Recommendations for a new camera for mostly bird photography: I started bird photography about 1-1/2 years ago, as a novice photographer. Primarily I take bird and nature photographs.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

I started bird photography about 1-1/2 years ago, as a novice photographer.
Primarily I take bird and nature photographs.
I have upgraded from a Canon sx420, and currently I have a Nikon P950. It is back at Nikon for repairs for a 2nd time (about 6 weeks ago they replaced the lens and main pcb.....now the LCD isn't working correctly and it has been locking up on me.
So I am considering options.
I was considering a D3500, D5600 or possibly the Z 50 mirrorless. Unfortunately budget is a factor.
I have loved the Zoom range of the P950, but the focus is slow and it doesn't do well in dim lighting.

I would like some feedback about pros and cons. Are there other models I should consider?

Thanks in advance.
Jim

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

jdtonkinson wrote:

I started bird photography about 1-1/2 years ago, ... (show quote)

Nikon's dedicated action/wildlife/birds camera is the D500, just like my Canon 7DII. Go to the company site and see if they have any refurbished with factory warranty. The budget version would be the D7500, but it does not have the AF of the D500. If you would consider going Canon the 90D is "almost" a 7DII and they have them in stock at the Canon store-new and refurbished.
For birds with an interchangeable lens camera the real expense is going to be the lenses. Nikon's 200-500 is good, I use the Canon 100-400L with 1.4x at times or the Tamron 150-600 G2 - but it is big and heavy so I use it on a tripod-they make it for the Nikon and it will cost you a lot less than the 200-500 or my 100-400 cost me. A lighter, less expensive option is the Sigma C 150-600 but it isn't weather sealed and the Sigma Sport which is weather sealed is a lot more expensive.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Using a DSLR, there's no way to match the 35mm Equivalent Focal Length of 24 to 2000mm of your P950.

You ask about a body, but say nothing about lens(es). Even with a cropped body, you'll probably struggle with any lens less than 400mm for birds / wildlife. Your budget needs to address both the body and lens.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I would suggest a refurbished D500 or D7200. You will have to invest in lenses no matter what choice you make.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

CHG_CANON wrote:

Using a DSLR, there's no way to match the 35mm Equivalent Focal Length of 24 to 2000mm of your P950.

You ask about a body, but say nothing about lens(es). Even with a cropped body, you'll probably struggle with any lens less than 400mm for birds / wildlife. Your budget needs to address both the body and lens.

thanks
Yes, I didn't mention lenses....I know I won't be able to match the focal length of what I have now.
I would like to be able to get to at least 500 mm......
I was hoping with a higher Megapixel lens, I could afford to crop more.
Thanks again for your input.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

robertjerl wrote:

Nikon's dedicated action/wildlife/birds camera is ... (show quote)

Thank you for your input. I will need to research pricing and availability ....and my budget.
I know it's not an easy answer.
There is always pros and cons.
I will look into this some more.

bleirer

Here is a good site to check out with lots of Nikon info about bird and other wildlife photography, plus a very Nikon-centric bird and wildlife forum.
https://backcountrygallery.com/

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I'm very happy with my D 7200.

Jack

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

jdtonkinson wrote:

I started bird photography about 1-1/2 years ago, ... (show quote)

So what is your budget for a camera and lens?

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

Gene51 wrote:

So what is your budget for a camera and lens?

I was hoping to stay under $1,400 in total.

thanks

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

Curmudgeon wrote:

I'm very happy with my D 7200.

Jack

Thank you Jack,
What lenses do you utilize with that?

Jim

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

bleirer wrote:

Here is a good site to check out with lots of Nikon info about bird and other wildlife photography, plus a very Nikon-centric bird and wildlife forum.
https://backcountrygallery.com/

Thank you, I will definitely check out that site.

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

jdtonkinson wrote:

thanks
Yes, I didn't mention lenses....I know I won't be able to match the focal length of what I have now.
I would like to be able to get to at least 500 mm......
I was hoping with a higher Megapixel lens, I could afford to crop more.
Thanks again for your input.

Megapixels would describe the body, not the lens, but you are correct - more mp = greater cropping. You can get a decent D800 used for around $600, and a Tamron 150-600 G2 new for around $1200 or used for under $1000. if you are patient and can wait for the right deal to come around - you can come very close to your budget goal. I purchased the the camera and lens used for the attached images used.

I shot nearly 4000 pictures, mostly of birds, with a similar combo (D800 and Sigma Sport 150-600), and though it is not the "ideal" camera for birding, and the lens is "too slow" for some folks, I think the results speak for themselves. I have also shot with the Tamron G2 and find it comparable to the Sigma.

The last two were shot with my lens and camera, but by a friend who was testing the gear out in advance of purchasing it from me.

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cropped from above
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Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

jdtonkinson wrote:

Thank you Jack,
What lenses do you utilize with that?

Jim

My bird lens is an Refurbished by Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300 4.5-6.3 ED DX Lens--$149 at B&H. In addition I use a 60mm Micro Nikkor, 20mm Nikkor and a Tamron 90mm Macro.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

The combo I use (and has won me several awards/publications in magazines) is my D500 and my Sigma 150-600mm...the 35mm equivalent is 900mm...
Here are five shots in one second using the 5 frames/second setting of a Tern flying along the beach about 50-70 meters away...(@900mm)

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