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

Ikl land wrote:

Ikl land wrote:

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.

Also, is the tamron 100-400 lens better for birds than the 18-400? From what I’ve read, it is.

I believe the 100-400 is better. I forgot to mention that I have recently decided I’m gonna get the 100-400 instead, as I’ve seen that that is better for bird photography. Sorry, forgot to mention that. Thanks everybody! This site is really a great place for photography!

I suggest you rent both lenses and see what you get. Downside to the 100-400 is close in action shooting is limited, especially BIF as that 100mm reach is too long for close shots. Spend time on Flickr to see IQ from both. A inexpensive additional lens with solid IQ is the Canon 55-250. It's a must have for Canon shooters for action shooting and would pare well with the 100-400 or Tamron/Sigma 150-600.