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Cameras for wildlife photography: The 7 Best Cameras For Wildlife Photography – Summer 2023: Reviews

The 7 Best Cameras For Wildlife Photography – Summer 2023: Reviews

  1. Table of Contents
  2. Intro
  3. Best Camera

    1. Best Upper Mid-Range

      1. Best Mid-Range

        1. Best Budget

          1. Best Cheap

            1. Best Bridge Camera

              1. Best Low Light

                1. Notable Mentions
                2. Recent Updates
                3. All Reviews
                4. Discussions

                Updated Jul 26, 2023 at 09:25 am

                By Adriana Wiszniewska

                Smartphones have made it easy to snap wildlife photos while you’re out and about, but for those who are serious about wildlife photography, a dedicated camera with a zoom lens will take your wildlife photography to the next level. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a camera for nature photography. Fast continuous shooting speeds allow you to capture clear stills of moving animals, while large image buffers let you shoot for longer without interruption. Silent shooting might also be important if you tend to shoot more skittish, easily frightened animals, while quicker animals like small birds require more responsive, accurate autofocus systems.

                Thankfully, we’ve done some of the work of narrowing down your options. We’ve bought and tested over 90 cameras in our lab, and below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best cameras for nature photography and wildlife. If you’re interested in a range of photography styles, you can look at our best cameras for general photography. If you’re just starting out with photography, you might also want to check out the best beginner cameras we’ve tested. Otherwise, you can also see our overall picks for best cameras.

                1. Best Camera For Wildlife Photography

                  OM SYSTEM OM-1

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  7. 5

                  Body Type

                  SLR-Style

                  Mirrorless

                  Yes

                  Sensor Size

                  4/3 (MFT)

                  See all our test results

                  The OM SYSTEM OM-1 is the best camera for wildlife photography that we’ve tested. Going with a Micro Four Thirds camera like this has a few benefits for wildlife photography, notably a more portable size and fantastic image stabilization. Compared to full-frame models like the Canon EOS R6 Mark II below, you can use physically smaller lenses to get longer equivalent focal lengths, meaning you can use a more compact kit even when using telephoto lenses to photograph far-off wildlife like birds. On top of that, the OM-1’s five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) works incredibly well with stabilized lenses to ensure you get steady shots at longer focal lengths.

                  The camera also has a quick burst rate, including a Pro Capture mode that ensures you won’t miss a critical moment. Plus, it’s rugged and compact, with a weather-sealed body and excellent ergonomics. It has a solid battery life for a mirrorless camera, too. The biggest downside is that its AF tracking isn’t the most reliable, so it may not be the best choice for fast-moving subjects. If autofocus tracking is a priority, consider the Fujifilm X-h3S. Its AF is a bit more effective than the OM SYSTEM, and its stacked sensor is well-suited to quick subjects, but it’s more expensive and less portable.

                  See our review

                2. Best Upper Mid-Range Camera For Wildlife Photography

                  Canon EOS R7

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  8.7

                  Body Type

                  SLR-Style

                  Mirrorless

                  Yes

                  Sensor Size

                  APS-C

                  See all our test results

                  While the OM SYSTEM OM-1 is hard to beat if you need something rugged and compact, an APS-C option like the Canon EOS R7 has its own advantages and comes at a lower price point. With a remarkably quick 15 fps mechanical burst rate and a highly sophisticated autofocus system, the R7 is tailor-made for wildlife shooters. It has a very solid battery life, as well, and feels great in the hand. It also has a fantastic IBIS system for steadier handheld shots.

                  Equivalent lenses for the R7 generally won’t be as portable as Micro Four Thirds options. However, they’re still typically smaller than full-frame alternatives, allowing you to shoot far-off subjects without too much bulk. The R7 also has a high-resolution sensor that gives you more leeway to crop your photos. Ultimately, if you don’t need the portability of a Micro Four Thirds kit, this is one of the best cameras for birding and wildlife at this price point.

                  See our review

                3. Best Mid-Range Camera For Wildlife Photography

                  Canon EOS 90D

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  7. 9

                  Body Type

                  DSLR

                  Mirrorless

                  No

                  Sensor Size

                  APS-C

                  See all our test results

                  As far as mid-range options go, the Canon EOS 90D is well worth considering. Like the Canon EOS R7, it has a higher resolution sensor than most APS-C cameras, giving you more leeway to crop your photos. It can also shoot at a quick 11 fps max burst rate, though that drops to seven fps when using continuous tracking AF. While its autofocus system isn’t as fast as newer, mirrorless alternatives, it still tracks moving subjects well.

                  Unfortunately, the trade-off is that you don’t get IBIS for steadier handheld shots. It also doesn’t have the deepest image buffer, which can slow you down when shooting extended bursts. That said, some excellent DSLR lenses are available for Canon’s EF/EF-S mount, and they won’t run you as much as full-frame mirrorless options. The camera is well-built, weather-sealed, and feels great in hand, making for an excellent all-around shooting experience.

                  See our review

                4. Best Budget Camera For Wildlife Photography

                  Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  7.5

                  Body Type

                  SLR-Style

                  Mirrorless

                  Yes

                  Sensor Size

                  4/3 (MFT)

                  See all our test results

                  Shooting wildlife on a budget can be tricky, considering how quickly the cost of zoom and telephoto lenses can add up. That’s why a Micro Four Thirds option like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a fantastic entry-level choice for wildlife photography. Lenses are typically smaller and give you longer equivalent focal lengths, which is good for subjects that are farther away. The Micro Four Thirds system also has a well-established stable of lenses to choose from.

                  Beyond that, the camera is lightweight and portable, and it’s one of the few budget cameras to feature five-axis in-body image stabilization, which will help stabilize handheld shots taken at longer focal lengths. It can also shoot at up to 15 fps in silent mode, so you can fire off extended bursts without scaring away more skittish animals. Add in a solid battery life and a decent AF system, and this little camera is hard to beat for beginner wildlife photographers on a budget.

                  See our review

                5. Best Cheap Camera For Wildlife Photography

                  Panasonic LUMIX FZ80

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  6. 9

                  Body Type

                  Bridge

                  Mirrorless

                  Yes

                  Sensor Size

                  1/2.3-inch

                  See all our test results

                  The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is a good choice for those on a tight budget who don’t want to dip into the used market. A bridge camera like this one can be a good all-in-one solution thanks to its fixed superzoom lens, and it also means you can save yourself the cost of buying expensive telephoto lenses. While its fixed lens doesn’t offer the same kind of optics as high-quality interchangeable zoom lenses, its long zoom range, from 20 to 1200mm in full-frame equivalence, is incredibly useful for capturing faraway subjects like birds and other wildlife.

                  That said, the FZ80 doesn’t have the most robust build quality, and the screen and viewfinder resolution is lacking, though the camera is still comfortable to handle and easy to use for beginners. Just be aware that its small sensor is most suitable for shooting in bright daylight and doesn’t handle noise well in dimmer conditions. Still, if you’re looking for something simple and cheap for casual wildlife and nature photography, the FZ80 offers a lot of value for its price.

                  See our review

                6. Best Bridge Camera For Wildlife Photography

                  Sony RX10 IV

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  7.5

                  Body Type

                  Bridge

                  Mirrorless

                  Yes

                  Sensor Size

                  1-inch

                  See all our test results

                  If you like the convenience of an all-in-one camera but want something more capable than the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80, the Sony RX10 IV is one of the best bridge cameras on the market. Naturally, you won’t get the same image quality or sharpness as with an interchangeable-lens option. However, it does have a stacked 1-inch type sensor that puts it above your average bridge camera. The sensor is bigger than most bridge cam sensors—resulting in better image quality than the FZ80, for example—and its stacked design also means a faster readout speed, allowing for quicker burst shooting at up to 24 fps and keeping rolling shutter distortion to a minimum.

                  Its built-in lens is also quite versatile, with a max full-frame equivalent focal length of 600mm, giving you plenty of range for far-off critters. On top of that, it has a good autofocus system to track moving wildlife, and its well-constructed, weather-sealed body gives you some peace of mind in adverse weather conditions. While interchangeable-lens cameras are the way to go if image quality is your top priority, the convenience of having such a long zoom lens in an all-in-one package makes this a great option for birding and hiking enthusiasts.

                  See our review

                7. Best Camera For Low-Light Wildlife Photography

                  Canon EOS R6 Mark II

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                  Sport & Wildlife Photography

                  8.4

                  Body Type

                  SLR-Style

                  Mirrorless

                  Yes

                  Sensor Size

                  Full Frame

                  See all our test results

                  For those who do a lot of wildlife photography at dusk or dawn, a full-frame camera is a great choice, especially if you don’t mind carrying a bulkier kit. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is the best full-frame camera we’ve tested for wildlife photography. It does a fantastic job managing noise in low light and features a best-in-class autofocus system that can reliably track moving subjects even in trickier lighting conditions.

                  Beyond that, it checks all the boxes for wildlife photography, including quick burst shooting, with bursts of up to almost 40 fps when using the e-shutter or a still-respectable 12 fps with the mechanical shutter. Plus, it uses an excellent in-body image stabilization system and has a great battery life. Though full-frame telephoto lenses will be much larger, this is one of the best nature photography cameras if you need the low-light advantage of a full-frame sensor. The Nikon Z 6II is another excellent full-frame option if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper camera body. It has a quick mechanical burst rate and amazing ergonomics, though its AF isn’t quite as reliable as the AF on the R6 Mark II.

                  See our review

                Notable Mentions

                • Canon EOS R6:
                  The Canon EOS R6 is the predecessor to the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. Though it’s still a great choice for low-light wildlife photography, it has a slower max burst rate, a worse rolling shutter than the Mark II, and a lower-resolution sensor that gives you less leeway to crop.
                  See our review
                • Nikon COOLPIX P1000:
                  The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 is a bridge camera with an astonishing 24 to 3000mm focal length range, far out-zooming the Sony RX10 IV. That said, beyond the range of its zoom lens, it leaves much to be desired in terms of comfort, portability, and autofocus performance.
                  See our review
                • Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III:
                  The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is similar to the OM SYSTEM OM-1 if you want something cheaper. However, its autofocus system isn’t as reliable.
                  See our review

                Recent Updates

                1. Jul 26, 2023:
                  Added mention of the Fujifilm X-h3S as an alternative to the OM SYSTEM OM-1.

                2. May 31, 2023:
                  Added the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 as the ‘Best Cheap Camera For Wildlife Photography’.

                3. Apr 05, 2023:
                  Added the Canon EOS R6 Mark II as the ‘Best Camera For Low Light Wildlife Photography’. Replaced the Nikon Z 6II with the OM SYSTEM OM-1 as the ‘Best Camera For Wildlife Photography’ and replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III with the Canon EOS R7 as the ‘Best Upper Mid-Range Camera For Wildlife Photography, moving the E-M1 Mark III to Notable Mentions. Removed the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III and the Nikon D780 from Notable Mentions.

                4. Jan 31, 2023:
                  Removed the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80.

                5. Dec 02, 2022:
                  Reviewed article for clarity and accuracy; no change to recommendations.

                All Reviews

                Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best wildlife cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).

                If you would like to choose for yourself, here’s the list of all our camera reviews, ranked by their suitability for sports and wildlife photography. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your final selection.

                What’s the Best Camera for Wildlife Photography in 2023?

                I am always asked one question more than any other: what is the best camera for wildlife photography? Digital SLRs are numerous now, with plenty of options on the market. But there are also mirrorless cameras to throw into the equation.

                Navigating this minefield of camera technology is incredibly complicated, especially if you are new to the field.

                Wildlife photography is difficult, too. We put our cameras through tough conditions and demand a lot (with regards to performance) from them. Your digital camera needs to deal with fast movement, low-light conditions, and the physical demands of the outdoors.

                There are a number of things you need to think about when looking for the best camera for wildlife photography. This guide will help you make that decision and get the right camera for your needs.

                Short on time? Jump to my wildlife photography camera recommendations!

                Before we get to my recommendations, let’s first look at things that you need to consider when choosing a camera.

                Features of the Best Cameras for Wildlife Photography

                Crop Sensor or Full Frame

                Cameras come in two forms: cropped or full-frame sensors.

                Full-frame cameras are typically more expensive, offering advantages such as better image quality and ISO capabilities (meaning they can shoot well in lower light conditions – a great thing for wildlife photography).

                Cropped sensors are cheaper, but they also offer increased reach for your lens when using full-frame lenses. This is to say that the image will appear more ‘zoomed in’ at a given focal length than it would on a full-frame sensor.

                This is because the sensor is smaller, and looks through a smaller area of the lens’ projection. Consequently, it is a great feature of a good wildlife photography camera.

                Further Reading: The Difference Between Full Frame & Crop Sensors

                Photo: shutterstock.com

                If I were buying my first camera for wildlife photography specifically, I would strongly recommend you choose a crop sensor camera.

                The extra reach opens you up to more opportunities for photos. It’s incredibly frustrating to find that you can’t get close to wildlife, and until your field craft skills are up to scratch the extra reach will be a major advantage.

                The cost is also a major plus point. In fact, even though I have been shooting with full frame cameras for a number of years now, I’ve been strongly considering buying a Nikon D500 (read our review here) – it’s a crop sensor camera that performs extremely well for wildlife.

                Autofocus Points

                The best camera for wildlife photography will have a great autofocus system. You basically have no chance of achieving a sharp photo if you’re manually focusing; so 99.9% of the time you’ll find yourself using autofocus with wildlife. Consequently, your camera needs to be good at doing just that: focusing.

                Autofocus needs to be accurate and fast. This comes with an increased number of autofocus points in the camera’s AF system. A higher number of points means a camera has a better ability to be accurate when choosing the area it focuses on, and it also means you will be able to track moving wildlife more successfully.

                Further Reading: Understanding Autofocus Points and Modes

                Always pay attention to the number of autofocus points when choosing the best camera for wildlife photography.

                When choosing a camera, look at the number of AF points available to you. You can’t see a specific rating for them, but a higher number the better. Budget cameras will, of course, have less than more expensive options.

                Low Light Capabilities

                Wildlife tends to come out of the shadows at dawn and dusk. Most animals aren’t that active in the middle of the day – they’re more likely to be predated. The bigger predators will then spend less time moving around as they’ll have successful hunts at dawn and dusk.

                This doesn’t run true for every animal, but in general this is a pattern seen in nature.

                Low light capabilities are essential when choosing a camera for wildlife photos. (Photo: Garrett Parker)

                What does this mean for you as a wildlife photographer? You need to be active yourself at dawn and dusk. The best wildlife cameras are ones that can perform well in poor light.

                As the light drops and animals start to emerge, your camera will perform less well. You’ll find yourself needing to increase the ISO speed to make the sensor more sensitive to light and brighten your exposure.

                This brings with it digital noise and, whilst this can be removed in post production, there is only so far you can go until you ruin your photo.

                The best cameras for wildlife photography tend to have good ISO capabilities, which in turn means great low-light performance. That may mean looking at a full frame camera, but you’ll be paying more for it.

                To determine how good a camera is with handling higher ISO speeds, take a look at comparison images on the internet and keep your eye out for at which level digital noise tends to increase dramatically.

                However, don’t panic. There are ways you can photograph wildlife in low light without paying through the nose for full frame cameras.

                Further Reading: How to Photograph Wildlife in Low Light

                Shooting Speeds

                Finally, a faster continuous shooting speed (the number of frames per second the camera takes) is handy for wildlife photography – particularly if you are working with fast-moving subjects.

                If your camera is slow, shooting around 3 frames per second, you’re more likely to miss the perfect shot that happens in the gaps between each time the shutter fires. Shooting in burst mode is highly recommended for wildlife photography.

                Top DSLR cameras will shoot 12 frames per second and beyond. The top mirrorless cameras will go 20 frames per second and more, which is crazy fast.

                You don’t necessarily need anything like this – but it definitely helps. You can still take good wildlife photos at even 1 frame per second, but you need to be quicker at reacting to each moment.

                The number of frames per second is something to be aware of, but it isn’t the be-all-and-end-all when making a choice of which camera to buy.

                The Best Camera for Wildlife Photography

                We’ve covered the things you need to be aware of when choosing a camera, so now here are some recommendations for the best cameras available as of this moment in 2022 for wildlife photography.

                Nikon Z 9

                A new kind of beast from Nikon: the Nikon Z 9 promises to be a popular choice amongst professional wildlife photographers.

                There’s no doubting it – this is a seriously “pro” rig, with a price tag of £5,300 reflecting that.

                But with a 45 megapixel sensor, this camera can shoot up to 20 frames per second in raw format (or 30 fps for JPEGs). That’s some serious firepower.

                As part of Nikon’s mirrorless line-up, the Z 9 comes with a Z-mount and is able to utilise lenses from its state-of-the-art range. But do not fear – you can still use your more “traditional” glass with a converter.

                Canon R5

                You think Canon are lagging behind Nikon? Oh no. Just check out the Canon R5, with a 45 megapixel sensor at its core and a 20 frames per second shooting speed.

                Sound familiar? This is Canon’s answer to the Z 9. It has up to 8-stops of image stabilisation built in (with compatible lenses), and shoots 4K 120p video.

                Canon’s arsenal of lenses available in RF-mount, or traditional EF-mount, are all available for use on the R5 and is the absolute perfect choice for those with the budget to match the “more affordable” £4,300 price tag.

                Nikon D850

                It has been around for a little while now, but it’s still an absolute monster. The Nikon D850 was described as possibly the best all-rounder camera for nature photography.

                Whilst this camera is excellent for wildlife photography, it’s also capable of shooting stunning landscapes as well. You can read our review on this camera, but the specifications speak for themselves: with 7 frames per second shooting speed at a huge 45.7 megapixels, this camera is definitely a wildlife photographer’s dream.

                It also has great low light performance, and its full frame sensor produces excellent results and beautifully high quality images.

                Sony a9 II

                A 24 megapixel full-frame mirrorless camera, the Sony a9 II combines high performance with a compact size. It has a speedy 20 frames per second shooting speed and 693-point auto focus system.

                Initially I hadn’t been recommending this camera, purely because suitable lenses for wildlife photography did not exist. However, Sony have now released a number of telephotos (including the 200-600mm) that make the a9 series a great choice.

                Canon 7D Mark II

                A fantastic crop sensor option for Canon users, the 7D Mark II offers 10 frames per second shooting speed with a 20 megapixel sensor. With a high number of AF focus points, this is a great camera for staying on target and focused.

                It’s older technology arguably, being a DSLR camera, but that does not mean it is a bad choice. In fact, it just means you’re able to get more “bang for your buck.”

                These cameras were once the latest and greatest, and they still shoot the same images they did back then.

                Canon 5D Mark IV

                But, actually, a much better choice is the Canon 5D Mark IV if you can stretch your budget. It’s got a 30 megapixel sensor and shoots 7 frames per second.

                This is the camera I shoot with still now in 2022, and it’s very popular amongst wildlife photographers. The increased resolution gives you more flexibility, and the camera handles really well.

                On a Budget?

                If you are looking for cheaper cameras, then I recommend reading our article The Ultimate Guide to Wildlife Photography on a Budget. You don’t need to pay big bucks to be a wildlife photographer!

                If you’re looking for a new lens, then I recommend reading our article ‘What’s the Best Lens for Wildlife Photography?‘.

                Best Wildlife Photography Equipment

                Best Wildlife Photography Equipment – Canon Europe

                ARTICLE

                Professional wildlife photographers Marina Kano and Markus Varesvuo talk about their favorite equipment for capturing stunning images of the natural world.

                Bird photographer Markus Varesvuo says the Canon EOS R5 has had a big impact on his workflow. “In late winter and early spring, I spent two weeks filming black grouse on the lek, where they do mating dances,” he says. “I’ve been doing this every year for several decades, and as a result I have accumulated an archive of images of these birds fighting and flying into each other. However, with the EOS R5, this event sparkled with new colors for me. This is a big step forward.” Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon EF 400mm f/2. 8L IS III USM lens at 1/3200 sec, f/2.8 and ISO5000. © Markus Varesvuo

                Wildlife photography requires patience, perseverance, an understanding of animal behavior patterns and the ability to work on location. Also, the presence of a telephoto lens will not hurt. The Canon EOS system has a lot to offer professional wildlife photographers, from telephoto primes, zooms and super telephoto lenses to high-speed, high-quality cameras that can handle even the most extreme shooting conditions faced by photographers looking to capture shy wildlife.

                But what are the best Canon cameras and lenses for wildlife photography? We asked two Canon Ambassadors, African wildlife specialist Marina Kano and bird photographer Markus Waresvuo, to talk about the cameras and lenses they use to capture stunning images of the natural world, while Mike Burnhill, Canon Europe Professional Products Specialist, will share technical insights.

                This manual introduces RF lenses for use with Canon EOS R system full-frame mirrorless cameras, and EF lenses for use with EOS DSLRs and EOS R cameras via the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter without sacrificing quality or functionality.

                Do you have Canon equipment?

                Register your equipment and get access to free expert advice, equipment maintenance, exciting events and special offers – join the Canon Professional Services program.

                JOIN CPS

                African wildlife specialist Marina Cano appreciates the fast burst and autofocus speeds of her Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. “Together, these features allow you to quickly prepare for shooting and capture the best moments,” she says. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens at 1/2000 sec, f/4 and ISO400. © Marina Cano

                “When photographing wild animals, you never know what you will encounter,” says Marina. Animals can run after bushes or quickly jump between branches. However, the tracking system on the EOS-1D X Mark III allows you to keep your subject in focus.” Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens at 1/1250 sec, f/9 and ISO2500. © Marina Kano

                1.

                Best DSLR for wildlife photography: Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

                With high-speed autofocus, 20fps fast continuous shooting. The Canon EOS-1D X Mark III is built to last and is ideal for professional wildlife photography.

                “When shooting wildlife, which in my case is Africa, the action unfolds instantly and I just don’t have time to take good care of the equipment,” says Marina. “I often leave my cameras on dusty ground or dirty floors in vehicles, and I often work in clouds of dust or slanting rain that fills the inside of a car – sometimes both phenomena can be seen in one day.”

                Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

                Reliable, rugged and easy to use DSLR with 20.2 MP full frame sensor and 61-point autofocus system, the EOS-1D X Mark III captures better images faster than the competition .

                “During my recent trip to Tanzania in April 2021, I captured a picture of a cheetah running through the rain between hills. I didn’t have time to worry about the camera getting wet and I knew I could totally rely on the EOS-1D X Mark III. ”

                Wildlife photographer Bruno d’Amicis took the Canon EOS R3 to the test when he traveled to Abruzzo, Italy to capture the elusive sea plovers. With the EOS R3’s 120 fps refresh rate electronic viewfinder and up to 30 fps continuous shooting. With full tracking AF/AE, it’s even easier for photographers to track and shoot fast-moving subjects even in low light. Taken on camera

                Canon EOS R3 with lens

                Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM at 1/4000 sec, f/4.5 and ISO 1600. © Bruno d’Amichis

                On the EOS R3, Tracking AF recognizes birds as the main subject in all AF modes, including the new Flexi Zone AF, in which the size and shape of the AF area can be manually selected. This unique combination of capabilities makes the EOS R3 ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects such as these coastal birds. Taken on camera

                Canon EOS R3 with lens

                Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM+

                Extender Canon RF 2x and the following settings: 1/640 sec. , f/8 and ISO 400. © Bruno d’Amicis

                2. Best Mirrorless Camera for High-Speed ​​Wildlife Photography: Canon EOS R3

                Canon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R3, brings a new level of performance to professional wildlife photographers. The EOS R3 is equipped with a Canon-developed BSI CMOS image sensor and offers continuous shooting speeds up to 30 fps. with full tracking autofocus/autoexposure. It also features an innovative eye-tracking autofocus system that allows you to move the focus point to look at a different area of ​​the frame.

                “For example, when shooting a flock of birds, this autofocus allows you to isolate the bird of interest faster than manually changing the focus point or moving the camera,” explains Mike. “The EOS R3 allows you to select a subject for the system to track by simply moving your gaze to the desired area of ​​​​the frame, without you having to recompose.”

                Canon EOS R3

                A camera designed to capture fast-moving subjects that meets the highest demands of professional photographers with ultra-fast response, high sensitivity, reliability and durability.

                Subject Tracking AF is supported for all AF area modes, including bird, cat, and dog AF, and the new Flexi Zone, which allows you to change the size and shape of the AF area—ideal for shooting creatures of different sizes. The camera not only offers multiple autofocus modes, but also boasts the world’s fastest focusing time of 0.03 sec. — and the most effective in low light — down to brightness levels of -7.5 EV or lower — with autofocus among full-frame cameras.*

                The EOS R3 features a built-in Image Stabilizer that delivers industry-leading 8-stop-equivalent performance with select RF lenses attached to the EOS R3, providing unrivaled flexibility when shooting at long focal lengths.

                “The wide maximum aperture of the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM makes it my go-to choice when shooting in low light,” says Markus. “It’s also the best when it comes to capturing fast movement.” Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens at 1/4000 sec, f/3. 2 and ISO4000. © Markus Varesvuo

                The Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM lens is also an excellent choice for low light photography. “The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM design team was also involved in the development of the RF lenses,” says Mike. Therefore, these models share many technologies and electronic components.” Taken on camera

                Canon EOS R5 with lens

                Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM at 1/4000 sec, f/2.8 and ISO 200.

                3. Best Canon Lenses for Low Light Wildlife Photography: Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM

                A fast f/2.8 aperture and quality optical components make the Canon EF 400mm f The /2.8L IS III USM and its counterpart in the RF range, the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM, are excellent choices for capturing superb images even in the most adverse conditions.

                “The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a must for bird photography during the Finnish winter,” says Markus. “Only its combination of fast focusing and high aperture allows me to photograph birds in flight in low light conditions. ”

                Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM

                Super telephoto lens with high optical performance and class-leading portability, performance and image quality.

                Learn more

                Tele focal length separates the subject from the background, and together with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, these professional 400mm lenses are ideal for capturing shots that focus the viewer’s attention on the animal or bird of choice. “I used the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM at f/2.8 to shoot the meerkats and the background got a soft blur effect,” says Marina.

                With comparable technologies and features, the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM offer similar optical performance, so you can be confident that you will be taking quality photographs when used as full-frame mirrorless cameras of the EOS R System and digital SLR cameras. “Both of these lenses are also much lighter than their counterparts,” adds Mike.

                However, the Canon EOS R3’s 12-pin RF lens mount allows for faster lens-to-camera communication, as well as a wide bandwidth that enables faster communication for more efficient focusing when using the RF 400mm F2. 8L IS lens with the EOS R3 USM.

                The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens offers five stops of image stabilization and fast ring-type USM autofocus, which is useful when tracking fast-moving subjects like this screamer eagle. “I use this lens to capture a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, caracals, eagles and herons,” says Marina. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lens at 1/3200 sec, f/4 and ISO640. © Marina Cano

                The Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM super telephoto lens captures close-ups of even the most shy animals with exceptional image quality in all conditions. Taken on camera

                Canon EOS R5 with lens

                Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM at 1/800 sec, f/4 and ISO 800.

                4. Best Canon lenses for bird photography: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM and Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM

                Marina and Markus chose the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM as their must-have lens. “It offers unimaginably high quality,” says Marina.

                Markus needs maximum magnification to shoot so he can stay away from the shy birds he photographs. “The EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM is the lens I use the most,” he says. “When needed, I also use the EF 1.4x III Extender and EF 2x III Extender, mounting them on EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM lenses without any loss in quality. The extra focal length allows you to photograph even the most shy birds from a distance.”

                Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM

                Incredibly lightweight 600mm f/4 lens with 5-stop Image Stabilizer for exceptional image quality and pro-level performance.

                Learn more

                With class-leading portability and performance, the Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens with RF mount is becoming the go-to lens for professional nature photographers. Attached to the Canon EOS R3, the RF 600mm F4L IS III USM becomes even more effective in bird photography with bird AF mode and the new Flexi Zone AF mode, which allows you to choose the size and shape of the AF area, especially for those who taking pictures of small birds.

                For more affordable super telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, you can also consider the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM and even the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM. “Until now, 800mm lenses were too expensive, too big and heavy—you had to plan where and when you would use them,” explains Mike. “However, this lens is lighter than a water bottle and can easily be carried in your equipment bag.”

                The compact size of the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens makes it an excellent choice for wildlife photographers who often travel light. Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X (Next generation now available at:

                Canon EOS-1D X Mark III) with lens

                Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM at 400mm, 1/125 sec, f/5.6 and ISO800.

                “The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is easy to hold and the image quality and focus are outstanding,” says Markus. It also allows you to focus on subjects as close as 1.2 meters with the 500mm focal length, allowing Marcus to get as close as possible to capture this skittish brown-headed nut. Taken on a Canon EOS R5 with a Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens at 472mm, 1/160 sec, f/7.1 and ISO250. © Markus Varesvuo

                5. Canon’s most versatile wildlife photography lenses: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

                Versatile zoom range, optical components exceptional quality and a portable, weatherproof design make the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lenses excellent choices for handheld wildlife photography .

                Both the EF and RF models are equipped with a three-mode Image Stabilizer, however the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM supports four stops slower than non-IS lenses, while the RF 100-500mm F4. 5-7.1 L IS USM provides an effect equivalent to five stops of exposure.

                Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

                L-series build quality and 5-stop image stabilization make this lens an exceptional performance lens, while UD lens elements and an ASC coating provide unparalleled contrast and clarity to create the highest quality images.

                Learn more

                “A 500mm lens is a great entry point for bird photography,” says Mike. What’s more, the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is also compatible with RF extenders. Autofocus on the Canon EOS R3, EOS R5 and EOS R6 models works in such low light that the camera will easily focus even when the aperture is closed, including at f/22.”

                If you’re on the budget, consider an even more versatile lens, the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x. “It offers a 200-400mm focal range with a constant f/4 aperture and a built-in extender,” says Mike.

                “The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM [newly available: EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM] is one of my favorite lenses,” says Markus. “I have been working with him regularly for several years, and he becomes my companion when I go to shoot birds and landscapes, such as this image of the Great Owl.” Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark III with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens at 100mm, 1/2000 sec, f/10 and ISO10000. © Markus Varesvuo

                6. Canon’s best lenses for non-profile wildlife photography: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

                Shorter telephoto zoom lenses such as the Canon RF 70- The 200mm F2.8L IS USM and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM are great additions to a wildlife photographer’s kit as they allow you to capture an animal while preserving its surroundings. A constant f/2.8 aperture makes these professional zoom lenses perfect for wildlife photography in low light, too. 9The 0003

                RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has the advantage of a more compact body than its EF counterpart, and is equipped with a 5-stop Image Stabilizer.

                Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM

                This high-performance F2.8 telephoto zoom lens is the third in a trio of new RF lenses with a compact body and exceptional image quality to suit any shooting situation.

                Learn more

                “When you fly on an airplane, you want to fit as much equipment as possible in your hand luggage, so size and weight really matter,” says Mike. “The RF version is significantly smaller and lighter, and offers lightning fast focusing.”

                Marina took this shot with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens (newly available: EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM) to capture the majestic sky. “Telephoto lenses are great for wildlife photography, but they provide a compressed perspective,” says Mike. “A wide-angle lens, in turn, adds depth to the composition and makes it more voluminous.” Taken on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II (now succeeded by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III) with a Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM lens at 1/500 sec, f/ 5.6 and ISO 1000. © Marina Kano

                7. Best Canon Lenses for Capturing Wildlife in Their Surroundings: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM and Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM

                using an ultra wide angle lens such as the Canon RF 15-35MM F2.8L IS USM, but if you can do it, you can capture the animal in its natural surroundings. The ability to control a Wi-Fi-enabled EOS camera using the Canon Camera Connect app on a smartphone or tablet makes these lenses ideal for setting camera traps.

                Marina uses a Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM (the next generation is now available: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM). “I love how this magical lens captures the small silhouette of a giraffe or elephant against a skyline or skyline,” she says. “This creates an immersive effect that reflects the scale of Africa.”

                Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

                Premium ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture for superior image quality even in low light.

                Learn more

                The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM’s state-of-the-art optical design delivers edge-to-edge clarity, while the RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM offers a range of additional features. “They are similar sized lenses that offer comparable image quality, but the RF model adds a lot more, including a 5-stop Image Stabilizer,” says Mike.

                Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and

                The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM offers hybrid image stabilization. “Handheld macro photography will move the camera up, down, right, and left instead of tilting and panning,” explains Mike. “Therefore, the hybrid system is designed to compensate for both types of vibration.” Taken on camera

                Canon EOS R5 with lens

                Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM at 1/160 sec, f/7.1 and ISO 6400. © Oliver Wright

                8. Canon’s best lenses for close-up wildlife photography: Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

                When it comes to small wildlife, there’s nothing better than a comfortable macro lens with high image quality. The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM short telephoto lens delivers true-to-life reproduction of the subject at 1x magnification when shooting from a distance where you can’t scare away dragonflies or other insects.

                Its RF equivalent offers 1.4x magnification at the same time. “The difference between 1x and 1.4x does not seem to be that significant,” says Mike. “However, in fact, this is almost a 50% increase in the size of the object.”

                Canon RF 100mm F2.

                8L Macro IS USM The

                RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is a professional macro lens with class-leading 1.4x magnification and spherical aberration control for fine bokeh.

                Learn more

                “Another advantage of the Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is the focus breath reduction feature,” adds Mike. “It will make it easier for you to stack images on top of each other, using the focus stacking technique to create macro photos with increased depth of field.”

                When paired with the Canon EOS R3 camera, the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM lens offers maximum flexibility with up to 8-stops of stabilization for crisp macro photography even handheld at high magnifications.

                Author Marcus Hawkins

                Only for still photography with f/1.2 lens, excluding RF lenses with Defocus Smoothing (DS) coating, using center AF point and single-server AF at room temperature and ISO 100.

              2. ARTICLE

                Shooting birds of prey at dusk with the EOS-1D X Mark III

                How does Canon’s flagship action camera perform when used to capture fast birds in low light? Wildlife photographer Markus Varesvuo figured it out for you.

                Find out more

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                The best cameras for wildlife photography in 2021

                Final Dub:

                We already represented EOS R5 and we know that it deserves more. If you request one specific reason for this right, we will provide you with two or more.

                First off, this amazing 36 x 24mm 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor is the first EOS camera to feature 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, making it a true leader among Canon cameras. With these attributes, you get the best detail in your shots that can compete with other high-end mirrorless and SLR cameras.

                According to Summers, you can also get 35-megapixel footage from his 8K footage, which is very nice. Even better, when Canon says “35MP” quality, it actually means 35MP. The captures have great detail and you get almost the same elements as in real shots.

                On the other hand, Summers said that the EOS R5’s burst mode and buffer will surprise you.

                “The EOS R5 can shoot bursts at up to 12fps with the mechanical shutter and up to 20fps with the electronic shutter. That’s more than enough, and the good thing about the R5 is how deep its buffer is. It has two card slots and, depending on what you use, you get either a maximum buffer of 180 RAW images with a CFexpress card slot, or 87 RAW images with a UHS-II SD card slot.”

                And since we’re talking about video, the R5 can also deliver 8K video at 30p. However, there is one caveat here, which is the infamous overheating of such cameras when shooting anything in excess of standard 4K 30p video. However, for very short clips, we still consider the 8K feature to be a good addition.

                On the other hand, the R5 boasts Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, which is currently one of Canon’s prides in terms of autofocus system. It covers photos from 5.940 AF points and 4,500 point video. You can use this technology at any frame rate and resolution, Summers says, which is really amazing compared to other camera models with very limited autofocus features and capabilities.

                “The performance is unsurpassed, since the detection of an object, regardless of its movement, will cause tears. The way the autofocus locks on and stays on the subject is really impressive; be it face, head or eye tracking.

                “Once the camera has recognized the person, the focus stays where it should be, even if the bride wears a veil or momentarily covers her face with a bouquet, hands, or whatever,” Summers said.