Are you new to the world of bird photography? These gear recommendations will give you the image stabilization, frames per second shooting, telephoto zoom, and bird locating tools that you need to step up your birding game – without breaking the bank.
If you've been photographing birds for years, these recommendations are designed to help you stay out in the field longer doing what you love and bring home more images that are "keepers."
This gear takes advantage of our newest technology and most versatile lenses and accessories designed with birding in mind.
OM-D E-M5 Mark III + M.Zuiko 14-150mm Kit
The weathersealed E-M5 Mark III is an ideal camera choice for a beginner birder. In-body 5-axis image stabilization, shutter speeds of 30fps, and computational tools like Pro Capture Mode help you capture more "keeper" shots of fast moving birds in flight. Its advanced 121-point all-cross type autofocus is designed to lock focus on any subject, in any environment, because each AF point is cross-type for reliable vertical and horizontal tracking. The points are spread across the entire image sensor for maximum autofocus coverage. You’ll capture fast-moving subjects and split-second action every time.
Paired with the weathersealed M.Zuiko 14-150mm telephoto zoom, you'll get plenty of focal length to photograph your subjects at an affordable kit price.
M.Zuiko 75-300mm F4.8-6.7
Get all of the zoom you need for capturing bird photography with this super-telephoto lens – at a super small size made for the great outdoors. The M.Zuiko 75-300mm has a full frame equivalent focal range of 150-600mm, weighs 15 ounces, and measures just 4.5 inches when collapsed. It also features our advanced ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) lens coating, to help you get tack-sharp image quality while reducing ghosting and lens flare when shooting against bright light – like when capturing a bird in flight in the middle of a clear sky!
OM-D E-M1X
The weathersealed E-M1X is the ideal OM-D for the serious bird photographer due to its advanced autofocus and computational photography tools. Imagine your camera’s AF system being able to detect and lock on to subjects all by itself. The E-M1X's Bird Intelligent Subject Detection AF does just that. Along with 60fps sequential shooting, 121 points of on-chip Phase Detection plus Contrast Detection AF, and Pro Capture Mode – this camera is the perfect tool for capturing birds in flight. You can also customize AF targeting in addition to using the AF Target Mode presets.
The E-M1X's two long life, high-capacity batteries and USB charging are also key when you're out in the field for long period of time.
M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
A longtime user favorite for bird and wildlife photographers, the M.Zuiko 40-150mm gives you an 80-300mm full frame equivalent focal length, with a bright F2.8 aperture and weight of just 1.67 lbs. Its super-sharp edge-to-edge image quality helps you capture every detail of your subject. It also features a Manual Focus Clutch, allowing you to quickly switch back and forth between manual and autofocus.
Explorer Series Binos
Binoculars are the perfect tool to help you spot birds high up in the trees, or far off in the distance. Explorer Series binoculars are made for outdoor photographers with portability and ergonomics in mind. They also boast a wide field of view, helping you to easily track subject movement and see every moment.
Available in 8x40 S, 10x50 S, and 8-16x40 S models.
Extra Batteries
Birding and wildlife photography require a lot of patience – and waiting. When you've found your perfect subject, the last thing you want is to worry about low battery power. While your camera will keep up with your adventures with a long battery life, bringing along some extra batteries can give you peace of mind out in the field.
Bird Photography Tips
Check out some of our bird photography tips to help inspire you out in the field!
