The Modest Path to Wildlife Photography

With Summer arriving to the Midwest I have prepared for the seasonal photo taking activities and opportunities that it brings. Being outdoors I have never considered partaking in wildlife photography since I mostly focus on scenic subjects in suburbia or the city. The closest I have gotten to observing wildlife is through binoculars while out on a walk or on the river as of recent. I guess I haven’t given much thought to this subject because of the high cost of entry for the gear needed. The lenses for wildlife photography can range from $2000 all the way to $14,000 depending on the system you use.

The benefit of using a native lens system for wildlife photography is that you will have an easier time focusing on your subject, especially if you’re photographing birds. Modern mirrorless cameras now have built-in algorithms that can recognize subjects such as birds. You are also paying for top of line glass that will net you sharp images and faster f-stops.

However, if you want to experience wildlife photography modestly, we recommend you try it using an adapted lens. I took to the used lens markets and found the right lens to get started. If you’re looking to do the same then I recommend the Sigma 400mm f5.6 AF Tele Multi-Coated lens. This lens comes in various mounts but I recommend versions in the the Nikon F or Sony A mount for aperture control. Our adapters can mechanically control the aperture diaphragm on these mounts.

I bought a Canon EF mount version “as is” just to adapt, but due to it being an EF mount there is no way to control the aperture outside of its widest value. However, after some research into reviews on the lens, it seems that this version of the Sigma 400mm doesn't perform any better as you stop down.

Depicted Above: Sony A7rII with Sigma 400mm f5.6 MC -16:9 Crop - f/5.6 @ 1/2000 ISO 1250

The image quality of this lens is better than the super budget options, which in my opinion are not usable unless that is the look you’re seeking. It does not compare with newer lens designs and is softer than I expected. Chromatic aberration will be present in all your photos to some degree, which means you wont be able to crop much. Any fine detail is lost in the image due to the softness but the contrast makes up for this. For $70 with shipping, I can’t complain too much since this lens still performs light years better than the common telephoto mirror lenses. For reference, those are priced around $50-$100. Below are images taken with both lenses on a Fujifilm X-Pro3 to compare the two.

The Sigma 400mm also has a robust build quality that features a metal housing, integrated lens hood, and a rotating tripod foot. This premium build does add two pounds to your camera so be ready to work the small muscles in your upper body. I do like that the tripod foot has a hook for attaching a camera strap for added stability. Manual focusing this lens was a bit difficult since the focus ring has a short throw and hair thin focus. Nothing prolong use cannot fix, but expect a challenge if you’re going in blind.

I was lucky to find a Canon EF version for a good price since the average is around $100-$200 for this lens. There is an APO version that features an apochromatic lens element which reduced chromatic aberrations that can be found in the same price range but closer to the $200 range.

At the $200 price point, there are options before the 80’s that have better optics if you do a quick search for them on Flickr. If you want more clarity it seems the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L is the next best option but priced at $500+ range on the used market. Anything up to $2000 will get you into the used native lens range and rare vintage finds. At this price point, you’re looking at Nikon primes and Canon super zooms that might be worth picking up to adapt for mirrorless.

If you’re looking for a budget 400mm lens with decent image quality then the Sigma 400mm f/5.6 is your best bet. If you can find an EF version, you can pair it with a third party EF 2x teleconverter for an additional $30-$50. The ones we sell worked well and didn’t degrade the image as much as I thought. Sure you lose 2-stops of light but on a sunny day, I had no issues shooting at 1/1000th or 1/2000th. I did encounter vignetting which is common sign that the teleconverter was not meant for a 400mm lens. Most only accommodate up to 300mm.

$70 for the lens, $10 for a defective teleconverter (reach out to us), and $25 for an adapter. I’d say this is a good way to get into wildlife photography if you’re thinking about trying something new this summer.

I recommend using a monopod or tripod with a ballhead, depending on your preferred style of photographing. This helps with camera shake especially if you add a teleconverter.

As I said in the beginning, I am more of a scenic photographer who uses lenses between 16mm to 30mm. I am curious to see how I can implement a 400mm into my personal shooting style while also diving into bird photography. Stay tuned for more content from this lens as we brave the summer heat. Will you get one too? Let us know below.

Happy photographing.