What is the best focal length for bird photography?
The question seems easy enough, bigger is better! That said the Canon 1200mm, f/5.6 has got to be the best, right? Well, it is if you can afford a lens that costs as much as a car, and you have a gun bearer to carry it for you. Actually, the question is very subjective.
Years ago when I started in photography, the fastest-longest lens I could afford was a used 300mm, f/2.8 (speed & length are both important). That purchase was closely followed by both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters making the 300mm a 420mm, f/4 or a 600mm f/5.6, respectively. The teaming of teleconverters with the 300mm worked very well, and I was able to get some really nice shots, including the elusive Elegant Trogon. The system was lightweight and easy to handle. That said, the 300mm with teleconverters is not my choice for bird photography, but it was what I could afford at the time.
I don’t want anyone who reads what I say to believe it is the only correct opinion. Because everyone has different requirements and needs, the correct answer will be different. I have a client who is confined to a wheel chair and has limited mobility in his arms. To tell him he has to use a 600mm weighing 12lbs would be ridiculous. With all that said, what I recommend for bird photography is the fastest-longest lens you can afford and handle and that will maximize the features of your camera. My camera will allow me to use a 600 mm, f/4 lens and still auto focus with both the 1.4x teleconverter at f/5.6 and the 2x teleconverter at f/8. Some cameras can’t, so keep that in mind.
300mm, f/2.8 lens, best ever made
++ Very fast lens
+ lightweight easy to handle, 5.6lbs
+/- gives you 420mm at f/4 with a 1.4x teleconverter minimum length
+ gives you 600mm at f/5.6 with a 2x teleconverter, tack sharp
+ medium cost, about $3,800
- requires you to be fairly close
400mm, f4 lens the minimum recommended length and speed
+ fast lens
++ lightweight easy to handle, 4.3lbs
+ gives you 560mm at f/5.6 with a 1.4x teleconverter
- high cost, about $6,000
- requires you to be fairly close
-? your camera may not auto focus with a 2x teleconverter at f/8
500mm, f/4 lens, the next up
+ fast lens
+- medium weight fairly easy to handle, 8.5lbs
+ gives you 700mm at f/5.6 with a 1.4x teleconverter
- high cost, about $6,800
-? your camera may not auto focus with a 2x teleconverter at f/8
600mm, f/4 the workhorse lens of most professional bird photographers
+ fast lens
+ gives you 840mm at f/5.6 with a 1.4x teleconverter
- very heavy, difficult to handle, 11.8lbs
- very high cost, about $8,000
-? your camera may not auto focus with a 2x teleconverter at f/8
800mm, f5.6, newest from Canon
+ moderately fast lens
- heavy, may be difficult to handle, 9.9lbs
– extremely high cost, about $12,000
-? your camera may not auto focus with a 1.4x teleconverter at f/8.
– your camera will not auto focus with a 2x teleconverter at f/11.
Now that I’ve thoroughly confused you and myself, I do most of my bird photography with my 600mm, f/4 lens with the 1.4x teleconverter, giving me an 840mm at f/5.6. I generally don’t use the 2x with the 600mm lens.
If you have any questions or comments, please post them.
Thanks for visiting.
Tom
PS If you are considering a 400mm f/4 or longer lens keep in mind that Canon announced a new 800mm f5.6 super telephoto lens. So in the future watch for used Canon super telephoto lens like 400, 500 and 600mm f/4 lens from reputable dealers like Norman Cameras www.normancamera.com , J & R www.jr.com , B & H www.bhphotovideo.com.
PSS Before you run out and buy a fast-long lens I suggest you borrow or rent one, and see if you can handle it in actual shooting conditions. You may have to walk some distance so weight should be considered. Be sure to try the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters with your camera. Most photography guides will rent or lend you a lens while on their tour.
