High ISO advise

[Lumens]

OK, While I was writing that, I do shoot in Raw and do use Lightroom 5. The problem is I still need to learn Lightroom a bit better as well. I will try the above mentioned ideas. Perhaps I can get away with an ISO of 1600 and/or overexposure and still get away with adjustments in Lightroom. I have a lot to learn LOL. Either way I see I am pushing the limits of the equipment.

[clemmb]

OK, While I was writing that, I do shoot in Raw and do use Lightroom 5. The problem is I still need to learn Lightroom a bit better as well. I will try the above mentioned ideas. Perhaps I can get away with an ISO of 1600 and/or overexposure and still get away with adjustments in Lightroom. I have a lot to learn LOL. Either way I see I am pushing the limits of the equipment.

The 7D is one of the best for birding but as mentioned, low light makes it difficult for any equipment. A faster lens will help.
Do you use Adobe camera raw to process your raw files? Adobe camera raw is part of your lightroom package and it does a better job with noise than Canon DPP.
For birding you will not like the 6D. The auto focus is no where as good as the 7Ds.

[Joel Eade]

For birding you will not like the 6D. The auto focus is no where as good as the 7Ds.

Agreed....for birds the 7D will be better overall. When I suggested the 6D I did not realize birds were the main interest. Your best equipment upgrade for birds will be a L series telephoto lens.....maybe the 100-400 or the 400 f/5.6.