Selects: Top Camera Gear for Wildlife Photography

When researching cameras for wildlife photography, professional wildlife photographers look for models with excellent dynamic range to capture detail in shadows and highlights. The ability to track fast-moving subjects like birds in flight is also critical. Long telephoto lenses are necessary to photograph animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them. If you’re looking for the best camera equipment to create wildlife photography but aren’t sure which brand or type of camera to choose, this article is for you. DSLR or mirrorless, crop-sensor or full-frame? There are a number of factors you should consider when weighing up which camera to buy for wildlife purposes. Whatever your budget, the MPB team has a camera and zoom lens to help you photograph animals responsibly. Read on to learn more about our top recommended camera equipment for wildlife photography and why each one might be right for you.

1. Best low-budget camera gear for wildlife photography

2. Best mid-range camera gear for intermediate wildlife photographers

3. Best top-level camera gear for pro wildlife photographers

Best low-budget camera gear for wildlife photography

When you’re getting started, begin with the basics and grow your kit bag from there. It’s easy to trade in and upgrade. Avoid overspending on features that you might not ever need. So, what’s the best affordable camera for wildlife?

A full-frame camera isn’t generally required at first. Some photographers prefer the further ‘reach’ offered by a camera with a crop factor of 1.5 or more. While crop-sensor cameras don’t actually reach further—the camera captures a smaller area of the image, which then appears to be larger—there is the benefit of smaller file sizes, time saved in post-production and lower cost of the camera equipment itself. Therefore, building a crop-sensor DSLR setup is a great way to start creating wildlife photography.

The Canon EOS 7D, released in 2009, is an excellent choice for a DSLR camera body. It represents outstanding value for money with a respectable maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 and an 18-megapixel sensor.

The 7D also offers access to Canon DSLR lenses, which are well-regarded by the wildlife photography community. Canon lenses tend to cost a little more than their Nikon counterparts, but they still represent good value for money.

The benefit of choosing a low-budget crop-sensor DSLR is that you have more of your budget to spend on lenses, which make a real difference when capturing wildlife photography. If and when you find you need to upgrade your camera body, your lenses will still be compatible with other Canon DSLR bodies and, via an adaptor, Canon mirrorless bodies too.

For lenses, start with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM. Considering the price, this lens offers huge reach. Together with the Canon EOS 7D, this setup should be enough to get you started with wildlife photography. However, you might also want to invest in a tripod. Or, if you’re sitting down, use something to support your camera and lens.

The Nikon D7100 is another fantastic budget DSLR option for wildlife photography beginners. Released in 2013, the Nikon D7100 offers broadly similar benefits to the Canon EOS 7D. The Nikon 7100 has a 24-megapixel sensor, which gives you a few more options to crop into your images.

Some wildlife photographers prefer using Nikon DSLRs because Nikon lenses tend to cost less than those from Canon. So, when you’re building your setup, you could end up saving money by choosing the Nikon ecosystem. However, this will depend on your creative requirements. To start, try the Nikon AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G. While it’s certainly a no-frills zoom lens, it does offer you that all-important focal reach while you’re getting to grips with the basics of wildlife photography.

Best mid-range camera gear for intermediate wildlife photographers

When you’re ready to take the next step and you know more about your creative requirements, it’s easy to trade in and upgrade to a setup to match. 

Mirrorless cameras can offer near-silent shooting—especially compared to DSLRs, which create a distinctive ‘slap’ sound as their mechanical shutter opens and closes. While this sound isn’t usually an issue at a distance, some animals and birds are easily startled. Therefore, a mirrorless camera is easily the most inconspicuous choice for wildlife photographers. The trade-off with mirrorless, however, is a much-reduced battery life compared to DSLR camera bodies—so remember to pack an extra battery.

The APS-C mirrorless Canon EOS R7, paired with the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS or Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS, will give you an effective maximum focal length of 800mm or 1,000mm respectively. The R7 has a 32.5-megapixel sensor and can shoot Up to 30 fps with its electronic shutter, and 15 fps mechanical shutter, and its body design makes it easy to upgrade from any Canon DSLR.

For Nikon loyalists, the Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera is a drool-worthy option. Sure, it costs more than the Canon EOS R7, but you get a lot for your money. This high-res 45.7MP full-frame camera boasts a super-fast 493-point hybrid AF system to nail focus on fast action. 5-axis stabilization provides a steady viewing experience when handholding. The rugged, weather-sealed body can withstand the elements while you're out shooting wildlife. Frame shots easily with the crisp 3.68M-dot viewfinder. Fire off up to 9 fps for rapid bursts. And pair it with Nikon's Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S zoom lens to get up close and personal with skittish animals. The Z7 may lighten your wallet, but it will help you capture pro-level nature and wildlife shots destined for the gallery wall. For Nikon devotees, this camera hits a sweet spot between performance and creative control.

Or, it might also be worth considering mirrorless cameras from Sony and Fujifilm.

Another APS-C mirrorless body option well-suited for wildlife photography is the Fujifilm X-T3. This camera shoots continuously at up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter or 11 fps with the mechanical shutter at full 26MP resolution. It also features a 1.25x crop mode for bursts up to 30 fps. The X-T3 can capture DCI and UHD 4K video at up to 60p with 400Mbps maximum bit rate. H.265 codec support enables 10-bit 4:2:2 output over HDMI or 10-bit 4:2:0 internal recording, along with F-Log and HLG shooting modes. Pair the Fujifilm X-T3 with the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens and you’ll have an excellent wildlife photography setup with plenty of reach. While Fujifilm camera bodies are relatively inexpensive, their lenses tend to cost more—so factor the full setup cost into your buying decision.

A full-frame mirrorless option is the Sony A7 III, which offers access to the same impressive autofocus system as the much pricier Sony A9. The A7 III incorporates a 24MP BSI sensor, larger battery, AF joystick, and EyeAF tracking. Its 693-point AF system offers 93% frame coverage. Continuous shooting reaches 10 fps with the mechanical shutter, along with 5-axis, 5.0-stop image stabilization. Video is captured from oversampled 6K and 5K regions for 4K/24p and 4K/30p respectively. S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG gamma options provide extensive dynamic range and HDR playback support. Sony GM lenses have a good reputation, so you can go with either the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS or the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS for an excellent full-frame wildlife photography setup.

Best top-level camera gear for pro wildlife photographers

Now you’ve made a name for yourself as a wildlife photographer, you’ll know the difference between a good wildlife photo and an outstanding one. And you’ll know what features you need from your camera gear in order to achieve that award-winning imagery.

A prime telephoto lens, while you can’t zoom, will offer exceptional quality and wider maximum apertures than their zoom counterparts. 

These setups will cost a fair amount, so it’s always worth buying used. These really are the best tools for the job. But it’s always better to wait until you’re confident that you’ll need their features before investing in one.

The Sony A1 mirrorless camera paired with the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS and 600mm f/4 GM OSS lenses, is a wildlife photography dream team. This flagship model packs a super-detailed 50.1MP sensor to capture every nuance of your subject. Dual speedy processors effortlessly handle complex data for functions like 30 fps continuous shooting with the electronic shutter, so you never miss a moment. The intelligent autofocus tenaciously locks onto eyes, faces, and animals to perfectly track movement. On the video front, oversampled 8K 30fps and 4K 120fps footage will help unleash your inner Spielberg. Review your work through the giant 9.44-million dot viewfinder as you silently stalk your subjects. When the timing is perfect, fire away with the speed of a lightning strike. The A1 offers an unparalleled combination of resolution, speed, video capabilities, and smart features that makes it a go-to choice for serious wildlife work. If you desire cutting-edge performance, this camera aims to impress.

And what about Canon? Well, the Canon EOS R3 is more than capable of handling wildlife photography. The 24.1-megapixel full-frame sensor can capture 30 frames per second, and the camera uses the same LP-E19 battery as the Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and Canon EOS 1DX Mark III. The R3 features a 5.76M-dot blackout-free HDR EVF with optical viewfinder simulation mode and innovative Eye Control AF. Its Dual Pixel AF system detects people, animals, and vehicles and tracks them reliably around the frame. The electronic shutter enables 30 fps continuous shooting even in Raw. Pair the R3 with the Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS, RF 800mm f/11 IS STM and RF 1200mm f/8 L IS lenses for one of the best wildlife photography rigs available. With its robust build, stacked sensor, deep buffer, and advanced subject tracking, the EOS R3 excels for fast action photography.

Nikon shooters should take a serious look at the new Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera for wildlife photography. This impressive model packs a high-res 45.7MP sensor and 8K video recording skills. When action speeds up, the Z9 responds swiftly with continuous shooting up to 20fps Raw or 30fps JPEG. Its 1/32,000s electronic shutter speed freezes even the fastest motion. The advanced autofocus integrates 3D Tracking with machine learning trained animal detection for reliable focus in Auto mode. Pair the Z9 with Nikon's super telephoto Z-mount lenses like the Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S or Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S for a professional-level setup. While other photographers struggle with their gear, the Z9's combination of speed, smart focusing and future 8K video will help you decisively capture the action. For Nikon devotees seeking a capable wildlife photography workhorse, the feature-packed Z9 is very compelling.

Looking for more wildlife content?

This article is part of the MPB Guide to Wildlife Photography and Videography, our comprehensive look at how to create wildlife imagery, with camera recommendations, advice and interviews with experts.