Need recommendations for beginner camera and lens for bird photography

[keenanbare]

I'm totally new to photography and want to get a camera that I can use mostly for bird photography and for taking pictures during duck hunting of me, my dad, the birds we harvest, pictures of that sort. I may also dabble in some short video and casual pictures with friends, but would mostly be using the camera for bird photography and taking pictures during hunting.

I just recently purchased the Canon M50 Mark II, but am thinking about returning it. I have recently read some forums that it may not work well with telephoto lenses due to it's small/fragile size and build. Also, it seems that Canon is going away from the EF-M mount and towards the RF mount. I've read some forums that have recommended the R10 and R7, and that's currently what I have my eye on. I want something that I can grow into and with.

My price range is flexible, but would say that the upper limit is $2,000 (camera and lens included). Would be willing to go a bit higher if it's worth it.

[krahe]

Where is the RF-S 22mm, which in November was rumored to be announced along with the R50, but wasn't? Or the 2 or 3 other RF-S lenses rumored last May to be announced/released by the end of 2022, which weren't?

[ebiggs1]

"I have seen several articles in the past month saying they still have plans for the M series."

I wouldn't invest in any Canon M Series stock. 🤔

[ebiggs1]

"Where is the RF-S 22mm, which in November was rumored to be announced along with the R50, but wasn't? "

A rumor is not a fact. It's just somebody guessing.

[deebatman316]

With the release of the EOS R50. It has practically replaced the EOS M50. So there's no need for EOS M/ EF-M anymore. It has been replaced with more modern technology. Also not all professionals use full frame. Mainly sports and wildlife shooters. APS-C cameras are the best for them.

[deebatman316]

Rumors can't be proven. That's why it's called a "rumor". 

[krahe]

That may be, but I would still be concerned that RF APS-C users will be playing second fiddle to full frame models with regard to lenses tailored for their camera body.

[deebatman316]

The same thing happened when Canon first released APS-C cameras. It takes awhile for them to build up an APS-C lens catalog. Canon's early APS-C cameras EOS D30, EOS D60 & EOS 10D aren't compatible with EF-S lenses. So you must use full frame EF lenses with those cameras. But all later cameras are compatible.

[thesun]

My suggestion would be to have the DSLR, whatever you get, for the long distance bird shots and then use your phone for the people pics. Get an R7 (or if you want cheaper, go for a 7DmII, which I have, which has excellent weatherproofing), and get a Sigma (if that's allowed to suggest here on this forum) 600mm lens for the long distance.  I love my Canon 100-400 zoom, but for long distance birds it's not quite close enough even with the 1.6x crop factor.  I've heard friends say great things about the inexpensive Sigma 600mm, so you could start with that.  And if you're hunting, in bad weather, if there's gunpowder in the air, dust, etc., you won't want to be switching lenses...so just use the phone and keep the DSLR for the long shots.  My 2 cents.

[krahe]

So if someone wants a compact system with a good selection of lenses and they want the Canon brand and they don't want to wait possibly years for it, their only option right now is the M50 Mark II.

[deebatman316]

8 lenses is rather limited selection.