Cameras and lenses

A starter camera kit for bird photography

Our verdictStart with a bridge camera or a mirrorless body with a 100–400 mm or 150–600 mm zoom.

Bird photography rewards reach, fast autofocus and patience. A modern bridge camera with a long zoom is a light, affordable way to start. Mirrorless bodies with long zoom lenses give better image quality and focus in low light.

Always put the bird first: keep your distance from nests, never bait or flush birds for a picture, and follow local rules in hides and reserves.