R2D2
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Re: Wildlife Trip: M6 II + EF 100-400L vs R5/R6/R7 + RF 100-400/RF 100-500L?
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Hello, welcome to the forum!
Sounds like a wonderful trip! I hope the crew can avoid the icebergs this time, sheesh!
I shot with an M5 for 2 years immediately following its release. A really nice little camera, but as you’ve experienced, it’s autofocus can be a bit stodgy at times to put it mildly. So I agree that a new body would be appropriate for your trip of a lifetime. The problem is your timeline though!
If you had 2 months instead of 2 weeks, I’d say go for one of the R Series cameras. I don’t have my R7 yet (bodies are delayed), but I own the R5 and R6 and like you’ve heard, I concur that they are the most capable cameras I’ve ever owned (FYI the R5 sits at the top of the heap). But it takes a LOT of time/shooting to get one of theses dialed-in for best results. Understanding the (very complex) autofocus system is the most crucial aspect. Heck I wanted to toss my R5 overboard for the first 2 months that I had it!
After almost 2 years (and over 100K pics) I’m much happier with it now though . Although yes I’m still experimenting with various settings! The R6 (and presumably R7) would present the same challenges IMHO.
Sooo, that brings us to the M6 Mark II, which I upgraded to coming up on 3 years ago now. And it’s indeed the upgrade you anticipate. I shot wildlife (mainly birds) with it plus the Canon EF 100-400L Mark II (+/- 1.4x Mark III TC) exclusively for a year. Yes it’s a heavy lens and carrying can be awkward, but it’s do-able, and shooting with it is actually no problem. Results are excellent, and the only subject I struggled with were BIFs. Here is a previous thread with some good info for you…
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4501836#forum-post-64108171
Personally (having shot extensively with both the M5 and M6ii), I don’t think you’d have a problem making the transition in the timeframe ahead. They’re very closely related. My #1 rule is to use Spot Autofocus exclusively. It’ll net you the highest number of keepers. I’d also advise shooting RAW (and processing later with DxO Photolab 5).
To help with settings, check the M6ii Tips & Tricks thread…
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4433968
Do buy it ASAP (if that’s your decision) and spend as much time as possible shooting and handling it. Buy a large Sony Tough UHS-II (M Series) SDXC card for the camera (it’ll provide max performance). Get an extra genuine Canon battery (or use yours if it’s still at max capacity), and a Wasabi or Beston 2-battery kit (with USB charger) for backup.
Shoot a ton. Holler back if you have any questions. Have a great trip!
R2
ps. Buy the genuine Canon adapter (3rd party can introduce veiling glare).