As a passionate bird photographer, finding the right lens for capturing those elusive feathered creatures in all their glory is crucial. With the rise of mirrorless cameras, the options for lenses have become more diverse and impressive than ever before. In this article, I will guide you through some of the best mirrorless camera lenses specifically designed for bird photography, based on my personal experience and research.
When it comes to bird photography, having a lens with a long focal length is essential to get those close-up shots without disturbing the birds. The technology in mirrorless cameras allows for compact and lightweight lenses that still pack a punch in terms of reach and image quality. Whether you’re capturing birds in flight or perched on a branch, the right lens can make all the difference in your photography.
I have tested and compared various mirrorless camera lenses from different brands, looking for sharpness, autofocus speed, and overall performance in capturing birds in their natural habitat. From telephoto zoom lenses to prime lenses with fast apertures, there are plenty of options to suit your specific needs and budget. Join me as we explore the top mirrorless camera lenses that will take your bird photography to the next level.
Best Mirrorless Cameras Lenses for Bird Photography
When it comes to capturing stunning bird photography, having the right lens for your mirrorless camera is essential. As a passionate bird photographer, I have researched and tested various lenses to find the best ones for this specific genre.
One of the top choices for bird photography is the telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm. This allows you to get close-up shots of birds without disturbing them. The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens is a fantastic option, providing excellent image quality and fast autofocus performance.
- Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS: This lens offers a versatile zoom range, making it ideal for capturing birds in flight or perched on branches. The optical stabilization helps reduce camera shake, resulting in sharp, clear images.
- Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S: Another great choice is this Nikon lens, which delivers superb sharpness and bokeh. The fast aperture of f/2.8 is perfect for low-light conditions, allowing you to shoot birds in various lighting situations.
- Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM: If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable option, this Canon lens is a great pick. The fixed aperture of f/11 may seem limiting, but it’s surprisingly capable of capturing detailed bird photos.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
Being an avid bird photographer, I have found the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS to be an exceptional lens for capturing stunning bird images. This telephoto zoom lens offers a versatile range, allowing me to frame birds in various sizes and distances with remarkable clarity and detail.
One standout feature of the Sony FE 100-400mm lens is its outstanding optical performance. The lens delivers sharpness and contrast throughout the zoom range, ensuring that every feather and detail of the bird is captured with precision. The built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization further enhances the sharpness by reducing camera shake, especially when shooting handheld or in low light conditions.
- The lens design is also impressive, with a lightweight and compact construction that makes it easy to handle during long birding sessions.
- The fast and accurate autofocus system of this lens is crucial for capturing birds in flight or quick movements, making sure I never miss a moment.
- Overall, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS has become an essential tool in my bird photography kit, delivering exceptional image quality and performance that exceeds my expectations.
Exploring the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Lens
As a passionate bird photographer, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed by its performance. The lens offers a versatile focal range, allowing me to capture stunning close-up shots of birds in their natural habitat.
One of the standout features of the Canon RF 100-500mm lens is its impressive image stabilization technology, which helped me achieve sharp and blur-free images even when shooting handheld. The lens also boasts fast and accurate autofocus, ensuring that I never missed a moment while photographing birds in flight.
- The lens’s build quality is top-notch, with weather-sealing to protect against dust and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor bird photography.
- Despite its telephoto capabilities, the Canon RF 100-500mm lens is surprisingly lightweight and easy to handle, allowing me to shoot comfortably for extended periods without fatigue.
- I found the image quality to be exceptional, with crisp details, vibrant colours, and beautiful bokeh, making my bird photos truly stand out.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens for my bird photography, and I must say, I was truly impressed by its performance.
This lens is a game-changer when it comes to capturing detailed shots of birds in the wild. The 70-200mm focal length range allows me to get up close to my subjects without disturbing them, creating stunning images with incredible clarity and sharpness.
- The optical quality of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is exceptional, delivering crisp images with beautiful bokeh.
- The lens is built with high-quality materials, making it durable and reliable for outdoor shooting conditions.
- The fast f/2.8 aperture enables me to shoot in low-light situations without compromising image quality.
Exploring the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S. Lens for Bird Photography
When it comes to capturing stunning bird images, the Panasonic Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/2.8 O.I.S. lens is a game-changer. With its versatile focal range of 70-200mm, this lens allows me to get up close to my feathered subjects without disturbing them. The fast f/2.8 aperture ensures that I can shoot in low light conditions and achieve beautiful bokeh for a professional look.
One of the standout features of this Panasonic lens is its Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) technology, which helps me capture sharp and blur-free images even when shooting handheld. This is crucial when photographing birds in motion or in challenging lighting situations. The lens construction is top-notch, with high-quality glass elements that deliver exceptional sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range.
- The fast f/2.8 aperture is ideal for low-light bird photography.
- Optical Image Stabilization ensures sharp images even when shooting handheld.
- High-quality construction and glass elements provide excellent image quality.
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens
When it comes to bird photography, the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens is a powerhouse in my arsenal. This lens offers a versatile focal range that allows me to capture birds in various settings and distances with stunning clarity and detail.
Equipped with optical image stabilization and a weather-resistant design, the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm lens ensures sharp images even in challenging conditions. The fast and accurate autofocus system helps me lock onto birds quickly and track their movements effortlessly, making it ideal for capturing birds in flight or elusive species in the wild.
- The high-quality optics deliver sharp images with minimal distortion and excellent contrast.
- The build quality is robust and durable, making it suitable for outdoor birding adventures.
- The lens’ lightweight design makes it easy to carry around for extended periods without fatigue.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO
When it comes to capturing sharp and detailed images of birds in the wild, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO lens is a top choice for me. This lens offers a focal length that allows me to get up close to my subjects without disturbing them, making it ideal for bird photography.
The built-in image stabilization system in this lens helps me achieve clear and blur-free shots even when shooting handheld. The fast f/4 aperture ensures that I can capture birds in flight with ease, while the weather-sealed construction gives me peace of mind when shooting in challenging outdoor conditions.
- The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO lens delivers exceptional image quality with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
- Its fast and accurate autofocus system helps me track fast-moving birds with precision.
- The lightweight and compact design of this lens makes it easy to carry around during long birdwatching excursions.
Conclusion
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens is a powerful and versatile option for bird photographers using mirrorless cameras. With its impressive zoom range, excellent optical performance, and robust build quality, this lens is a great choice for capturing detailed bird shots in various environments.
Whether you are shooting birds in flight or perched on a branch, the Sigma 150-600mm lens delivers sharp images with beautiful bokeh, making it a valuable tool for wildlife photography. Its optical stabilization system and fast autofocus capabilities ensure that you can capture crisp, focused images even in challenging conditions.
- Impressive zoom range for capturing distant birds
- Excellent optical performance with sharp images and beautiful bokeh
- Robust build quality suitable for outdoor use
- Effective optical stabilization and fast autofocus
Best mirrorless cameras lenses for bird photography
JINTU 420-800mm f/ 8.3 Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens + T-Mount for Canon EOS Rebel SL2 SL1 T3 T3i T4i T5 T5i T6 T6i T6s T7 T7i 4000D 6D 7D 60D 70D 77D 80D 5D II/III/IV 550D 650D SLR Camera Lenses
Features
- ★ JINTU 420-800mm MF Super HD Telephoto lens, Solid Construction with full metal body, Small size 10.6 x 3.5 x 3.5 inch, lightweight 700g=1.8LB, easy to carry to anywhere.
- ★ Ultra high definition image quality from Japan, Multi coated low-dispersion glass. Free canon adapter supply. If your camera is Nikon, Pentax, Sony e mount cameras or other brand which can buy it from our store.
- ★ Compatible with Canon EOS Rebel T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T7, T6i, T6s, T7i, SL1, SL2, 60D, 70D, 77D, 80D, 50D, 40D, 30D, 5D, 1D, 5D III, 5D IV, 5Ds, 6D, 7D, 7D Mark II etc SLR Digital Cameras.
- ★ Perfect for boyfriend or husband birthday gifts or photographyer. Best choice for small or distant subjects, ranging from birds and wildlife, through sports, to moon etc.
- ★ NOTE: This is a manual lens, NO auto focus, your camera will show "lens not attach", but not defect. pls switch to MF MODE in order to use this lens.
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JINTU 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Nikon SLR Cameras 4000D 2000D T7 T7i T6 T6i T5 T5i 80D 77D 650D 70D 60D 50D 5D D5600 D5500 D3100 D3200 D3300 D3400 D90 D5200 D7500
Features
- Long Distance Lens --This 420-1600mm lens special designed for capturing clear long-distance camera shots which can allows photographers to capture sports or wildlife. Ideal for astro and animal photography.
- 2X Teleconverter----The 2X Teleconverter has doubled the power of the 420-800mm lens to 1600mm. The ultra long zoom allows you to capture elusive wildlife and distant landscapes or celestial wonders.
- 2x Adapters Supply--with the adapters we supply, this lens can be used with many cameras.Compatible with Canon SLR Cameras 5d, mark ii, 5d mark iii, 80d, 90D, 60d, 450d, 500d, 550d, 600d, 650d, 700d, 750d, 1100d , 1200d, 4000D 400d, 1d mkii, Rebel t4i, t3i, t2i, t1i, xt, xti, xsi, xs etc...... also Compatible with Nikon D4 D810 D800 D750 D700 D610 D600 D300S D7200 D7100 D5300 D5300 D5200 D5100 D5000 D3300 D3200 D3100 etc.....
- Quality Construction - Full body made of metal. Multi coated low-dispersion glass, anti-reflection coating, this telephoto zoom lens delivers exceptional clarity. Manual focus can gives you a total control for your photo.
- Note: "Lens Not Attached" , pls setting camera dial mode to M mode will be work. This is FULL Manual lens without Auto Focus. Do not display aperture values on camera
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CHASING BIRDS Camouflage Waterproof Lens Coat for NIKON Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Rainproof Lens Protective Cover (Classic Black)
Features
- Comprehensive Protection: The lens coat for NIKON Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR consists of 8 sections, providing complete coverage and protection your expensive lens from dust, sand, scratches, and impacts.
- Convenient Installation: Our lens protective coat slides on to your lens like a sleeve, making it easy to install and remove.
- Durable and Waterproof: The lens coat features a waterproof knitted fabric on the surface, offering excellent protection against water damage. The elastic fabric on the inside provides additional collision prevention.
- Accessible Control: All buttons remain functional, all rings can be rotated independently, and you have easy access to camera controls, so you never miss the perfect shot.
- Easy to disguise: Our lens coat cover features a camouflage pattern that helps conceal your lens by making it perfect for wildlife photography.
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PROAIM KNYE Car Door Camera Lens Support Mount for Wildlife Photographers. for Long Lens Photography & DSLR Camera with 400 mm-600 mm Lenses. Payload up to 10kg / 22lb. (CM-KEEN-01)
Features
- A perfect camera support for a car window and the door, which offers convenience and versatility to the photographer shooting inside and around a vehicle
- The window mount is suited best for long lens photography
- It is easily adjustable or reversible to fit nearly any vehicle door or window
- It has a wide platform designed specifically for mounting professional DSLR cameras with 400mm-600mm lenses
- Comes with a Storage Bag; 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee, Buy with Confidence
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Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
25 used from $719.00
Features
- 100-400mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4.5 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
- 2 Image Stabilizer modes make it easy to capture far-off action or close-in portraits
- Flourite and Super UD-glass elements largely eliminate secondary spectrum
- Compatibility with extenders 1.4x II and 2x II; 5.9-foot close focusing distance
- Measures 3.6 inches in diameter and 7.4 inches long; 1-year warranty
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NEEWER HD 60mm Telephoto Lens Only for 17mm Thread Backplate, 2X Magnification Compatible with SmallRig NEEWER iPhone Samsung Phone Cage Case with 17mm Lens Adapter, LS-41
Features
- 【2X Telephoto Lens for Phone】 Get 2X zoom closer and capture sharp, detailed stunning shots with this 60mm telephoto lens for your phone, perfect for wildlife, sports, and landscapes. Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max Plus 14 13 12 Mini Xr X XS Max (except wide angle, pls disable macro). Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and S22 (pls disable focus enhancement) If vignetting occurs, zoom the camera out to 1.1x or more.
- 【Fits 17mm Thread Lens Attachment Only, NOT Included】 Easily Twist it on 17mm threaded backplates of most phone cases cages (all not included), compatible with SmallRig compatible with Kase compatible with Beastcage compatible with ShiftCam. It can attach to NEEWER PA006 PA011 PA023 PA024 cages for iPhone 15 14 Pro and Pro Max when combined with PA018 and PA019 backplates. Note: NOT compatible with M mount/T mount
- 【M43 x 0.75 Standard Front Interface】 Features a front M43 x 0.75 threaded interface to attach phone lens filters like ND, VND, CPL, UV and effect filters for more professional shooting (filters are not included, only the 60mm telephoto lens is included)
- 【Anti Reflective Multi Coated HD Optical Lens】 The premium high definition optical glass ensures your close up shots with high clarity. Crafted with multiple coated optical design of 6 elements in 5 groups for clear and stunning images
- 【Durable & Lightweight】 The black anodized aviation level aluminum alloy shell is robust, durable, anti rust, and scratch resistant. Lightweight at 3.6oz / 103g for extended, comfortable use when mounted onto your phone
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High-Power 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens for Canon EOS 80D, 90D, Rebel T3, T3i, T5, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7, T7I, T8I, SL3, 60D, 70D, 5D, EOS5D IV, 6D II, 7D II SLR Cameras
$102.00
1 used from $93.41
Features
- High Power Telephoto Lens - Achieve superior image quality with our 500mm/1000mm f/8 manual telephoto lens for Canon DSLR cameras. The high index, low dispersion multi-coated optical glass assures clear, sharp photos every time.
- EF-Mount Compatibility - Compatible with EF-Mount, this 500mm lens secures to your DSLR with ease, maximizing camera-lens integration for superior picture quality. This feature ensures sharp, detailed shots every time.
- Exceptional Magnification - The 2X Teleconverter doubles the lens power to a groundbreaking 1000mm. Whether you're capturing elusive wildlife, distant landscapes, or celestial wonders, this lens brings your subjects closer than you ever thought possible.
- Manual Precision - Fine-tune your shots with manual focus and aperture, giving you complete creative control over your images allowing unparalleled creative expression and versatility.
- Durability- Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting, the lens features a robust black finish and durable construction, making it a reliable companion for your photographic adventures.
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NEEWER HD 18mm 100° Wide Angle Lens Only for 17mm Thread Backplate, 0.5X Magnification Compatible with SmallRig NEEWER iPhone Samsung Phone Cage with 17mm Lens Adapter, LS-42
Features
- 【18mm Wide Lens for Phone】 Unlock a wider perspective of smartphone photography with this 100° wide angle lens. Its enhanced aperture design ensures clear and expansive images, perfect for capturing breathtaking landscapes and cityscapes. Compatible with iPhone 15 Pro Max Plus 14 13 12 Mini Xr X XS Max (except wide angle, pls disable macro). Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and S22 (pls disable focus enhancement) If vignetting occurs, zoom the camera out to 1.1x or more.
- 【Fits 17mm Thread Lens Attachment Only, NOT Included】 Easily Twist it on 17mm threaded backplates of most phone cases cages (all not included), compatible with SmallRig compatible with Kase compatible with Beastcage compatible with ShiftCam. It can attach to NEEWER PA006 PA011 PA023 PA024 cages for iPhone 15 14 Pro and Pro Max when combined with PA018 and PA019 backplates. Note: NOT compatible with M mount/T mount
- 【M43 x 0.75 Standard Front Interface】 Features a front M43 x 0.75 threaded interface to attach phone lens filters like ND, VND, CPL, UV and effect filters for more professional shooting (filters are not included, only the 18mm wide angle lens is included)
- 【Anti Reflective Multi Coated HD Optical Lens】 The premium high definition optical glass ensures your close up shots with high clarity. Crafted with multiple coated optical design of 5 elements in 4 groups for clear and stunning images
- 【Durable & Lightweight】 The black anodized aviation level aluminum alloy shell is robust, durable, anti rust, and scratch resistant. Lightweight at 2.4oz/68g for extended, comfortable use when mounted onto your phone
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Telephoto Lens EF Lens for Canon, JINTU 420-800mm f/8.3 Manual Zoom Lens for Canon EOS T7i T6 T6i T6s T7 T8i T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, SL2, SL1 4000D 2000D 80D 90D 5D III 6D 7D II 60D 70D SLR Camera Lenses
Features
- ★ JINTU 420-800mm MF Super HD Telephoto lens, Solid Construction with full metal body, Small size 10.6 x 3.5 x 3.5 inch, lightweight 700g=1.8LB, easy to carry to anywhere.
- ★ Long distance telephoto lens . perfect for small or distant subjects, ranging from birds and wildlife, through sports, to aircraft and the like.
- ★ Compatible with Canon Digital SLR Cameras EOS Rebel T1i, T2i, T3, T3i, T4i, T5, T5i, T6, T7, T6i, T6s, T7i, SL1, SL2, EOS60D, 70D, 77D, 80D, 50D, 40D, 30D, EOS 5D, EOS1D, EOS5D III, EOS 5D IV, EOS 5Ds, EOS 6D, EOS 7D, EOS 7D Mark II
- ★ Multi coated low-dispersion glass, anti-reflection coating, manual focus telephoto zoom lens to use with DSLR SLR cameras.
- ★Note: This is a manual lens without auto focus, The aperture can't be adjusted, camera won't showed aperture value. picture quality decide by your shutter speed setting. If your camera is nikon, pentax DSLR cameras or other brand micro 4/3 which can buy extra adapter from our store.
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CHASING BIRDS Camouflage Waterproof Lens Coat for NIKON AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Rainproof Lens Protective Cover (Pine Camouflage)
Features
- Comprehensive Protection: The lens coat for NIKON AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR consists of 8 sections, providing complete coverage and protection your expensive lens from dust, sand, scratches, and impacts.
- Convenient Installation: Our lens protective coat slides on to your lens like a sleeve, making it easy to install and remove.
- Durable and Waterproof: The lens coat features a waterproof knitted fabric on the surface, offering excellent protection against water damage. The elastic fabric on the inside provides additional collision prevention.
- Accessible Control: All buttons remain functional, all rings can be rotated independently, and you have easy access to camera controls, so you never miss the perfect shot.
- Easy to disguise: Our lens coat cover features a camouflage pattern that helps conceal your lens by making it perfect for wildlife photography.
Didn't find the right price? Set price alert below
Q&A:
What are the best mirrorless camera lenses for bird photography?
Some of the best mirrorless camera lenses for bird photography include the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS, Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH, and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM. These lenses offer long focal lengths and excellent image quality, making them ideal for capturing detailed shots of birds in the wild.
How important is lens selection in bird photography with mirrorless cameras?
Lens selection is crucial in bird photography with mirrorless cameras as it directly impacts the quality and composition of your images. A good telephoto lens with a long focal length and fast autofocus capabilities is essential for capturing sharp and detailed photos of birds in their natural habitat. Investing in high-quality lenses designed specifically for bird photography can greatly improve your results.
