Camera upgrade for birding
Jun 21, 2020 23:01:24 #
Hi all
I'm looking to upgrade my camera from a Nikon P900 to a DLSR primarily for birding. Whilst cost is not an issue I am not a professional and don't intend to be one so am not looking at the Nikon D5 level.
What I do need is a camera with good low light performance and the ability to shoot RAW in burst mode. Ideally between 7 to 10 fps is ideal. Robustness is also a must.
Can any kind soul suggest something suitable? I have looked at options on various websites and come away more confused than enlightened.
Many thanks in advance
Christopher
I'm looking to upgrade my camera from a Nikon P900 to a DLSR primarily for birding. Whilst cost is not an issue I am not a professional and don't intend to be one so am not looking at the Nikon D5 level.
What I do need is a camera with good low light performance and the ability to shoot RAW in burst mode. Ideally between 7 to 10 fps is ideal. Robustness is also a must.
Can any kind soul suggest something suitable? I have looked at options on various websites and come away more confused than enlightened.
Many thanks in advance
Christopher
Jun 21, 2020 23:08:46 #
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
That would be the D500 or the D7500 if on a budget and semi-pro is too expensive. The lenses are where the real money will come in when talking about birds. With bird photography there is no such thing as too long a lens and seldom long enough.
Oh, I am a Canon shooter but since you seem to like Nikon those are the ones. In Canon it would be the 7DII or the 90D.
Jun 21, 2020 23:14:09 #
Nikon D7500 (8fps) or, if you are on a budget, a D5600 (5 fps).
The D7500 has the imaging guts of the D500, at less cost and more convenience.
The D5600 is a bit slower, but a lot better than anything available just a few years ago.
It's one of the best-kept secrets in the Nikon line-up.
Its only major potential drawback is that it does not have a focusing motor in the camera body.
You have to use lenses with their own motors.
Unless you know you HAVE to have a higher speed and/or plan on using a lens requiring a focus motor in the camera, get the D5600 and save the difference for some long, fast lenses.
You are going to need the money.
Have fun!
The D7500 has the imaging guts of the D500, at less cost and more convenience.
The D5600 is a bit slower, but a lot better than anything available just a few years ago.
It's one of the best-kept secrets in the Nikon line-up.
Its only major potential drawback is that it does not have a focusing motor in the camera body.
You have to use lenses with their own motors.
Unless you know you HAVE to have a higher speed and/or plan on using a lens requiring a focus motor in the camera, get the D5600 and save the difference for some long, fast lenses.
You are going to need the money.
Have fun!
Jun 21, 2020 23:16:12 #
The camera is less than half the problem in birding. Jerry's ideas are perfect for a D500 or D7500 or the corresponding Canon. But, you're going to need to shop and account / budget for a lens that takes you into the 400mm range on the long end. These lenses can be twice the cost of the body, or still much more. It doesn't matter how good of a body you select if you can't reach or focus on a small moving subject.
Jun 21, 2020 23:50:38 #
IDguy
Loc: Idaho
Najataagihe wrote:
Nikon D7500 (8fps) or, if you are on a budget, a D... (show quote)
I have and love my D5600. I grab it more often than my Z6 because of its lighter weight and no need to use the FTZ adapter for most of my lenses, including the Nikon 200-500 which is my choice for birds.
But a Z50 might be an option here if you leave the FTZ attached to your birding lens.
Jun 22, 2020 00:00:37 #
Nikon D500 or D850 with the Nikkor 200-500mm should make you happy. I own these three items.
I also own a Z6 and Z50 and never think about either for birding. They don't seem to react as fast as the DSLRs.
---
I also own a Z6 and Z50 and never think about either for birding. They don't seem to react as fast as the DSLRs.
---
Jun 22, 2020 00:39:47 #
Jun 22, 2020 01:43:05 #
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
I would think that (1) the D500 or (2) the D7500 might suit you well. I would look for a good refurb D500. Next the lens. I like my Tamron 150-600 G2 but others much prefer the Nikon 200-500. Or if you have lots of money, a nice Nikon prime in that range. I am not a birder so I will have to defer to others on the lens choice, but I would think my suggestions on the body could be well considered.
Jun 22, 2020 02:14:39 #
For what you want to do, it’s hard to beat the Nikon D500 with the Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6-6.5, and a 1.4 TC. The camera is fast and the lens very sharp.
Jun 22, 2020 05:09:35 #
ELNikkor wrote:
D500, Nikon 200-500
I agree. The D7500 is a fine camera, but the D500 is much better for birds. I use the 200-500 on D500 and it’s the best Nikon setup for birds.
Jun 22, 2020 05:11:43 #
Wingpilot wrote:
For what you want to do, it’s hard to beat the Nikon D500 with the Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6-6.5, and a 1.4 TC. The camera is fast and the lens very sharp.
Actually the Nikon 200-500 is f/5.6 through its range.
Jun 22, 2020 05:42:41 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
One of the best current combinations for birding is the Nikon D500 with the Nikon 200-500 5.6 lens. You will get 10 frames per second and if you use GROUP AUTO FOCUSING and keep one of the four displayed squares in the viewfinder on the bird, it will be in focus. Group auto focus focuses on the bird, not the background. I have used this combination for years and it does an excellent job for sitting and birds in flight. My keep rate using this combo is nearly 99%.
Jun 22, 2020 06:39:18 #
Jun 22, 2020 06:42:07 #
tcthome
Loc: NJ
If your looking to stay with Nikon, D500 with the Nikon 200-500 or, the Tamron 150-600G2. If your in no rush , you could wait for a sale.
Jun 22, 2020 06:55:54 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.