Canon cameras have become spectacular with their transition to mirrorless. Not only do they offer higher resolution and refresh rate, but also a wide range of optics for different genres. For bird photographers, there are a few options designed for both pros and enthusiasts. Here’s a quick look at what they offer.
Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1
Canon 100-500mm is an all-around lens that offers a wide focal range. It has 9 aperture blades, 5 stops of image stabilization, and weather resistance, amongst other things. The white color helps disperse heat, and it features multiple controls on the lens barrel to make shooting easier. It is also quite rugged, and bird photographers do not have to worry about it getting dirty. There is also a quick autofocus, which works well with a camera that has bird detection. The images are also sharp, the color is gorgeous, and the bokeh is creamy. As we stated in our review, “For what this lens is, it’s exemplary, and I think that any serious birding photographer will really enjoy it as long as you’re not hiking with it for a while.”
Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.3 (When Adapted)
Sigma has been creating lenses for a very long time. The 150-600mm is one option that offers a 110-inch close-focusing distance, 1:5 magnification, and is built well, too. The zoom extends, and there are switches around the lens to help keep it in place. The autofocus is also quick, and it can track animals and humans with ease. We tested the lens with a 6D, and it took a while to focus. But with a better camera, the lens will operate faster. There is nothing to complain about the image quality either. It is sharp, and it provides nice bokeh. As we explained, “This lens tends to saturate images all across the board. In fact, we have to say that it offers the most saturated image quality that we’ve seen even over the Art lenses which seem to boost contrast and micro-contrast to make other colors pop quite a bit.”
Canon RF 400mm F2.8
Canon 400mm is the only prime lens on the list, but it is a superb offering for professional photographers. With a close focusing distance of 8.2 feet and 9 aperture blades, it also offers weather resistance, good build, and nice buttons. When we shot birds with the lens, we only found two or three images to be soft. Otherwise, it is truly an amazing piece of optics from the L series. The photos also offer nice, creamy bokeh, and the subject separation is fantatsic. It is also quite sharp, and one can see the details with ease. If you can’t buy the lens (it costs about $14K), you can always rent it and see the difference.