BEST Budget Wildlife CAMERAS and LENSES For 2023!

[@robertlawrence7958]

You must be one of the best ambassadors on KZbin for wildlife photography Duade. And I really mean the photography. Your reviews of gear is great but you always place the emphasis on results and not the kit. Very best wishes.

[@Duade]

Thanks Robert, I really appreciate the feedback and totally agree, Cheers, Duade

[@umajps]

Very true and well said sir.

[@blackbird3456]

I'm doing bird photography with a 55-250mm lens at the moment. I can't afford a 1000$ CAD 400mm lens for bird photography. I have a rebel T7. And so far, all the second hand I've found for a better lens are still really close to the completely if not at the brand new lenses. I did manage with my 250mm lens in shooting a solitary plover bird (very shy of people) and a double crested cormorant on a rainy day (again, another bird really shy of us). And I covered my camera with plastic bag that I had cut the end of it. I'd like to shoot chimney swifts, but they fly and never land as they can't really do it or only on steep rocky wall.

[@Augustine2453]

Iv got the t7i woht the 75 to 300 Canon lens. I do wish I had a 500 mm or so but everything past 300 is 800$ plus

[@johnkirkelionis7490]

Just goes to show it is the photographer getting out there to shoot and not the gear that are the most important factors in getting great images. Excellent information and images as always Duade. Your enthusiasm to educate really shines through.

[@Duade]

Thanks John, yes, gear does help but the most important thing is the person behind the camera, Cheers, Duade

[@woodygreen6826]

It was really fun to see all the viewer submitted shots, thanks for that. I agree that used is the way to go to stay within a budget. That's how I was able to ultimately afford a couple of very nice prime lenses that were just too much new. Finally, I'll say that this video is of great value to a large number of photographers out there. The new mirrorless cameras and great new lenses are featured in a great number of videos, but the majority of us can't afford a $8,000 plus kit. Thanks for making a video for the masses :)

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback Woody, it is my pleasure, great to hear you picked up some good primes, Cheers, Duade

[@sharonmoore9941]

Love the Nikon D500 with the Nikon 200-500.❤️

[@Duade]

Thanks Sharon, a fantastic wildlife kit to be sure, Cheers, Duade

[@alcurtis93]

Nikon d500 is 1300 dollars used in the UK. Way too much :(

[@tomgodzik8951]

I just got a Nikon Z50 camera with the 50-250mm lens and I was blown away with the sharp pictures. I only shoot in JPEG because I don’t want to spend time editing. I also bought the Nikon 180-600mm lens new on eBay for $1600. Now it’s time to enjoy taking pictures. ❤❤❤ Top notch video. ❤❤❤

[@simonthibodeau7082]

Has to be one of my favorite vids you ever made. This work is invaluable to the community! I'm sure this will get more people into wildlife. It's so easy to be turned off by the hobby looking at forums with people touting their expensive gear and gatekeeping the hobby, saying it's not worth pursuing unless you spend the big bucks. It's true that bad gear can throw you off the hobby quickly. If you can't get any decent pictures with bad gear it can discourage you very quickly. But there are budget gems out there and I think your compilation of them was pretty exhaustive. Thanks a million. So great to see all the amazing pictures by everyone, this was a real treat! Cheers!

[@Duade]

Thanks for the support mate, I really appreciate it and I am happy this video will be there to help people who don't want to spend a fortune. Cheers, Duade

[@UrbaneHobbit]

Another killer video Duade! Thank you for working up these lists and in particular for including them as graphic overlays while you are explaining everything! It is also extremely encouraging to see all of the incredible shots taken by other viewers. All in all this makes for a great service for all of us just picking up this terrific hobby.

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, glad to hear it was helpful, Cheers, Duade 👍

[@nsbhagwat]

Thanks a lot Duade for featuring the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. Thanks everyone for sharing your fantastic images with Duade. And Duade thanks once again for bringing these fantastic images to us.

[@Duade]

Thanks nsbhagwat, it was a fantastic shot I am sure you are very proud of, Cheers, Duade

[@ryanreed6959]

This was super fun, thanks Duade! Love this channel and community. I know it was a ton of work for you, but it would be amazing to get a video like this from time to time. I think we all had a blast!

[@Duade]

Thanks Ryan, yes, it took a lot longer than I anticipated but it was a lot of fun seeing all the images, Cheers, Duade

[@johng5819]

Great video Duade. I agree. The gear choices are endless but it all comes down to the enjoyment of this hobby.

[@Duade]

Thanks John, I agree 100%, we can never lose sight of the process. Cheers, Duade

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

What an awesome video. I have to say that I started with buying all this lower priced gear but became enthralled with wildlife photography to a point that I extended myself and bought the best gear I could afford! It all turns out that I've spent a lot of money over a short period of time and after thinking about this I should have just jumped right to the expensive gear and saved myself a lot of money that went to waste on lower priced gear that I no longer use. I did get lots of nice images with the less expensive gear but I have to say that with the R7 and RF 100 - 500 that the images are so much better. Thank you as always for such engrossing video Duade, take care and be safe out there....

[@Duade]

Thanks Frederick, congrats on the new gear and your interest in wildlife photography. Perhaps the silver lining with using the older gear first allowed you to better understand and take advantage of the more expensive gear later. Cheers, Duade

[@billnu]

Thanks for the great info. I went with the full budget route with a canon 40D and canon 55-250mm for under $200. Loads of fun and I have a lot to learn before the gear holds me back.

[@simon_dentremont]

Wonderful as usual Duade! Great topic too, as premium gear can be so out of reach for many.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, yes, it is always fun to go back to older gear and have a play, it is incredible what can be achieved on a budget. Cheers, Duade

[@AliasJimWirth]

Some fantastic images shared by viewers. It really points out the reality that great images can be had with basic gear, too. Thanks, Duade, for taking the time to make this video. I find it very helpful.

[@Duade]

Thanks Jim, it was my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@Durio_zibethinus]

The rhino's so dramatic and gives a melancholy vibe. I can't throw my eyes out from it. ...and thank you for this video, I really appreciate your work, cheers.

[@Duade]

Thanks Durio, I couldn't agree more, a fantastic shot, Cheers, Duade

[@gras4711]

Hi Duade, Thanks for another fantastic video and for showing me my Cuban Tody photo. Not only do I have fantastic memories of taking this photo, the bird also shows its amazing color palette and is a tribute to the overwhelming nature of Cuba. Grtz., P.

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, it was a wonderful shot, Cheers, DUade

[@GregorMima]

Agree, i updated to a Sony a7IV this year, until then i shot with Sony a6000 and 7D. Important part of gear/kit is software, and its often overlooked. Tried out just for fun Topaz Denoiser, i was amazed what you can do with it. My old 7D´s problem was high ISO, but with the correct software you can easily compensate for it. Basicly my good old 7D started a 2nd life as the perfect macro setup (7D+60mm+Topaz). Again, todays software for enhancing / denoising images become _really_ powerfull. It helps _alot_ so don´t ignore it folks!

[@Duade]

Thanks Gregor, totally agree, it is excellent software for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@TomazNMelo-tf9sc]

What a cool video Duade. I loved seeing so many beautiful pictures of colleagues around the world. Your channel is what I like the most on KZbin, as you are the only one that, in times of more and more super releases in the world of mirrorless, strives to show that nature photography is for everyone, the most important thing is the passion for what we do. I currently use a Canon 7D mk II and Sigma 150-600 C mm and it's an amazing kit. Sometimes I think about investing in an R7, but on the other hand I think about saving the money and traveling to see more species, because my current kit fulfills what I need and I think that's the most important thing, to be satisfied with the photos you equipment allows you to do.

[@Duade]

Thanks Tomaz, I agree and it is great to show what is possible on a budget, I was so happy to see all the amazing photos that everyone shared. Have fun with your kit and keep enjoying the process. Cheers, Duade

[@pjdilip]

You are one of the most fluent, eloquent, and encouraging presenters, and I'm so happy a 400 5.6 goes so far 😅

[@umfilmmaker8253]

As much as I love doing photography, I love seeing other people’s work! Phenomenal pics. You’re absolutely right about skill vs expensive equipment. These photos are a heck of a great argument for anyone rambling about the latest, greatest, gear. I’m a huge tech fan, but I still run a 7d mk1 and 5d mk3 with excellent results.

[@Tapirrr]

I just got my r7, tweaked the af settings from your r7 + sigma 150-600 video and updated my lens firmware and did the tweaks you showed. I have yet to shoot in good light but in the shade with 4000 iso it managed to track the eye of a blackbird with np issues! It was only when I lost sight of the eye the breathing started. Ive only shot for a few hours but it feels really really nice, a nice upgrade in af performance and speed from my old 5d mark 4

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing Tapir, and glad to hear it was working well. Good luck out there with it, Cheers, Duade

[@rev_dude]

Those sample images are seriously impressive, especially at the lowest budget. They make me want to forget about the sigma 150-600 I am longing for and get out there and practice with my old nikon D40 and 55-200 f4-5.6. Sure it can't do what the expensive lenses offer but being honest to myself it is plenty for my skills or lack thereof :) Thanks for videos like these and for showcasing what people can do on a very limited budget.

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, good luck out there and the key is to enjoy the process as much as you can. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@rev_dude]

Well here I am a few months later, eating my words.. I ended up buying a d7200 and Nikon's 80-400G (both used) and the comparison is not even close in terms of sharpness, AF, reach, ease of use, and everything; my new combo is just so much more capable. With the d40 & 55-200 I maybe made one or two wildlife images I am truly proud of in the last several years, while my best shots with the new lens still make me smile even after revisiting them months later. There was the immediate improvement from having better gear, but I have also found I am learning a lot more about composition, approach, lighting, etc. because the new gear inspires me to simply go out more and make the best of my investment. I still completely agree that you can get good images with a very limited budget, but having better gear allows one to capitalize a wider variety of situations. Getting a proper, but still relatively affordable body and lens seems to be the right compromise for me right now. New, better gear is always tempting, but I don't think I'll be able to justify an upgrade for a while yet.

[@brucegraner5901]

Much needed encouragement for those of us on a tight budget. Some of my favorite images have been shot on bridge cameras, having only recently invested in a Lumix G9 and 100-400mm lens.

[@Duade]

Great to hear Bruce, congrats on the new gear, have fun. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@TheWillRogers]

The E-M1 + Olympus 75-300mm ii seems like a crazy good combo. 16mp, 150-600mm field of view in a really light package, for around $400! if that 75-300mm was weather sealed it'd probably be all I need for large mammals.

[@davidmilisock5200]

I've been using a Nikon D3400 a 24MP DX with a Nikkor 70-300 VR but recently picked up a Nikkor 200-500 VR to fit that camera, it improved my ability to get the smaller birds (the Tuffed Titmouse size) at reasonable ranges and shutter speeds. Both lenses have their uses but the 200-500 is a bit sharper with more reach.

[@jackstutts6439]

Excellent information Duade. I was recently asked by a coworker about this very subject. His nephew is wanting to get into photography. I am definitely sharing this video with him.

[@Duade]

Thanks Jack, great to hear he is into photography, hopefully he finds the video helpful, Cheers, Duade

[@benoutside7593]

Thank you for this video. It was really helpful. I have mentioned that I use a R7 and Rf lenses. Well I wanted something a little cheaper to take on my paddle board and around water. I had been using a PowerShot, but wanted something a little more and with ability to shoot RAW. This video helped me choose a used 7D and a used EF 70-300 II 5.6 IS II Lens. This has been a great combo for me on the water and I have gotten some great shots of Barred Owls and other birds and wildlife with it. I think it is great that you not only review the new, but you also review and share info about old gear. It’s very helpful and greatly appreciated.

[@polmestra]

Loved this video! Amazing to see what fellow photographers are capturing out there! Thank you so much for showing this can be an accessible hobby! I jumped with joy when I saw my photo too. Thanks mate! :l

[@Duade]

Thanks I totally agree, it was fun to see all the images, just a shame I couldn't share them all, which image was yours? Cheers, Duade

[@utubify100]

Yet another appreciated effort, Duade! Thought there were some great recommendations on gear & so much considered. Too many top notch images to pick a favorite, but was nice to see not too many portrait studio "bird on stick" only style. Many excellent submissions for sure. I think you did a fine job of sharing your knowledge of available gear & it's abilities to capture those moments that so many of us long for in wildlife photography. Well done to all those that submitted & keep it up, getting out there to suspend those very moments that nourish the soul. And thank you Duade, for providing the expertise, narrative, videos & mechanism for so many to enjoy worldwide! Good shooting & may you enjoy the next opportunity for a valued session. Best regards ~ Chris

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback Chris, you I was very happy to see so many amazing images and was happy to share them. Happy birding, Cheers, Duade

[@PhotoGearFun]

I loved my Nikon d7000 and then the d7100 they served me very well over the years. Thanks for another great video! Cheers

[@Duade]

Thanks, great to hear, wonderful value for the price really. Cheers, Duade

[@guyjackson4143]

An EXCELLENT video! I believe you summed up the idea that this video proves on my eyes at least, with your simple statement that the gear is at times irrelevant, its more about the person using the gear. As a custom furniture maker I have a shop full of tools of my trade( hobby now since I retired) I can design, build and finish any number of projects. Could a inexperienced person do it no. Same gear, same shop, it's all about the experience! Again Duade, excellent video and please keep up the good work.

[@Duade]

Thanks Guy, yes, totally agree, great to hear you enjoy your trade and workshop, I love watching that Good with Wood show. Cheers, Duade

[@rosettastoned2114]

I really love the things he said like if u have skills and dedications u can achive best photographs even on budget cameras while quality of high budget camera is differnt still it gives hope if u are not having hugh budget camera ❤️❤️ love from nepal🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵🇳🇵😊

[@odarrien]

Amazing images by everyone. Thank you for sharing.

[@shanewilliams613]

Excellent video as always Duade, you did well to maintain your composure considering all the bloody flies around you! It was great to see you include Nikon kit as I know you're a Canon shooter, and also to see the viewer submitted images, what a great idea! I'll keep lugging my D610 and Tamron 150-600mm G2 around for a few years yet while I can mange, I look at it as additional weight training to go with my cardio, haha! When the time comes I'd love to move to lighter mirrorless gear, but as this video demonstrated so well you can get cracker images with all sorts of kit, it's getting out there that matters. My favourite photography quote ages back was someone asked how they take such good shots and the reply was "f8 and be there" Not the best aperture for birds, haha, but you are an excellent example of the philosophy. Just get out there! Well done mate.

[@Duade]

Thanks Shane, I really appreciate it, would you believe those were mozzies and not flys, so many of them at the moment. I like the f8 and be there, sums me up nicely. Cheers, Duade

[@princip6656]

Of course, you are a great photographer and most likely there is a huge selection of beautiful photos, unlike commercial reporters whose only goal is commercial advertising for better sales of expensive photo materials, which does not necessarily mean that they are good or bad photographers, because a good photographer needs emotional feelings that they tie us to the object at the right moment and in a significant composition.

[@thejosher1510]

I love seeing everyone’s photos from around the world. Great work y’all.

[@roadtrains]

What a wonderful world we live in. Amazing pictures. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@Duade]

I couldn't agree more Dave, so many amazing images, Cheers, Duade

[@justinbennett486]

Re the Nikon D7000 ... I ran a D7100 for ~10 years, taking over 72,000 shots and still going strong. I finally replaced it with a Z7ii for increased resolution, focus tracking, and 10fps to all help with primarily wildlife photography. The dual slots also help, streaming RAWs to both, and protecting me when I had card issues, so no irreplaceable photos lost. Still a great camera!

[@CraigWestwood-q6h]

2nd of your videos i’ve watched, some of the most helpful and watchable on any subject!

[@karlswanderlust]

Another great video! Very informative as well as entertaining! Thank you!

[@Duade]

Thanks for the support, I really apprecaite it, Cheers, DUade

[@tiagoguerreiro3098]

Great video and really nice to prove that you don't need much money to take incredible and unique photos. Greetings from Portugal! 🇵🇹 PS: My photo in the video is from Portugal, and not Virginia, US 😁

[@Duade]

Thanks Tiago, so sorry about that, with so many captions I was bound to get a couple wrong. Thanks for the beautiful shot, Cheers, Duade

[@kalyandeepray]

Excellent observations across the range, and really great for people just getting into photography as a hobby. I started my first bit of serious kit with a D7200 + grip + Nikon 200-500 and it was just amazing. Learn a bit of processing along the way and you are golden. Handed that down to my niece who is birding buddy. Moved on to the D500 + grip + 1.4TC + 300 f4 PF, and I do not see my self moving on from this in the near future. My first kit was really great, but didn’t have great weather sealing which was always a worry, and was on the slightly heavier end for day long hikes. I specifically bought every part of my next kit to address those points. Rather than going for the latest and greatest when shopping for the next bit of kit, look for real issues you want to address. I have taken photographs I am very happy with on both bits of kit, and I agree with you, if you work on your skill, you will take better photos across major ranges of gear. Cheers

[@Duade]

Thanks Kalyan, congrats on your current kit and sharing your older kit. As you say both are very capable kits and can take great photos. Cheers, Duade

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

Superb video mate. And a lot of amazing photos too. Difficult to choose one, but the photo of the white rino was just an outstanding photo. I still use my 7d mk ii, with the 100-400 mk ii, and think it's a very good combination. Unfortunately i was without internet in the time to send one of my photos, but that's just how things are sometimes here in Brazil hehehehe. Almost one and a half week before we got it back. Thanks again for this video, and i wishing you a great week. Cheers, Bjoern

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, no worries, yeah the Rhino stood out for sure. Great to hear the 7D is working well for you. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@tedk2814]

I enjoy listening to you. Your enthusiasm is infectious and truly shows your love for photography. Thank you for helping encourage a huge membership to do likewise. Ted in Sebastian, Fl.

[@Duade]

Thanks Ted, I do love photography and wildlife so the two go together well, Cheers, Duade

[@CapturedByKen]

I absolutely LOVE that you included viewer submitted shots! So much so that I subscribe My current setup is the Nikon D500 with the Nikon 200-500mm

[@Jo-c-jo]

Another great video.Many thanks!! Never had such honest reviews on all those budget gear. Overwhelmed by seeing such beautiful images from members. Thanks for sharing them that will go a long way for ordinary hobbyist like me. I personally feel the gear is secondary.. it's the knowledge and skill that makes images great . You have proven that gear doesn't matter. I am a hardcore user of second hand gear. It's a challenge to get hold of good camera body from genuine sellers. I have had several instances of getting gears with some issues. I had a D90 that had white balance issue. I had D700 that had dead spots in sensor. Some of these issues become evident only after many days of use. I would love to find about ways to test a pre loved camera body. Thanks a ton Duade.

[@Duade]

Thanks John, it is my pleasure. It can be a lottery at times for sure, I think some companies sell second hand gear which gives you a bit of piece of mind. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@bboycyphur]

Wow, this video is really inspirational! Kudos to all the folks who submitted and to you for sharing your thoughts and opinions in such an organized and thoughtful way. Also, thanks for adding the titles and artists for the song list.

[@Duade]

Thank you so much for the support, I really appreciate it, I agree the photos were excellent. Cheers, Duade

[@WernerBirdNature]

Hey Duade, thanks for this absolutely stunning illustration of what can be achieved with passion and patience !! Using amazing landscapes as backdrop for wildlife action is no small feat !

[@Duade]

Thanks Werner, yes, it was a fun video to put together, Cheers, Duade

[@cheriburau]

This video is so helpful! Thanks so much for breaking down the camera/lens kit by price. What would you recommend for a kit that is more lightweight in the $1000-$2000 range?

[@jon_green_photography]

Thanks Duade for another fantastic video. This one is really relevant for me. I'm itching to buy new gear but the cost of living in the UK at the moment is crazy and it's unlikely I will upgrade for some time. I certainly still get great enjoyment and photos I'm pleased with on my old canon 50d and 70-300IS (mk1). Yes my camera is ancient and I probably have to work a lot harder to get the pictures I want ...but hey a few months ago I got my first ever pictures of a kingfisher on this camera and it was the most incredible feeling ever .Nothing will ever replace that buzz I get from photographing wildlife and always trying to improve and find something new. Would have loved to have submitted some photos but I was too late to the party! It's really awesome to see such amazing photos showcased on old gear. It's certainly helped maintain my enthusiasm to get out there and keep taking photos ☺️

[@Duade]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it. Great to hear that feeling younger with wildlife, I am the same. Thankfully we don't need expensive gear to experience it. Happy birding. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@Gazzab6]

Great to see some amazing images from your subscribers and proves it’s more about the person behind the camera than the gear although great gear does help. I’m a D500 user and missed your vote so make that 28 votes for the D500 ;-). The D500 has a 20.9mp sensor just a tad more than stated in your video (D5 has 20.8mp) but the buffer is actually 200 shots when using an XQD card and if you reach 200 and take your finger off the shutter for a split second, it will fire off another 200 shots so the buffer is virtually limitless. It’s designed to stop at 200 to protect the shutter if placing the camera in your camera bag and something presses the shutter button (54 maybe the figure for writing to both cards).

[@bryanstough7533]

Just a great video! Most people don’t realize they don’t need the latest and greatest. I’m looking for some cameras to ket my kids into nature photography. This was perfect. A lot of value out there to be found.

[@Duade]

Great to hear Bryan, plenty of great options out there for sure. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@ElementForLife78]

I started with a 7d also, I'd recommend that camera to anyone on a budget or starting out. I'm now shooting on a Canon 1dx which I absolutely love and picked up on eBay for about $750 AU. I can only afford 3 lenses for it ATM, the Canon 24-105 f4 L, 50mm 1.8 STM and the Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 L, I'm not sure what to save up for next, maybe a prime zoom? Any suggestions are welcome, thanks for the videos loving the content and community!

[@jhirse3547]

I ❤ Budget gear! It‘s so easy to fall for the big budget hype but it may give one nothing! Use what you have and enjoy it! Lots of proof in this video ❤

[@Duade]

Thanks JHirse, I totally agree, the best kit you have is the one in your hands, Cheers, Duade

[@JDEriksson]

Great video and thanks for showing my photo :)

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, a fantastic shot, Cheers, Duade

[@David-rc8fb]

Great Video, one Lens, Canon 400 F5.6L, one Camera Canon 7Dii, great combination for anyone. Enjoy your Photograph, keep well & Stay safe 👍🇬🇧

[@Duade]

Thanks David, yes, that is a fantastic combo to be sure, Cheers, Duade

I really enjoyed this video! Buying used gear is such a good move and you can get some amazing stuff which still works fine for many years to come. I also often buy used gear to be able to afford better equipment but at a reasonable price. But the best thing was, that you showed images taken with gear of that price bracket. The images really showed that the gear almost doesn't matter. You can get spectacular images with a camera like the Canon 7D, which was my first camera (over 10 years old, and I still happen to own one), and a decent lens.

[@9Mtikcus]

I love seeing wildlife photography, but I never get the chance to shoot myself and cannot justify the lens cost right now (especially when I will not earn money from that type of photography). I appreciate videos like this :) it shows what can be done on a budget, it is just a shame that in the UK if I have a day off when I am able to go out it is almost certain to be cloudy, dark and probably raining. But in my field (mostly portraiture) you can spend a fortune on cameras and lenses, but when you present the final images, no one asks or cares what lens and camera was used if the images are good. I was shooting portraits and during the shoot, I took a few photos with a Fujifilm X-T10 (worth about £100 used) and a 7artisan 55mm F/1.4 manual focus lens (which was about £100 new) and a few of the images with that combo were good enough I presented them to the client, and they were just as happy with those shots from a £200 setup as with the shots from my £2000+ camera and lens setup.

[@Duade]

Thanks Andrew, totally agree and it can be very difficult to tell images apart. Cheers, Duade

[@DJBastor]

hi Duade Thx for sharing my picture (Squirrel vs woodpecker) have a nice day greetings Marc

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure Marc, a great image, Cheers, Duade

[@rodrigoshariff]

As usual, great content Duade, you are too kind to share one of my photos. I think the Canon R10 with the best lens you can buy is the way to go on a budget at the moment. Cheers!

[@Duade]

G'day Rodrigo it is my pleasure, it was a lot of fun going through all the amazing images. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@bradbonnema5979]

Really enjoyed this! Took a few photos of swans on Lake Wacanda. From the shoulder of U.S. Hwy 71 a very busy north/south road. You never know when or where you'll find a subject to shoot photos. A few years ago I got pictures of a blue heron and a green heron in a ditch between Menard's and Schwanke's in south end of Willmar, MN. They only about 30-50 feet from non stop traffic.

[@Duade]

Thanks Brad, yes, it is amazing where we find birds and taking advantage of those opportunities is key. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@vntrgirl]

Started researching with this video and I'll end it with this video! Thank you for the way you presented your data!

[@bruceholmes8010]

Great video Duade. I use fairly inexpensive gear for now and really believe it's the Light, Composition, and Background on getting a good shot. To be honest, nothing really beats practice. I have really enjoyed bird photography this last year and the better pictures I have taken are really due to practice and taking the time to go and get some "Bird Shots". I did like like your comments on Kits that are heavier versus something much lighter like the new mirrorless cameras and how that has an effect when you are hiking or just sitting. Again thanks for putting together such a great comparison video. Really Great.

[@Duade]

Thanks Bruce, I appreciate the support and I agree the old adage that practice makes perfect is very true. Cheers, Duade

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always 🐦❤️🤗

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@franciscogil6222]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I've seen about half a dozen of your videos ever since I stumbled upon this one (the ones about the Sigma 150-600 C more than once!). The way you put out info is so easy to follow and understand I have no idea how you do it! Being a Fujifilm beginner photographer I have *very* limited choice when it comes to budget gear, and budget long zoom fuji lenses, well, don't really exist! After watching your videos and doing lots of thinking/researching, I've decided to save up to buy a cheap Nikon body (maybe the D300 or one just a bit better) and a Sigma 150-600 C. Both used, of course. Can't wait to try them out! Thanks for your hard work and please keep it up!

[@johnmuse6626]

I spoke about the 1DX family with a Sports Illustrated photographer and he said he never had shutter concerns with the 1DX series. He said that he regularly took well over a million photos with them and that the shutter virtually never failed on them. He said it was far more likely that something else ended up malfunctioning after a long period of use and a few million shots with one. As a sports photographer myself, I can take thousands of shots a game and do that 2x-3x week at times I have about 650,000 shots on my current 1DX with no issues to date. It works as well as the day I took it out of the box.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing John, yes, I have heard similar reports and if you have a look at a few online second hand retailers there are numbers 1dx with 500,000+ shutters. I love mine that is for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@tibtechtalks]

Thanks for sharing your great video. The gears of photography are changing as new technology changing yearly. I am choosing the combo of wildlife photographing gears in 2023 is Canon R7 + RF 100-400.😀 The photos you showing in video all are really great. Just can’t believe that they are took by lower price gears.

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, pretty incredible the photos submitted, Cheers, Duade

[@eskay2250]

Well put together and loved all the viewer photos spliced into this review. Lots of talent shining through even the most humble of camera kit 😊

[@Duade]

Thanks Es, yes, it was a fun activity, I am glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@localepoxyflooringwollongo5141]

Your passion is infectious.

[@elementarypenguin0]

Really great video, wonderful images by the contributors.

[@Duade]

Thanks Andrew, yes, they were excellent. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@JoshdhPhoto]

I use the nikkon d3200, My photo was the one of the deer taken by "JoshHickey" Although im still learning the d3200 is pretty good for beginners. Staying on a budget is essential. Especially when your 13 like me.

[@Duade]

Great to hear Josh, the photo was excellent and you should be very proud. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@e3446]

Totalty forgot to send in a photo I took with a used fuji X-T2 and an adapted EF 400mm 5.6. Anyway, great video and some really lovely shots with gear that doesnt break the bank. Just awesome.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, perhaps we will do something similar in the future, Cheers, Duade

[@michaelkaercher]

Super helpful compilation. I can only agree on the tool debate. The best photos of my life I shot with a D90 of my little kids (at the time). It is just 12 megapixel but they are so nice to look at theses days after all those years. In the mean time I own a D750 and I just bought a D7200. It is amazing how good they are in low light when shooting RAW and developing it with modern noise reduction tools (such as DXO lab and others). I will buy two more lenses. The Sigma 200 600 and the Nikon 80 400

[@Duade]

Thanks Michael, yes, new gear does help for sure, but it is amazing the shots we got with older gear. Cheers, Duade

[@SolamenteVees]

Excellent content! I shared your video to my 12K+ followers on Twitter this morning…

[@Duade]

Thank you for the share, I really appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@jostv.2726]

It is great to see that people took such nice fotos with a Nikon Z50. I bought the Zfc a few month ago, since then my interest in wildlife photography grew more and more. Right now I am still kind of afraid of this style of photography, in dim surroundings my old lenses really don´t perform well. But this makes me feel a liitle bit better, I think I will try to buy a good used lense in the near future. Thank you for this great video, your community made some amazing shots!

[@rickigoode8536]

Fantastic video and a big for the information. In the UK, I use 5ds, 7dii and 1dx with a combination of multiple lenses, but mainly the 150-600 Sigma C (with a similar camo cover to yours) and 70-200mm L for action and distant wildlife. I use Tamron 100mm Macro (with tube extension) that I imported from Japan for close up work. I feel the 1dx is my go to, as love the base colours of the image and better utilisation of light on overcast days. The 7dii and 5ds have stunning resolution in good light, but of course get unusable after iso6400, or even lower with 150-600 lens fitted. I used to shoot birds on the old 5d classic with the 400mm f5.6 back in the day. As you know, only 3fps, but made me really work for the end result and many of the shots on it were just as good as many today. For me, the 5d will always sit in my heart as the first affordable significant DSLR.

[@andym2869]

Absolutely superb images throughout. My personal favourite being the Indian Nightjar in the clip at the end of the video. I shoot Canon namely the old 7D & just bought a used Canon 1DX for £299 British pounds off the auction site. I'm over the moon with the camera & hopefully one day I'll manage to get an image or two like the one's shown here,i have numerous L series lenses but the longest being the 70-300mm L F4-5.6 IS which just doesn't give the reach in most scenarios so I'm actually about to purchase the 400mm L F5.6 which will hopefully help in regards to bringing the subject a little closer. Top video as always, favourite photography channel by far! Thanks for everything you do for us Duade.

[@BenPisarik]

I’m using the Nikon D7000, I got it for about $280 with a 18-105mm lens. Not quite enough focal length for what I prefer, but still a great deal. Hope to upgrade to one of those 300mm lenses sometime ❤. Great video! New subscriber

[@Duade]

Welcome Ben and congrats on the kit, a great camera. Yes the 300 f4 is a nice lens for sure and not too expensive picked up second hand. Cheers, Duade

[@Bitternov]

Beautiful presentation. Great subject. Many thanks. Looks like the R7 is a must. Great images of wildlife as this genre expands rapidly throughout the world.

[@radlrambo4994]

It is absolutely great what gear you can get these days for next to no money, When I started venturing into wildlife photography it was 2009, the 7D was relatively new and costed a fortune. DSLRs were the hype of the time and people were selling 20 year old L Lenses were almost as expensive as new ones and many of the budget lenses did not exist back then. I tried venturing into micro four thirds, because many people claimed that would give you double the reach of FF lenses - but in reality the 55-200 was equivalent to a 100-400 f/11 and the image quality fell apart at ISO 1600 already. I tried a few other options but came to the conclusion that mFT was not a good wildlife platform. I then borrowed a 300mm f4 L IS and a 1,4 TC from a friend and was amazed. I hoped that Canon would update the 400mm f5.6 with IS, but that never happened. The 300 was the better choice I think, because you can use IS quite often with sitting animals which allow a slow shutter speed. I really liked the integrated hood which made handling a lot easier - I didn't like that the IS was only good for 2 stops. Today I would probably fork out the money for a used R6 or R7 with the 100-400, which is supposedly good. But nowadays where you can get a 300 f2.8 L IS for sometimes a lot less than $2.000 I would be tempted to buy that one with a 5DIII (bought one recently for 350€), which would crack the $2.000 range by only a small margin - or when considering the Tk you might need.

[@wojciechstanczak5069]

I love your channel, its very good and fresh (for me) content.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, that is great to hear, Cheers, Duade

[@juanitakelly3082]

So glad I happened onto your video today as I am currently in the market to upgrade and am evaluating all the points you mentioned, plus you gave me a few others to think about. Thanks for proving that I may not have to spend a fortune to get the better wildlife shots I enjoy as an amateur hobbyist. And as a senior, I am also looking at lighter weight gear so am glad you emphasized that. Subscribing now!

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure Juanita, I am glad it was helpful, Cheers Duade

[@JenHamon]

It's great to see even low MP images can look great on a big APS-C sensor.

[@greygoose3936]

Awesome video. I've been loving my Sony 200-600 mm lens for bird photography. I'm looking forward to getting some habitat photos this spring as birds start building their nests around my yard.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing, it is a wonderful lens and offers excellent value that is for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@UncleTerry]

I use a canon 60d and 7d. The 7d I use mostly for wild life with a Tamron 70-300 f/5.6 zoom lens. My main camera for s while was an canon sx40hs before purchasing the 7d new in 2010. I take good care of my gear and what it to last a very long time. Thanks for taking the time for this very informative camera budget gear video.

[@philkitching4152]

Thank you for such an ace video. After many searches, finally you have given me the information I need to get into bird photography.

[@torftee2235]

Great video, thanks again, Duade!

[@Duade]

Thanks Torftee, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@jamesmcmullan7921]

As always Duade, great video and presentation, lots of valuable information. Thank you for sharing.

[@Duade]

Thanks James, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@frankanderson5012]

I'd like to give a shout out for the Sigma 500mm F4.5. Rarely thought of but you can buy a used one for just over £1000 in the UK. I've had mine since 2010, it's very sharp, fast and takes a converter well. No IS but that hasn't been a problem for me using it with support. Started off on a Canon 30D and 6 cameras later, I'm using it on the R6 & R7.

[@Duade]

Thanks Frank, great observation, not a lens I am familiar with but sounds like it is working well for you. Cheers, Duade

[@celeselopez7373]

Thus was an awesome video. Great recommendations and so many fantastic 📸

[@Duade]

Thanks Celese, yes it was a lot fun to put together. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@Chendaking]

Excellent video, very informative! Thanks for your hard work I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from your explanation. I started using my 80D with Sigma 150-600mm C following your tips, I'm in good progress - thanks for sharing.

[@Duade]

Thanks David, I appreciate it, good luck with the camera and lens, Cheers, Duade

[@Dylan-Vassar]

Just picked up a 1dx mark ii for $500. It’s missing some paint and has 350k actuations, but the sensor is great and all the buttons work. I have an R5 as well , but the 1dx is way more fun to shoot, and doesn’t eat up my hard drive.

[@neilcole3406]

Cheers mate, It just goes to show you don’t need to be rich to take wildlife photography, we can all get great shots on budget equipment, it makes so much sense!

[@tsytema]

Great Topic! And very relevant. Thank you so much for putting it together. 😊

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@jeroenvkr7503]

Very, very good video. Besides that I'm currently looking voor an affordable combination to replace my Sony RX10 mk iii. Well done, great options and yes, we all love different styles of pictures:). Keep on posting this kind of content please. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback and good luck getting some gear to enjoy wildlife photography, Cheers, Duade

[@TheMrNeffels]

Thanks for including my fox kit photo! Also I can confirm that the R7 and the sigma 150-600C is a pretty good combo. The photo I submitted was with 90d and sigma 150-600c but since getting the R7 I have hardly touched my 90d. The AF focus hunting does cause some missed shots but when you can shoot at 15 fps youre still going to get a ton of shots that are in focus and perfect. If you are starting out and dont have the lens though I agree with duade and recommend starting with the R7 and RF 100-400. not needing adapter, the weight, and the better AF make up for the missing range and right now the 100-400 is only $500 new

[@Duade]

Thanks for the comment, it was a great shot and congrats on the R7, Cheers, Duade

[@jamesseward9263]

So true that you can take professional looking pictures with todays budget gear, just need to practice to best use the tool in your hand and be creative! 😊👍

[@RealBesty]

Terrific video because you involve the channel viewers for THEIR (amazing) images on a variety of gear 👍🏆

[@Duade]

Glad you like them!

[@RealBesty]

@@Duade …and yours!! :)

[@Wolfkyrie]

I am a beginner photographer wanting to mainly do wildlife. I have a degree in wildlife conservation and one of the classes I took a while back was photography and I LOVED it! I'm wanting to buy my friends Nikon z50, but your video helped me to see other cameras in my budget. I'm going to Canada next week and was wanting something sooner than later. Right now I have an old Canon Rebel XS. That might have to be my option for getting anything right now though lol