Costa Rica Birding Trip (camera and lens purchase recommendation)
Aug 23, 2021 18:11:39 #
I'm going to Costa Rica in March of next year for 14 days. I like to photograph birds I live in Florida where I go there is lots of good light. I been using a Fuji XT3 camera but it is slow to change setting and more for every day stuff.
My budget is 10000.00 I do not shoot video it not important to me. I want a camera and lens combination that is under 10 pounds because I like to hand hold and it needs to be able to fit carry on baggage of international flights.
It can be used equipment if in great condition. I do not want to rent because I'll be going on more birding trips in the future.
I'am ok with just a prime lens
My budget is 10000.00 I do not shoot video it not important to me. I want a camera and lens combination that is under 10 pounds because I like to hand hold and it needs to be able to fit carry on baggage of international flights.
It can be used equipment if in great condition. I do not want to rent because I'll be going on more birding trips in the future.
I'am ok with just a prime lens
Aug 23, 2021 18:24:29 #
With your budget, there are many, many wonderful options. An excellent position to be in. I would check reviews and specifications to start, to see what meets your weight criteria, and also possibly post this question on Birds In Flight forum. Good luck! Have fun!
Aug 24, 2021 01:38:31 #
If you take me along I'll let you borrow some of my gear and you can save the 10K.
Aug 24, 2021 05:54:31 #
Wanderer2
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
I spent almost two weeks in Costa Rica several years ago. I'm sorry but I can't help you with camera, etc. advice because I'm not a birder but do have one piece of advice based on my experience there - rent a 4X4 SUV. There's lots of unpaved backcountry that's beautiful and with lots of birds. By far the most common car rentals there, at least when I was there, is a quite small 2WD import, don't recall the brand, and it's ok on paved roads but if you really want to fully explore this beautiful country a 4X4 is much better.
I know this isn't the advice you are looking for and I apologize but I thought it might be useful. Have a great trip - I did (I do landscapes).
I know this isn't the advice you are looking for and I apologize but I thought it might be useful. Have a great trip - I did (I do landscapes).
Aug 24, 2021 06:22:20 #
The XT3 is a fantastic camera and should be fine for birding. I would recommend their 100-400 zoom for birding.
Aug 24, 2021 06:35:55 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
gary8803 wrote:
I'm going to Costa Rica in March of next year for ... (show quote)
Nikon D500, Nikon 200-500 5.6 lens. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
This combo will give you a field of view of 300-750, which should really bring in those birds.
Aug 24, 2021 07:45:16 #
I have been to Costa Rica twice. A friend of mine lives in Sarapiqui. He took me up to the mountains to photograph hummingbirds. He is a guide with a truck. It was amazing. He set up flashes, a backdrop and the hummingbirds just came to the flowers he had positioned. I was using a Nikon 750 with a 28-300 lens.
If you need a private guide, he is the one!!!
If you need a private guide, he is the one!!!
Aug 24, 2021 08:00:24 #
Whatever equipment you get (and did you mean that you budget is $10,000?) make sure you get experience with it well before your trip! Realize that in many places where you will see birds it is quite dark. A tripod or monopod will be useful but cumbersome. Get the most powerful speedlight you can, and take plenty of batteries. There are adapters that focus the light at a distance - those might help. Practice using the speedlight, and practice getting photos of hummingbirds - you will see a wide variety of species in CR.
Aug 24, 2021 08:04:31 #
Aug 24, 2021 08:12:09 #
gary8803 wrote:
Yes $10000.00 is my budget for lens and camera
I now shoot with 2 full frame Sonys. The Sony A9 and the Sony A7iii, I also have the Sony 100-400 f4.5-5.6 with a Sony 1.4 teleconverter. This was the combination I used in Kenya. It is easy to hand hold, has in camera stabilization and I was very happy with the results.
Aug 24, 2021 08:31:16 #
Olympus EM1 Mark III with the 40-150 Pro lens and 2x TC. You might also add the 300 f/4 lens which also works with the TC.
Aug 24, 2021 08:39:18 #
ronichas wrote:
I now shoot with 2 full frame Sonys. The Sony A9 and the Sony A7iii, I also have the Sony 100-400 f4.5-5.6 with a Sony 1.4 teleconverter. This was the combination I used in Kenya. It is easy to hand hold, has in camera stabilization and I was very happy with the results.
By my verrrry quick estimate, your kit roughly matches the OP’s gear budget.
Aug 24, 2021 08:47:46 #
User ID wrote:
By my verrrry quick estimate, your kit roughly matches the OP’s gear budget.
I also have the Sony 24-105. That is often on the A7iii, the Sony 100-400 is on the A 9.
I am very happy with the Sony system.
I also have the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI It is a little camera but is really great. It has a 24-200 Zeiss lens.
All this would probably be the $10,000 budget.
Aug 24, 2021 08:49:30 #
As suggested, look at the Sony full frame cameras and associated lenses. The A1 is an amazing camera with bird “eye” af. 30 fps will get you the best selection of images to choose from, but going thru your images will take time. With practice however you will find that you can make your selections fairly quickly. Either the 100-400 with 1.4x extender or the 200-600 will give you focal length you need but the 100-400 is a bit lighter and will be easier to use for extended shooting. Plus, with the a1’s 50+ mp sensor, APR-c mode will allow you to zoom in a bit more and still have sufficient pixels to make good quality images.
But, of coarse, Sony is just one option. You should be looking at the Canon equivalent as well. Have fun shopping and sounds like a wonderful trip.
But, of coarse, Sony is just one option. You should be looking at the Canon equivalent as well. Have fun shopping and sounds like a wonderful trip.
Aug 24, 2021 09:20:43 #
…I just love spending other peoples money…right now the cameras of choice would be mirrorless…topping the charts would be the Sony A7R IV…however…I think I might choose the Sony A9 II because of the 20fps…and the two lenses I would do would be the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens and the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens…and if there was any money left over I would buy the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens…good luck with your quest and with your trip…!!!
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