In my experience, the 70-300mm lens is indeed a good choice for bird photography. Its focal length range of 70-300mm is quite versatile and allows you to capture birds at various distances. On a DX (crop sensor) Nikon body, the lens effectively becomes a 105-450mm lens, which is even more advantageous for wildlife photography.
One of the main advantages of this lens is its compact and lightweight design. When photographing birds, especially in the wild, you often have to carry your equipment for long periods of time and be ready to quickly capture a shot. The lightweight nature of the 70-300mm lens makes it easier to handle and less fatiguing, allowing you to stay focused on your subject for longer periods of time.
Another aspect to consider is the lens’ ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. Birds are fast-moving subjects, and having a lens with fast and accurate autofocus is crucial to ensure you can capture those decisive moments. The 70-300mm lens performs well in this regard, allowing you to track birds in flight and capture sharp images.
Image quality is also an important factor when it comes to bird photography. The 70-300mm lens produces sharp and detailed images, especially when stopped down slightly from its widest aperture. It may not be as sharp as some high-end telephoto lenses, but for its price range, it is quite impressive.
In terms of versatility, the 70-300mm lens also excels. It allows you to capture a range of compositions, from tight close-ups of birds to wider shots that include their surroundings. This flexibility can be particularly useful when photographing birds in different environments or trying to create a more storytelling image.
Of course, it’s important to note that no lens is perfect, and the 70-300mm lens does have its limitations. Its maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 means it may not perform as well in low light conditions compared to lenses with larger maximum apertures. Additionally, when shooting at the longer end of the focal range, you may experience some softness or loss of sharpness, especially if shooting wide open.
The 70-300mm lens is a solid choice for bird photography, especially on DX Nikon bodies. Its focal length range, lightweight design, fast autofocus, and good image quality make it a reliable tool for capturing stunning bird images. While it may have some limitations, it offers excellent value for the price and can be a great addition to any bird photographer’s kit.