Best New Telephoto Lenses for Wildlife Photography

05-01-2023  |  World Wide

The Best Wildlife Photography Lenses

Wildlife Photographers Dream Lenses | New Designs By Nikon Brings the Best Telephotos for Wildlife

Elk Photo of Elk in the Morning mist

First Call is a limited edition of 200 fine art elk photography prints. Photo © copyright by Jess Lee.

Wildlife Photographers Lenses are one of the most important part of their quest for great images. Wildlife photography requires specialized equipment to capture stunning images of animals in their natural habitat. Good low light auto focus, a high speed drive and super accurate auto focus are all important and are in varying degrees available in the major camera manufactures lines. Those lines are regularly updated with new features but when we buy into a system we need lenses that will stand the test of time and the new Nikon Z mount will lead the pack for years to come. For many decades the top choices for professional wildlife photographers have been Nikon cameras and lenses. My first use of Nikon photography gear was back in the Cold War years when we used the tank like Nikon F SLR with converted celestial telescopes to capture grainy black and white film images of our opponents. Even back then Nikon was a brand that was synonymous with quality, durability, and innovation, and their new Z series lenses are no exception. In this article, I will take a closer look at the Nikon Z lens 400.2.8 TC, 600 f4 TC, and 800 6.3 S and explain why these lenses make Nikon the best choice for wildlife photography.

Hanging out



First, let's talk about the Nikon Z lens 400.2.8 TC. For me the 400 f2.8 is the primer wildlife lens. Yes, the 600 and 800mm's give more reach but nothing compares to the 400 f2.8 for the ability to capture artistic images in low light. Not only does this lens offer an advantage in those prime low light times but the shallow depth of field gives those dreamy smooth backgrounds that make your subject fairly leap out of the print. This new Z mount lens is designed for professional photographers who demand the very best in image quality and performance. The 400mm focal length is ideal for capturing large wildlife subjects in very low light from a respectful distance, allowing the photographer to get tight captures without disturbing the animals. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture enables the photographer to capture stunning images during the almost mystical low light conditions when animals are most active. Shooting wide open at any time will create a shallow depth of field to isolate the subject from the background. The optical properties of this combination of low light and a soft background renders the type of photos that give an almost surrealistic view of the subject. The built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the reach of the lens to 560mm, making it perfect for photographing small or distant wildlife.

Polar Bear Print
Polar Bears close up. Arctic National Wild Refuge, Alaska. ( ANWR )


Next, we have the Nikon Z lens 600 f4 TC. This lens is a powerhouse for wildlife photography. The 600mm focal length is perfect for capturing animals at a distance, allowing the photographer to remain unnoticed and undisturbed. The fast f/4 maximum aperture ensures that the photographer can capture sharp, detailed images even in low light conditions. The built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the reach of the lens to 840mm, allowing the photographer to capture stunning images of small and distant wildlife.

Picture of a Wolf howling

Yellowstone Wolf in the Wild. Howling wolf photograph used by National Geographic as a magazine cover photo.



Finally, we have the Nikon Z lens 800 6.3 S. This lens is one of the newest additions to Nikon's Z series lineup, and it is designed specifically for wildlife photographers. The 800mm focal length is perfect for capturing distant wildlife subjects, and the f/6.3 maximum aperture ensures that the photographer can capture sharp images even in low light conditions. The lens is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on long hikes and treks. The 800 F6.3 was the mainstay for close up captures during my most recent African Wildlife Safari.


In addition to their impressive technical specifications, these lenses are also built to last. Nikon lenses are renowned for their durability and reliability, and these Z series lenses are no exception. They are constructed from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the rigors of professional use.

Alaska Wildlife Photography,  Grizzly Bear Mom and Cubs

Grizzly Mom and Cubs in Black and White. A limited edition of 200 Prints in the square format


In my opinion, Nikon is the best choice for wildlife photography because of their innovative technology, exceptional image quality, and unmatched durability. The Nikon Z lens 400.2.8 TC, 600 f4 TC, and 800 6.3 S are all great examples of Nikon's commitment to excellence. These lenses are the perfect tools for capturing stunning images of wildlife in their natural habitat, and they are sure to satisfy even the most demanding professional photographers. If you are serious about wildlife photography, then you owe it to yourself to invest in Nikon's Z series lenses.

Last of the Druids, Yellowstone Wild Wolf Photograph.

Last of the Druids, a Yellowstone Wild Wolf Photograph.

Disclaimer: I am not represented by or representing Nikon in this article. I am a member of Nikon Professional Services and have been a member of the professional services of Canon, Sony, and Panasonic. I have cameras and/or lenses from each of these manufactures. These manufactures all make adequate equipment, in the case of Wildlife Photography and telephoto lenses Nikon equipment is exceptional.

Thanks for reading

Jess

Biting Bear Butt
Katmai, Alaska
Polar Bear Print
Churchill Canada
Picture of a Grizzly Bear family, Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Print From Jess Lee"s Bear Photo Gallery
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Ahhh!
Amazon Basin Brazil
Hunting Yellowstone Wolf in winter fine art photography print
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Picture of a Grizzly Bear, Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Print From Jess Lee"s Bear Photo Gallery
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Upps!
Amazon Basin Brazil
Wolf eating elk picture
Yellowstone | Wyoming
Polar Bear Print
Churchill Canada
Charging Yellowstone Bison in Snow Photography Print.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Elk in River wth red morning light
Rocky Mountains
Yellowstone Black Bear Photography Print.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone Bison in Winter with snow and frost
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Picture of a Grizzly Bear, Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Print From Jess Lee"s Bear Photo Gallery
Alaska | USA
Tiny Tim
Amboseli, Kenya, Africa
Elk Photo Print,  Elk at sunrise
Rocky Mountains
Elk in snow at Grand Teton
Grand Teton Jackson Lake
Elk Photo Print, Bull Elk
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One mean momma
African Plains
Grand Teton National Park Winter Wolf Photo
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Cape Buffalo
TARANGIRE, TANZANIA, AFRICA
Elk Photo Print, Bull Elk bugling
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Picture of a Grizzly Bear, Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Print From Jess Lee"s Bear Photo Gallery
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Polar Bear Print
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Nursing Bear Cubs
Alaska | USA
On the Hunt
African Plains
Bison with snow on the face.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Elk cow and calf
Rocky Mountains
Picture of a Grizzly Bear, Limited Edition Fine Art Photography Print From Jess Lee"s Bear Photo Gallery
Alaska | USA
Photograph of Leopard in the bush
Kenya
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