Camera Upgrade Advice

[ifoundnemo]

Hi all! I am looking to upgrade my camera and would love some advice. I have a Canon Rebel T3i that I have been using for several years now, and think it is finally time for an upgrade! I mainly shoot nature (wildlife+landscapes) as a hobby photographer. I am not quite sure which camera is best for this type of shooting. Does full frame matter? I am looking to spend <2.5k, and will probably purchase a refurbished camera, as this is how I got my Rebel and it's worked perfectly since I got it.

[ScottyP]

Yes. Do be sure you don't spend the whole budget on a body. You need good lenses to dramatically improve image quality, better than entry level/kit glass, even if you stay with a crop body.  

Generally speaking:

A cheapo camera will take nice images with nice lenses.  (Especially if the subject isn't moving terribly fast, requiring superior autofocus).  

A nice camera will not take very nice images with a cheapo lens.