Wildlife and Birds

[bartmaverick]

Hello All,
I am a beginner photographer and would like to hear some opinions about the best type of digital camera for wildlife photography (especially birds/waterfowl). I would like advice about speed, resolution, cameras and recommended lenses. In many cases my photography of waterfowl would involve attempts to photograph birds in flight, takeoff and landing.

Thanks

[WildWings]

I think the main question is what is your budget? IMO, the glass you buy is the most important part. Especially in capturing crisp and sharp images(as most want). Just all the depends on how much you're willing to dish out.

[bartmaverick]

Thanks for the feedback. I knew budget would be a factor. I could spend up to about $1500 for camera, lenses and related equipment.

[Jaedon]

$1500 will put you in the area of a decent consumer DSLR such as an Olympus Evolt 2 lens kit ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...R_Digital.html ), a Nikon D60 with 2 lenses ( http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html ) and I believe the Canon Rebel XTi is also in that price range. Both of the kits come with a decent street zoom (45 - 180 ish) as well as a decent wide angle lens.

The Nikon D40 with the same kit lens package as the D60 is under $700 : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...al_Camera.html

Canon 30D form B&H photo with a street 24-135 street zoom lens is under $800
EOS 30D Digital Camera Kit with 17-85mm EF-S IS USM Lens: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Rebel_XTi.html

There is a lot available in your price range you need to do a little research and decide what is best for you. Go to a camera store and see which camera feels best in your hand as you are the one going to be carrying it with you an no one can tell you which camera is best for your hands.

[mn shutterbug]

My main emphasis is to be sure to get a lens of no less than 400mm. Much less and you'd better be well camoflaged. No matter how long the lens, it always seems like it isn't quite enough. It also helps if the camera will shoot at least 5 frames per second, for the bif shots, but not totally necessary.

[Loupey]

Hi, bartmaverick, and welcome to the site.

Not quite sure how to answer your question. A $1,500 budget for a camera and lens is a little on the low end. If you force it (buy equipment now to meet your budget), you may find yourself outgrowing it soon and looking to buy replacement equipment.

Obviously a kit lens won't give you the reach and, for birds, you need some serious reach = serious bucks.

Perhaps start with something basic and relatively inexpensive (like an XTi and 70-300mm) which should still leave you with money left over to buy more specific primes later.
Still adequate to learn a lot with this combo.

[bartmaverick]

OK, it sounds like I may have underestimated start up cost for quality equipment. I see that one post recommended at least one lense not less than 400mm, etc. What if I up my budget to $2500 will I be able to get a good speed camera and enough lens to get close? What brands and set ups would you suggest I start my search?

[mn shutterbug]

I purchased the Canon 100-400mm L lens from Canoga Camera for just under $1300, and it's served me well. Last time I checked, you could buy the Canon 30D, new for $799. Add an extra battery and a couple memory cards, and you are below $2500. I love that setup. It's the only lens I own, for my 30D. It shoots fast and focuses fast.

[Sushigaijin]

you could get the olympus E510 with two lens kit, around $600 these days. This will give you 28mm-300mm, which is a good range for such a cheap kit. The lenses are sharp and light, though not terribly fast (f/4-5.6). They are perfectly acceptable for daylight, outdoor shots, which birds are included. Without looking it up, the Zuiko 70-300 f/4-5.6 runs about $450, which is a 600mm equivelent. The lens is light, reasonably fast, and very sharp. It will be my birding lens, as soon as I can afford it. This gets you out for about a $1000. the E510 is image stabilized, so you don't need pricey VR or IS lenses. For your extra $1500, you can get a macro, a decent wide angle, and plenty of other accessories. In my opinion, a 4/3 system DSLR is a perfect camera for nature and wildlife.

Whatever you choose, remember that the pictures you take are the important part, not the name on the front of the camera.

[scott-devon]

I shoot Pentax, mainly because that allowed me to use the lenses from my old 35mm Pentax. However I'd recommend avoiding the Pentax Digital slrs, not that they aren't good ( I love mine) but you'll find lenses for them are usually priced substantially higher than the same aftermarket lens for a more popular brand such as Canon or Nikon.

Just something to keep in mind...there are more aftermarket lenses at better prices for the more common brands of camera.