A 7D is also a cropped sensor. The bells and whistles on a 7D are mostly in ergonomics. The 7D has a top shoulder display which is very useful.

The sensor is 18 MP while the T6i is 24MP. The T6i has a better processor so handles low light better (IMO).

The T6i has a touch, swivel screen while the 7D has a static non-touch screen.

The T6i is half the weight of a 7D, which adds up after all day.

I have a T6i and would take that over the 10 year old technology of the 7D.

I'm not disagreeing with the other comments, but to add. Use a smaller aperture. That will increase your depth of field so more of your subject stays sharp. With subjects like this don't worry about being artsy with bokah. Crop your subject so it stands out and leave enough surrounding to give a sense of location.

I fully realize how easy it is to tell you what setting would work while sitting in my living room. However, be prepared first. First, I would boost your ISO to 1600 or 3200, your aperture 8.0 or 11, and that will still give you a faster shutter of around 350+. The Nikon 810 can easily handle that ISO and even with image stabilization, you want your shutter to equal your focal length. I think your softness is more from camera shake than focus.

My guess is you shot in full automatic. I recommend using either shutter or aperture priority. Know what your camera can comfortably handle with ISO and set it one below. When shooting wildlife, go for a single point focus, that way branches won't throw you off.

All said and done, nice shot. I would only try this if there was a fence between us.

My suggestion is to visit a dedicated camera store near you. See what they have and talk to the sales people. Seeing a small photo on a computer screen will never compare to being able to put your hands on it. You may even bring your equipment to check out how it all fits; not just the camera and lenses, but filters, notepads, tripod, pens, cleaning cloths, lens hood, battery charger(s), USB cable, water bottle, etc. Make your equipment fit your needs instead of your equipment fitting your bag.

I use Robert's in Indianapolis. Their staff are very knowledgeable, friendly, available, and have a wealth of experience to share. They serve top flight pros, the beginner amateur, and everyone in-between. I'm sure that other large cities also have good stores.

I prefer the B&W. It feels warmer and more intimate.

Needs more wine.

Good timing and nicely done.

My suggestion is to visit a camera store and see their selection. Feel their weight and get an idea of how they collapse and carry. While most good stores will carry a good selection, they can also give you ideas on what you need and even order one for you.

Besides the tripod, you will also want the head and Arca-Swiss base if needed.

And I also recommend a hook to add weight when required. I usually use my camera bag which makes a huge difference in stability.

I'm semi-guessing here, but is that a 1950s Reo? And where did you get it?

They don't make them like that anymore. Today the tires are round.

I'm curious, why the high ISO and shutter? Also, because of the distance, I'm wondering if a longer focus, (f16?) might have kept things sharper, especially with such high ISO and shutter.

Very nice shots, thanks for sharing.

# 2 & 3 are a little soft because they focused on the front portion of the feeder (or whatever that round object is). I would suggest a center, single focus point to help eliminate the front focus. Also, raise your ISO and close your aperture will give a longer focus. That would cost some of your bokah, bit I don't think that would really hurt much.

As others have mentioned, getting a small, fast moving object is a true challenge and you did a good job. To add to that, action photos have a much lower keeper rate than posed shots. And, it is so much harder to adjust your camera first to be perfect for these specific situations. And, after the fact criticisms are a lot easier than being there on the spur of the moment.

If these are regular visitors then try out different settings. Just have a cup of coffee and newspaper or tablet to occupy your time between visits. And be assured, these are darned good shots. Ya did good.

I suggest you visit a local camera store and see what they carry. It can give you an idea of what would work best for you. Any reputable store will order a different bag if they don't have exactly what you want.

It isn't just fitting your larger lens, but does it have enough side pockets / do you really need all those side pockets or can it carry a folded tripod / do you want that tripod pocket. These options and variations are so much better to shape to your needs when you have them in front of you.

I really like it. To comment further, and after the fact, I'm wondering if a couple of different poses. I'm thinking along the lines of handing the order with her smile beaming and the such. There is nothing wrong with your shot, it's just my curiosity of "what if ... "

And she is very photogenic. Thanks for sharing.

One never "needs" a CPL. However, knowing why they are beneficial and how to make them work goes a long way in helping to get great photos.

You can work from your external drive as if it was inside your computer. It won't be as fast to open or save, but that shouldn't be that big a deal. Once you open a file from your external drive, it resides in your disk memory so it would be the same speed in editing.