Recommended Minimum Camera Lens Focal Length for Bird ID Only (1 Viewer)

[BlueFox]

I wish to use an interchangeable lens digital camera that I own, set it to auto exposure and autofocus, hand-held, and bring home images of birds that I cannot identify, crop the image to enlarge it, and send image to a local bird forum for identification purposes. This application does not concern bird photography beyond bird identification.

What would be your recommendation for the minimum focal length (35mm format equivalent) for this purpose? My environment would be low trees along a trail or shallow river waterfowl, perhaps no more than 50 yards. Good light is a luck of the draw.

 

[njlarsen]

you might be able to get away with 3-400 mm equivalent but my preference would be around 600. you do not mention which brand/model of camera you have?

Niels

 

[BlueFox]

you might be able to get away with 3-400 mm equivalent but my preference would be around 600. you do not mention which brand/model of camera you have?

Niels

Olympus Pen F. For identification purposes only, I was hoping to get away with a lower focal length for compactness in my pack, then crop the bird image at home. 400mm-600mm is the common preference for detailed photography.

 

[njlarsen]

If you use the 75-300 zoom on that camera I believe you will have a reasonably compact set and will have a maximum reach corresponding to 600 mm. The image quality is likely a little bit less than the 300F4 or the new longer zooms but good enough for your stated purpose.

Niels

 

[BlueFox]

If you use the 75-300 zoom on that camera I believe you will have a reasonably compact set and will have a maximum reach corresponding to 600 mm. The image quality is likely a little bit less than the 300F4 or the new longer zooms but good enough for your stated purpose.

Niels

Thank you. I have not seen that lens so I will look it up. I was hoping the 75/1.8 + 1.4 TC (200mm equivalent) would do the job.

 

[njlarsen]

I think you would do fine with tame garden birds with 200 mm equivalent, but not really beyond that. The lens I am proposing weighs about the same as the combo (lens/TC) you are thinking of. https://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/lenses/oly_m_75-300_4p8-6p7_ii

Niels

If for some reason you do not like the Oly lens, then you can also consider https://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/lenses/panasonic_100-300_4-5p6_ii