What equipment do I need for bird photography?

A camera that can change lenses and a long telephoto lens (around 300 mm or more) make the biggest difference, since birds are small and shy. A sturdy bag, spare batteries and memory cards help. Many beginners start with a bridge camera or a used lens before investing more.

Decide your budget, then spend most of it on the lens. Learn to shoot at fast shutter speeds, usually 1/1000 of a second or more for flying birds. Practise on common birds near home. A beanbag or monopod helps steady a heavy lens.