Essential Equipment For Bird Photographers

You can make great observations in nature without expensive equipment! But if you want to get a rare bird in front of your lens, then you should plan a longer expedition and think about purchasing some equipment. Here is a brief overview of equipment for birdwatchers and nature photographers that want to expand their horizons when it comes to photographing birds.

The basic package

You do not need much for a one-day trip to the closest forest. Most nature photographers usually start with a pair of binoculars, and their camera. Shy birds are difficult to observe, unless you have a great pair of binoculars to watch from afar.

Eschenbach Optik has various ranges of binoculars, some specifically designed for bird and animal observation. From the tightest budget (check out the Arena® 10x50) to the most demanding photographer (check out the Trophy® 8x42), you’ll have a wide range of choice.

Some birdwatchers will use a spotting scope because it allows the observation of birds from further away. Nevertheless, binoculars let you stay far enough away most of the time.

A bird identification book is a great resource as well. It offers compact information about European birds and images you can refer to.

Beginners may just be looking forward to distinguishing the great tit (Parus major) and its blue feathering or identifying a robin (Erithacus rubecula). However, as a passion for bird watching increases, your demands will also increase. For example, if you want to spot and safely identify a Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in Norway's winter, you'll need a few tools. And since the brave bird photographer is not supposed to be cold, purchasing adequate clothing might be a good idea.

For the advanced bird photographer

Birdwatching equipment can become absurdly complex, from camouflage clothing to body warming pads. In the end, it boils down to where you want to go, how long you plan to stay and under what circumstances.

As a rule of thumb, the so-called “onion system” should be used on hiking and observation tours during cool seasons. This means wearing several thin clothing layers that can be combined in a variety of ways. Fleece, insulation, rain protection and good footwear are important.

As for hiking bags, tents and sleeping bags, an endless product range is open to you. A backpack should be comfortable to wear with an effective order system. The tent and the sleeping bag should be adapted to the weather conditions of your expedition. For the most advanced bird watchers, a recording device for calls and singing can be very useful. An easy to carry three-legged stool and a tripod that fits your binoculars as well as your camera make waiting for a bird for hours more comfortable.