Birding in BC Community

Looking at upgrading my camera body from the Canon 7D to the Mark II or upgrading my lens (from the original Canon 100- 400). Of course I would love to do both but that isn't an option. I've read reports that of course say the newer versions are big improvements but I would appreciate some personal input.

One of my biggest struggles with my camera and lens (Canon 100-400, the original version) is not enough light, when I up the ISO even just to 500, 640 the photos are generally very poor just not clear and noisy. My question, is the quality of the photos at higher ISO any better on the Mark II than with the original. Since the 7D offers a range of of 100 - 6400 but basically above 500 is a waste of time does the Mark II which offers a range of 100-12800 yield any better results or is it just higher numbers on the page? Or is it is just me who finds that even slightly raising the ISO with the 7D results in disappointing results?

Of course the reports also say a better processor, more auto focus points, better auto focus tracking, more frames per second, oh and of course 20 megapixels instead of 18. Looking for comments from those who have upgraded, has it made a noticeable improvement for you? In what way?

I love this hobby but I don't have the cash to change my mind once I have committed a couple of thousand dollars to a new camera so I really want to make the best choice possible. Any comments or your personal observations would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

I upgraded the 7D to the 7D Mark II - significantly better low light performance. As good as I'd like it - I dunno.

This photo was taken while our vehicle was trying to avoid a rather large, unhappy elephant. I expected it to be striated and horrible. A little help with lightroom, and it turned out "acceptable". (This is an EXTREME case - do not [...] off elephants in the dark, attempting to reproduce)

ISO 16,000
The face of an angry elephant by Brian Hampson, on Flickr

Generally, I have found that I can ramp up higher on ISO for my indoor Judo shooting, too and not have to suffer from the same bad colour noise that I had with the MK1.

I also, notice that a LOT more of my crazy action shots from this last trip were IN FOCUS when the 7D would be a little more spotty.

The MKII 100-400 won't let you get any more light and the stabilization will only help if the object is sitting still (where's the fun in that?)

My $0.02

B.

Sue I'm going to make my answer very short........

You have a very good copy of the original 100-400mm lens so upgrade the body. You will not regret it.

I have an extra body that I'd be willing to lend you for a week or so if you want to give one a whirl.

Sue definitely upgrade the body first that's what I did. You won't regret it and when you are able upgrade the lens but definitely start with the body that's where you will see the most improvement.

Cheers,
Mel

Sue check your PM's........

To those who took the time to respond, I thank you, I am just about ready to jump in and give it go. Sometime one just needs a little nudge to take the step.