Christmas Present for my Wife: New camera body or new lens?

[CurtL]

Hi

Looking for some camera advice. Two years ago I bought my wife a Cannon T07 kit which included two lens and a case. Last year I bought her a Sigma 650 lens. She loved the new lens. I am looking for ideas on what to buy her this year. Would a new camera body be a good improvement for her? She loves to take bird pictures. Might a different lens be a better improvement for her? My budget is 1k.Thanking you in advance.

Curt

[shadowsports]

Welcome back CurtL,

Looking back at your previous posts, I see that you bought your wife a Canon T7 with 2 zoom lenses and case.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II

EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

Sigma doesn't make a lens with the "650" designation.  Can you look at the front face of her lens and tell us what the model is please? 

We know she enjoys taking pictures of birds and wildlife.  What other types of photography does she enjoy?  Has she mentioned anything about her current camera /lenses she wishes it could do. Or do better?  This might help us with some suggestions.

[CurtL]

Well I checked and the lens is actually a 150-600.she enjoys all sorts of outdoors wildlife photography. Thanks!

[shadowsports]

Greetings

Thank you for the reply.  Of all of her gear, the 75-300 is probably the lowest performer.  It's not known for its optical quality, and it doesn't have IS (image stabilization).  

By in large she has a fairly well rounded kit.  Focal range coverage from 18 to 600 mm that boasts a FOV equivalent of 960mm.  

If you wanted to choose a nicer lens, the EF-S 55-250 is optically superior to the 75-300 and it also has IS.  It's priced very reasonably. $349

EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM https://share.google/vMkNcFNUNyQufG4vA

You could further offset its cost by selling the EF 75-300 mkIII to a camera store or an online reseller such as MBP, KEH, B&H, or Adorama.  

I would not necessarily recommend a body upgrade unless she is disappointed with the camera's overall performance.  The T7 is an entry-level DSLR with average ISO performance and 9 point AF system. The processors in newer models can do much more in low light and offer more focus points which provides better subject tracking for birds, sports and faster moving subjects.  At some point she may want to consider an upgrade like this.  To continue using all of the lenses she has now, the R7 might be an excellent choice.  This is a mirrorless body.  The body currently sells for $1349.  She would also need an adapter approx $150 that would allow her to use her existing lenses on the new body.  

EOS R7 Body https://share.google/8iRgrHJ8iBoVy7t6N

Mount Adapter EF-EOS R https://share.google/8zUlGjkwpJ0f9ywdp

A mkII of this body is scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 which would likely drop the price of this camera within your budget. 

You can also consider Canon refurbished which is only $79 above your stated budget now but it's currently out of stock.  I suspect it will go in and out of stock a few times before Christmas.

Shop Canon Refurbished EOS R7 Body | Canon U.S.A., Inc. https://share.google/6G3be6TEPaFoKRPZy

Other items that a photographer will always appreciate are accessories.  A tripod, extra batteries and SD cards for storage.  

For editing, Canon's digital photo professional software is free.  No photography enthusiast should be without it.  Other paid for post-processing/editing software is also available.  DxO photo lab, Adobe Lightroom LrC, Topaz and others are available.  If you have any questions about any of the items I've mentioned, just reply back and one of us can assist you.  

[SignifDigits]

Great advice as always Rick!  I think she might enjoy switching to mirrorless and perhaps moving to more features and sophisticated camera controls. The R7 and even the R10 (which often pops up refurbished at Canon - can't go wrong with a Canon refurb IMO) body or kit (if you want to switch to native RF lenses) are good choices.  The R7 has better sensor, shutter and AF, which are all advantageous for birding, and a self-levelling sensor, which is unique.  I'm personally waiting for the new R7 Mark ii when it comes out, but I'm expecting that won't be in time for Christmas.

And if you don't already have one, be sure to set up nice bird feeder for her and plenty of feed for the winter.  And kudos to you too for planning ahead and expressing your love in gift-giving.

[normadel]

How about, instead of looking just at camera and lenses, you get her some useful accessories? Does she have a tripod or monopod, along with Arca-Swiss plates? Hoods for her lenses? Polarizer filters (circular)? The right accessories can help her improve her photography, and she can have fun opening numerous packages!

[CurtL]

Thank you for your post. A  R7 sounds like the ticket. I am fine with a refurb or a new one if I can find one at a decent price. She has a tripod data cards batteries . Thank you again and have a great holiday season.

[CurtL]

Thank you for your post. I think I am going to be looking for a R7. I bought her a birdfeeder with camera last year. She loves it! Is the best way to find a refurb to check the site daily? Have a great holiday.

[CurtL]

Thanks for your post. She has a tripod and hood. Filters she doesn't have I will look into it. Have a great holiday!

[SignifDigits]

When you find the item that you want on the refurbished list at https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/digital-cameras/refurbished-cameras Click "Notify Me When Available" then keep an eye your email as they will drop you an email when the item is available.