All about Gear
GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) is real. It seems as if once you start improving your photos, the majority of folks, including myself, want to take a short cut. You can usually find the limitations of your entry level gear quite quickly. But the law of diminishing returns is at work and while you can see a huge change going from a kit lens to your first wildlife lens, say the Nikon 200-500 f5.6, relative to cost, you will not see much of a difference in the next lens. (Well, you might see the difference but others who see your photos wont.)
Here lies the problem with wildlife photography, you can get trapped into thinking you need to pitch Shark Tank to invest in your hobby. All kidding aside, it can get out of hand rather quickly. If you are anything like me, budget matters.
I suggest writing out a budget, if you are married, write out the budget with your significant other. Decide what you can afford and base your first purchase off of that.
After purchasing your camera and lens, I suggest practicing in your neighborhood with local birds that have been habituated to human presence. It helps you focus on isolating the subject if they are tolerant of your presence. I also recommend watching Youtube, as I do quite often. These are some channels I recommend
https://www.youtube.com/@simon_dentremont
https://www.youtube.com/@Duade
Those two will help you get started. There are dozens, yes dozens, of pages that I follow but those are great starters and have a great balance of good information and entertainment.
I would say its rather tough to get into wildlife photography under 1000 dollars total. It is possible if you buy used.
For used sites I recommend https://www.keh.com/ , https://www.mpb.com/en-us
, and or https://usedphotopro.com/. All have great warranties and great customer service.
here are my recommendations for each budget.
For $1000
I recommend a used Canon 7Dmkii paired with a Canon 400mm f5.6 prime. I think you are getting some decent reach with this setup with a proven body and a sharp lens. I dont recommend anything from Nikon in this range.
For $2000
For Canon I recommend a 7Dmkii again and the 100-400 f4.5-5.6 mkii. If you can stretch that budget just a hair more, I would recommend the Canon R10. The new AF of the R series cameras will blow your mind. https://a.co/d/5JMv523 Canon R10
For Nikon, a D500 and the 300mm f4 PF. You could opt for the 200-500 f5.6 and have a little more flexibility but I prefer primes. ( for birding get the 200-500, 300mm PF will be a little too short for birds.)
$4000
This is the range you can start really getting better quality from all the brands.
Sony finally shows up to the party here with the A7 IV and the 200-600mm lens.
https://a.co/d/1VoBa0H Sony A7iv
https://a.co/d/6RNh1E4 Sony 200-600mm. This lens has great sharpness
Canon I woud recommend the R8 with the 100-500mm lens.
https://a.co/d/26O4O1i Canon R8
https://a.co/d/aSODG9j Canon 100-500mm. This lens is incredibly sharp.
Nikon its hard for me to recommend Nikon in this range as I think the offerings just arent good enough for the body. But, Invest in Glass as they always say.
The 180-600mm lens and maybe a used Nikon Z7ii.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1773440-REG/nikon_20117_nikkor_z_tm_180_600mm.html Nikon 180-600mm
https://a.co/d/cpbUuTp Nikon Z7ii
Anything above this, I would definitely hold off until you have grown your skillset. If you are Mr. Money Bags and go all out… Then I recommend this.
Sony, I recommend the Sony A7RV and the 400mm f2.8. I always recommend 400mm as that is what I prefer. (yes, I recommend that over the A1)
https://a.co/d/elX285w Sony A7RV
https://a.co/d/9fl0A4q Sony 400mm f2.8 or
https://a.co/d/0iAPE3q Sony 600mm f4.
Canon I recommend the R5 and the RF 400mm f2.8. The R5 is one of my favorite cameras. I highly recommend this Camera body. Any modern 400mm f2.8 are incredible so the RF gets the nod for Canon.
https://a.co/d/bVLg88j Canon R5
https://a.co/d/7MNEfo4 Canon RF 400mm f2.8
Nikon, I recommend the Z9 and the 400mm f2.8 with the built in TC. (amazing)
https://a.co/d/cKAPEJZ Nikon Z9
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1669888-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_400mm_f_2_8.html Nikon 400mm f2.8
Hopefully this short blog helped you. If you use the links they do help the page. Any questions about my recommendations, shoot me an email and I will respond ASAP with clarification and or assistance choosing. I love helping people find their perfect fit into this hobby.
Thank you
