The Best Mirrorless Wildlife Photography Camera - On a BUDGET

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Ok, so that's my view from the Sony range of mirrorless cameras. What are the best Budget mirrorless options from the other manufacturers?

[@TheDavcoll]

What a pleasant change to hear someone saying you do not need top of the range kit, while they themselves are holding £10ks worth of gear. Dave

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks David, I don't have a problem with photographers using whatever kit they want. It does however concern me when they peddle the concept that you can't possibly be a wildlife photographer unless you have the same kit. Starting from more modest kit will definitely make you a better photographer in the long term. 👍

[@beingwild6495]

You addressed the issues of low budget wildlife photographer like us who are confused by many you tubers to buy costly gear...

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for your comments. Having expensive kit helps but with more basic kit and working on your other skills you can achieve results far better than those with expensive kit who have neglected all the other attributes required to be a successful wildlife photographer👍👍

[@unoengborg]

You are right, knowledge about your subject (e.g what they eat, when they mate) , and how to get close too your subject is much more important than your kit. After all people did wildlife photography before digital, before auto exposure, before image stabilization, before autofocus and before high frame rates. So you certainly does not need super gear to get reasonably good wildlife images. The difference between good and bad kit, is how often that happens. Knowlege still beats good gear. E.g. knowing that birds like to take off against the wind, and that you are harder to spot in backlight may help you. Automatic hunter cameras may help you to get more information on locations and best time to shoot (look up local legislation around surveillance cameras). The Sony 200-600 is nice and inexpensive. The main disadvantage compared to stuff that cost more than your car is lack o DMF that allows you to manually adjust focus even in AF-C, and it is not so good in low light situations such as just before sunrise like you can do with a 600/4 or 400/2.8 on the other hand these more expensive than your car options are heavy and may be left at home more often. To most of us it is not a difficult choice as we have other things to spend our money on, but yes good gear helps.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi, thanks for watching. I'm glad we agree. Knowldge of your subject will always bring more success than higher end kit. After my tests with really low end basic kit when I did my series how to become a wildlife photographer I am convinced there is a point where for a beginner low end kit will lead to failure and becoming disillusioned with the hobby. I used a very old Nikon D3200 and Tamron 70-300 kit lens for this series and I managed to get some decent images but I had to use all my experience in other areas to do so, something you don't have when you start out. All the best!👍

[@robertlawrence7958]

Very sound advice Scott. One thing you didn't mention regarding your choice and which I find to be invaluable when having two bodies is the advantage of having two of the same type. When you buy a less expensive body it is easier to buy a second one that is the same. That is very important if, like me, you often use a two camera/lens set up because then you can swap between the two seamlessly. If you have two bodies which are slightly different the mind and fingers can often get confused when moving from one body to the other resulting in missed shots. The more expensive the body the harder it is to afford two.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Robert, that's a great point and something I am only just coming to realize. In the past i have always had a second camera more orientated to landscape photography as I do switch between the two and do courses for both. However the A6400 is capable of doing both well so the identical setup and positioning of controls is a real help. Thanks for watching👍

[@dorotagolebiewska]

Thanks from Poland . My son and I are deciding about the camara. A 6300 was one we heard first time. good info from you!!! Robert (49) and Samuel 8 (years old)

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi, thanks for watching the video and I'm glad you found it useful The A6300 is a fantastic camera👍

[@fusion-music]

I have 2 cameras, Nikon, but I'd like to make the same change as yourself - to have 2 x identical Nikon's. I'm not really talking brand, but specific accessories. The problem with my set-up is batteries & function knowledge. With an identical camera, all functions are where you know they are. You don't need to read two manuals. Batteries and chargers take up space and one camera battery system will probably fail, due to being used less. So, I think your choice has given you less headaches. Great video.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Steve. I agree completely. The only advantage for me with using more than one camera system was the fact that it helped a little when running workshops and 1-2-1 courses. I had at least some knowledge of more than one system.👍👍

[@HeroShotz]

I chose lens over body and got the a7rii with the 200-600 for wildlife but the 5fps is killing me lol. Might have to try out the a6400 for the 11fps and way better tracking. Thanks for the vid.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I looked at the A7rii as well and it was the 5fps that put me off other than that it was close to the top of the list. I think the A7iii takes it to 10fps which I would have been happy with but there's a big price jump!! Thanks for watching👍

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Great video Scott. I agree in that you don't need the latest and greatest for a backup camera, just something that'll do the job you want. So many people I know just want the latest model camera. Yet, a model that's a year or two older will give the exact same results in quality in both stills and video. Thanks for sharing mate 👍🙏

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Adrian, yes the companies do push the idea that you have to have the latest model, particularly for wildlife. Hopefully people will see that you can get stunning results with older or more modest kit. Thanks for watching mate👍

[@Wildlife_with_Mark_Wright.]

Great video! Just getting into wildlife, have A73 and partner has A6400 and have lenses for landscape and cityscapes. I’m enjoying the wildlife photography enough to save up for 200 - 600 Sony lens. Using A6400 for wildlife. You mentioned NOT shooting in 4K. I have been shooting video in 4K to compensate for lack of long lens. The ability to shoot in 4K to crop and pan is invaluable for me at the moment and I produce my videos in 1080p. Cool option it you don’t won’t slow mo . Lack of long lenses means I have to rely on thinking about how I get close to wildlife, and I really understand you view on craft over camera gear. Keep up the good work!

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Mark, thanks for watching. Interesting idea with the video! I've banked it for future reference!😉 You are definitely going about it the right way. All those basic skills you are learning and having to think your way around situations pays dividends when you do decide to upgrade. Thanks for watching👍

[@ianunwin]

@@scotttilleyphotography I found shooting in 4K in low light and if you have the option using clear image zoom gets you closer, you can then oick frames out of the video to get quite reasonable picture. If you have access imovie has a pick frame option.

[@renukarana4165]

Thank you very much Scott for this video, this cleared my doubts. I am a beginner and love wildlife especially birds and macro photography. I am also thinking to go with Sony a6400.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching, the A6400 is a fantastic camera and may be the only camera you ever need, it certainly does everything I need it to do and I've been shooting wildlife images for almost twenty years. I'm sure you'd be very happy with it.👍

[@gastonlk]

Great analogies Scot. I am from SriLanka and just got into wildlife. I like photographing birds. I am inspired by you. Best regards

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Gaston, really glad you enjoy the videos and find them useful. Loads more bird photography and film coming on the channel! All the best👍👍

[@glennvanderbusse4137]

Good honest advise - Thanks for sharing I need to up grade from my Sony NEX6 and need more reach in my lens as mine is 55-210mm but cant afford both - and for making videos I could use my RX100 III as that also has a tilt screen but unfortunately the tilt mechanism broke so no screen at the moment. Cheers Glenn from NZ, and thanks for having no advertising crap running through your vids.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Glenn, there is always a problem with getting that telephoto lens for wildlife/bird photography. I would always recommend going for at least a 400mm lens. The problem with that is that there is a significant price rise at this point and the old ones really hold there value. The old version of the Canon 100-400 can be a good lens but its a bit of a lottery. I buy a lot of my lenses second hand from a company called MPB. I can always send it back if I test it and am not happy with its performance. Cheers 👍

[@fritsscholtenhzn6268]

My body and lens are my first combo from Sony, the same one you have. But I bought a battery grip from MEIKE, that works longer. And it's easy in my hand. (-:

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Frits, that can be an issue with the smaller size of the camera. I use an L-Bracket that increases the size. Of course your method has the added benefit of dealing with the poor battery life of Sony batteries on the A6000 models. Thanks for watching👍

[@fritsscholtenhzn6268]

@@scotttilleyphotography Thank you, I make only stills, and then it is fine 2 batteries. And my big hands feel much better on this grip.

[@weylintracking-worldwide]

Today's 'entry level' camera's are so much better then the camera's from a few decades ago... Good quality lens with a mediocre body any time over a bad lens with expensive body...

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I'm certainly finding that with my Nikon D3200 I'm using for my beginners series!!👍

[@DebCamPhoto]

I so appreciate your practicality and insight. Although I could afford one of the more expensive Sony models if I chose, the 6400 does all that I need and that money spent could be used for something that makes more sense. The ability and subject knowledge of the photographer is what makes the difference, not the camera used to get the image. I enjoy you photos and videos.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching Deb. There are some great camera's around and they do give you an advantage but a photographer who has done all the fieldwork, researched the species , knows there fieldcraft will always outperform a photographer with an expensive camera. I think that's a particularly important message to get out to everyone trying to make a start in wildlife photography and thinking they've been priced out of the market. All the best👍

[@aaronza7218]

Absolutely right. Thank you for sharing Scott.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching👍

[@blacksad4904]

Great and helpful video! And most importantly, realistic. Thank you very much!

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Glad it was helpful! This is a great setup that really does give fantastic performance without the huge cost off the flagship models👍

[@IAmR1ch]

While your logic and reasoning may work for a Sony user there are other things to consider. I use canon and have good lenses for it. Because of this, if buying new, a new Canon R6 may better option for me on a budget for a backup camera even though it is double the price of the a6400. To switch to Sony would be a huge cost and the autofocus on the Canon system especially for birds in flight is superior. So there are other considerations. What is good news though is regardless of what brand you own, mirrorless and eye AF is getting better quickly and that technology is starting to trickle down to the less expensive cameras. Anyone on a budget and has a decent system now, should be patient and wait, because once all the new high end stuff comes out, the upgraded lower priced cameras will be coming. Always better to choose a system, stick with it (People who switch systems are going to waste so much money selling and buying new lenses), and get trailing edge instead of bleeding edge cameras (Or newer used cameras from dumb people who switch brands at the drop of a hat when something new comes out) I was tempted to switch to Sony while back because they lead the way for mirrorless. I made up my mind to stick with Canon and now I have an R5. But if you are on a budget, I would not recommend upgrading to an R5, wait for the R3 and R1 come out, I am sure there will be those who try to sell their R6 and R5 to get the upgrades (same with Sony, people selling old cameras to get the new A1 or A9, you may find a better deal on a used Sony over the A6400). There is an R5 and 1dx on craigslist right now in my area. It is a great time for wildlife photographers.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I fully concur with your reasoning on this one. It is a massive decision to switch systems if you are fully invested in a brand already. I was running two systems Canon and Sony, as this helped me when running one to one courses being familiar with more than one system. The only thing I would say is that good glass tends to hold its value so although there is a cost to switching it is not as high as you may think. Having said that I won't be rushing to switch any time soon😉 Would have to agree to disagree on the superiority of the canon autofocus system but as they are both excellent it isn't really an issue! Thanks for watching👍

[@IAmR1ch]

@@scotttilleyphotography " Would have to agree to disagree on the superiority of the canon autofocus system" Well you would be agree to disagree with a lot of people who use both systems. My opinion is based on my own anecdotal evidence when I go shoot birds and birds in flight in a group, I get more in focus shots, but again anecdotal evidence because technique, differences in lenses, age of lenses comparability and firmware issues have influence.. I would not say my opinion or conclusion is conclusive. But I have seen others on youtube that have both systems and done birding and BIF and came to the conclusion that Canon eye focus is better. I think Jerod Pollin did a test using human eye AF and gave Sony the nod for his human tests but said they were close. The animal eye detection online most agree, Canon is better. Perhaps you could get an R5 and a Canon 600 F4 iii and put it up again the Sony and a Gmaster 600 F4 latest version at do a more scientific test yourself, then your conclusion would carry more weight. You may come to the same conclusion others who are into birding have come to about Canon birds-eye (pun) AF.... or not.. If you know of a test already done, post a link. I am open minded.

[@merc500sec]

I actually went for the Sony A7riii got mine for £1675 from panamoz , the 42 megapixel makes it great for cropping , great videos thank you , you helped me get the 200-600 mm

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks David. Another of the cameras I was looking at! Another great camera and as you say the excellent cropping due to the sensor resolution is a fantastic feature.👍

[@merc500sec]

@@scotttilleyphotography I got some great shots of buzzard circling, and a crow attacking one, that when you crop in it looks as if the buzzard head butts the crow . I have the 6400 too , the advantage of that is it takes the 600 mm to 900 mm which is pretty awesome

[@josephhenderson7044]

I buying the Sony a6400 for my first camera because I want to start videoing my wild life hunts.. my concern is what lens to go with. Something that will be great from 0-300ft with great footage with being blurry?

[@scotttilleyphotography]

The A6400 is a great camera. Any lens such as the Tamron 150-600, Sigma 150-600, Sigma 100-400 or Sony 200-600 will work great as long as they are used on the correct settings.👍

[@josephhenderson7044]

@@scotttilleyphotography thank for replying back. I ended up buying a Sony a7iii. I have a lot to learn I plan on following you and watching all your content.

[@josephhenderson7044]

@@scotttilleyphotography how are these lens that you suggest for low light in the woods? I see some KZbin hunting videos that there afternoon videos or early morning videos are blurry and pixelated? I’m trying to avoid that. My camera is coming with a Sony 28-70mm zoom

[@kontrolla1]

Good video Scott. Good points you make about the photographers skills being more important than the gear. Gear Acquisition Syndrome is a real thing and I definitely suffer from it.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I know where your coming from Paul, I seem to have developed and camera bag and tripod fetish recently😂 Nothing wrong with gear acquisition when you are a skilled photographer mate👍

[@DalsPhotography]

Loved your bird story!!!! I use 2 cameras, cause we don't have the chance you do, of getting so close to birds, as our fields are mostly private. Usually a bird is around 20-100 mts away. For very far I use the canon with the tamron 150-600, for the closer ones I use a fuji xt4 with 100-400. I would love to get that sony lens, but I am thinking about the distances we do have, wich are further away, that means that I need heavy cropped in photos. Till now I couldn't get to an accurate and informed decission to be honest. Very interesting review. I live in Uruguay, and yes we do have to watch for our budget, as everything here is at least 50% extra due to import costs. Thank you so much! best regards to you and your family from Uruguay.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Daniela. I have used numerous telephoto lenses over the years and can honestly say there are very few that give much advantage over another. Ninety percent for me is down to the skills of the photographer and with the kit you are using you should be able to produce some impressive results. All the best from England! Scott👍

[@stephendarlington]

Very timely. I was just reading up on Sony cameras the other day. As a wildlife photographer and Canon shooter, there isnt a natural upgrade path for my Canon 7D mark II so have been looking around at potential cameras from other manufacturers. Good to hear real user opinions

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching Stephen. I did shoot with an 80D and loved it but it was using the A6400 that made me switch to Sony. I found I just wasn't using the Canon anymore. It is a very personal choice, some people can't get on with the small size of the camera but I do tend to use mine with an L bracket and once you get used it to I haven't found it an issue. All the best👍

[@RichardBirchett]

Nice breakdown on Sony’s lineup mate, great camera and nicely explained. 👍

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Cheers Richard, certainly a bargain in the Sony range, if a bargain exists these days!👍

[@patricksalt6797]

Great video Scott some really great points on the camera being a tool, many times people have said that's a great picture I bet you got a expensive camera, you explain they could get the same picture. So good fieldcraft is the way, I'm still learning new things after 35 years.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Patrick, I really just want to try and address the balance as we seem to more and more be pushing the idea that you have to have the latest tech or you might as well not bother. Totally agree on the learning mate, it's not very often I go out and haven't picked something new up. Thanks for watching mate👍

[@bingvaldez347]

Would you recommend the Sony a6400 for shooting sports photography like shooting race cars on a race track and I have free time ill shoot some birds?

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Sports photography is has very similar requirements to wildlife so it would be a great choice. Only time there is a better option is in low light situations where a full frame and a massive bit of glass would be better to get in more light. That would be in a completely different price bracket. Hope that helps👍

[@Bon_box]

Hi Scott, For my budget 6100 is right.. whether weather sealing a deal breaker ???

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi, I have never listed weather sealing as a major reason for buying a camera. I tend to be extremely careful with my gear and use covers if the weather is bad. Don't forget the lens needs to have it as well if you really need weather sealing. I have to say I have never had an issue with a camera sealed or not but that could be down to how I look after them? 👍

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi, I have never listed weather sealing as a major reason for buying a camera. I tend to be extremely careful with my gear and use covers if the weather is bad. Don't forget the lens needs to have it as well if you really need weather sealing. I have to say I have never had an issue with a camera sealed or not but that could be down to how I look after them? 👍

[@Bon_box]

Thanks a lot for taking time to reply.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

No worries 👍

[@brianw6645]

I'd be interested in hearing whether you tried out one of the Fujifilm cameras. I currently use the X-T30 with XF100-400mm lens + 1.4x teleconverter. The autofocus can be a little finicky. I don't know how well the autofocus compares to the Sony APS-C lineup.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Brian, sadly I haven't. I think that the Sony autofocus throughout the range is well thought of and perhaps slightly ahead of the game in that respect, but I'm only going on what I've read👍

[@ronschuddeboomdigiscoping3693]

Very interesting topic Scott and I totally agree with you . I am a digiscoper, i take pictures through my Swarovski 115mm objective lens telescope with my a6300 attached. The results are decent and the sport for me is to get the best possible picture with this combo. Ofcourse i am interested in buying the 200-600 and maybe I will in the near future. But owning an a1( i could) would give me that extra pressure of shooting extraordinary pictures whereas now i am just shooting and having fun.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching Ron. In the end that's what it's all about getting out there and enjoying what you do and being comfortable with your kit choices. If you do change to the Sony 200-600 it's a fantastic lens and I also really loved my Tamron 150600 G2. All the best 👍

[@tammylong111]

Such great advice. Thanks!

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Tammy, the A6400 is a fantastic camera that I still use in conjunction with my A7r3 and it more than holds it's own👍

[@ianunwin]

great video understand were you are coming from on the budget side, there are some massive differences in an a6400 and an a9ii. But on certain shots you would struggle to see the difference. But just sometimes a grab shot on an a6400, will become a keeper on the a9ii. Thats why its a pro camera i suppose they want keepers. Keep them coming, lots of sense spoken today.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Ian, the A9 and A9ii are great cameras. I think the problem recently has been that the perception is that unless you have one you might as well forget the idea of being a wildlife photographer. Indeed I don't think it unfair to say there are a lot of people my age and older who will buy one, as they suddenly have the disposable income yet have probably never shot wildlife before. Suddenly they are an expert (all the gear no idea does exist!) I am really trying to encourage younger folk to know that actually if you work hard on all the other stuff you can easily outperform someone with the latest kit. I guess in cycling/team sky terms an a9ii gives you those marginal gains, but some people will get one with out knowing all the basic stuff that makes up 90% of getting the shot. Thanks for watching mate👍

[@ianunwin]

@@scotttilleyphotography I am in a similar age bracket 56 and have been working hard these last few months. I got a bargain a9ii last week but you are absolutely correct. Field craft is as important as camera craft if you want to get more than just a snapshot. Its your insights on the field craft that got me watching the channel. Reason to upgrade, I like bird in flight shots, I could not get past the black out when panning. Last 6 months I have been working when I should be playing. Now I can play. The viewfinder has been the biggest hurdle in my move from mirrored to mirrorless. I could not make it work. Keep the vlogs coming.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Ian, I will be doing a video soon with my entry level Nikon and Tamron 70-300 so that will be interesting!! I'll really be putting my money where my mouth is!!😂👍

[@estherngongi3977]

Thanks for this video... Much needed. Which other camera would you suggest other than Sony 🤔🙏🏾

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching. As I used to be a Canon shooter for many years I would probably look at something like the Canon M50 if I wasn't with Sony.👍

[@estherngongi3977]

@@scotttilleyphotography many thanks for the response... Will have a look 🙂

[@KGsPhotography]

Some great thoughts Scott there is room for everything. Mind you I am not the right person to comment after recently purchasing the Canon R5. 😂

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Haha, hopefully my little video helps to push back the tide of "you have to have this camera to be a wildlife photographer" which seems to be prevalent at the minute. By the way I'm expecting big things from you now Keith!!!😉

[@tonymckeage1028]

Good Morning from New Zealand, Great mirrorless on a budget Video, I enjoyed it very much, Have a great weekend

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Tony, Thanks for watching👍

[@karenbeaumont2650]

Love your spade anology - another common sense video.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching Karen, back to some photography next week. All the best!👍

[@simonbriggsQCB]

Hi Scott, perfect timing for me watching this video as currently using the Nikon D7200 with Sigma 150-500mm but decided to sell the lens as didn't perform very well when taking photos handheld. Now that I have seen this video and interested in what you think, if I go for Sony A6400 could you recommend a decent telephoto lens that could work with both these bodies with the lens adapter/mount you mentioned obviously my one being nikon. I would be on a budget of around 600-800 for the body and similar amount for the lens. Love your videos and especially the part you say field craft costs less just time and effort as I was silly enough to think I need a camera body that can offer 20fps which is not the case.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Simon, I really rate the Sigma 100-400 lens if you can get hold of one. My copy gave similar performance to the Canon 100-400 Mk2 at a fraction of the price. If it was me I would try to get the lens fitting for the camera that I will use most for wildlife, then get an adapter for the occasions when I wanted to use it with the other system. Although the metabones is fantastic you will always get a slight drop in performance when you put anything extra between the lens and the camera.👍👍

[@Chris1878e]

Is the difference between the a6000 and a6400 big? I can get the a6000 brand new for £500 and the a6400 £200 more used I mostly do wildlife and macro photography

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Chris there are a number of differences. When I was choosing the main ones for me had more to do with vlogging as the A6400 has a flip screen and a microphone port. I can recommend the following site that is useful for you to make your own decision based on your requirements as it literally measures any camera up against another. cameradecision.com/compare/Sony-Alpha-a6400-vs-Sony-Alpha-a6000 All the best.!👍

[@Chris1878e]

@@scotttilleyphotography Ok a6400 literally sold me on 3 big things focus points, environment sealing and animal eye focus system, thanks for recommending that

[@scotttilleyphotography]

@@Chris1878e no worries, I'm sure. You'll love it👍

[@iggy.99]

Hi! I'm a complete beginner but I'm looking to get into wildlife photography with my behavioural ecology degree at university. What kind of lens would I need to use to capture pictures of birds/wild animals? I've been reading 300mm and above but just wanted some extra opinions! Thanks

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Nick, its a good question! Really the answer does depend in some way on your funding. I just did a series where I shot with a Nikon D3200 and a sigma 70-300 lens that cost in total £300. So it is possible with entry level kit. What I would say is that there are two strands to wildlife photography. One is the kit you use and if we take what I use for example a Sony A6400 and Sony 200-600 The total cost of this is about £2500. If I was to buy the flagship Sony A1 and Sony 600mm F4 This would cost a staggering £20,000. I suspect I would gain a couple of % improvement for the extra £17500. In my opinion you can get far greater gains from improving your fieldcraft and stalking skills etc. There is also a rule of diminishing returns, so if you had the Nikon/Tamron kit I was shooting with in the series I did and stepped up to something like a Sony A6000 and Sigma 100-400 lens approx cost about £1200 The performance improvement would be very large. As I say it depends on your budget. Unfortunately there is a big price increase when you go from 300mm to 400mm. I would say if you can run to something like a 400mm that would be great for most situations and you may never need to upgrade. With a 300mm you will need to get closer to your subject. More important is your fieldcraft skills and understanding of the subject you are trying to photograph. I see a lot of photographers with very expensive kit but very little in the way of fieldcraft skills and I'm confident I would out perform them every time. If I was starting out now I would be looking at used kit (I still do now!) Somebody like MPB or WEX. I would look for a camera that shot at least 6 or 7 frames per second, probably a crop sensor and a 100-400 zoom lens. I hope that helps. Scott👍

[@iggy.99]

@@scotttilleyphotography hi Scott! Thankyou for taking the time to write the very detailed reply! Im thinking about getting a nikon d3500 or d5400 as a start, and hopefully move to a mirrorless camera further down the line like the one you use in this video! Thanks again for the help it's much appreciated!

[@scotttilleyphotography]

No worries Nick, the more you get out there the better you'll get👍

[@HemanthKumar-hv8mm]

Hey Scott, thanks for the vid. I have Nikon D5100 and am thinking of upgrading to mirrorless. I am confused with several options and your vid did tend helped me through it. Still confused with A6600 , A7RII and A7II . Would you please help me out. I love wildlife photography than taking video logs and going to entirely new line of camera and company would make my current lens obsolete ,so really need help in is it worth going for FF over APSC and if yes which one would be better.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Hemanth, which camera system and FF or crop sensor would largely be dependent on your budget. I can only really speak on Sony mirrorless and my choices where based on performance and price. For instance with my A6400 I get 90% of the performance of something like the A9ii but for a much lower price. The crop sensor also makes my 200-600 lens equivalent to a 900mm lens. I would also say that some of the Sony FF cameras are not really designed for wildlife. The Sony A7, A7ii only shoot at something like 6fps and the autofocus is not as good as the A6400. When I looked at the A6600 I could not see any advantages that are worth the price hike. I think it has in body stabilisation but i use stabilised lenses any way so not really an issue for me. Hope that helps!

[@HemanthKumar-hv8mm]

@@scotttilleyphotography Thanks for the reply. This would clear most of queries. Thanks again. :)

[@jessed1709]

You've sold me.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

It's a great lens and very capable of some stunning results. Thanks for watching👍

[@CamillaI]

Good choice on a budget, field craft more important than the camera ! 👍

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks, it certainly is! I still pride myself on the fact that I can hit the deck in an instant if | need to! To be fair it does take my ten minutes to get back up these days😂😂😂 Thanks for watching mate👍

[@CamillaI]

@@scotttilleyphotography Too true not getting any younger !

[@Viking88Power]

Great video. I have the 70-350mm but id love to get that lens.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I've never used the 70-350 but if you are getting good shots with it you would certainly find this lens made your life easier. Thanks for watching👍

[@RratedSuperstar1988]

Hey Scott, superb video! Was wondering if you had any thoughts on the Canon M50 markII?

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Mick, I've never used it personally but know a couple of people who do and are very impressed.👍

[@RratedSuperstar1988]

@@scotttilleyphotography excellent thanks for letting me know

[@leehanley71]

Scott great video, as you know I am looking to upgrade myself. Sony 6300 and a Sigma 100-400, as an estimate what would be the "around" price for the two? Thanks for taking the time to do that in depth video, it really helped me. Cheers.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Lee, if your looking for used I would always try out places like MPB as well as ebay. When I was looking for a used A6400 they where going for silly prices on ebay so don't always assume that's the cheapest place. MPB are doing A6300's for around £500 at the minute. The Sigma's tend to be difficult to get hold of at the minute, probably because people have realized they are not far off the performance of the Canon 100-400 Mk2 for a third of the price. They are probably going to be around £650 and that may involve getting a canon mount and using a sigma MC-11 adaptor as the E mounts are rare used. I used the sigma canon fit and adaptor with my sony a6400 and it worked very well. Hope that helps.👍

[@leehanley71]

Cheers Scott, had a look at that website you recommended, looks good. Cheers

[@andymok7945]

Yep. House rich, money poor. For some camera rich money poor. Now being retired, even on a tighter budget. Focus and tracking system is what will give you a better keeper rate. Working with small birds is a huge challenge. Trying to focus on the eye for the short time it sits still. Static birds, yeah 10 fps is great. Birds in flight or action, the extra fps make a really big difference. I would love one of the newer cameras (not top end) , but the prices are just not in my budget. I have reached the limit with my current camera with it's focus and tracking system. Been doing bird photography for 18 years. Don't cheap out and buy cheap lens, it has a bigger impact on image quality.

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Andy, I agree with many of your comments. I do feel that there are some photographers around who will pick up the latest gear without putting the 18 years of small bird photography that you have behind you. As you will know you will often out perform the said photographer simply be the knowledge you have built up about a bird species over those years. If you are a new photographer then this budget setup is "good enough" while you work on building up your knowledge in all those other areas. All the best👍

[@RobJorg]

i send the A6400 back and got the A6600,

[@scotttilleyphotography]

They're both cracking camera's. I could do with the in-body stabilization at the minute as I'm using some ancient telephoto lenses at the minute👍

[@RobJorg]

@@scotttilleyphotography what i can say is that the upgrade to the A6600 was worth if. eye AF in video is aweseome.

[@CarlosBenjamin]

What would you recommend for honing your ear for birdsong?

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Carlos, I generally use a couple of Apps on my phone so that if I here a bird while out I can see if I can match it up. I think its mostly a case of visually identifying it first so you should be able to see if its a finch or a warbler for instance and then matching up the sound. I think the one I use is UK bird sounds.👍

[@CarlosBenjamin]

@@scotttilleyphotography My problem is I can’t often see them, but hear them a lot.

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

Scott great video I’ve looked at the A6400 and then the A6100 would the A6100 be ok for wildlife photographer and video

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Steven, as far as I can see these cameras are pretty similar. The only points in the A6400s favor over the A6100 is it has weather sealing and eye autofocus. If you google sony a6400 vs sony a6100 and go to camera decisions they do a full side by side comparison. I'd happily shoot with the A6100👍

[@Burtonupontrentrailwaystoday]

@@scotttilleyphotography will do Scott when’s the next beginners video out it’s a great series look forward to watching them

[@anilm969]

canon 80d or sony a6400 with sigma 150-600mm ??

[@scotttilleyphotography]

I've never used the Sigma 150-600 but did trade in my canon 80d I was using with the Tamron 150-600 G2 because I was so impressed with the performance of the Sony A6400 with the Tamron. So that may be your answer!😉👍

[@colmranger]

I thought I read last week that the 200-600mm lens sucks the battery life from the 6400, if this is the case I might go for the 6600 as that has the bigger battery

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi Colm, Sony's are notorious for eating battery's anyway. I suspect the A6600 will have better battery life. I don't find it a problem because I always carry loads of spares with me. I've not really noticed the 200-600 being any worse than any other large telephoto lens.👍

[@colmranger]

@@scotttilleyphotography that's great thanks for your reply

[@filipczaban1]

good. Thank You

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks for watching, glad you found it helpful👍

[@ashstubbings2603]

Hi Scott. I really enjoyed your video. You talk a great deal of sense. But my comment is going to be completely off topic! I noticed that your accent has a very familiar ring to it! Can I ask whereabouts are you from?

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hello Ash, I'm from Sutton in Ashfield. Glad you enjoyed the video mate👍👍

[@ashstubbings2603]

Well! Blow me down with a feather you're only dahn't road! Am frum Mansfield! Well actually I live in sunny Woodhouse (Wudduss) now! Small world! I thought I recognised the accent!

Nice video, Like 25 and Bye from Italy :)

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thank you! Cheers!👍

[@HabeebRWildlifePhotography]

Nicely explained

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Thanks Habeeb, its a great camera for wildlife.👍👍

[@cooper4590]

Hey Scott, I was doing some research on this and the a6600, and I was seeing some stuff about the buffer speed on both of them. Seen some stuff about it taking close to 30 seconds to fully clear that buffer. Has this affected you at all?

[@scotttilleyphotography]

Hi, it's not affected me but that could be down to my style of shooting. Think WW2 spitfire pilot with short controlled bursts. It is a problem with most cameras if you keep your finger constantly on the shutter button👍