Bird photography is a popular hobby among nature enthusiasts and professional photographers alike. Capturing the beauty and grace of these winged creatures requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of gear for bird photography in addition to a monocular or a spotting scope is a high-quality camera lens.
Modern smartphone cameras have come a long way since their inception, and we have curated this list of best lenses for bird photography that are compatible with smartphones. Smartphone camera lenses are way cheaper and portable than regular camera lenses. So, we decided to provide you with a cheaper and better alternative to costly and heavy regular camera lenses.
We spent hours researching and testing various lenses to identify the best options for bird photography. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at some of our top picks and what makes them stand out.
Best Smartphone Camera Lenses for Bird Photography
We understand that bird photography can be a challenging task, but with the right lens, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best lens for your needs. That’s why we have compiled a list of the best lenses for bird photography to help you capture stunning shots of your feathered friends.
Our list includes lenses with various focal lengths, aperture ranges, and price points, so you can find the perfect fit for your budget and photography style.
1. Criacr Phone Camera Lens (Upgraded Version)
We highly recommend the Criacr Phone Camera Lens (Upgraded Version) for those who want to take their bird photography to the next level. This lens kit comes with a 180° fisheye lens, 0.6X wide-angle lens, and 15X macro lens, making it a versatile tool for capturing stunning bird photos.
Pros
- The 180° fisheye lens allows you to capture amazing circular pictures of birds in their natural habitats.
- The 15X macro lens lets you capture stunning close-ups of birds in crisp detail.
- The 0.6X wide-angle lens allows you to capture larger scenes, making it perfect for capturing birds in flight or in group shots.
Cons
- The lens kit is only compatible with certain phone models, so be sure to check the compatibility before purchasing.
- The lenses can be a bit tricky to attach to your phone, so it may take some practice to get the hang of it.
- The image quality can be a bit inconsistent, especially in low-light conditions.
Overall, the Criacr Phone Camera Lens (Upgraded Version) is a great investment for bird photographers who want to take their photos to the next level. The kit comes with a portable storage tube and lanyard, making it easy to carry with you on your birding adventures. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just starting out, this lens kit is sure to enhance your bird photography skills.
2. KINGMAS 7-in-1 Phone Camera Lens Kits
If you are looking for an affordable camera lens kit for your smartphone, the KINGMAS 7-in-1 Phone Camera Lens Kits is a great option.
Pros
- The kit comes with 7 different lenses, including a 2x zoom telephoto lens, 198° fisheye lens, 15X macro lens, 0.63X wide angle lens, circular polarized lens (CPL lens), starburst lens, and kaleidoscope lens. This gives you a complete camera lens kit for travel shots, detail pictures, close-ups, and more.
- The wide angle lens and macro lens are in a 2-in-1 set, making it easy to switch between the two.
- The lenses are simple to use and attach to your phone in seconds, making it the perfect smartphone lens kit for a variety of devices.
Cons
- The lenses are not the highest quality and may not produce the sharpest images.
- Some of the lenses, such as the kaleidoscope lens, may not be very practical for everyday use.
- The clip that attaches the lenses to your phone may not fit securely on all devices.
Overall, the KINGMAS 7-in-1 Phone Camera Lens Kits is a fun and affordable option for anyone looking to experiment with smartphone photography. While the lenses may not be the highest quality, they offer a variety of creative options for capturing unique images.
3. MIAO LAB 11 in 1 Phone Camera Lens Kit
If you’re looking for an affordable phone camera lens kit that can help you take creative and high-quality photos, the MIAO LAB 11 in 1 Phone Camera Lens Kit might be worth considering.
Pros
- The kit includes 11 detachable lenses, including a 140° super wide-angle lens, a macro lens, a fisheye lens, four grad color lenses, an ND32 filter, a kaleidoscope lens, and a CPL filter, allowing you to take a wide variety of photos.
- The newly designed grad color lens set can optimize colors and change the mood of your photos, making them more beautiful and creative.
- The kit is made of high-quality aluminum, which increases its durability, and it comes with a universal detachable clamp design that works with all kinds of smartphones and tablets.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the clip doesn’t fit their phone properly, which can be frustrating and limit the kit’s usefulness.
- The lenses may not work well in low light conditions, and you may need to adjust your phone’s settings to get the best results.
- The kit doesn’t come with a carrying case or protective pouch, which can make it difficult to transport and store.
We recently tried out the MIAO LAB 11 in 1 Phone Camera Lens Kit, and we were impressed by its versatility and ease of use. The kit comes with a range of lenses that can help you take everything from wide-angle landscape shots to detailed close-ups of flowers and insects. We particularly enjoyed experimenting with the grad color lenses, which added a fun and creative touch to our photos.
One thing to keep in mind is that the kit may not work well in low-light conditions, so you may need to use additional lighting or adjust your phone’s settings to get the best results. Additionally, some users have reported that the clip doesn’t fit their phone properly, which can be frustrating and limit the kit’s usefulness.
Overall, we think the MIAO LAB 11 in 1 Phone Camera Lens Kit is a great option for anyone looking to take their phone photography to the next level. It’s affordable, easy to use, and comes with a range of lenses that can help you get creative and take high-quality photos.
4. Selvim Phone Camera Lens Kit
If you’re looking for a versatile phone camera lens kit that can capture stunning bird photos, the Selvim Phone Camera Lens Kit is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The kit includes 7 different lenses, including a 22X telephoto lens, 235° fisheye lens, HD 0.62X super wide angle lens, and 25X macro lenses, giving you plenty of options to capture your bird photos.
- The high-quality Blu-ray lenses and 10-layer green coating on both sides of the phone lens greatly improve the optical path and increase the performance of the lens to process images, resulting in sharp pictures with no distortion.
- The kit comes with an upgraded metal tripod and flexible clamp to prevent camera shake and enable stable long-distance shooting, making it perfect for capturing far-off birds.
Cons
- The lenses can be a bit tricky to attach to your phone, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
- The macro lens requires you to be very close to your subject (about 2-3 cm), which may not be ideal for capturing birds in the wild.
- The kit’s travel case may not be the most durable, so be careful when transporting it.
Overall, we were impressed with the Selvim Phone Camera Lens Kit’s versatility and image quality. While it may not be the easiest kit to use, it’s definitely worth the effort if you’re looking to capture stunning bird photos with your phone.
5. Movo SPL-Tele 3X Telephoto Lens
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly telephoto lens for your smartphone, the Movo SPL-Tele 3X Telephoto Lens might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The 3x magnification allows you to take detailed pictures of distant subjects with your smartphone.
- The lens is easy to assemble: simply screw the telephoto lens onto the clip and attach it to your phone’s camera.
- The lens comes with a one-year warranty and friendly customer service based in the U.S.
Cons
- The lens is not very sturdy and difficult to keep in place.
- The lens causes some vignetting and distortion around the edges of the image.
- The magnification is not as high as advertised.
We tested the Movo SPL-Tele 3X Telephoto Lens and found that it’s a decent option for those on a budget. The lens provides a noticeable increase in magnification, allowing you to take pictures of distant subjects with your smartphone. The lens is also easy to assemble and comes with a one-year warranty.
However, the lens is not very sturdy and can be difficult to keep in place, especially when you’re trying to take pictures of moving subjects. We also noticed some vignetting and distortion around the edges of the image, which can be distracting. Additionally, the magnification is not as high as advertised, so you may not be able to get as close to your subject as you’d like.
Overall, the Movo SPL-Tele 3X Telephoto Lens is a decent option for those who want to experiment with telephoto photography on their smartphone without breaking the bank. However, if you’re looking for a more professional-grade lens, you may want to invest in a higher-end option.
6. MIAO LAB High Power 28x HD Phone Telephoto Lens
If you’re looking for an affordable telephoto lens for bird photography, the MIAO LAB High Power 28x HD Phone Telephoto Lens might be worth considering.
Pros
- Enhanced Telephoto: Captures the scenery far away and provides high resolution Close-Up.
- Individual Focus Capability: Featured with exact adjustment for the objective, with Focus Ring.
- Applicable Scene and Model: Widely used for watching matches, concerts, bird watching, watching wild animals and scenery, etc.
Cons
- Requires Tripod: It definitely requires a tripod to work effectively.
- Focusing Difficulty: Focusing can be very difficult without a tripod.
- Shaky: Zooming in so far makes the shaking uncontrollable.
We tested the MIAO LAB High Power 28x HD Phone Telephoto Lens and found that it’s a great option for those on a budget. The lens is made of high quality advanced glass and shell, durable and portable, and comes with a universal detachable clip that fits into your phone steady. It can be easily placed in your bag or handbag, so it’s the perfect companion for traveling anytime and anywhere; the necessary equipment for traveling and outdoor exploration.
The lens is easy to use and attaches to your phone with ease. The zoom is smooth and the clarity of images is good. The build quality is brilliant and it’s made of sturdy metals and great rubber grips for focus adjustment.
However, the lens can be shaky and difficult to focus without a tripod. It also requires a tripod to work effectively, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on using it for bird photography.
Overall, we recommend the MIAO LAB High Power 28x HD Phone Telephoto Lens for those looking for an affordable telephoto lens for bird photography.
Buying Guide: Best Lens for Bird Photography
When choosing the best lens for bird photography, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
1. Focal Length
The focal length of a lens is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a lens for bird photography. A longer focal length will allow you to get closer to your subject without disturbing it, but it may also make the lens heavier and more expensive. We recommend a focal length of at least 300mm for bird photography.
2. Aperture
The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can let in. A wider aperture (lower f-number) will allow you to shoot in low light conditions and create a shallow depth of field, but it may also make the lens more expensive. We recommend an aperture of at least f/5.6 for bird photography.
3. Image Stabilization
Image stabilization can be a useful feature for bird photography, especially if you are shooting handheld or in low light conditions. It can help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. However, it may also make the lens more expensive.
4. Autofocus
Fast and accurate autofocus is essential for bird photography, as birds can move quickly and unpredictably. Look for a lens with fast and accurate autofocus, and consider whether you need additional features such as focus limiter switches.
5. Weight and Size
The weight and size of a lens can be important factors to consider, especially if you plan to carry your gear for long periods of time or travel with it. A lighter and more compact lens may be more comfortable to use, but it may also have limitations in terms of focal length and aperture.
Overall, when choosing the best lens for bird photography, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. Take the time to research and compare different options, and don’t be afraid to rent or borrow lenses before making a final decision.
FAQs
What is the ideal focal length for bird photography?
The ideal focal length for bird photography depends on the type of birds you are photographing and the distance between you and the birds. Generally, a focal length of 400mm to 600mm is ideal for bird photography. However, if you are photographing smaller birds or birds from a greater distance, you may need a longer focal length.
What are the features to look for in a lens for bird photography?
The features to look for in a lens for bird photography include fast autofocus, image stabilization, and a wide aperture. A lens with a wide aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions and create a shallow depth of field, which can help isolate your subject from the background.
Is it better to use a zoom or prime lens for bird photography?
Both zoom and prime lenses can be used for bird photography, but many photographers prefer zoom lenses because they offer greater flexibility in terms of focal length. However, prime lenses generally offer better image quality and wider apertures.
Is a 300mm lens sufficient for bird photography?
A 300mm lens can be sufficient for bird photography, especially if you are photographing larger birds or birds that are relatively close to you. However, if you want to photograph smaller birds or birds from a greater distance, you may need a longer focal length.