Advice for getting back into bird photography - Camera and Zoom lens (2 Viewers)

[pjw1966]

After 15 or so years I'm going to get back into bird photography and would welcome advice on a camera/zoom lens combination. Total budget will be around £1,500 (maybe slightly more) and I'm particularly interested in a zoom lens able to perform at a decent standard in low(ish) light. My research had shown the Sigma 745306 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary as coming highly recommended, but I've no idea about what camera to pair it with.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

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[njlarsen]

For getting back into photography, I would recommend looking at second hand options. My second piece of advice is to look at the total weight you are getting into, will you actually carry the camera or will it become a dead weight on a shelf at home?
Niels

 

[pjw1966]

For getting back into photography, I would recommend looking at second hand options. My second piece of advice is to look at the total weight you are getting into, will you actually carry the camera or will it become a dead weight on a shelf at home?
Niels

Thanks for the advice, I'd rather buy new to have the warranties. Also, I really can't afford to have £1,500 worth of product 'On a shelf, at home'!

 

[Crex67]

Is a superzoom bridge-camera out of the question? I'm using a Sony DSC-RX10 IV for my bird photography. It's a great camera, lightweight (compared to camera/zoomcombi), less expensive and you can get really great results!

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

At last, a premium superzoom bridge camera with phase detect autofocus. Is this the best all-in-one camera ever made? Read on.

www.dpreview.com

 

[pjw1966]

Is a superzoom bridge-camera out of the question? I'm using a Sony DSC-RX10 IV for my bird photography. It's a great camera, lightweight (compared to camera/zoomcombi), less expensive and you can get really great results!

Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV review

At last, a premium superzoom bridge camera with phase detect autofocus. Is this the best all-in-one camera ever made? Read on.

www.dpreview.com

Looks really interesting, didn't know such a thing existed. Thanks, will investigate.

 

[MelospizaMelodiaFan]

If you have a set budget, then I would echo Niels with a recommendation to go used. Your money would go a lot further.

Low light is the rub. Not sure what kind of image quality your are seeking, but you are bound to have some noise to contend with. The smaller the sensor, the more this will be an issue. I would try to look at as many sample galleries for whatever camera you choose before pulling the trigger. Good luck!

 

[pjw1966]

If you have a set budget, then I would echo Niels with a recommendation to go used. Your money would go a lot further.

Low light is the rub. Not sure what kind of image quality your are seeking, but you are bound to have some noise to contend with. The smaller the sensor, the more this will be an issue. I would try to look at as many sample galleries for whatever camera you choose before pulling the trigger. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, the bridge-camera looks like a great call! As for low light, I think I'm probably looking for too much for too small a budget.

 

[MelospizaMelodiaFan]

Thanks for the advice, the bridge-camera looks like a great call! As for low light, I think I'm probably looking for too much for too small a budget.

I currently shoot with a bridge camera, and there is no challenging the convenience! Have a look here: Bridge Camera Photography Showcase

If there is enough light, you can capture some very nice images with a bridge camera. That said, I am looking forward to upgrading to Micro 4/3 later this year.

 

[Earnest lad]

After 15 or so years I'm going to get back into bird photography and would welcome advice on a camera/zoom lens combination. Total budget will be around £1,500 (maybe slightly more) and I'm particularly interested in a zoom lens able to perform at a decent standard in low(ish) light. My research had shown the Sigma 745306 150-600mm F/5-6.3 DG HSM Contemporary as coming highly recommended, but I've no idea about what camera to pair it with.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

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As a fellow birder with the same Sigma lens as mentioned, please may I provide my little bit :
I use a crop sensor camera. That gets me closer to the bird. I feel a DSLR with that lens would leave the birder using a 150-600 sometimes wishing the reach was better.
On the budget mentioned I feel you would do well to go second hand as there are some absolute bargains out there.
The aforementioned Sigma (or tamron equivalent) can be had for 500 to 600 on ebay. And how about a Nikon D500 camera to go with it. I understand the latter is good at low light.