Photography Equipment

Bird photography can become an expensive hobby, especially if you want to develop professional style pictures. Top quality cameras and telephoto lenses easily cost several thousand dollars, so before you even consider spending that type of money, try out the camera you already have. See how much you enjoy the hobby and whether you are satisfied with the pictures from your current camera. In any case, however, here’s a quick overview to some camera equipment you might want for bird photography:

Camera: The advent of digital cameras in the last decade has revolutionized bird photography. With digital cameras, you can see your picture immediately (or make a video of the bird), delete the picture if you don’t like it, or move it to your computer if you do like it. Many purists, however, still swear by the 35mm camera. Several camera brands offer a quality 35mm camera, but if you’re buying one for bird photography, make sure that it has automatic focus as well as multiple and adjustable modes. You should also look for a camera with a fast (at least 1/500) shutter speed.

Film: If you don’t have a digital camera, your choice will be between print film and slide film. Print film makes it easy to print and display copies, but slide film produces slightly better color for your pictures. Start out by using whatever film you already use, though for the most part, slow film is better.

 

Miscellaneous: Bird photographers unanimously recommend a strong telephoto lens (at least 300mm) or a teleconverter, as you often cannot stand very close to a bird. It is also a good idea to invest in a tripod so that you don’t have to hold your camera steady for hours on end. A remote control shutter can help you around skittish birds, but most birds will get used to your presence. Some birds will even ignore flash photography. 

 

Take full advantage of your equipment by reading the instruction manuals and by taking care of all your items. The smallest smudges or cracks on your equipment can damage your bird photographs, so clean your camera and inspect your equipment each time you use it.