EOS R For Wildlife

speedbird52 wrote:

Definitely should have mentioned. I am taking a quarter at one of my Universities lab facilities taking a course on Marine Mammals were we make multiple observation trips. My expectations are Sea Lions, Harbor Porpoises (Which give you a few seconds at most to get a shot) Orcas and Gray Whales.

Thanks for providing this. Your primary emphasis on marine mammals (in the water) poses some interesting challenges to Eye Autofocus. Eye/Head AF is subject-based, and relies on a pre-programmed library of shapes and features to identify eyes/heads on which to focus. Your marine mammals may or may not be in that library, and even if so, having only partial subjects to work with (esp with dark eyes on dark bodies) would be extremely challenging. And this doesn’t even factor in the water, the lighting conditions, or the speed at which all this might happen.

This (very specific) situation is where a great phase detect AF system such as that found in a 7D2 (or 1DX series) may stand on equal ground with the best mirrorless options IMHO. (I shot with a 7D2 before getting the R5). Otherwise, for more typical subjects the R5 (and its cousin R6) will be about the best choice for action shooting.

There aren't any camera rental places nearby, and as this is over the course of three months I imagine renting would cost just as much as or more than buying. I am only considering the EOS R because I'd appreciate the low noise and sensor for other non wild life applications.

For your excursions, fast-action autofocus will be paramount. Instead of static samples, see if anyone has photos of waterbirds landing, taking off, and/or splashing, esp where the eyes are obscured (this may best simulate your conditions - like porpoises/whales breaching).

I think I am going to see if I can justify an R6 (Thanks to the person here who brought up the loyalty discount) or keep my eye on a 7DII. The R6 gives me a camera that I will be able to grow with for years, and the 7DII allows me to further improve as a photographer without spending professional level money, while also specializing in wildlife a little more.

The R5 tends to back focus on water. The 7D2 tends to focus on splashes/spray. It’s best to focus on the near waterline of your subject with either camera.

Although I might rent an R and see how I like it

If you’re considering any camera down the food chain, test it on action/water as much as you can. Your subjects in their natural environment will be posing an incredibly difficult challenge for all involved. Practice as much as you can beforehand. Best of luck to you!

R2