Is the EOS Rebel T6s a good camera for an amateur?

[Thomas68]

Is the Canon T6s still a good camera for an amateur. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds. I'm thinking of buying a Tamron 18-400mm lens for it.

[deebatman316 · Accepted solution]

I wouldn't recommend a lens with more than 1/3 zoom ratio. That lens has a zoom ratio of 1/22 you will suffer some performance loss with it. Also the next thing is compatibility with your camera just because it says compatible with Canon EF Mount doesn't mean its fully compatible. 

[March411]

The the Canon T6s is a decent 24 megapixel camera, especially if you are still getting good images out of it and currently can't upgrade. The Camera body has a crop sensor and the Tamron 18-400mm is manufactured for crop sensor cameras. If you decide to pick one up it is available for both Nikon and Canon so make sure if you purchase one with the EF mount.

Sigma has an 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM. I own the Sigma and it is an all day carry on my 90D. This would elevate the possible performance challenges deebatman316 mentioned in his post while still giving you a decent range zoom lens.

[Thomas68]

Thanks, this is the lens I was looking at. It's at MPB and a Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Canon EF-S Fit. They have it listed at $590.

[March411]

Check out this thread

https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EF-RF-Lenses/EF-Lens-Compatibility-with-EOS-Rebel-T6i/m-p/382875

[jrhoffman75]

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[shadowsports]

Greetings,

@Thomas68.  Do you have a budget for this endeavor?

Rebel DSLR for wildlife > T8i or 90D would outperform the T6s.  

I owned a T6s for about 4 years.  Great camera. Very capable in many ways.  For general wildlife, not bad.  It's AF is admirable and has 19 AF points.  

Your real investment are your lenses.  Sticking with Canon is always the best way to go.  If you are considering 3rd party glass for wildlife, I'd look at the Tamron or Sigma 150-600.  These offer above average IQ and performance at a very attractive price point.  A lens like this has a specific purpose.  It would not be the only lens you should own.  There is no single lens solution.