Rebel t7 vs rebel t6i vs 70d . Lens for all would be tamron 18-400.

AshleyMC wrote:

Welcome!

The Tamron 18-400mm is a very good lens although it has apparently received “uneven” comments from the users. Certain people simply dismiss it as an average super-zoom lens without actually using it. I have been using it on my Canon 80D and really like it.

I do not photograph birds — both “birds at rest” and “birds in flight.” Note that these are vastly different subjects. The latter, in particular, demands excellent AF support by the camera body.

None of the cameras you mentioned are suitable for the task. The 70D may be OK for birds perching on branches at a distance. The 80D should be better. I recommend a used 80D or T7i body.

Birds in flight? You may need a 90D for photographing them. Some serious photographers may hang on to the 7D Mark II that offers sophisticated AF settings and performance.

I suggest you post a similar question in the Canon 7D-90D forum. There are some excellent “birders” in that forum who may assist you more realistically than I can, regarding both body and lens choices.

Thinking broadly on your question, I urge you to visit the Panasonic Compact Cameras forum. There are some people in that forum who photograph birds, mostly birds perching and ducks swimming, using FZ80, FZ300, FZ1000 and FZ2000 super-zoom hybrid cameras.

Good luck.

Thanks everyone. As I stated in my original post, I currently use a Panasonic FZ-80. I want my first DSLR so I can have the option of super zoom and great image quality. As you stated, the 7d mark II is great, but out of my budget. Is the original 7d better than the 70d? Thank you all.