EOS R For Wildlife

R2D2 wrote:

Tazz93 wrote:

Maybe Canon will make this decision easy for you. I'd suggest holding out and continuing to save up. While the R (or RP for that matter) would work, neither would be terribly good in comparison to the R6/R5. However, I'd be willing to bet an R replacement would be a solid autofocuser that could sit very well in the line up as a option (although I'd expect the overall speed to be lower than an R5/R6). Additionally, why the 100-400 RF isn't the best option in the stable, its also not a terrible one either. I'd bet, you might even get another option in the affordable super tele range.

IMO, continue shooting compromised for now and wait for the product that meets your needs. It would hurt to spend your entire camera fund and then still not have what you want. And honestly, I feel like a Rebel will be fine for the subjects you're looking at for the opportunity, but for that matter I'd say an R would be too. However, I'd still say wait because there's very likely a better option is close to release.

While I think that someone with your (considerable) skillset might be comfortable doing this, I think it would be a very iffy proposition for a neophyte (to mirrorless) to accomplish. It’s darn close to springtime already and any new release if it happens might be very hard to get ahold of, let alone give the OP enough time to not only get acquainted with the camera, but to actually become Proficient with it.

Instead I rather like the idea of buying an existing DSLR such as the 7D2 (if they can’t afford an R6) and use it as much as possible before the trip. The 7D2 would also provide the (desirable) weather sealing for trips out to sea, and a measure of ruggedness if the boat’s any smaller than an ocean liner.

The 7D2’s AF is also more reliable (and configurable) than a Rebel’s, with a much larger buffer (I think the OP’s going to be shooting like crazy when the action hits ). And if they find a good used copy it won’t be much more than a new Rebel!

R2

What you say is a very good idea and I believe the OP was considering it from the start. A 7D2 would be a great middle ground, but it would also mean a haircut when it comes time to sell. Looking at the OP's profile, I was suggesting the OP stay with their current Rebel as a cost savings, not buy a new one (sorry if that wasn't clear). With sea animals, the Rebel's short comings are hidden a little. Granted a 7D2 or a R would be better, I just don't like the idea of losing money for a limited short term gain.

If this weren't a big transition period for Canon I'd likely say go the DSLR route, but knowing they running and hiding from the DSLR as fast as they can, I just can't suggest that to anyone. Also seeing how well the latest R cameras focus, its difficult to suggest to people who care about AF, to go the DSLR route too.

That said, I'm not going to discount what you and the OP suggested, as its not a bad way to go.