Wildlife photography can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you capture that rare, breathtaking moment. But choosing the right lens is crucial, as the wrong one can ruin a great shot.
Today, we’ll cover the best lens options for beginner wildlife photographers, focusing on models from Sony, Canon, and Nikon.
Let’s explore the factors to consider when selecting a lens to ensure you're ready for every wildlife adventure.
Why Choosing the Right Lens Matters
Imagine encountering a rare wildlife scene after days, even weeks, of scouting only to have the wrong lens. Having the right lens can mean the difference between a mediocre shot and a stunning, close-up capture that you’ll cherish forever.
For beginners, a telephoto zoom lens is essential. This type of lens allows you to zoom in and out, providing versatility to frame shots depending on your subject’s distance. As a general rule, you’ll want to fill the frame with your subject, and a telephoto zoom lens offers the range to make that possible.
The Ideal Focal Length: 400mm vs. 600mm
While lenses with focal lengths of 400mm to 600mm are popular among wildlife photographers, your ideal choice depends on several factors.
For example:
600mm lenses provide excellent reach for distant subjects, such as birds or large animals in open landscapes. They allow you to capture more details from far away.
400mm lenses are perfect if you’re closer to your subject, like when photographing smaller animals up close.
Each focal length has its pros and cons, so it’s worth experimenting based on your common shooting scenarios.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses: Versatility and Convenience
Telephoto zoom lenses, such as 100-400mm or 200-600mm, offer flexibility for varying shooting distances.
Here’s a breakdown of popular telephoto zoom options by brand:
- Sony: Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS lens provides outstanding reach, letting you zoom from 200mm to 600mm, ideal for birds and large animals.
- Canon: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens, known for its lightweight design, is ideal if you’re trekking long distances.
- Nikon: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens offers excellent quality but may be slightly heavier for extended hikes.
The 100-400mm zoom range works well for hiking and closer encounters, while 200-600mm is best when you need that extra reach. Many photographers carry both to cover a variety of distances.
Importance of Weight and Portability
If you’re hiking miles to capture wildlife, lens weight is a major factor. A lighter lens like the 100-400mm is easier to carry on longer hikes, while the 600mm prime lens offers superior image quality but is heavier. Canon’s 100-500mm lens is also popular for those who need both range and portability.
Remember, lens weight becomes a bigger concern with distance and terrain.
For example, if you’re trekking into deep canyons, a lighter zoom lens is more practical than a heavier prime lens.
Heavier lenses also take toll on your body the longer the hike is. It may seem easy to carry at first but as the trek goes on, you will feel the weight of the lens not long after.
Understanding Teleconverters for Extra Reach
A teleconverter is an accessory that can extend your lens’s focal length without needing a separate lens.
For example, a 1.4x teleconverter on a 400mm lens increases the reach to 560mm.
This is especially useful if you’re trying to capture subjects from a considerable distance, but it’s important to note that using a teleconverter may slightly degrade image quality.
In cases where you need that extra reach and want to avoid cropping in post, carrying a teleconverter for your 100-400mm lens can provide the flexibility you need without the bulk of a larger 600mm lens.
Lens Options for Close-Up Wildlife Shots
When animals are close, a lens with a shorter focal length, like 100mm to 400mm, allows for more detail and fills the frame beautifully.
This range works well for creatures like mountain goats or small animals that can be approached.
A 100-400mm lens is versatile, letting you capture detailed close-ups or pull back to include more of the environment.
Wide-Angle Options for Scenic Wildlife Shots
Sometimes, wildlife photography is more than just the animal—it’s about capturing the environment.
In these cases, wide-angle lenses like 16-28mm or 24-70mm are ideal. These lenses allow you to frame the wildlife within its natural setting, like foggy rivers or expansive mountain backgrounds.
Wide-angle shots add depth to your images and are particularly stunning in locations like Yellowstone National Park or Rocky Mountain National Park.
Summary: Choosing the Best Wildlife Lens
When selecting your wildlife lens, consider:
- Distance from Subject: 400mm for closer shots, 600mm for further distances.
- Weight and Portability: Lightweight lenses (100-400mm) are better for long hikes.
- Zoom Range: A flexible zoom lens like 100-400mm or 200-600mm gives you versatility.
- Teleconverter Compatibility: Adds reach when needed, but may slightly impact image quality.
Final Thoughts: and the best wildlife photography lens for beginner is?
For beginner wildlife photographers, a versatile zoom lens like 100-400mm is a great starting point.
As you gain experience, consider adding a longer lens or a teleconverter for extended reach.
Remember, wildlife photography is about patience and adapting to your environment, so find a lens that complements your style and the unique challenges of the wilderness.