Is your prime lens holding you back? Why you may want to switch lenses in your wildlife photography

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

For me its all about finding wildlife and explore what nature got in store. I am okay with my pictures, even they are not top notch. Great video Jimmy. Greets Stefan

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks so much, Stefan, I appreciate the input and totally agree with you, I'd take the experience over a flawless image any day. But that's definitely not going to stop me from continually trying to improve 😆

[@randyredding3629]

Hey Jimmy. Awesome video. It’s funny how you bring this up. I recently watch a photographer shooting a big prime and having to back up from a bobcat because they had to much lens. I have a 600mm f4 prime and a newly purchased (five months ago) Nikon 180-600mm lens. My 600 has only been taken out of the bag a couple of times since the zoom arrived. The zoom is so versatile it’s hard to put down. The quality of the 180-600 images is much better than I thought it would be. Having the ability to zoom in for the portrait, or zoom out for the environmental shot has allowed me to be more creative. Being able to zoom out to pick up a bird in flight in the view finder then zoom back in has made a big difference in my in flight keeper rate. Keep the videos coming.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Hahaha, I wonder who that photographer was 😏 It's exactly scenarios like that which make me usually use the zoom lens. I totally get what you're saying regarding your BIF hit rate increasing with the zoom, I experienced the exact same thing! Thanks so much for the input, happy trails my friend!

[@GiuseppeGessa]

Current zoom lenses are so good now, that in some cases they are not different from a prime lens in terms of image quality. Yes, I tryed and used a few prime lenses, and they were fantastic, but I can''t afford now any of them, so the best lest is the lens I've got! 😅

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

@@GiuseppeGessa Well said Giuseppe, the best lens is most definitely the one you have. And I couldn't agree more, the quality you can get from zoom lenses these days is just wonderful!

[@ginolagace473]

I replaced my Nikon 400mm 2.8 with a Nikon 180-600mm zoom. The 400 was too heavy and in the end I didn't go out to take photos. Zoom gives me the flexibility I need. The quality of the lenses now is incredible.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks for the input. I've heard similar experiences from so many people. You've got a great point, the quality of images you can get from many of the zoom lenses these days is absolutely incredible!

[@johnwelchphotography]

Jimmy these are great points, and it's good to have a voice like yours out there to not push getting the latest and greatest gear that really does cost more than a car! I especially like your point about weighing how the money for a big prime could be put towards better trips and experiences which would obviously give you more chance at wildlife. Another thing I would add is that you can also get that shallow depth of field even with and f 6.3 or 7 lens by trying to increase the distance between the subject and background and you can replicate that f4 creamy background look that way. I have only used zooms because I can't justify the cost at this point. Have a good week!

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks a bunch John, I sure appreciate the input and feedback. It really does blow my mind at how much lenses cost these days and how many amazing places you could visit for the price of one prime lens. Definitely something to consider I think. You've got a great point in talking about bokeh with a zoom. It's definitely achievable if you know what you need to do with the camera. It all comes down to actually knowing what you're doing rather than relying on gear to do it for you. Great points, thanks again for the input!

[@terryroth2855]

For the most part, my old Sigma 150-600 is my main go to lens. Nothing wrong with the images it produces. In the spring I still use my old Canon 400 5.6 for a lot of my waterfowl photography, and it still produces a lot of nice images. As long as I can still pack this gear around, I probably won't be changing anything. Have a great week, Jimmy🙂

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks for the input Terry! I'm always curious what other photographers use. Everyone seems to have a different setup or preferences, it just goes to show that you can get great images with any setup, it really all comes down to how you use the gear. Thanks again, have a great week!

[@MannyScoot]

I'm old so I take pictures from my moving SUV...... On my passenger side floor I have a 70-200mm 2.8L IS 3 on my Canon 1DX MKIII and behind my passenger seat I have a Canon 5DSR with a 24-105mm IS version 1 and on my passenger seat, I have a Canon Eos R with a Canon 500mm F4 IS V2 with a 1.4X Teleconverter V3 ..... and all I do is drive through the mountains and relax taking pictures and fresh air ........and never worry about losing a shot.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Wow, that's the perfect setup there, no having to switch lenses or anything like that! That is one huge benefit of shooting from a vehicle, just being able to have multiple camera bodies and various lenses on hand is so nice. Thanks for the feedback!

[@buddyjimsdroneadventures7416]

I totally agree....I've wanted a prime lens for years but honestly I've learned alot about photography by just using a good zoom lens and saving alot lol

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks for the input! I'm still saving up for a 600mm (it's been years now), but I'm so grateful for all the lessons learned while just using a zoom lens over the years. Even when I do get that 600mm, I anticipate the majority of my images will still be taken on my zoom. The right tool for the right scenario 😊

[@kelvinaitken9020]

My "standard go-to" lens is a 600 f4 with a 2x converter = 1200mm. I find that focal length is what I need to get the types of shots I want. If the animal comes in closer, I don't try to reframe by switching lenses, I just change the type of shot I'm getting. So, a wide environmental shot when the wolf or whatever is way off, full body when it comes closer, portrait when closer still. I can also turn it into the world's slowest zoom lest by taking off the converter. As long as heat haze is accounted for, shooting from further away allows the animal to feel safe and relaxed. Yes, it's big, bulky, heavy but it does the job and lets me shoot before sunrise and after sunset where slower lenses fall apart. Almost all of my shots are taken from 30 min before sunrise up to 1-2 hours after (depending on the time of year) to 30 min after sunset with very few taken midday when the light is horrible. I use that time to nap or scout.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks so much for the input! Wow, that's some impressive reach. I'm curious, what wildlife do you generally photograph? You mentioned wolves in your comment, in wondering what other animals you usually photograph with your setup. Do you tend to do more birds or mammals? Are you doing more national park and roadside wildlife or backcountry wildlife? I'm intrigued with your setup, so I hope you don't mind me asking 😁 Thanks again, sure appreciate it!

[@kelvinaitken9020]

@@JimmyBreitenstein I live in Canada, Saskatchewan, so typical north American animals. Canids are a favourite but also the weasle family (love your silver mink shots) and anything with four legs. Birds are definitely an afterthought. I figure I can "do" birds when I'm too old to hike into the back country, although I do love owls and other raptors. I do a mix of car and national park hiking. Backcountry camping is a bit difficult do due to the intensive farming in the prairies, so wild land is rather distant. My trip last week was mostly car based (looking for wolves out on the ice of a large lake) but my previous two 5 day trips were hiking with a sled to work from a base camp. My camera setup is chosen to suit my style of photography. I completely understand why someone would use a zoom as they are so versatile. I shoot Canon (not that it matters) but am loving the new Nikon primes, like the 800mm. Super small and light, comparatively speaking. You can see some of my results here: instagram.com/kelvin_aitken/

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

@@kelvinaitken9020 That's amazing, sounds like you've had some wonderful adventures, thanks so much for answering my questions. I'll be sure to check your Instagram out!

[@GiuseppeGessa]

Great video Jimmy, with a topic really interesting and always useful.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thank you so much my friend. It's a topic that comes up a lot on my workshops, so I thought I'd address it here as well 😁

[@matthewgehly]

Fantastic video! I’ve been thinking about this exact topic for a while. I would much rather have the lighter, less expensive zoom that enables me to capture a variety of shots and tell a more complete story. I used to think that “one day” I’ll buy a big prime, but my thinking has changed to stick with zooms and go on more adventures!

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

That's a good choice for sure. Zoom lenses are getting so good that I really don't feel like there's as much of a loss in image quality as there was 10 or even 5 years ago. I have the same thoughts about traveling, though I would like to get a prime or two down the road when I can afford it for certain situations.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

My go to camera and lens for wildlife and birds is the Fujifilm XH2 and the 100-400mm Fujifilm lens, both the lens and camera is stabilized and at 400mm the lens is very sharp. I photograph at places like Bombay Hook National Wildlife refuge, Delaware and Assateague island on Virginia's Eastern shores. You can photograph a wide variety of birds and wildlife in these locations. The camera and lens is not big and heavy and works very well for landscape photography.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

That sounds like a wonderful setup. I haven't researched Fujifilm myself, but have heard good things from other photographers. It really makes you realize that there are so many options available, no right or wrong choices, it just comes down to how we use what we have. Thanks so much!

[@ghlocal1]

Great points Jimmy! Zooms are great for their weight and flexibility and primes are excellent for low light photography. I am fortunate to be able to go to Africa every year, and I bring two main lenses, a 400mm f/2.8 and a 70-200mm f/2.8. So I guess I get the best of both worlds!

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

That really is the best of both worlds and something like that would be my ideal setup if I had the muscle and when I have the budget for it. That Africa trip sounds amazing, definitely high on the list of places to visit!

[@gojoe36]

I have a Canon 600mm f/4 and I shoot WAY MORE now with the Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM. I even noticed if the eye wasn't tack sharp with the 600mm and because most times I was shooting in f/4 to f/5.6, some of the photos lacked sharpness. When I switched to the RF100-500mm I was shooting in f/7.1 at 500mm and it was much better and sharper images. I only pull out my 600mm when the light is just too low for fast bird photography and I don't get enough light with the RF100-500mm f7.1

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

I've heard similar experiences from other photographers as well. I've used the Canon 600mm and it's amazing! That's actually one I'm saving up for now, but like I mentioned I think there's definitely a certain time and place for it and it's not a lens I'd use in place of the 100-500mm. That 100-500mm is probably my favorite lens I've used. It's tack sharp, so versatile in its range and much lighter than what I was used to, I love that thing! As with any zoom lens, low light situations are a bit trickier, but I've been able to make it work so far. I really appreciate your input, thanks so much!

[@klaustomasini]

Everybody should keep in mind, what is necessary for him and his photography. Being outdoor or travelling is much more worth then a prime lense ...

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

I couldn't agree with you more. Circumstances will be different for each photographer and it's never as simple as "this is right and that is wrong." That's what I love about photography, you can tailor it to fit your interests and your needs.

[@abfutrell]

I picked up the Tamron 150-500mm 2 weeks ago. The versatility and compactness make it a great adventure lens for wildlife. Will I invest in a longer reaching, more expensive glass in the future? Maybe, but for now I like having something to learn with, which could open the door to other possibilities.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

I'll tell you now, that is a wonderful lens, I used it for years and still have mine as a backup. Honestly, I'd probably still be using it but it started having issues with my mirrorless for some reason. I did put it through a lot, so it's probably my own fault 😆 Anyways, that's a great lens you've got, use it well and happy adventures!

[@owenpeller6471]

Couldn’t agree with you more

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks a bunch, sure appreciate it!

[@keithmacdonald4805]

Another interesting video Jimmy but I don't entirely agree with some of what you have said. I used to shoot mostly with zoom lenses but now mostly use prime lenses. There is no comparison between the image quality of a zoom with a prime and I noticed right away when I went to prime lenses. You don't have to spend a boatload of money like you used to, I am using a Nikon 400mm f4.5 and a Nikon 800mm f6.3 PF lens. The 400 is about $4500 CA and the 800 PF was $8000 CA. Both lenses are extremely light compared to the old versions of these lenses. I can carry the 800 all day long and I have never needed to put it on a tripod. The 400 is the lightest lens I have ever used and is the one I use if I am out bushwacking. Both lenses take the 1.4 and 2X teleconverters very well. Nikon has also just released a 600mm f6.3 prime lens that is getting rave reviews and is around $8000 CA. I also see the value in using a zoom lens as well, I also use a 70-200 f2.8 Nikon lens as well for wildlife and use zoom lenses for my landscape photography. I also just ordered the new Tamron 100-500 mm lens that they just released for Nikon Z mount. The new primes have made my photography much easier due to how light the lenses are, I am almost 76 and I can handle them without any problem. Thanks for another very interesting video and I always respect and enjoy your perspective on anything to do with wildlife photography. Have a great week and I look forward to your video on Prime lenses.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks so much Keith, I love hearing other people's experiences and points of view as they help me learn and consider things I may not have before. You're definitely right about the low light capabilities of prime lenses, that's a huge point I touch on in the next video and in my opinion, one of if not the greatest pro of using a prime. During my workshops, I've had the amazing opportunity to see and handle some pretty fun equipment that other photographers use and it's really helped open my eyes to the advancements of prime and zoom lenses in the recent years, hence why I'm saving up for some primes now. Personally, given all the backpacking I do, I'll probably still use zoom lenses the majority of the time, but that's just me. Thanks for sharing your insight and experience, I always appreciate your input and knowledge on photography and related gear. Have a wonderful week my friend!

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

It's nice when budget is no problem with buying camera equipment but for many people 4500 for a lens is more than many people are willing to pay for a lens, over 15 years I have acquired cameras from Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, Pentax and Nikon, the most I have paid for a camera was 2000 but most have been below that price and for glass my most expensive lens is a Fujifilm 100-400mm zoom that I use with a XH2, the pair cost about 3700 dollars this is the combination that I use for birds, wildlife and landscapes.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

@@jamesmlodynia8757 If budget wasn't a problem, I'd have a lot of nice glass and big lenses 😆 But honestly , I prefer the traveling, experiences and will make the most of what I've got.

[@fredlar9421]

Photos from my 600/4 are beautiful, photos from my 100-500 are WOW. 100-500 are available anytime, including the WOW moment.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Well said! I think we're at a time with technology where you can get incredible results whether you're using a prime or zoom. And you can get near perfect results when you really understand and utilize every aspect of your setup and put your creativity to work!

[@MeAMuse]

I think the whole "prime lenses are less compact and weigh more" is a bit off here. It really depends on the aperture of the prime. Those Nikon PF lenses are super light, and there are plenty of prime options that won't weigh a lot if you are willing to sacrifice about 1 stop of light compared to those huge heavy beasts. Personally I am looking at the Sony 300mm F2.8 which is only 3.25lbs and will alsogive 420mm F4 and 600mm F5.6 with teleconverters (would prefer a 400mm F4 if they offered one.. but hey ho). Personally I think if you want to get the most out of wildlife photography you are best having both lens types... and choosing what you take based on where and what you are shooting... and don't forget that you can rent lenses for certain trips (don't spend a crazy amount for African Safari and then not have options to shoot in the low light when most animals are active).

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Very well said, you brought up some really good points that I'll be covering a bit in the next video talking about this subject. Renting lenses is a great option and allows you to utilize different gear without breaking the bank. The ideal setup would definitely be to have both a zoom and prime that you could use alongside each other, I'll need to bulk up before I get to that point 😆 I'm currently using the 100-500mm zoom, if I wanted the same range in a prime, the weight goes up a bit, not too bad, but the size really makes a difference for me. I've backpacked with a prime before and it was surprising how much other gear I had to leave behind to have that lens in my backpack .You're definitely spot on though, there are many primes that aren't as bulky and could be more easily carried. All in all, I think it just comes down to analyzing your priorities in photography, your preferred method of photography and then getting the lens that will fill the majority of your needs. Thanks so much for commenting, I sure appreciate it!

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

The lens choices sizes and weights, and technologies have exploded since I purchased my 400mm f5.6 prime lens back in 2013. Back then Canon cameras did not have in body stabilization it was built into most of their lenses and not very good. I tried out multiple long lenses within a budget. Some of the off brands I disliked because of bad design and awkwardness to use. I rented the Canon 100-400 but it was too heavy for me to hand hold and even with the stabilization built in the photos were crap because I struggled so to hold it. The prime was on sale at the point when I was looking and significantly less than the zoom. Not to mention sharper and a fair bit lighter! Unfortunately there is no budget to update equipment . When photographing wildlife I do prefer the freedom of movement rather than being tied to a tripod. Occasionally I do wish I could zoom out but that is very rare. Most of the time I am frustrated with not having enough reach. There are pros and cons to everything and you do bring up some good points for folks to consider when either starting out or upgrading!

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Julie. Oftentimes, that's the best way for others to learn and figure out what will work best for their specific situation. For me, the zoom lens is essential for my budget and the type of wildlife photography I do. If I was more road based, I would probably rely more upon a prime lens. I love the discussion because there's no right or wrong, simply what is best for certain people or scenarios and what may not be. Thanks again, have a wonderful week!

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

@@JimmyBreitenstein My eleven year old lens had better not break because it appears to no longer be in production! I might be able to find one used. I see they do make one at f2.8 which would be sweet but no way could I ever afford it. I have considered switching to mirrorless but I think that won't happen until my 7D Mkii gets too tired! The camera industry seems to be exploding with technology and sadly prices right along with it! Hope you have a great week too!

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

@@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123 It's worth finding a good, local camera repair shop. I've got a guy locally that works on just about everything old and new. He does a fantastic job and is quite affordable. Just something to consider in case your older equipment ever has problems.

[@syrosbirding]

In my opinion it's not a matter of zoom vs prime lenses. It's more of a matter of quality. I had a Tamron 150-600 g2 and I changed it for a Nikon 200-500. I was never satisfied with the Tamron, but I'm very happy with the Nikon although it has 100mm less reach and it's a little bit heavier.

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

Very well said! I absolutely loved my Tamron when I used it on my 1DXII, but noticed a very drastic decrease in quality and performance when using it on the R5. I switched over to the 100-500mm on the R5 and it may be my favorite combo I've ever used. It really does come down to what works best for you, and that will primarily be discovered through trial and error. Thanks so much for the input!

[@syrosbirding]

@@JimmyBreitenstein I'm so happy that you answered my comment. You are the first wildlife photographer that I subscribed to, on youtube! I admire you as a photographer and as a naturalist!

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

@@syrosbirding Thanks so much, I sure appreciate your support and feedback! I'm happy to have you along for the adventures here, have fun out there!

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Something important, the contrary is true, Prime lenses are lighter, in general, than zooms, at the same aperture. o the Nikon 600mm f6.3 is far lither than the 180-600 f5.6~6.3 TheNikon 400mm f4.5 is lither than the 100-400mm f5.6 but they are more expensive and less versatile. In days gone by the image quality of the Primes was far beyond the Zooms and we needed all the light we could get because digital cameras were unable to handle ISO 1600 without becoming a mess. We also had low resolution, so no downsizing to control noice, and clearly no AI powered noise reduction. Today Zooms are excellent. Finally the Nikon 400mm f2.8 can go to 560 f4.0 with a switch of the button but you have to sale body parts 🤣

[@JimmyBreitenstein]

That's interesting regarding the weight of the Nikon primes vs the zooms, I hadn't looked at that since I haven't shot Nikon in so long. I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding the image quality of a good zoom lens. I'm constantly amazed at how many high quality images I'm able to get in poor light situations with my Canon 100-500mm/R5 combo. Technology sure has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time. Thanks for the input!