Camera upgrade for birding
Jun 22, 2020 07:07:20 #
D500 or D850 would be what I would think about with the 200-500 lens...
Bill_de wrote:
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.
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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.
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Jun 22, 2020 07:18:00 #
Jun 22, 2020 07:27:00 #
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
Christopher, I would strongly suggest that you look at the D500 with the Nikkor 200~500, or, the Nikkor 300 F4E with the TC 1.4E III. The latter will acquire focus faster and offer almost the same focal length as the 200~500.
The 200~500 offers a PAV equal to a 750mm (a little less actually, since the lens has a slight focus breathing issue), while the 300+TC combo will give a PAV of 630mm. I use both combos on two different D500s, depending when I need the zoom of the 200~500, both work very well.
Jun 22, 2020 07:56:46 #
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
I have been shooting birds for over twenty years and have progressed through Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and now Sony brands.
There are many fine combination choices available in each brand. Based on my experience and preference the M4/3 cameras although very good for many types of photography just can't compete with the larger sensors for bird photography.
I found that the lens is key to great bird images. It can also be the most expensive and restrictive part of kit.
For someone just starting I recommend the Canon 400 5.6 lens on the 70D MKII Canon body. Its far sharper and handles better than any reasonable priced zoom and can be found at bargain prices. The lens does not have IS but for birds high (short) shutter speeds is almost a necessity.
On the other hand if you want the very best and are undaunted by complexity and expense I recommend the Sony A7R4 and 400mm GM f2.8 or if you prefer a more versatile zoom the 100-300mm GM f4.5-5.6.
Jun 22, 2020 08:35:18 #
Nikon D500 with a Tamron 150-600mm G2.. I've been using this combo for 3.5 years with fantastic results and NO problems since right out of the box!!
Jun 22, 2020 09:05:57 #
My wife uses the D500; the first lens was the 200-500/5.6 and has upgraded to the 180-400/4, which has the 1.4x extender built-in. Either way, you will obtain great results.
Jun 22, 2020 09:30:17 #
bpulv
Loc: Buena Park, CA
robertjerl wrote:
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.
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.
That is all true, but here is something to consider. If you could spend the money for a full frame DSLR with a high megapixel sensor such as a used Nikon D800 https://www.adorama.com/us%20%20%201279802.html ($759), you may be able to get by with shorter focal length lenses and save a lot on the total cost. The image on a D800 or other 30 Mp plus FX camera bodies can be substantially enlarged without loss of image quality. So 95-percent of the time you could, for example, use a 200mm lens and crop the image in post to the equivalent of a 400mm or even longer lens. I do not usually do bird photography, but I use my camera and lens like that all the time with great success.
Jun 22, 2020 09:37:48 #
Bill_de wrote:
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.
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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.
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Jun 22, 2020 09:38:13 #
I have the Canon 90D and pair it with the Sigma 150-600 mm C lens or the Canon 100-400 mm (II) lens for a less weighty option than others mentioned. If you wanted to stay with Nikon the D7500 plus the Sigma would be about the same. No one has mentioned the Nikon 500 mm f 5.6 lens- I waited for months for this lens but never got to the top of the waiting list.
Jun 22, 2020 09:43:13 #
Notorious T.O.D. wrote:
D500 or D850 would be what I would think about with the 200-500 lens...
Jun 22, 2020 09:57:42 #
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
If you are staying with Nikon, the best choice for action shots is the D500. Of course, it works for other shots as well. I hear that Sony has a couple of really good action type cameras if you want to change course. I shoot with a D500 and most recently a Nikon 500mm PF lens, hand-held so far. I also shoot with the Nikon 200-500, mostly on a tripod but some hand held, and on the D500. This is all for wildlife shots.
Jun 22, 2020 09:58:19 #
xt2
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
Bourdon wrote:
Hi all br br I'm looking to upgrade my camera fro... (show quote)
Christopher, here is just one of dozens of websites that offer relatively unbiased advice for you: https://www.birdwatchingdaily.com/photography/how-to-photograph-birds/best-cameras-bird-photography/
However, you might like to go to your fav camera store and speak with a "pro" who will provide accurate info and allow you to try out a few options for yourself. What happens often is we all tell you to buy what we already own. It is human nature, but there can be a bit of a bias or even sometimes misleading. In the end, every major camera company has several options that are up to "birding."
Good luck & enjoy the "hunt!"
Cheers!
Jun 22, 2020 10:04:30 #
I do not know the Nikon line, so I can't comment there. I do know the Canon DSLR's (5DIV and 1D) and they are both adequate, in fact the IQ of the 5DIV is outstanding. But I have followed a few of the pros, and those that I know have replaced either their Nikon and Canon gear and with Sony full frame bodies and Sony's glass. These guys, and gals, have all used the various brands and chose to make the switch. You have to ask yourself why. Because; its good and out performs the others. But remember, when you buy the best, you pay for it. This Sony gear is not cheap.
Beware, as you enter the world of bird photography, you are starting down a slippery slope of wanting better and better gear and investing in going to places around the globe where your subjects reside. Best of luck, you are starting down a wonderful path.
Beware, as you enter the world of bird photography, you are starting down a slippery slope of wanting better and better gear and investing in going to places around the globe where your subjects reside. Best of luck, you are starting down a wonderful path.
Jun 22, 2020 10:13:00 #
Jun 22, 2020 10:21:23 #
lrm
Loc: Sarasota, FL
Many of the rreplies herein mention the D500 with the Nikon 200-500. I agree with one caveat. I have replaced my 200-500 with the new 500PF prime. lens. It is superior to the 200-500 and is much, much lighter and easier to shoot hand held. You mentioned cost is not important --- go with the 500 PF if you can find one.
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