Watch this before you buy a 600mm lens to photograph birds

1 Sept 2026 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

1:29

In this short instructional segment, the speaker argues that bird photographers often don’t need a cumbersome 600mm lens. He highlights three main reasons: (1) the physical strain of carrying a heavy 600mm lens, (2) many target species—ducks, wading birds, osprey, eagles, hawks—can be approached more closely, allowing 300‑500mm lenses to capture them effectively, and (3) atmospheric distortion on hot, humid days degrades sharpness at long distances, making close‑up shooting more advantageous. He encourages viewers to seek opportunities to get nearer to subjects for better images, and invites them to watch his full video and subscribe.

Chapters

Let's talk about why you may be able to use a 300, 400, or 500mm lens instead of spending the money and having the backache and arm ache that you get from carrying around a 600mm lens. Not every bird is a tiny little songbird. In fact, so many bird photographers are photographing ducks, Or other wading and larger birds, osprey, eagles, hawks, that you don't necessarily need that added reach. Many of those birds are a little more comfortable being a little bit closer to people. You can find places that allow you to close that distance and get incredible photos. And that is probably the most important thing when it comes to bird photography. After all, a 600mm lens might give you that reach for a heron that's across the pond. However, if it's a hot, humid day and the atmosphere has all sorts of moisture in it, you're going to end up with atmospheric distortion, which is going to ruin the sharpness of your photo. Closing that distance makes a much bigger difference. Watch my latest video to learn more, and don't forget to subscribe.