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What's better for shooting Wildlife? - Body and lens recommendations

biting
Apprentice

So I'm a wildlife photographer. I have a Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 and I'm using the Canon EOS 250D camera. I have already seen a bunch of cameras and I chose the 7D MII to be my next, but should I upgrade to a newer body, or a lens? I've also seen the Sigma 150-600mm Sport and I think it might be a good option, but what do you guys think?

4 REPLIES 4

jrhoffman75
Legend
Legend

You didn’t state a budget, but I would recommend you consider the R7. 

John Hoffman
Conway, NH

1D X Mark III, M200, Many lenses, Pixma PRO-100, Pixma TR8620a, Lr Classic

Tronhard
VIP
VIP

Definitely - to give advice that is relevant to you, we need to get a budget.  There are many kinds of wildlife, from small and harmless to large and dangerous; also different environments from open spaces to deep bush. These will create different shooting conditions and constraints, so again helpful for us to make useful suggestions. So, can you be a bit more specific please?


cheers, TREVOR

The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris

ctitanic
Rising Star

The Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6  is a little bit short for WildLife photography if used in a Full Frame Camera. That's one point to be considered. Also, 3rd party lenses (and even EF lenses) may not work well with any R camera (specially the R7). Before taking a decision I would check the web for people that have used the combination of lens and camera that you will be selecting specially if you go with any R system.

These compatibility "issues" are less pronounced if you pick the 7D Mark II which has been used with the Sigma 150-600 Sport for a long time.

Regarding the Sigma 150-600mm Sport, it's a very good lens when used with any DSLR. Results may vary when used with any Mirrorless camera made by Canon. You must research the web to be sure that people are reporting good results if you pick a Canon Mirrorless Camera. Keep in mind that Sigma does not have an updated compatibility list showing if this lens works with any R cameras.



Frank
Gear: Canon EOS R6 Mark I, Canon 5D Mark III, EF100-400 L II, EF70-200 f2.8 II, RF50 and few other lenses.
Flickr, Blog: Click Fanatic.

March411
Mentor
Mentor

Agreed that the 70-300mm will fall short for wildlife. If you decide to go with the 7D MII the Sigma 150-600mm would be a nice fit.

If you decide to move to MILC later several members here also use the 150-600mm on R series bodies with the Canon EF to R adapter. I personally use the beast on my R bodies, the 60-600mm and I get excellent results but the firmware needed to be updated due to focus shift/lens racking. Once updated the lens performed perfectly.  

If you do purchase Sigma with the intention of moving to an R body purchasing the Sigma dock would be a good investment. I have several Sigma lenses and all required a firmware update prior to operating correctly on my R bodies. 


Marc
Windy City

R3 ~ R5 ~ R6 Mk II ~ R50
Lenses: RF Trinity and others
Adobe and Topaz Suite for post processing

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