Your Ultimate Guide To Spotting Gear
Hello community! I’ve been posting spotting topics to the forum for a while now and by far the most common DM I get is some rendition of “what camera do you recommend?”. So, I figured I would put together a complete (sort of) guide to help answer these questions once and for all.
Disclaimers (please read)
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I will only be going into Canon, Nikon, and Sony gear (as well as Tamron and Sigma lenses), only interchangeable lens systems, only full frame and crop sensors, and only telephoto lenses. Things on this list are gear I would consider, but that doesn’t mean things not on this list aren’t good.
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Prices are used in excellent condition.
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The compare section will analyze advantages of that gear versus gear you may be cross shopping with.
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Info is current to late 2023, so be cognizant of this especially with regards to comments on lens availability.
Language and General Camera Knowledge (please read)
I may use a lot of camera language in this topic. Let’s go over some of the most important terms:
Adapt: Use a lens and camera with mismatched mounts by using an adapter.
AF: Autofocus. If a number is attached that is the number ofAF points a camera has, and if no number is attached then that is the system as a whole.
APS-C: Another name for crop sensors.
Buffer: How many images can be processed within a camera. When the buffer fills up, no more photos can be taken until the camera processes some.
DSLR: Your “standard” camera. Older designs, generally bulkier, but often cheaper.
DR: Dynamic Range, a measure of how many stops of light a sensor can record.
FF: Abbreviation for full frame.
Fast: In relation to a lens, a fast lens has a wide aperture (f/2.8) while a slow lens has a narrow aperture (f/6.3). This has nothing to do with the autofocus speed.
FPS: Frames per second, a measure of burst rate. If two numbers are provided, the second one is electronic shutter only (a feature on mirrorless cameras).
IBIS: In body image stabilization, a trait in mirrorless cameras that allows for enhanced stability.
Mirrorless: The new classification of cameras (think electric vehicles). Have some cool features and includes all Sonys on this list as well as things that start with “R” or “Z”.
MP: Megapixels, a measure of resolution.
As for general camera knowledge, what’s important to know here is that you can only mount a lens onto a camera if they share the same mount type.
Once again, prices here are used prices for excellent-condition (not new) cameras in USD.
Crop Sensor Cameras
True to their name, crop sensor cameras have a smaller sensor than their full frame counterparts. The result is more effective zoom (by 50-60%), worse low-light performance, and often a lower price tag. If you are just starting out, I suggest you look here first.
Below $100
Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D/Kiss X3 ($75)
15.1 MP, 3.5 FPS, 9 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better resolution than D3100.
- Cheaper than everything.
Cons:
- Old.
Nikon D3100 ($90)
14.0 MP, 3.0 FPS, 11 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better low light than T1i and T6.
- Better overall sensor than T1i.
- More AF points than T1i and T6.
Cons:
- Old.
- No built in AF motor (need a lens that has one).
$100 - $199
Canon EOS Rebel T6/1300D/Kiss X80 ($130)
18.0 MP, 3.0 FPS, 9 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Cheaper than D3400 and A5000.
- Wider variety of lenses than A5000.
- Newer (more reliable) than 7D.
Cons:
- None considering the price.
Canon EOS 7D ($140)
18.0 MP, 8.0 FPS, 19 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Faster burst rate than pretty much anything around the price.
- More professional build than pretty much anything around the price.
Cons:
- Really old.
Sony A5000 ($190)
20.1 MP, 3.5 FPS, 25 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- More resolution than T6.
- Better overall sensor than most near this price (and a lot of more expensive cameras too).
Cons:
- E-Mount lens selection is less varied.
- No viewfinder.
$200 - $299
Nikon D3400 ($240)
24.2 MP, 5.0 FPS, 11 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Higher resolution than the competition.
- Faster burst than T6.
- One of the best sensors this side of $400.
Cons:
- AF system lags behind 70D.
- Burst rate lags behind 70D.
Canon EOS 70D ($290)
20.2 MP, 7.0 FPS, 19AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Weather sealing (most of the competition does not have).
- Faster burst rate than most of the competition.
Cons:
- Sensor could be stronger.
$300 - $399
Canon EOS Rebel T6i/750D/Kiss X8i ($300)
24.2 MP, 5.0 FPS, 19 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Not really any standout characteristics but an overall good package.
Cons:
*Sensor is weaker than D3400.
Nikon D5500 ($380)
24.2 MP, 5.0 FPS, 39 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better low light than just about every crop sensor near this price.
- Stronger sensor than most (only challenged by D3400 and 80D near this price).
- Better AF system than T6i and SL3.
Cons:
- Burst rate lags behind the (much cheaper) 70D.
$400 - $499
Canon EOS 80D ($450)
24.2 MP, 7.0 FPS, 45 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better AF system than most cameras around this price.
- Better burst rate than D5500.
- Weather sealed.
Cons:
- Sony a6300 offers better specs across the board.
- Quite a big camera.
Sony a6300 ($480)
24.2 MP, 11.0 FPS, 425 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Probably the best AF system this side of $1000.
- 11.0 FPS is unmatched by 99% of crop sensors.
- Stronger sensor than most.
- Great value for money.
Cons:
- Really goofy ergonomics, almost feels like a bigger point and shoot.
- Will probably have to spend more to get good lenses.
$500 - $599
Nikon D7200 ($510)
24.2 MP, 6.0 FPS, 51 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Two cards slots (competition has 1).
- One of the best APS-C sensors ever.
- Feels like a normal camera (a6300 does not).
Cons:
- Sony a6300 offers better specs across the board.
- Burst rate worse than 80D and 7D Mark II as well.
- Tiny buffer (full in 2 seconds).
Canon EOS 7D Mark II ($530)
20.2 MP, 10.0 FPS, 65 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Faster burst rate than most (except the Sony cameras).
- Better AF system than most (except the Sony cameras).
- Feels like a normal camera (unlike the Sony cameras).
Cons:
- Weak sensor compared to everything else around it (literally worse than T6i).
- Hard to justify against the Sony cameras since the 7D Mark II’s advantage was always speed, but now it can’t keep up.
Nikon Z50 ($550)
20.9 MP, 11.0 FPS, 209 AF, Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Burst rate is better than almost all DSLRs and on par with advanced mirrorless cameras.
- Great value if you can find a lens.
Cons:
- Affordable lenses are a complete nightmare to get.
- No IBIS (A6500 has it).
Sony A6500 ($570)
24.2 MP, 11.0 FPS, 425 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Same as the a6300.
- Deeper buffer than anything similar.
- Has IBIS (no other APS-C camera does until you get to the $1300 R7).
Cons:
- Same as the a6300.
Above $600
Nikon D7500 ($770)
20.9 MP, 8.0 FPS, 51 AF, F-Mount
For the sake of transparency, I have owned this camera in the past.
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Strong sensor (almost on par with D7200 and better than 80D and 7D Mark II).
- Deep buffer (not as much as A6500 but still great).
Cons:
- Loses resolution to the cheaper D7200.
- The Sony cameras have better specs while being way cheaper, and the R10 presents a large issue as well.
Canon EOS R10 ($810)
24.2 MP, 15.0/23.0 FPS, 651 AF, RF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Burst rate among the top of any APS-C camera.
- Inherits AF smarts (not the exact system) from the EOS R3, a $6000 camera.
Cons:
- Struggles in low light compared to the Sony cameras and a lot of the higher end Nikon DSLRs.
- Cheap RF lenses are currently extremely elusive.
- No IBIS (A6500 has it for way less).
Canon EOS 90D ($875)
32.5 MP, 11.0 FPS, 45 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Higher resolution than any crop sensor under $1000 (and most full frames).
- Faster burst rate than most cameras in the class.
Cons:
- Smaller buffer than most cameras near this price.
- AF system leaves something to be desired compared to some mirrorless options.
- Worse low light than a lot of cheaper DSLRs, especially Nikon ones.
Nikon D500 ($950)
20.9 MP, 10.0 FPS, 153 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- The best APS-C DSLR autofocus system.
- Larger buffer than most.
Cons:
- Sensor (shared with D7500) could be better for the price.
- Has the 7D Mark II problem where speed was its main focus, but that niche has been filled by mirrorless cameras.
Canon EOS R7 ($1300)
32.5 MP, 15.0/30.0 FPS, 651 AF, RF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Pretty much all of it.
Cons:
- This is a huge amount of money to spend on a crop sensor.
- Advanced enough that you probably need a good RF lens to not handicap it (which is very expensive).
Full Frame Cameras
Big sensors, big capabilities. Better low-light performance, generally higher resolution, and better build quality - but be prepared to pay.
Note: there are a number of really advanced mirrorless cameras that I will be ignoring because if you are considering buying one I am really concerned that you are reading this guide. These are the Nikon Z8 & Z9, Canon EOS R3 & R5, and the Sony A1 (there is also an a7R V but it’s similar enough to the a7R IV that you should probably just save $1300 and buy the latter). These cameras are all $3000+ and all exceptional, so if you’re a trust fund baby go ahead and buy any of them.
Below $500
Canon EOS 6D ($350)
20.2 MP, 4.5 FPS, 11 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Best low light you can get for this price.
Cons:
- DR is worse than a lot of similarly priced cameras.
- Autofocus system is worse than a lot of similarly priced cameras.
- Burst rate is worse than a lot of similarly priced cameras.
- Old.
Nikon D610 ($440)
24.3 MP, 6.0 FPS, 39 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Low light on par with a lot of really expensive cameras.
- Extremely impressive sensor for the price (better than 6D Mark II and even 5D Mark IV)
Cons:
- Functionally this is a D600 (which is $70 less) with more peace of mind. The D600 had an issue with the sensor where it would collect oil easily, ruining photos. Nikon did offer a free fix, but it’s hard to know whether a copy you buy will have the fix done. If you really want to save the $70, go right ahead.
- While not a direct competitor, the a6300 is not that much more than this and offers better (day shooting) specs.
$500 - $999
Nikon D800 ($560)
36.3 MP, 4.0 FPS, 51 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better sensor than anything you can get for anything near this price.
- Higher MP than anything it competes against for the price.
Cons:
- Burst rate is slow compared to anything near this price.
Sony a7 II ($640)
24.2 MP, 5.0 FPS, 117 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- IBIS (everything listed above this does not have it).
- More sophisticated autofocus than the competition (everything up to the Z6).
Cons:
- Low light is worse than some cheaper cameras (D610, D800). To be fair to it, it is better than the 6D and the 5D Mark III.
- Touch screen would be nice for this price.
Nikon D750 ($700)
24.3 MP, 6.5 FPS, 51 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Stronger sensor than every similarly-priced Canon or Sony.
Cons:
- Buffer is small (25 images) for the price.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II ($770)
26.2 MP, 6.5 FPS, 45 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Can actually keep pace with the Nikon DSLRs at night.
- Fully articulating touchscreen unlike most Nikons.
Cons:
- Same sensor problem as the RP.
- No IBIS (at this price, this is a con because a lot of the competition is mirrorless).
Nikon Z6 ($840)
24.5 MP, 5.5/12.0 FPS, 273 AF, Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Offers the fastest burst this side of a $1400 EOS R8.
- Better autofocus system than any of the DSLRs.
- Low light is better than any of the previously listed cameras and a lot of the more expensive ones.
Cons:
- Lens selection is incredibly limited - prepare to shell out or adapt an F-Mount on.
- Single card slot (at this price, not a dealbreaker but worth mentioning).
- Small buffer.
Nikon Z5 ($860)
24.3 MP, 4.5 FPS, 273 AF, Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better DR at low ISOs than a lot of cameras (including the Z6).
- Better autofocus system than any of the DSLRs.
Cons:
- 4.5 FPS is entirely unacceptable at this price - if you want to shoot military or pan a lot go somewhere else.
- Z6 offers higher burst and better low light for less - be really sure you want the increased performance at low ISOs (or you need 2 card slots, because this has it).
- Lens selection is incredibly limited - prepare to shell out or adapt an F-Mount on.
Sony a7R II ($860)
42.4 MP, 5.0 FPS, 399 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- One of the greatest full frame sensors ever created.
- Somehow manages to have low light up there with the best despite having 42 MP.
- Higher resolution than everything up to the $1300 Z7.
Cons:
- Burst rate is slower than all competition except the Z5.
- No touchscreen.
- Smaller buffer than the competition.
- AF system can struggle more in low light than competition despite having more points.
$1000 - $1499
Sony a7 III ($1200)
24.0 MP, 10.0 FPS, 693 AF, E-Mount
For the sake of transparency, I currently own this camera.
Compared to Others
Pros:
- The best low light on this list.
- Better autofocus than any DSLR and a lot of the older mirrorless cameras.
Cons:
- Resolution is lower than a lot of the competition.
- Menus are still not a touchscreen.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV ($1300)
30.4 MP, 7.0 FPS, 61 AF, EF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Nothing in particular, it has overall strong performance but nothing that makes it stand out versus similarly priced cameras.
Cons:
- No IBIS.
- One of the heaviest cameras.
- Burst rate lags behind essentially any mirrorless (except the Z5, a7 II, and a7R ii).
Nikon Z7 ($1310)
45.7 MP, 9.0 FPS, 493 AF, Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Higher resolution than anything until the $2100 a7R IV.
Cons:
- Low light lags behind the chief competitor, the Sony a7R III (the overall sensor is similarly good, though).
- AF system can struggle a bit when it is dark. This is not a detriment compared to the a7R III which is similar but it is worse than things like the a7 III.
- Single card slot (most cameras in this range have twin slots)
- Typical Z-lens availability struggles, we’ve heard this before.
Canon EOS R8 ($1400)
24.2 MP, 6.0/40.0 FPS, 1053 AF, RF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- More advanced autofocus than all cameras listed so far (a7 III might have something to say).
- 40.0 FPS is entirely unmatched in the full frame world.
Cons:
- No IBIS (and this is a mirrorless too).
- Lower resolution than a lot of cameras near this price.
- 6.0 FPS mechanical shutter is pretty limiting, but this relevant if you don’t mind using the electronic shutter.
- Limited lens selection blah blah blah.
$1500 - $1999
Nikon Z6 II ($1500)
24.5 MP, 14.0 FPS, 273 AF, Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Nothing stands out, just an overall solid performer.
Cons:
- The Z6 is not dissimilar to this, and it’s $660 less. The II has dual image processors, a deeper buffer, and a slightly higher burst rate.
- Lens availability blah blah blah.
Sony a7R III ($1600)
42.4 MP, 10.0 FPS, 399 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- One of the three highest overall sensor performances.
- Somehow manages to have better low light than most competitors while also having more resolution than most competitors.
Cons:
- Menus are still not a touchscreen.
- Small buffer (but not horrible considering the resolution).
Nikon D850 ($1650)
45.7 MP, 7.0 FPS, 153 AF, F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Another of the three highest overall sensor performance.
- Native ISO goes down to 64 instead of 100, meaning better DR.
Cons:
- Low light falls behind competition (mainly a7R III).
- No IBIS.
- Burst rate falls behind competition.
- Autofocus system not as sophisticated as mirrorless rivals.
Canon EOS R6 ($1700)
20.0 MP, 12.0/20.0 FPS, 1053 AF, RF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Impressive low light performance (although it is somewhat par for the course for these lower resolution, action-oriented cameras like the a9, a7 III, and Z6 series).
- Burst rate higher than most (except R8 and a9).
Cons:
- Lowest resolution of any modern full frame.
- Sensor leaves something to be desired especially compared to Z6 II.
- Can you guess it? Limited lens availability.
Sony a9 ($1700)
24.2 MP, 5.0/20.0 FPS, 693 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- No shutter blackout. It sounds like a small thing but this is a huge pro especially at this price.
Cons:
- Lower resolution than a lot of options.
- Weaker sensor than a lot of cheaper cameras (mostly Nikons and the third generation a7 series).
- Third party lenses get “only” 15.0 FPS.
Nikon Z7 II ($1950)
45.7 MP, 10.0 FPS, 493 AF, Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Third of the three highest sensor performances.
- Native ISO goes down to 64, giving better DR.
Cons:
- Sacrifices low light compared to its closest competitor, the a7R III.
- Autofocus is not there with the best systems.
- Lenses (wow, no way).
Above $2000
Sony a7 IV ($2100)
33.0 MP, 10.0 FPS, 759 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better autofocus than most of the more landscape oriented cameras (a7R III, Z7 II, D850).
Cons:
- Can only do 6.0 FPS with uncompressed raw.
- Sensor performance does not improve from the third generation.
- It really ought to max out higher than 10.0 FPS.
Sony a7R IV ($2100)
61.0 MP, 10.0 FPS, 567 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Highest resolution camera on this list.
- Pushing 10.0 FPS on 61.0 MP is a feat in itself.
- Better low light than a lot of cameras with way lower resolution (Z6 II, R8).
Cons:
- Buffer clears slower than similar cameras due to the increased MP.
- Menus are still not a touchscreen.
Sony a9 II ($2100)
_24.2 MP, 10.0/20.0 FPS, 693 AF, E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- No sensor blackout (nothing on this list except a9 has it).
- Exceptional low light performance (only lagging behind a7 III).
- Essentially flawless autofocus (but this can be said for a lot of these high-end mirrorless bodies).
Cons:
- The overall sensor is maybe not as strong as you would like for this price, even being an action camera. It’s worse than a7 III, and Z6 II.
- More of an evolution (firmware changes) over the a9 than a new camera, consider if the $400 is worth it to you.
- Third party lenses get “only” 15.0 FPS.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II ($2400)
24.2 MP, 12.0/40.0 FPS, 1053 AF, RF-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Pretty much outperforms every other camera on this list in terms of tracking and shooting action.
Cons:
- You have to be really sure you don’t need (or want) more resolution.
- I would say lenses but if you’re considering buying this I’m sure you have enough money for an RF lens.
Crop Sensor Telephoto Lenses
These cannot be mounted on any full frame camera. They are exclusively for use on crop sensors and tend to be lighter and cheaper.
Canon EF-Mount lenses
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II ($100)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Pretty much as cheap as you can get while still maintaining some semblance of quality.
- Small, light, and portable.
Cons:
- 55-250 IS STM is almost double the price, yes, but that’s only $90. It is a significant step up in pretty much everything.
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM ($190)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Image quality competes with a lot of really expensive lenses (punches well above its weight)
- Small, light, and portable.
- Quick and silent autofocus.
Cons:
- Nothing stands out.
Canon RF-Mount Lenses
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM ($300)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Great image quality for the price.
- Small, light, and portable.
Cons:
- It’s hard to write anything here because unless you want to spend big money it’s hard to even find another RF lens.
- Slower aperture than most similar zooms. While you probably won’t be shooting with a crop sensor in the depths of night, there are probably dawn and dusk cases where this will hurt.
- 210mm is somewhat limiting depending on where you are.
Nikon F-Mount Lenses
Note: Nikon DX F-Mount lenses can be physical mounted onto full frames, but it results in the full frame slashing its resolution in roughly half. Do not do it.
Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR ($210)
AF-P lenses can only mount to certain bodies. Make sure to check compatibility.
For the sake of transparency, I have owned this lens in the past.
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Impressive sharpness.
- Speedy autofocus.
Cons:
- Cheap construction.
- Only works on certain bodies.
Nikon Z-Mount Lenses
Note: Nikon DX Z-Mount lenses can be physical mounted onto full frames, but it results in the full frame slashing its resolution in roughly half. Do not do it.
Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR ($280)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Good optical performance for the price.
- Small, light, and portable.
Cons:
- Like the RF-S lens, there’s not much to say since this is essentially the only choice.
Sony E-Mount Lenses
There is also a cheap 55-210mm I can’t go into because character limits.
Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS ($800)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Combines benefits of a 70-300 and a 100-400.
- Strong optical performance.
- Small size given the zoom.
Cons:
- Nothing stands out.
General Telephoto Lenses
These can be mounted onto both crop sensor and full frame cameras. They tend to come with better performance (key exceptions apply) and significant price premiums.
Note: there are a number of 70-200 f/2.8 or f/4 style zooms not included here. These are all optically strong and good for night work but I believe they’re too little zoom to be your only telephoto.
Note II: A lot of the EF and F-Mount lenses can be adapted onto mirrorless cameras. This, however, can hamper image quality and the adapter isn’t free so be careful.
Canon EF-Mount Lenses
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III ($90)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Hey, it’s empty.
Cons:
- I have a 32,000 character limit so I’m not going to start. Do not buy this.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM ($390)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Snappier autofocus than most 70-300 options.
- Upmarket build.
Cons:
- Nothing stands out.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM ($700)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Similar image quality to the much more expensive 100-400mm L II.
- Upmarket build.
Cons:
- Nothing stands out.
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM ($1500)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- The sharpness benchmark for 100-400 style lenses.
- Higher quality build than the third-party 100-400s.
Cons:
- Heavy.
Canon RF-Mount Lenses
Note: as of the writing of this guide, these lenses are barely available on the used market - expect these prices to drop significantly as time goes on.
There is also a 100-500mm L lens that’s exceptional but it’s also $2500.
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM ($530)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Literally the only option as of writing for RF-Mount full frames if you don’t want to adapt or spend a huge amount of money.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- Maximum aperture of f/8 is quite limiting.
- Image quality is a little worse than adapting a third party 100-400.
Nikon F-Mount Lenses
Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR ($300)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
Cons:
- Not optically strong enough for use on high-MP bodies (like a D850).
- Autofocus a little slower than competing lenses.
- If you have an AF-P compatible body (you can look this up) get the lens below.
Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR ($430)
AF-P lenses can only mount to certain bodies. Make sure to check compatibility.
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Sharper than past iterations of this lens (like the AF-S) above. Usable on high-MP bodies.
- Snappy autofocus.
Cons:
- Only works on certain bodies.
Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR ($840)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Sharper than the ~$850 150-600mm twins (this does not apply to the Sigma Sport lens).
- Faster aperture on the long end than the 150-600 twins.
Cons:
- 200mm on the wide end is quite limiting on full frame. Borderline unusable at some airports on crop sensor.
- Heavier than the 150-600mm twins.
Nikon Z-Mount Lenses
Note: as of the writing of this guide, these lenses are barely available on the used market - expect these prices to drop significantly as time goes on.
Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR ($1600)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Cheaper than Nikon’s 100-400mm Z option while not sacrificing too much image quality.
- Very strong image quality.
Cons:
- 180mm on the wide end is quite limiting on full frame. Borderline unusable at some airports on crop sensor.
- Extremely large and heavy.
Sony E-Mount Lenses
Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS ($750)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Optically strong (would not worry about use on high-MP bodies).
Cons:
- Expensive for a 70-300 (but it does offer more than your average 70-300).
- There are 400mm options for not much more.
Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS ($1600)
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Extremely sharp for a lens with this much zoom.
- Autofocus is top tier.
- Internally zooming design.
Cons:
- Will not fit in most camera bags.
- 200mm on the wide end is quite limiting on full frame. Borderline unusable at some airports on crop sensor.
Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS ($1800)
For the sake of transparency, I currently own this lens.
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Strong image quality throughout the zoom range.
- Autofocus is top tier.
Cons:
- Very expensive.
- The 200-600mm might be better if you consistently need more reach.
- There are third party options for half the price that are 80% the lens.
Third Party Lenses
Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD ($180)
Canon EF-Mount and Nikon F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Great sharpness for the money.
Cons:
- Getting a little old for a non-pro lens.
Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD ($390)
Sony E-Mount and Nikon Z-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- For Z-Mount shooters, this is your only option that’s not adapted or $1500+.
- Very strong optically for the price.
Cons:
- No image stabilization.
Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD ($550)
Canon EF-Mount and Nikon F-Mount
For the sake of transparency, I have owned this lens in the past.
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Better autofocus than its Sigma counterpart.
Cons:
- Optically suffers a little beyond 300mm.
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary ($570)
Canon EF-Mount and Nikon F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Sharper at the long end than its Tamron counterpart.
Cons:
- Autofocus can be a little slower than its Tamron counterpart.
- No tripod collar available at all.
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary ($650)
Sony E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Extremely cheap given how new it is.
- Sharp, especially beyond 300mm.
Cons:
- Limited to 15.0 FPS.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary ($800)
Canon EF-Mount and Nikon F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Cheap way to get 600mm.
- Slightly lighter than the Tamron.
Cons:
- Extremely large and heavy.
- Wide end is too limiting on crop sensor.
- Not that sharp at 600mm.
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 ($840)
Canon EF-Mount and Nikon F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Cheap way to get 600mm.
- Slightly sharper than the Sigma across most of the range.
Cons:
- Extremely large and heavy.
- Wide end is too limiting on crop sensor.
- Not that sharp at 600mm.
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD ($1000)
Sony E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Much cheaper, smaller, and lighter than other mirrorless super telephotos.
- Image quality and autofocus not that far off the 200-600mm.
Cons:
- 6.7 maximum aperture at the long end (competitors are 6.3).
- Limited to 15.0 FPS.
Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD ($1150)
Sony E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- One lens solution (but somehow done correctly with great image quality).
Cons:
- Limited to 15.0 FPS.
- If you don’t need the 50-100mm zoom range maybe a Sigma 100-400mm DN would work better.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport ($1200)
Canon EF-Mount and Nikon F-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Sharper than all other DSLR-based telephotos on this list that max out over 450mm.
Cons:
- Extremely large and overwhelmingly heavy.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sport ($1300)
Sony E-Mount
Compared to Others
Pros:
- Matches the image quality of the (more expensive) Sony 200-600mm.
Cons:
- Limited to 15.0 FPS.
- A little slower than the Sony 200-600mm in the autofocus department.
Conclusion
I much enjoyed putting together this guide, and it helps you guys out. If you would like comments on an existing setup you have or anything else, feel free to reply. I’m not a pro by any means but I try my best.
