How much reach do I need for birds?

For birds, I'd aim for at least 600mm full-frame equivalent, and more if you can manage it. Birds are small and far away, and you never quite have enough reach for them.

A smaller sensor gets you there more cheaply. A 100-400mm lens on Micro Four Thirds gives the view of 200-800mm, and the OM System OM-1 Mark II is a wildlife favourite with very good bird detection in a light kit.

• Starting out: APS-C with a 100-400mm-class zoom.
• Full frame: a 200-600mm or 150-600mm zoom.
• Full-frame prime: the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is light and fast-focusing, but it has no stabilisation.

Long lenses hold their value, so buying used saves a lot. See my picks and buying used.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.