BEST FOR: CRISP RESULTS

The Canon 100-400mm IS II lens has an advanced build, incorporating special elements that reduce distortion that often creep into zoomed images. A special coating has also been included to prevent lens flare and blur. Not only these, but many other features as well make your photos detailed and rich. Plus, the lens is weather-sealed and protected against smudges – perfect for shooting outdoor scenes and subjects besides birds. 

Another notable feature is stabilization. The Canon IS II lens has 4-stop stabilization, meaning that it reduces camera shake to make it appear as though the shutter speed is higher and the images are crisper. This is crucial for wildlife bird photography since birds move very quickly, and any shake will turn into blurring. However, for times when you need a blurred background, IS II has a 9-blade diaphragm – the part that controls aperture – that provides a smooth depth of field, helping your feathered friend to stand out even more.

BEST FOR: EXPOSURE CONTROL

As opposed to focusing on the sharpness of the image, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 VR lens specializes in exposure control. It has an electromagnetic aperture mechanism that provides a lot of control and stability over the exposure of the image. This is especially great if you are shooting continuously, for example when you are taking photos of birds in flight. Plus, the lens’ motor results in silent and fast autofocus, capturing the moments you need without scaring your subject away with noise. 

Since this is a telephoto lens, it is prone to color fringing, where magenta lines appear in areas of contrast, and distortions at higher zooms. However, the VR lens has dispersion elements in its optic design. This allows for higher color accuracy and contrast. While all this sounds good, this lens is heavy, weighing 5 pounds, and it is not weather-sealed. Thus, it is not too comfortable for outdoor shooting in non-dry conditions.

BEST FOR: THE ALL-AROUND BIRD-WATCHER

While this is not the lens with the highest zoom capabilities, the Nikon 80-400mm VR lens is one that has the largest range. Its zoom covers the ground from portrait and wide-angle scenes to impressive telephoto shots. This versatility lets you experiment with your style; you can photograph birds from up-close in zoos, or from afar in parks. Plus, you can take macro photos of birds, emphasizing their feathers, eyes, and so on. 

Similarly to other lenses on this lists, this one has image stabilization up to 4 shutter speed stops, dispersion elements, and a Silent Wave motor. All these help with wildlife photography, reducing blur, correcting color distortions, and improving autofocus. Focus can also be improved with a versatile depth of field, which this lens allows with its 9-blade aperture diaphragm. A Nano Crystal coating enriches colors in bright and backlit scenes.

BEST FOR: THE PROFESSIONAL 

Canon 400mm f/5.6L – the only prime lens on this list – integrates efficiency and light weight in its design. It is roughly twice as light as most other telephoto lenses, weighing just 2.8 pounds. This allows you to effortlessly operate it outside. Another reason you can work with it in the outdoors without worries is that it is dust-tight and protected against inclement weather. So, you don’t have to worry about ruining your lens in humid conditions. 

As mentioned, this is a prime lens, which is fixed with no zoom options. However, these types of lenses are faster and provide better background blur. Added to that is an Ultrasonic motor for fast autofocus, so you will not miss the perfect shot of such speedy creatures as birds. If you are worried about lens flare since you want to photograph birds in the sky, the lens has that covered. It offers a Super Spectra coating that reduces flare and corrects color, and a lens hood that prevents too much light from entering the shot.

BEST FOR: THE DISTANT BIRD

The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD is the lens with the biggest zoom on this list. Such telephoto ranges are perfect for bird photography, as you may be shooting far into the sky or zooming into a distant nest. However, there is a tradeoff for that, which is a less controlled exposure. Despite the zoom of the lens, it is more compact than you would expect since it is engineered so that optical elements don’t move, conserving space and weight.

This lens is typically used with Nikon cameras, providing great performance. Naturally, it has vibration reduction that is effective enough to support long shutter speeds, small apertures, hand-held shooting, and low-light conditions. Various coatings protect the lens from flare, color distortions, and dull contrast. Another feature of the lens is its Ultrasonic motor that makes autofocus fast and nearly silent. To expand its outdoor use, Tamron Di VC is weather-sealed, letting you remain bird-watching during inclement weather.

BEST FOR: THE ONE KEEN ON COLOR

If you are looking for a third-party lens with great color fidelity, then the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO is the one for you. Firstly, the Sigma 70-300 is designed to reproduce colors as realistically as possible, reducing to a minimum the risk of aberration. Another major feature of this lens is that it functions as a tele-macro lens, working well with both. Thus, you can zoom into the distance or zoom into a close-up of a bird, and the lens will support you either way. 

Besides these main points, the Sigma 70-300mm has multiple layers of coating and a 9-blade aperture diaphragm. Multiple layers of coating protect your images from flare and improve contrast. Meanwhile, the 9-blade diaphragm gives you control over the depth of field. It does not matter if you have a Nikon or a Canon, this lens is compatible with many cameras since it has a built-in autofocus motor.

BEST FOR: THE ON-THE-GO ARTIST

Being part of Sony’s G Master line, the FE 100-400mm lens offers great resolution with rich sharpness. This telephoto lens also has an E-mount, so you can use it with full-frame mirrorless cameras. You can further adjust how stiff the zoom ring is – or how much force you need to apply to zoom in. This can be great if you switch between using the zoom a lot to picking one setting and sticking with it, or if you are always on the go. 

In bird photography, the lens needs to perform well in tracking moving subjects. Thus, Sony F4.5-5.6 GM OSS has a few focus-related features just for that. Firstly, it has a focus range limiter and different focus hold controls that result in better precision. As for more standard specifications, the lens has an anti-smudging coating, SteadyShot image stabilization, and anti-flare coatings. For outdoor bird shooting, the lens is weather-sealed, and has a compact build, weighing just 49.2 ounces.

BEST FOR: FAST-MOVING BIRDS

Another member of the G Master series, the FE 70-200mm has a similar optical design than the previous lens but with a set of different features. As already mentioned, this lens provides sharp and clean photos that catch a professional’s eye. However, it also has a smaller zoom range and less magnification in general. 

While this does mean that it won’t be able to photograph subjects as far away as a 300mm lens can, this GM OSS has a better aperture range, giving you faster shutter speeds up to f/2.8. Thus, you can capture images of fast-moving birds in all their details. This aperture range is also an asset in low-light conditions and hand-held photography. If you want to experiment with background blurring, the lens has an impressive aperture diaphragm with 11 blades. What this does is it works fast and creates a smooth bokeh (background blur) effect, making your bird model stand out.

BEST FOR: VISITS TO THE AVIARY

The Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS is a standard telephoto lens that can be mounted onto mirrorless Fujifilm cameras and is fairly affordable. While it is not a superzoom lens, it has the basics covered, which are great for visits to the aviary or a park. The lens’ optical design focuses on reducing chromatic aberrations, such as magenta lines along the areas of contrast or color inaccuracies in distant scenes. It also provides sharp images and decent control over the depth of field. 

As for other features, this XF 55-200mm lens has a Super EBC coating, a 4.5 stop image stabilization, and a silent autofocus system. The coating ensures that your photos are not compromised by flare or color distortions. The stabilization reduces camera shake to make it seem like you were shooting with a higher shutter speed. And the linear motor is great for fast-moving subjects like birds. And since you will be spending lots of time outdoors, you might appreciate the light weight of this lens – just 20.5 ounces!

BEST FOR: FOCUSED WORK

An improved version of the previous lens, the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR offers many features, but also a hefty price. First off, this lens has twin linear motors, meaning that the performance of autofocus is much better, and more equipped for quick birds. Secondly, the lens has better image stabilization, reaching 5 stops for even sharper photos. Another noteworthy point is that it is compatible with Fujifilm mirrorless cameras.

Besides these, there are different zoom and focus features as well. The lens has a focus limiter switch, letting you choose how far you want to focus. This makes autofocus much faster and more efficient, especially with distant subjects like birds. Plus, a zoom lock will help you maintain needed zoom settings without fear of accidentally changing them. And lastly, the lens is equipped with 13 weather seals, so you can take photos in inclement and cold conditions.

BEST FOR: BIRDS ON A BUDGET

If you’re looking for the perfect bird-watching companion camera that won’t break the bank, look no further than the Nikon D72000 DX-Format DSLR. Providing awesomely sharp images, even in low light conditions, coupled with its ability to maintain 6 frames per second when in burst mode, makes this a camera you don’t want to overlook. 

The autofocus works extremely well, even when you’re using the camera in low light, so you don’t have to worry about losing track of a pesky bird at sunset. Running on 24.2-megapixel hardware gives this camera amazing bang for its buck, with images that rival even the most professional of cameras. The Nikon D7200 is ready for a challenge, regardless of what environment you put it in. It is sure to exceed your expectations and perform to its full potential.

BEST FOR: A ‘DO IT ALL’ VIBE

If you’re looking for a camera that you can take into the humid Amazon rainforest, but also bring along with you for a night out on the town, the Nikon D500 might be the one for you. The ISO range on this camera is extremely high, allowing you to get some great late-night shots, without skimping on the quality, and providing great noise control. 

If you’ve got your heart set on photographing the beautiful birds that live in the rainy national parks, the Nikon D500 has great weather sealing that will help protect it from the elements. The screen is able to be tilted, allowing you to use the live viewing feature to its full capabilities, even if you need to hold the camera high up above your head to snag that perfect shot. An added bonus is that this model includes a touch screen, meaning you can easily adjust the settings without having to worry about fiddling with dials if you’re in a hurry.

BEST FOR: RAIN OR SHINE

When you look at an expensive camera, you think to yourself that you need to protect it with all of your might — there’s no way you’d take that thing out in the rain, or even a little drizzle, right? Wrong! The Fujifilm X-H1 camera is basically made for the elements. With a body made with thick magnesium alloy, it is extremely scratch resistant. 

The camera is also dust and water-resistant, meaning you don’t have to worry about it when you’re crouching in dewy bushes, trying to capture the flapping wings of a hummingbird. The Fujifilm X-H1 is able to operate in drops of temperature up to 10 degrees Celsius, allowing you to get that perfect shot even on a cold winter morning when your hands are freezing underneath your thermal gloves.

BEST FOR: FAST FLYERS

The Nikon D5 DSLR promises precise and extremely fast autofocus, even in low light environments. Pair this camera with a great Nikon telephoto lens, and you won’t ever want to pick up another one. 

The ISO range on the Nikon D5 is completely out of this world, as it is expandable up to 3,280,000. Even though an image taken at that high of an ISO will produce quite a bit of noise, it definitely shows how far Nikon is willing to go to allow its user to get their perfect shot, whether that be during the middle of the day, or during a beautiful sunset. 

When in burst mode, you’re able to take up to 200 RAW images at a time, which is a great asset to have for bird photography, allowing you to take full advantage of the beautiful colors and details this camera produces.

BEST FOR: INCREDIBLY DETAILED SHOTS 

The Canon EOS-1DX Mark II DSLR is able to provide both fast shooting capabilities and extremely detailed shots, ensuring that you leave every shoot satisfied with what you were able to capture. The autofocus on the EOS-1DX Mark II is hard to beat, enabling you to capture a perfectly clear shot even as you duck and weave through the trees to get that money shot. 

The autofocus even holds up when using burst or continuous shooting modes, allowing you to focus on getting that perfect shot, while the camera does the rest of the hard work. Whether you’re shooting during a sunny day or late in the evening, this camera has got you covered with amazing low light performance capabilities.

BEST FOR: WANNABE PROS

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is a great camera for those budding wildlife and bird photographers wanting to make the switch to full-frame. With 30.4 megapixels of Canon goodness to play with, there is no doubt that you will be able to produce great photos in any environment. 

The camera has great, fast autofocus and allows you to track those pesky birds across your screen with ease. The ISO range is solid, and the camera is able to maintain a fast shutter speed without falling victim to camera shakes, causing photos to come out blurry. 

This camera also has a built-in GPS, allowing you to track where exactly you took certain shots if you need to revisit in the future to capture more photos of the same species of bird. This camera comes with all the advantages of a typical full-frame camera.

BEST FOR: STEADY HANDLING IN THE FIELD

Do your nerves and sweaty palms ever get the better of you in the field, when you’re trying to get that perfect shot of a quick flying bird? The Sony A99II 42.4 MP DSLR is here to help you! Built to last with a rigid, magnesium alloy body, complemented with manageable dimensions that provide you with an easy grip — you don’t have to worry about dropping this one in a haste.

Equipped with an amazing sensor, the shots you’re able to capture are extremely realistic, with limited noise. You’ll be able to capture even the quickest of movements with amazing built-in autofocus and tracking, ensuring you won’t lose sight of your target even when they’re on the move, like a lyrebird, ducking and weaving through the trees and blending in with its surroundings as it mimics the sound of your camera shutter.

BEST FOR: GOING BEAST MODE 

If you’re looking for a camera that can really put up with everything you throw at it, and has stood the test of time, the Canon EOS 7D Mark II might be your perfect match. Becoming a true beast out in the field, its dual processors enable you to continuously shoot for up to 1,000 photos at a time, ensuring you will definitely get that perfect shot of even the fastest of birds.

And you won’t have to worry about any sort of delay, as Canon ensures that the 7D Mark II is capable of shooting up to 10 frames per second. Worried about getting that perfect amount of focus? This camera has an ‘intelligent tracking system’ that, once engaged, allows you to slightly hold down the shutter button in order to track your subject across the screen, giving you time to choose the perfect shot.

BEST FOR: TRACKING SUBJECTS 

You’ll never find a tracker that works faster than the one built into the Fujifilm X-T30. Although it has built-in face and eye recognition that is built for portrait photography, the subject tracker doesn’t skimp when it comes to keeping a hold on a fast flapping bird. 

The low-light limit for the tracker has been stretched from previous models, meaning that the camera will be able to hold focus on the subject even when the sun begins to fade away, as you lose track of time trying to get the perfect shot. 

The touch screen makes it really easy to switch between modes or change settings when you’re on the go. Plus, the screen can also be tilted in two directions, meaning that it is easy to use even when you have to angle the camera to get the best shot.

BEST FOR: THE PROFESSIONAL ON THE GO  

The Nikon Z-6 combines its full-frame capabilities with a hard-working processor that allows you to capture the most realistic looking images, so full of vibrancy and incredible details that it will be hard to believe that they’re photos, not just frozen pieces of still life. 

Unlike other full-frame cameras, the Nikon Z-6 is mirrorless, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around with you if you’re hiking through the national park, trying to get the perfect shot of the native birds. 

With a hugely expandable ISO scale, you can easily take beautiful low light shots just like you would if you were shooting during the middle of the day, no difference in quality at all. The tracking sensor on this camera is top-notch, assuring that your subject will be tracked all over the screen, even right to the edges. You won’t lose sight of any beautiful birds.

BEST FOR: DURABILITY

If you’re looking for a monopod that can withstand a bit of harsh treatment when needed (I mean, we’re all guilty of throwing things in our backpack every now and again), there’s no need to look any further than the Manfrotto XPRO 5-Section Monopod. Even when packed down, this monopod is still quite tall, however, this does not impact its ability to be travel-worthy, as it is lightweight yet sturdy. The quick power locking system allows for easy and effortless set-up and take-down. Even with its portability, this monopod can easily hold a heavy camera and lens set without buckling or tilting.

BEST FOR: SUPPORT THAT’S TOUGH TO BEAT

It’s not every day that a photographer comes across a monopod that provides the rigidity and stability that the Vanguard VEO 2 AM-264TR does. The Vanguard brand is well known for its 3-leg stabilizing structure, which really works to provide unwavering support even when working with a heavy camera and lens setup. And if the feet aren’t really your style, they are easily retracted away, replaced by a single rubber nub at the bottom of the monopod.

The twist locks on the body move extremely smoothly, allowing you to quickly set up the monopod whenever an animal shows up in the distance. The rubber grip provides that comfortable hold that you need when using a piece of equipment for long periods of time. This monopod does weigh a little more than some others that are marketed as being a bit more portable, but when you compare all the wonderful features you get with this one, it’s hard to complain.

BEST FOR: ADVENTURERS

If the name didn’t give it away, the Benro Adventure MAD38C Carbon Fiber monopod is excellent for the budding adventurer in your life. Although a little pricier than some other monopod models, the durable yet lightweight carbon fiber build, among other impressive features, certainly ensure that you’re getting the right amount of bang for your buck.

The one rubberized foot allows for the monopod to be rotated in many directions, expanding the photographer’s options when it comes to angles, while still maintaining adequate levels of stability. This monopod can hold the most beastly of setups, as its maximum load capacity sits at a hefty 16kg, making it perfect for use with a telephoto lens. This monopod really is quite well rounded, and could be suited to any number of different photographers/videographers, and is a great piece of kit to have in your possession.

BEST FOR: A BEAST OF A CAMERA KIT 

If you’re looking for a monopod that can truly measure up to any challenge you throw at it, the 3 Legged Thing Alan is certainly up for the challenge. With a max load capacity of a huge 60kg, there really is no limit to the kind of camera kit you can pack on to this beast of a monopod. Equipped with a retractable foot, the 3 Legged Thing Alan provides all of the control and stability you could ever want in a monopod.

For all of its heft, this monopod is a bit on the shorter side which can be a dealbreaker for taller photographers. However, when you look at all of the other amazing features, it is hard to say no to this bad boy. This monopod is also priced around the $300-$400 mark, making it quite the investment, but one that you definitely won’t regret making.

BEST FOR: ON-THE-GO PHOTOGRAPHY

A hearty carbon fiber tube combined with leg locks that provide extra support where it’s needed most, the Gitzo Series 2 Traveler GM2562T monopod is everything a wildlife photographer could want. Don’t be fooled by the compactness of this monopod and the ease in which it can be transported — the number of features trapped in its tiny body should not be underestimated. 

It has enough strength to hold a heavy camera kit without risk of buckling or affecting the camera angles. This monopod even comes with a smart strap that you can wear around your wrist, or if you’re feeling extra, you can clip it to your belt or your pocket. If carrying equipment on your person isn’t your thing, this monopod is small and lightweight enough to fit comfortably in a backpack or a traditional camera bag — you won’t even notice that it’s there.

BEST FOR: ZOOM WITH A WIDE RANGE

If you’re looking for a single zoom lens that can span a huge range of focal lengths, the Sigma 60 – 600mm is the mac daddy of them all! 

Although it’s marketed as a Sports lens, this lens will capture wildlife just the same, especially shots that include animals in motion. The Sigma has an internal operating system that helps reduce camera shake, allowing you to capture crisp photos even when there’s some movement on your end. This would be a great lens for those venturing out on a safari or shooting from a vehicle. 

The wide range of zoom also comes in handy when needing to quickly switch back and forth between long shots and up-close photos at a moment’s notice. For some wildlife photographers, this is an invaluable benefit considering the ever changing conditions in which you’ll be shooting.

BEST FOR: CONSISTENCY THROUGH ZOOM RANGE

Focusing on a longer range of focal lengths, the Nikon 200 – 500mm is a great telephoto lens for capturing wildlife at a distance while still being able to zoom through a high range. Most notably, this lens sticks with a fixed f/5.6 aperture to deliver consistent performance through that high zoom range. This also lends itself to delivering high quality photos even in low-light situations. 

Also packed into this powerhouse is the “ED” signifier (stands for “extra-low dispersion”), meaning that it reduces image distortions to keep your images sharp and preserve the accuracy of the colors captured. 

If you’re a photographer that enjoys the challenge of low light and the rewards of capturing beautiful wildlife shots at dawn (or dusk), then you’ll certainly appreciate the “VR” (vibration-reduction) feature on this lens. While it not only helps in low light, it’s also forgiving when there’s camera shake or a fast moving animal.

BEST FOR: BALLIN’ ON A BUDGET 

While it’s definitely not the cheapest lens on the list, the Canon 400mm offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to quality. Although it’s limited comparably to some other options that are able to zoom, having a prime lens will deliver exceptionally high quality images within that focal length. 

Considered a super telephoto lens, this beast is perfect for wildlife photography. Its super quiet autofocus feature means your camera is less likely to scare off animals and it’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM) delivers fast and precise focusing. 

The Canon 400mm is also an L-series lens, a prestigious line of lenses that gives bragging rights to anyone hauling this beauty.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY 

Need the ability to switch quickly from medium shots to long range? The Tamron 150 – 600mm is a great telephoto-zoom lens that can capture a variety of shots. This is a great lens for those that need enough specificity to capture great wildlife photos but also not so specific that it can’t snag other types of photos too. 

The 4x range of this lens is able to capture regular telephoto shots as well as super-telephoto aspects, grabbing high quality details like feathers and scales. Its autofocus feature is not only quiet but versatile in that it is also super effective for shooting video. 

Last but not least, the diaphragm (the individual blades that rotate to increase/decrease aperture) consists of 9 blades to create more circular blurring. Most cameras include only 5 – 7 blades, meaning that Tamron goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional detail when using shallow depth of field techniques. No doubt you’ll use this technique at some point to “blur” the background in order to create a better focus on the animal.

BEST FOR: COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT SHOOTING

Bigger isn’t always better, especially when you need to stay light and fast on your feet. When photographing wildlife, this is a desirable aspect, especially when you’re hiking to find the right location, the right animals, and the right light. 

As the lightest lens on the list (and lightest in its class), the Tamron 100 – 400mm weighs in at just 2.45 lbs making it ideal for on-the-go hand held shooting. Feel free to ditch the tripod and travel light with this lens. 

The Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) motor used in the autofocus allows you to grab incredible shots while quickly focusing where you need. This means less time struggling to focus and more time to capture multiple shots that you can later choose your favorites from. The Tamron 100 – 400 also includes weather-resistant seals making it a take-anywhere lens that can be part of your regular arsenal even when you’re not shooting wildlife.

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND PERFORMANCE

If you just want one lens that can do it all for bird photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm is an excellent option. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. A fast aperture of a constant f/5.6 works well in low light conditions such as sunset and provides the effect of a blurred background to highlight the birds. The NIKKOR 200-500mm also features an autofocus system that you can override by turning the manual focus ring.

However, this lens is fairly hefty, so it will add some weight to your pack, which is something to consider if you’re going on a long adventure in the backcountry.

BEST FOR: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BIRD PHOTOGRAPHERS

The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isn’t the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. It is also quite lightweight for a lens, so you can easily take it with you into the wild.

The NIKKOR 70-300mm lens functions very well in daylight, but performance notably suffers in low light conditions, so you’ll want to invest in another lens if you plan to shoot often at nightfall.

BEST FOR: PORTABLE LONG LENS

A prime lens that excels for bird photography, the telephoto Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm is a quality addition to your camera kit. A special Phase Fresnel element (the glass is cut in concentric circles instead of a solid piece) in the lens significantly reduces the size and weight of this lens, so you can take it with you wherever you go to search for birds. The autofocus is extremely fast, thanks to an internal focus element, and you can easily override the autofocus if you want manual control.

The NIKKOR 300mm is not a zoom lens with a varied focal length. Instead, it has one telephoto length, so it is best for searching the skies and the trees, rather than capturing birds right in front of you.

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm is a versatile lens that lets you get up close and personal with birds, whether they are nearby or far away. This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot. It also lets you play with selective focus to highlight the birds in your shot, due to the aperture opening and the amount of light it lets in.

This lens is somewhat on the heavy side, although it still can be used handheld, and the vibration reduction reduces camera shake whether you have it on a tripod or are holding it.

BEST FOR: TAKING YOUR PHOTOS TO THE PRO LEVEL

When you’re ready to invest a big budget in your bird photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm will help you take your photos to the next level. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor AF system allows for super fast autofocusing, but with just a turn of the manual focus ring, you can take control yourself.

Nikon has made several innovations to make this lens lighter, but it is still quite a large lens, so you will benefit from a sturdy tripod setup to hold it steady. It does feature a Tripod Mode, to reduce camera shake from ground vibrations you might not even notice, as well as a Sport Mode that can be useful when you’re following birds in flight.

BEST FOR:  JUNGLE ADVENTURES 

The Fujifilm Finepix S1 is great for the adventurer who isn’t afraid to tackle any sort of terrain. Because this is the world’s first weather-resistant superzoom camera, you can confidently bring it along on any wilderness trek, no matter how rugged. Water and dust are no match for this weather-sealed point and shoot!

Do you need to set up for a shot, but are afraid of frightening the animals if you get too close? The Fujifilm Finepix S1 comes with One Touch wireless communication software, allowing you to connect the camera to your phone through Bluetooth. You can even use the app as a remote control to fire the shutter, while you hide in the bushes hoping that the lion doesn’t spot you!

BEST FOR: BIRDWATCHING

The Nikon Coolpix L820 is equipped with a 30x zoom NIKKOR lens that allows you to be versatile in your shots. This means that you can go from taking a group shot of your pets to capturing those baby cuckoos that have just hatched high up in the treetops simply by zooming in. The camera also comes with a 16-megapixel low-light image sensor, providing excellent image quality for those night time safari adventures.

Worried about going on a long trip where you won’t have much access to power? The Nikon Coolpix L820 is powered by four AA-size batteries, allowing you to replenish your camera power without having to bring a whole charger with you. Additionally, if you need to capture some fast-moving hummingbirds or a cheetah on the run, this Nikon camera averages a shot-to-shot speed of 1.2 seconds, incredibly fast for a camera that runs on AA batteries.

BEST FOR: THE TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHER

Are you likely to travel to obscure locations to get that fantastic nature shot before the sun goes down? The Canon Powershot SX740 HS might be the right camera for you! This camera offers 40x optical zoom and 4K video recording, all in a camera body that’ll fit snugly in the pocket of your cargo pants. The sensor is slightly smaller than some other cameras  (a 20.3 megapixel CMOS chip), but it performs exceptionally well in the bright summer sun and in environments where lighting is not optimal. 

The screen on the SX740 tilts 180 degrees, allowing you to capture images from the most awkward of angles. It can also be tilted all the way forward, making it perfect for those ‘I’m out in the wilderness’ selfies.

BEST FOR: CLOSE (AND NOT SO CLOSE) ENCOUNTERS WITH NATURE

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a beast of a point-and-shoot camera, equipped with a whopping 125x optical zoom, allowing you to capture those lion cubs from a VERY safe distance. Even with this impressive zoom size, and a lens that is equipped with a 77mm filter, the camera only weighs just over 3lbs, making it extremely easy to travel with.

Unlike some other point-and-shoot cameras that only give you the ability to shoot in jpeg format, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 gives you the option to also shoot in RAW format, allowing you a bit more leeway when it comes to under- or overexposure.  Even with such a huge zoom range, the image stabilization and sharpness of this camera are not lost.

BEST FOR: THE TRUE ADVENTURE JUNKIE

The Olympus TOUGH TG5 point-and-shoot camera is the perfect choice for those rugged adventurers who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty to get the perfect shot. This camera is waterproof to a depth of 50 feet, freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fareinheit, and is even crush-proof up to 220 lbs. This is a camera you can throw in your backpack and not have to worry about until you’re ready to pull it out and start shooting.

This point and shoot has a decent 4x optical zoom and is equipped with a 12-megapixel sensor that ensures excellent image quality with limited noise. The camera also has a variety of shooting modes for various different situations, including underwater and microscope modes.

If you’re worried that water may get into the batteries or the SD card — there’s no need. The door to the storage compartment is double-locked, ensuring that nothing will be able to breach the seal.

BEST FOR: ON-THE-GO PARK SHOOTING

Starting off this list is a fairly affordable camera. The Nikon D5300 is a great beginner-friendly option for wildlife shooting. Equipped with a 24.2-megapixel sensor, it is able to capture detail and provide good results even in low-light conditions. Its 39 autofocus points, as well as a tracking feature, follow your subject with accuracy and speed. However, there is a drawback – the camera can only shoot at a rate of 5 frames per second, which means that shots of fast wildlife may turn out blurry. 

Despite this, the D5300 has unique connectivity features to make up for that. The SnapBridge technology keeps a constant and automatic Bluetooth connection between your camera and another device, such as your phone. Thus, you can easily transfer photos. This does drain the battery, but not enough to disrupt the 600-shot battery life. Another plus is the camera’s light weight of about 1 pound. These two specifications make it easy to carry around, letting you enjoy the photoshoot to the fullest.

BEST FOR: THE INTRIGUED BEGINNER

Another beginner-friendly alternative is the Canon EOS Rebel T5i. Built to include a hybrid autofocus system and an 24-megapixel sensor, it provides a great starting point for wildlife photography. Of course, it is not the best with these specifications, but great-quality shots are still very much possible. Besides the sensor, wildlife professionals often examine the shooting rate. The Rebel T5i offers a shooting rate of 5 frames per second, which is not ideal for advanced photographers, but it is a good place to start for novices.

Another noteworthy feature is the camera’s focal length factor of 1.6X. This means that if you want to upgrade to a 300mm lens, your results will be those of 480mm lenses. This gives you a lot of room to grow as a wildlife photographer. Not only can you explore telephoto possibilities, but low-light settings as well. T5i starts to develop noise after ISO 3200, which is more than most other cameras can do.

BEST FOR: NOT THE FAINT OF HEART

If you are an advanced photographer ready to tackle any shooting condition, then the Pentax K-70 is worthy to be on your wishlist. It is equipped with 19 multi-use controls and has an ergonomic grip that is comfortable in small and large hands. Plus, the camera body is also weather-proof, letting you photograph wildlife in rainy and snowy weather without the fear of ruining your camera. To facilitate low-angle shots, the LCD is vari-angle. 

The advantages don’t end there – the K-70 uses a shake-reduction feature, as well as anti-aliasing simulation. The simulation is better than a conventional filter because you can turn this setting off to get sharper images, but you cannot disable a physical filter. While a shooting rate of 6 frames per second is not enough to get crisp photos of fast wildlife, the K-70 produces rich photos. Finally, using an O-GPS, you can photograph stars and their movement.

BEST FOR: THE ACTION-DRIVEN 

Positioning itself as a capable video camera, the Fujifilm X-H1 offers advanced action photography features as well, so you can use its potential for wildlife shots. Equipped with a 24.3-megapixel sensor, the camera produces intricate results, thanks to the randomized pixel array that captures the organic nature of any scene, especially wildlife. Furthermore, X-H1 harbours intelligent hybrid 325-point autofocus system, easily tracking fast subjects. 

The body of the camera has something to offer as well. Firstly, it has internal 5-axis image stabilization, fixing blur and shake from any angle. You will get the effects of shooting with up to 5.5 ISO stops more than you actually had, even in low-light. What this means is that your images will be sharper and noise-free. Plus, the body of X-H1 is weather-sealed and has a dual SD slot, so you can go out and about for as long as the battery permits. As a bonus, you can operate the camera at temperatures as low as 14°F.

BEST FOR: THE PRO

If you are on a hunt for premium image quality and resolution, then Sony A99 II is bound to catch your attention. It has a 42-megapixel sensor, as well as Live View feature, which is a substitute for an optical viewfinder, that will greatly help your compose photos. In comparison to its predecessors, the A99 II has better light sensitivity, meaning that you can shoot in shaded places or at twilight. Another improvement is its shooting rate, which is 12 frames per second – just right for fast wildlife and even birds. 

Another advantage for wildlife shooting is the camera’s 5-axis stabilization system and an omitted low-pass filter, so you don’t get blur, but you do get rich colors. Plus, the body is weather-sealed. The A99 II has a fully-articulating, non-touchscreen LCD, facilitating photography at unusual angles. And if you need some extra space for images, the camera has 2 storage slots.

BEST FOR: NUANCES OF NATURE

Combining a sleek design with powerful image processing, the Fujifilm X-T3 is the ultimate multi-purpose camera. It has a 26.1-megapixel sensor with a randomized pixel array that captures the fluid tones of nature and the vivacity of wildlife. All 425 autofocus points work together to track fast and unpredictable subjects, such as animals, making this camera a great fit for wildlife photography. 

To complement such autofocus, the X-T30 is capable of shooting 8 frames per second with its mechanical shutter. And if you use the electronic shutter, this rate flies up to 30 frames per second, which is the speed of video, so you won’t miss any detail or movement. Additionally, the camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder, which is a must-have for landscape and wildlife photographers, as it helps you see exactly what the lens is registering, eliminating any distortion an LCD may give.

BEST FOR: SHOOTING FAST MOVING WILDLIFE

Nikon Z6 probably has one of the fastest autofocus on this list. With its 273 autofocus points, as well as a shooting rate of 12 frames per second – mind you, in RAW – this camera is well-suited for wildlife photography. To make your experience better and worry-free, Z6 is ergonomic, weather-sealed, and offers a silent shutter mode, so you can take photos of animals without disturbing them. However, the battery life is not much, enough for only 310 shots, so if you are planning a trip to a park, we recommend bringing a back-up battery. 

This camera has a tilting LCD, and if you prefer a conventional viewfinder, there is an electronic one that works just as well. Focus stacking allows you to experiment with depth of field, so you can take photos of the moment and compose them later. Finally, Z6 has a 5-axis stabilization system to reduce camera shake for crisp images.

BEST FOR: THE SUBJECT AND THE LANDSCAPE

The Sony A7R III is a great camera ready for any project. It has a 42-megapixel sensor and hybrid autofocus with 425 active points. Together they are able to produce rich and sharp photos of moving wildlife. Its 5-axis in-body stabilization system will get rid of any annoying blur, leaving a clean image behind. And a shooting rate of 10 frames per second surely put a checkmark beside all wildlife photography essentials. 

What’s more is that A7R III has a wide dynamic range, producing accurate colors and contrasts. For better depth of field, this camera offers a Pixel Shift feature that takes 4 photos one pixel apart. After combining it, you get exceptionally sharp and vivid landscapes that complement your wildlife subject. However, the A7R III is very expensive and packed with features, so it may not be beginner-friendly.

BEST FOR: LONG TRIPS

If all those 42-megapixel sensors are not enough, then get ready to meet the Nikon D850. it has an insane 45.7 megapixels in its sensor, resulting in photos full of acuity and detail. Plus, there are 153 autofocus points – great for moving subjects. Moreover, this camera has advanced light sensitivity and wide dynamic range, giving you lots of control over your images. 

The D8500 has more up its metaphorical sleeve, including focus stacking and focus peaking feature. Focus stacking is used for intensifying depth of field, so the viewer sees details farther away. Focus peaking lets you customize the depth of field by outlining areas of contrast in red. All you have to do is click on the areas you want in focus. The body of the D850 is weather-sealed, so you can shoot during a rainstorm, and in a blizzard. You can stay out for a very long time thanks to an 1840-shot battery.

BEST FOR: THE WEATHER-PROOF EXPLORER

Another Nikon entry, the D7200 DX-format DSLR is a much more advanced version of the D5300. The D7200 has a stunning 51-point autofocus system that is complemented with a maximum shooting rate of 7 frames per second. This lets you photograph moving animals and even birds. The autofocus also has a subject tracking technology, resulting in accurate tracking of moving animals. Plus, there is an impressive low-light performance, as well as a wider dynamic range, that gives you crisp and true-to-color shots.

The camera’s body uses magnesium alloy, which makes it weather-sealed. Thus, you can take photos in dusty places, during a rainstorm or a snowfall. D7200 has a battery capacity equal to 1110 shots, which is much more than other cameras on this list. Speaking of capacity, the D7200 has a dual SD card slot, doubling the memory storage you have at your disposal.

BEST FOR: SMALL-SCALE ANIMALS

Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 lens is made to complement Nikon cameras, especially DSLRs. The fact that it has an in-built motor makes its autofocus compatible with most cameras, enhancing their subject tracking ability. The zoom range of this third-party lens gives enough flexibility for regular photography, as well as telephoto or macro shots. With such zoom capabilities comes chromatic distortions, which the lens takes care of by including a low-dispersion optical element.

Another advantage of the lens is its macro mode that yields a magnification ratio of 1:2, which is half the life-size of your subject. This is especially useful for wildlife photographers taking an interest in small animals like mice or insects. And as you wander around looking for an interesting scene, the lens won’t weigh you down. With a weight of just 16 ounces, the lens offers great features but still provides comfort.

BEST FOR: A BURST OF COLOR

Yet another third-party lens, the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO, is specifically oriented on color. This lens is termed APO because of its apochromatic optical elements. Their advantage over regular achromatic elements is color correction in different lighting. 

What’s more is that this lens has a large range of 70 to 300mm, covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto shooting. You can zoom into the distance to capture a glorious wildlife shot, as well as zoom up close to an insect. 

Moreover, the Sigma 70-300mm lens has a 9-blade diaphragm – the part that controls aperture – that gives you control over depth of field. This is especially useful for wildlife photography, so you can vary the depth of the landscape surrounding your subject. Plus, the lens has multiple layers of coating that protect your images from flare and chromatic distortions, as well as improve tonal contrast. Finally, it has a built-in autofocus motor, making it compatible with any camera.

BEST FOR: FAST APERTURE

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is part of the G Master series, having superb optical design and other features. The FE 70-200mm has a wide aperture range, resulting in fast shutter speeds up to f/2.8. This lets you capture moving subjects in great detail – a must for wildlife photography. This aperture range is also helpful in poorly-lit scenes and hand-held shots. As such, you have more versatility in when, where, and how you shoot. 

The Sony f/2.8 GM OSS has another impressive feature. Harboring an 11-blade diaphragm, it gives you the ability to try your hand at different blurring effects, including bokeh, to enrich your wildlife shots. Be that a dynamic photo in motion, or a still animal portrait, this lens will have lots to offer. However, be warned that compared to another Sony GM, this one has a smaller zoom range, so if you need telephoto, keep on reading!

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY OF ZOOM

The Nikon 80-400mm VR lens has the largest zoom range, covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto and macro shots. Naturally, this allows you to experiment with your style, so you can get as close as 5.7 feet to your subject and use the full zoom, as well as just zooming into the distance. You can use it with or without a tripod – whatever you are more comfortable with.

This Nikon lens further has vibration reduction (VR) up to 4 shutter speed stops, so your images look sharper. This is an asset especially for telephoto shooting, as any small movement will result in annoying blur. Besides this, the VR corrects lighting in low-light conditions. Plus, dispersion elements correct color distortions, and a Nano Crystal coating enhances colors in overexposed and backlit shots. Finally, a Silent Wave motor improves autofocus performance, without making focusing sounds.

BEST FOR: OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

With its optical design, the Canon 100-400mm IS II lens minimizes color distortions that always find a way into any photography. Especially, it gets rid of magenta and cyan aberrations at contrast points of zoomed-in images. Another noteworthy feature is the lens’ 4-stop stabilization. What this means is that it reduces camera shake to make it appear as if the shutter speed is higher. Wildlife photographers need this, especially for telephoto shots. 

And yet, for times when you do want a blurred background, Canon 100-400mm has a 9-blade diaphragm that provides control over the depth of field and its qualities. With it, your subject will stand out more. To prevent unnecessary lens flare and motion blur, there is an Air Sphere coating. Plus, this lens is weather-sealed and protected against fingerprint smudges, making it perfect for shooting outdoors in any weather.

BEST FOR: FLEXIBILITY OF CONTROLS

Once again, Sony’s G Master line offers sharp resolution and great quality. And for wildlife photography, the lens has to track moving subjects exceptionally well. Sony F4.5-5.6 GM OSS has several focus features to tackle that need. Mainly, it has a focus range limiter and various focus hold controls that provide you with more autofocus settings. 

You can also adjust the stiffness of the zoom ring (basically, how much force you need to apply to zoom in). This is helpful if you often find yourself switching between different zoom settings, or if you are on the go and need your zoom setting to stay as it is.

The lens is weather-sealed and compact, weighing just over 49 ounces. Thus, you don’t have to worry about sudden weather changes, or that the lens will add excessive bulk to your camera. The 100-400mm has an E-mount as well, so you can use it with DSLRs and full-frame mirrorless cameras.

BEST FOR: COVERING THE BASICS

If you’re looking for a standard, no-frills wildlife photography camera, then the Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS might be for you. This lens’ optical design works to eliminate chromatic distortions or inaccuracies that creep into zoomed-in shots. It also provides sharp images and decent control over the depth of field. 

A special Super EBC coating further protects photos from lens flare or subtle blurring. As for the zoom range, it is not the biggest one, but it does provide the basics of wide-angle and telephoto shooting. 

Naturally, this XF 55-200mm lens has a 4.5 stop vibration reduction and a silent autofocus system. The stabilization reduces camera shake to make your zoomed-in wildlife shots as sharp as possible. The linear autofocus motor works well with fast-moving subjects without making noise. And because you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will be spending some time in the wild and you might find the weight of this lens – just 20.5 ounces – helpful.

BEST FOR: THE FOCUSED HIKER

If the previous lens sounded great, but you want to step it up a notch, here is the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. This lens offers twin linear motors, which is equal to an advanced autofocus that is ready to tackle fast moving wildlife subjects. It also has an improved vibration reduction of 5 stops shutter speed stops, resulting in very sharp images. 

However, we are not done with zoom and focus features just yet. A zoom lock will help you keep your zoom settings from accidentally shifting so you can focus on other things. Fujifilm XF 100-400mm also has a focus limiter switch, so that you can select how far or close-up you want to focus. This makes autofocus more efficient and accurate, especially with difficult-to-see wildlife subjects. The lens is equipped with 13 different weather seals so you can confidently take photos in any rain, storm, or even a blizzard.

BEST FOR: THE PHOTOGRAPHY SNIPER

Presenting the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, it is crucial to note that this is the lens with the biggest super zoom on this list. Although it does not present a wide-angle option, these telephoto capabilities are ideal for wildlife photography, especially from a distance. 

However, you also need to keep in mind that this means weaker exposure controls. Another important specification is its image stabilization that works even with long shutter speeds, small apertures, poorly-lit scenes, and hand-held shooting.

Just like other lenses here, various coatings protect the lens from flare and color distortions. An Ultrasonic motor adds speed to and removes noise from autofocus, letting you concentrate on the framing and not on the sounds. Conveniently, Tamron Di VC is weather-sealed, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Because it is a telephoto lens, you would expect it to be bulky, but instead it is quite compact due to static optical elements, which saves space.

BEST FOR: THE PRIME PRO

Being the only prime lens on this list, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED offers exceptional autofocus and aperture speeds suited perfectly for wildlife photography. The f/2.8 aperture guarantees you an easier time in low-light conditions, hand-held scenes, and experiments with shallow depths of field. Selective focus techniques also make themselves available to you in this lens. 

In terms of the focal range, 300mm lets you shoot distant wildlife subjects. But what’s more is that if the lens if mounted on DX model cameras, the focal length will get magnified to 450mm, extending your capabilities. Plus, the lens is compatible with several types of teleconverters, which are optional magnifying lenses that will further increase the apparent focal length. Just like other lenses on this list, this one has a Silent Wave Motor, vibration reduction, and a 9-blade diaphragm.

BEST FOR: EASE OF USE

PROS: Sturdy, versatile, easy to use

CONS: Aluminum construction

BEST FOR: OVERALL USE

PROS: Lightweight, ideal for travel, 360-degree panning, versatile

CONS: Locking mechanisms don’t have great weather sealing

BEST FOR: VERSATILITY

PROS: Steady, good build quality, built-in level, 55lb load capacity

CONS: Rubber feet can become loose over time

BEST FOR: PROFESSIONAL USE

PROS: High-end, includes bubble level, includes a top-notch ball head system

CONS: Price

BEST FOR: ASPIRING PROFESSIONALS

PROS: 5-section tripod, spring-loaded weight hook, ball head included, built-in monopod

CONS: May not include carrier bag

BEST FOR: LOAD CAPACITY

PROS: Lightweight, versatile, high maximum load capacity

CONS: Plastic construction for some components

BEST FOR: VALUE

PROS: Flexible, stable, versatile

CONS: Plastic construction for some components