Best Lens For Wildlife Photography Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Zoom Lens Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD Best Lens For Sports Photography Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG OS HSM Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD Best Budget Telephoto Lens For Nikon Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Its also not quite as sharp, but it comes very close and its overall image quality is pleasing. This lens is the real winner for use on any Nikon body: a 200-500 mm zoom with vibration reduction. Simply, getting close is the best way to get a bigger subject in your viewfinder. Please keep in mind that the information I present below is a personal opinion based on my experience so far, which is subject to change. The construction involves 3 ED glass elements, minimizing chromatic aberration and achieving super sharpness. If youre heading out into the backcountry, you might not want to lug around a heavy lens, but if youre only planning to hike short trails, that might be okay. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR on D850 and D500. It has a tripod detection mode that helps minimize shutter release vibration, making it an intelligent VR workhorse. The best lenses for bird photography will help you get close to wildlife and there are great options for every camera mount. Although significantly less expensive to buy, it features the same range of dual-mode stabilization, dual-mode autofocus and custom setup options, as well as fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements.
Best lenses for wildlife photography in 2023 - Amateur Photographer A 70-300mm lens, providing them an effective focal length of 450mm. Nikkor 600mm is the no-compromise lens for bird photography. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? An image stabilization system that reduces the effects of camera shake and the consequent blur that causes. Give your opinion for 80-400 G ED VR.I believe the autofocus issue is on the D version. Works well with Nikon Z6 using FTZ lens adapter. Looking to turn pro? Undoubtedly, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 is the most popular budget lens for bird shooters. It is the lightest native 800mm lens that Nikon makes. Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary is half the weight of the larger 150-600mm Contemporary lens and just a third of the weight of the Sports edition.
Best Lenses for Bird Photography of 2022 - The Adventure Junkies This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Sigma stops developing Micro Four Thirds lenses; APS-C "also in decline", Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a classic example, costing more than some new cars. 1,725g (1,880g with tripod mounting ring), Amazing shot of angry birds wins Nature in Action Photo Competition, Sony releases first pictures of Earth from its Star Sphere space satellite, Hipster camera alert: A full-frame Nikon Z fc could be on the way, Should you use a full frame or cropped sensor camera for bird photography, 2. On your Nikon, the 300mm is 450mm equivalent (35mm), i.e. I make sure that you get the best articles about photography. I agree with all the conclusions, my thoughts are the same, why and how. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! The autofocus is extremely fast, thanks to an internal focus element, and you can easily override the autofocus if you want manual control.
But no matter what camera system you use, we've found the best lenses for bird photography. very long. But it is only half part of the story. Would love to hear the reasons, if any. And what about probably the most popular Nikon lens the 500 f5.6 PF, why would you not include this as it is actually sharper than the 200-500, 1/3 of the price and so much lighter than the f4 500mm which you would need a mono all the time. There are two versions of this lens: VR and non-VR. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM. Without a doubt, wildlife photography is a very expensive hobby to have (unless you are so good that you can sell your pictures and make good money), especially once you add up all the gear and travel costs. This lens will let you shoot birds up close, and although the zoom isnt the longest out there, it will still allow you to capture birds in the distance. There will barely be anything you cant catch that you cant see with the iconic Nikkor 500mm F4G ED R. It is rugged, having a magnesium die-cast barrel which makes it highly resistant to dust and moisture. Performs well at broad daylight with quick auto focus. Auto White Balance requires zero input from you, the photographer. If youre new to wildlife photography and you have only one lens in your kit, a zoom lens is the best option since it provides you more flexibility, But if youll be switching lenses out, you can use a variety of prime lenses based on the situation and terrain you find yourself in. Focusing is very swift on Canon's two new mirrorless cameras, but could be quicker on the R and RP. The D850 is Nikon's best all-purpose DSLR, striking a great balance between capability and affordability. For Z-mount users, the Nikon 100-400mm seems far more attractive at 1.4kg, and the 500mm f/5.6 PF is a great alternative if you are mostly at 500mm. The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a lens designed exclusively for Sony E-mount; it's made for full-frame bodies, but will work with APS-C, delivering an effective focal length of 225-750mm (though it will produce a pretty unbalanced setup). As each birder's requirements are a little different, there is no one perfect camera and lens for bird photography. This lens of course belongs to the S-line, which means superior performance. The second edition of the lens has a more typical twist-action zoom ring and a host of upgrades. See sample zoom photography (View in a lightbox) View the COOLPIX P1000 Product Tour .
Best lenses for low light, from just 129 - Amateur Photographer Best lens for street photography: NIKON AF NIKKOR 35MM F/2D. In this article, I will not only talk about which Nikon lenses I believe are the best for wildlife and nature photography but also when I use a particular lens, along with plenty of image samples from each lens. If you are still shooting with a DSLR, then this might be a good option, since you cannot use the new Z-mount version.
The best mirrorless cameras for bird photography - BirdWatching 7 Best Camera for Bird Photography. For sensors smaller than full-frame, there is a trade-off in terms of image quality but you'll get the advantage of a crop factor that amplifies the telephoto reach of the lens. Impeccably turned out, the XF100-400mm looks and feels a high-quality item Looks arent deceiving either, as the internals include a super-fast autofocus system based on dual linear stepping motors, and a high-performance 5-stop optical stabilizer. Nikon ambassador Moose Peterson shares his favorite setup, If youre heading out into the backcountry, Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Tripods for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Best Point and Shoot Cameras for Wildlife Photography of 2022, Aperture Allows for Good Low Light Performance, Super Integrated Coating Reduces Lens Flare, Or Glare From The Lens That Can Show Up On A Photo, Electromagnetic Aperture Gives Good Exposure Control So The Lighting Level Doesnt Get Too Dark Or Too Light, Internal Focus Allows For Speed In Focusing, Provides Shallow Depth Of Field For Selective Focus, Tripod Mode Reduces Shake From Ground Vibration, Vr Image Stabilization Compensates For Camera Shake, Coating On Front Of Lens Protects From Water & Dirt. Due to its slower f/4 aperture, it is a much lighter lens than the 400mm f/2.8E VR. When photographing wildlife, whether capturing birds in flight or photographing bears in Alaska, one of the most important factors in choosing a lens is its focal length. longer. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Among other notable features are a lag-free switch from automatic to manual focus. When youre ready to invest a big budget in your bird photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm will help you take your photos to the next level. Takes continuous shots at 8 frames per second. It does feature a Tripod Mode, to reduce camera shake from ground vibrations you might not even notice, as well as a Sport Mode that can be useful when youre following birds in flight. Autofocus itself is very fast and image quality is fabulous. Landscape vs Portrait Orientation in Photography. It provides an edge-to-edge sharpness and compatibility with all Nikon teleconverters for greater reach. Still, it is heavy and big to carry around and takes time to set up.
A decent lens is an essential piece of camera equipment for capturing beautiful bird photos. That's why, in my opinion, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best bird photography lens for the money at a touch over $2000 (or significantly cheaper pre-owned). The Sports model is a superior lens for photographing birds. It is the professional photographers who strive to go that extra mile and look for perfect pictures. That is all the reach you will need. So, this is a great lens for bigger or closer wildlife, but its not the right choice for all wildlife photographers. Sir, Pls.
A Guide to Birding with Long Lenses | B&H eXplora Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. However, this lens is fairly hefty, so it will add some weight to your pack, which is something to consider if youre going on a long adventure in the backcountry. Image quality wise: an entry level Nikon DSLR matches the image quality you can get from any other camera in Nikon's line up . This lens keeps pushing the boundaries. If you dont have your lens with you, it cant help you capture stunning bird images, so youll want to factor in the weight of lens you choose. Dont worry, this article will be updated in October! Do you have any recommendations or questions? Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR At a glance: 95mm filter thread 2.2m minimum focus 268mm length x 108mm diameter Weighs 2300g Nikon F mount Price: 1,399 / $1396 The sheer range provided by Tamrons 150-600, especially when clubbed with a crop frame, is enough to enchant the buyers. It has a super-fast ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system, a highly effective optical stabilizer with switchable static and panning modes, dual switchable autofocus modes giving priority to either automatic focusing or manual override, and switchable custom modes that you can set up via Sigmas optional USB Dock. Astrophotography in March 2023: what to shoot in the night sky this month, "Thats the beauty of photography, it is a democratic medium", AI portraits are hard work, says deceitful Instagrammer with 28K followers, The Lumix S5 II is a serious tool for content creators here's why, GuruShots: Winning photos from the Beautiful Nights competition, Sony's new camera is a "baby A7S III for vloggers", Motorola's mini $99 widget turns any phone into a satellite communicator, Good news! It's tough to do, especially when photographing moving birds.
The Essential Guide to Photographing Birds in Flight Yet, professional bird photographers prefer prime. Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency (eBAND) coating and Broad-Band Anti-Reflection (BBAR) coating make the optics even more refined. Very informative write up, What about 200-500 mm lens? Your prices on the three lenses are off by over $2000.! Continuous high-speed photography is achievable through this type of AE control. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For Nikon, a good choice is the Nikon 200-500mm lens for DSLR cameras. Other features include an OLED display, plus a customisable function button. This telephoto zoom lens can capture beautiful images of birds far in the distance as well as birds who fly closer to you. The second is that 400mm isnt always long enough for smaller or more distant birds. As in the Sigma and Tamron lenses, this enables more consistency in rapid-fire exposures but, with older Nikon bodies, youll only be able to shoot at the widest aperture. Two screw-on types of 95mm lens filters are available that are handy during bird photography. You will be able to capture all sorts of birds in the perfect frames with these cameras for sure. The camera is built to be used with a tripod. A 600mm f/4 is the gold standard for birding and other types of wildlife, and its a lens that still does not exist in Z-mount. Optically it is an insanely sharp lens, I would say about the same as the Nikon 600mm f/4E below. Thus, if you are still using a Nikon 200-500 on an F-mount camera and are looking to transition to Z-mount, I would wait for this lens to come out, instead of buying one of the other Nikon Z lenses above. The Nikon 800mm f/5.6 is no doubt an astounding and absurdly expensive lens. Additionally, 2 ED glass elements work towards eliminating chromatic aberration. and a game-changer for birders, sports and wildlife enthusiasts, travel photographers and even those aspiring to venture to the moon and beyond without leaving their backyard. Instead, the Nikon 180-400 f/4E lens is for those shooters who shoot larger mammals and landscapes, and wider shots of animals in their habitat. No also f/1.4. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life.
Top 10 Best Nikon Lenses for Wildlife Photography Its autofocus is pretty good in daylight and its versatile zoom range of 70-300mm is great for large animals and perched birds. Introducing the 7 Best Nikon Lenses For Wildlife Photography Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED - Best Overall Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR - Best for Pros Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR - Best on a Budget Nikon AF-S Nikkor DX 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II - Landscape and Nature in One This zoom lens offers a range from portrait to telephoto, so you can always get the shot.
Bird photography is a tough job. Neutral Color NC Filter and Circular Polarizing Filter II have been specially crafted for this lens. The NIKKOR 300mm is not a zoom lens with a varied focal length. Nikon bird photography lenses Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Rating: 8/10 Mount: Nikon F Autofocus: Ultrasonic (ring type) Stabilised: Yes (although it's labelled as "vibration reduction") Filter size: 95mm Minimum focus distance: 2.2m Weight: 2.3kg Cost: ~1250-1500 Pros: Great zoom range The 400mm f/2.8 lens is ideal for situations where even an f/4 lens would be too slow.
7 Best Camera for Bird Photography in 2022 - BirdsDepot The price is quite hefty though, at close to $14,000. Sigma also has two similar versions of the same focal range, Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and Sigma 150-600mm Sports. Id love to hear in the comments! A prime lens may force you to, though, unless you know the exact bird locations and schedule. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The speed of continuous shooting is not compromised with modern cameras like D4S. This is a lens you'll want to partner with a sturdy monopod for long periods of shooting. Nanocrystal provides for even better construction. A special Phase Fresnel element (the glass is cut in concentric circles instead of a solid piece) in the lens significantly reduces the size and weight of this lens, so you can take it with you wherever you go to search for birds.
How to Photograph Birds This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. For bird photography, the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary is the perfect complement to the S5's light and streamlined ergonomics perfect for the hand-held photographer on the go. I may have got lucky because mine is very sharp. The one thing I would not use this lens for is birding. It also lets you play with selective focus to highlight the birds in your shot, due to the aperture opening and the amount of light it lets in. The lighter weight helps in more rapid framing and composition, giving the extra few milliseconds to create the masterpiece. Read the full Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C review (opens in new tab). Triple-mode image stabilization is switchable for static and panning shots, with an additional option for applying stabilization only during exposures.
7 Best Lenses for Bird Photography in 2023 - FixThePhoto.com The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens was a breakthrough lens for Nikon. 17. Pros For example, the best 100-400mm lenses (opens in new tab) on a full-frame sensor will cover 150-600mm on APS-C and 200-800mm on Micro Four Thirds!
Lens for Nikon D5600 recommended for bird photography The maximum effective focal length stretches from 600mm to around 900mm when shooting on an APS-C camera. However, the modest f/11 rating enables a relatively compact and lightweight build with smaller-diameter lens elements. With birding, you will likely be using the lens with its built-in teleconverter all the time.
Best cameras for bird photography - BirdWatching Its main advantage over the 600mm f/4 is its weight and its length. This has seen a weight saving of some 25%, though it still tips the scales at an arm-wobbling 3,810g. The best lenses for bird photography provide you with enough magnification to fill the frame with a feathery subject and have a fast enough autofocus to track it as it moves. In fact, this lens is only 775g, which is almost twice as light as the Olympus 300mm f/4 lens for micro four thirds, and this is a full-frame lens! Bought it because it can be hand held. The biggest advantage of this lens is its maximum aperture of f/2.8. When looking at lenses, consider how they'll interact with your camera sensor. One of my favorite lenses for photographing birds at my feeders is the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. Canon: Canon EOS R7. Its also plausible that Nikon will eventually release a 300mm f/2.8 and 500mm f/4 to match the F-mount lenses it already makes. We've tested the best lenses for bird photography to bring you options for a range of prices, from budget telephoto lenses to professional lenses. An extreme telephoto lens, it can beautifully capture birds at a very long distance. Upgrades over the original Tamron lens include a revamped 4.5-stop optical stabilizer with three switchable options for static, panning and exposure-only modes, the last of which leaves the viewfinder image unadulterated, and makes it easier to track erratic movement. At F2.8, it is the fastest lens for bird photography. Combined with Canon's legendary L-series build quality and stunning optical performance, it's up there with the very best Canon zoom lenses we've tested. Theres no other difference between the two versions. The effects of camera shake are minimized by vibration reduction VRII. Weighing a whopping 3.8 kilos, it is about as heavy as Nikons longest 600mm f/4 lens (more on the 600mm below). Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR A good option zoom lens for bird photography and it comes at a reasonable cost. Image quality is fabulous throughout the entire zoom range. It has a 22.2x zoom and an 18-400mm focal length, its ultra-telephoto range matches 620mm in the 35mm format. Autofocus is fast and image quality is impressive in all respects, making this lens great value for an own-brand Nikon. It is possible due to the diaphragm blade unit with a drive mechanism. If one plans to use the camera hand-held, it is better to look for lighter lenses while compromising slightly on the range. Theres also lens lightness that helps them enjoy the process and learn the art of bird photography. The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is a great introductory telephoto lens for bird photography at a very good price point. This is not the lens you would pack in a backpack for hiking. A full set of weather seals is incorporated, and a fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture and fingerprints. The XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR covers the focal length of 229mm 914mm in equivalent 35mm film terms and also supports Fujifilm's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Again, not much to complain about in terms of optics and features. Power O.I.S. The Nikon 200-600mm lens in particular will be the generalist wildlife lens suitable for most shooters who need the versatility of a zoom. the best birds in flight photography lenses cost thousands of dollars, which just doesn't make sense for a beginner. Camera body with a lens without zoom for shooting portraits. That makes it easier to capture sharp, frame-filling images of birds. More so, it has a focal range of 70-300mm. If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below: Getting F-mount Lenses in a Z-mount World, Best Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography, Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G DX VR AF-P Review, Best Nikon Lenses for Wedding Photography. The Nikon 500mm f/4E VR is sort of a sweet middle between the 400mm and 600mm lenses. Unlike landscape and portrait photography, where you could get away with a cheap lens and still get great results, wildlife photography pretty much requires high-quality, fast-aperture telephoto optics. In particular, its much easier to use a 1.4x teleconverter with this lens, turning it into a very reasonable 560mm f/6.3. It is capable of producing relatively good bokeh, especially on its longest end, although its sharpness performance also drops quite a bit at 300mm. Compared with Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm zooms for Nikon cameras, this own-brand competitor comes up slightly short in maximum reach. It all depends on the budget, the shooting style, prime or telephoto choice, and brand preference. Nikon D7500 with Tamron 100-400 Lens Zoomed Out (with Hood) Picking the best camera for bird photography on a budget means balancing competing requirements. A mixture of zooms and primes, these are the lenses that bring distant subjects closer, filling the frame with birds and animals and making the most of your camera's sensor to capture them in all their gorgeous detail. Its also the sharper lens at 400mm, although the 100-400mm is no slouch. Additionally, some good wildlife lenses simply are not available for Z-mount, such as a 300mm f/2.8 or 500mm f/4. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary. Canon premium: Canon EOS R3. The Silent Wave Motor further boosts this ability, helping create stable and dramatic images in the wild. The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM is a lens that works really well in birds and wildlife photography, a great tele-zoom of choice, and whose weight, although very unbalanced, we do not believe to be excessive even for carrying out wandering photographic hunting activities. If you dont have your lens with you, it cant help you capture stunning bird images, so youll want to factor in the weight of lens you choose. Except that one. However, its weight and size are its biggest enemy. These enable different behaviors in the autofocus speed and stabilization effect, as well as fine-tuning for autofocus accuracy for individual camera bodies, plus the application of firmware updates. I hope you enjoy the site . The optical image stabilizer is effective on its own and even better when coupled with in-body stabilization, featured in later Sony Alpha A7 and A9 mirrorless cameras. It was originally introduced as an answer to third-party large focal length telephoto zoom lenses. Theres also considerably lower quality owing to the higher number of lens elements. It is about $550 more expensive than the 100-400mm, so why would you get this lens instead? Although the very light 500mm f/5.6 PF has replaced it for many shooters, and the 400mm f/4.5 in an attractive alternative for Z-mount users, it is still lest costly than both (especially used), and so it is worth considering if you need quality in a very small package.
5 Best Nikon Mirrorless Camera Lens For Bird Photography Nikon: Nikon Z9. (Libor wrote a separate article on why thats his favorite budget combo.). The lens has 11 elements (3ED) in 8 groups. VR: Vibration Reduction is essential in unforgiving conditions. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, 9. The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 is a compact and ridiculously sharp lens that is perfect for larger birds and birds in flight. Or would you prefer the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which is a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4? Why you can trust Digital Camera World Buy Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: $2,696.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama. I am a wildlife photographer, started in the 70s. NY 10036. Many hobbyists are foraying into this field who start with a crop frame body. Nikon has made several innovations to make this lens lighter, but it is still quite a large lens, so you will benefit from a sturdy tripod setup to hold it steady. And feeders, offering . Canon EF 100-400mm IS II. The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3s main application is birds and other small animals. The lens is under $600 and is among the cheapest lenses to achieve any bird photography. This is the lens that will get you to 800mm at f/5.6 with a 2x teleconverter! Here at The Adventure Junkies, we have sorted through a variety of Nikon lenses to give you the lowdown on your options and help you choose the best Nikon lens for bird photography to keep in your camera kit. This helps you to change the settings quickly. Fortunately, your camera offers a neat solution: Auto White Balance, also known as AWB. It also makes it very easy to use teleconverters, especially the built-in 1.4x TC. Fujifilm XF150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM OIS WR, 12. In this list, we've included some of the best telephoto lenses (opens in new tab) around right now.
The 7 Best Nikon Lenses For Wildlife Photography in 2023 Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, For hobbyists, a zoom lens might be a better shot.
The Best Nikon Cameras for Wildlife Photography (2023) Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sport, 14. Im the owner and editor of Photography-RAW. It's the NIKKOR VR 70-300mm /4.5-5.6 for the Nikon 1 system. It is also only about 2.4kg, which means it is handholdable for longer periods compared to most supertelephotos. One of the newest Nikon telephoto lenses at the moment is the 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Just like the 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, this 600mm lens has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. This lens is somewhat on the heavy side, although it still can be used handheld, and the vibration reduction reduces camera shake whether you have it on a tripod or are holding it. Diaphragm control via electric signals from the camera body provides reliable AE control. I have a personal sweet spot for the 200-500 mm for its versatility as well as sharpness as also for the 500 mm PF for its lightweight as well as sharpness. Download our FREE Macro Photography Quick Start Guide. Birds are tricky subjects for even the most experienced wildlife photographers; they move quickly, don't stay still for long, and they generally won't let you get very close without flying off. Finally, the Nikon Z 400mm is also 190 g lighter than the 100-400mm, which makes a difference if you are carrying the lens and other equipment all day. Or do you want a high-quality prime lens with a set focal length? But lenses are an expensive purchase, so its important to really think through your decision about which Nikon lens to buy for bird photography. Its a superfast (f/2.8) 400mm lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter (thats what the TC, stands for in the lens name). The VR II provides up to 3 stops of insurance, resulting in sharper images overall.