....

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You have the 'right' camera already. You should be looking at a longer lens instead. Consider a tripod too.

Ted 2455

Thank you. Let’s see what i can find.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Nice!

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I think your camera is fine - but the lens may be lacking. I find that where I shoot hummingbirds they are at a bit more distance, so a 500 or a 600mm lens may give you more options.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Unless you have a large budget I would suggest a Sony A6400 and the 200-600 G zoom. This combination will handle both your needs. If your budget allows you can go up Sony's APS-C models for added features.

The most important features for BIF and Hummers is focus speed, accuracy and fast frame rate. Sony's line up is excellent for this type of shooting.

I have used this camera with the 100-400 GM lens. Here is an example.

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67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

D500 and a Tamron G2 150-600mm. I think a used D500 can be had for 850 bucks right now and it's unbelievably good. For 1700ish bucks you would have an up to date wicked set up for hummingbirds in flight and all sorts of other tiny little birds.

Ted 2455

Thank you all for the great suggestions!!!! I looking forward to this new subject of photography.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Once they are used to you and you don't make sudden moves to startle them you can sit near hummingbird feeders and photograph them. I have been in a lawn chair 6-8' from the feeder and had two of them use my head for a racing pylon when chasing each other away from the feeder. One circled my head under the brim of my hat and I felt either moving air or a wing tip on one ear. I sit quietly with my 7DII and 100-400L in my lap and when they come to the feeders I slowlyyyyyyy raise the camera and lens to take pictures. With the 7DII I have also used a 180 mm Macro lens with a 1.4x extender - on the 7DII's APS-C sensor that gives me the angle of view of a 403 mm lens on a full frame like your D610. I use Canon gear but since you already have and are familiar with Nikon I would say the D7500 or for more money the D500 and a bit longer lens, Tamron or Sigma 100-400 or the Nikon 200-500

Once while filling the various bird feeders and watering potted plants I saw one out of the corner of my eye at about 1 1/2 feet and it proceeded to feed from a feeder 3' from my head, hovered a few seconds after it feed looking at me like "What are you doing with that hose and water? Fill the bird bath now so I can use it. Those plants can wait."

The manager of the live plant section at the local Lowe's had two pairs nesting in potted trees inside the half roofed section and they would actually fly over and hover by her ear to let her know the little feeder she hung for them was empty. I watched one do it while asking her about a potted dwarf fruit tree. The plants were watered by misters on a timer and when it was time she said as many as a dozen hummers and she has no idea how many sparrows, finches etc. would fly in to use the misters as a shower.

I see someone recommended it so I will add that I also use the Tamron 150-600 G2 on a tripod and gimble head with a 90D pointed out the sliding door of the family room. And I sometimes put a pop-up blind near the bird feeders and since I am much closer I often use my FF 5DIV.