The move to "Full frame" can be rather controversial and expensive. While a larger sensor is almost always an enhancement, the costs involved can be somewhat restrictive to those of us on a budget. This is especially true about glass and there is a premium that must be paid to get the quality needed to fully take advantage of the FF sensor. Frankly, if your budget allows it, go for the Full Frame system and consider a mirror-less model as well. If not, a crop sensor system is your best bet and there are some fine ones out there. Frankly, there are some real deals out there in the used and refurbished market and someone's previous suggestion of a used or refurbished Canon 80D should fit your budget and serve you quite well. As for the DLSR's, the newer Canon Rebels like the 6Ti, 7Ti, and/or the 77D would also serve you well and can be found at some very attractive prices new, used, or refurbished. As also previously stated, you could then upgrade to FF compatible glass as funds allow and use this premium glass on the crop sensor body until you can afford to move up to a full frame body to complete the FF system. It pretty much boils down to how quickly you want to make the move to FF and how much money your willing to spending at the start. From your initial post, I'd recommend sticking with a crop framed system and you might be quite happy without ever needing the upgrade to full frame. Good luck and good shooting to all.

My niece is an accomplished and avid photographer shooting with a Canon T3i Rebel and wants to move up to FF. She lives in a target rich area of NW Montana, and shoots landscapes, wildlife and astro. She wants to be able to make enlargements of those really special shots. Not being a Canon shooter I am not much help for making recommendations. She's thinking used and her budget is $1,000.00 or less. I told her to check out KEH and Adorama. I recommended she start her search with either the EOS 1DS Mark III or the EOS 5D Mark III, which are within her price range on KEH. I would appreciate advice from you Canon shooters that I can share with her. And lastly, will she really gain that much moving to FF over a high end APS-C, seeing that her current glass is for APS-C? She's also looking to add a high dollar telephoto to the FF for wildlife. Thanks for your expert help on this matter. Elmo

Sadly, I've come to realize that there are simply some places I will not be able to photograph, despite the natural beauty and calling. Not because I can't afford to get there, and not because they are too remote; no, Ive come to realize that at 70 years old, I'm not as agile as I used to be.

Recently, I have wanted to photograph Little Mashel Falls, just outside of Eatonville, Washington. There are three different trail heads to the 3 waterfalls and all end with a very steep, winding path down into the river canyon as near as I can tell. One misstep and a person no matter the age, they will be resetting bones. So, when I compare the last section of trail with my age and agility, each time I've turned back despite the 2 - 2.5 mile hikes. And yet, I've watched numerous videos of moms, dads, and children at the falls. Perhaps I'm missing something. But until I find out, I'll be looking for another set of falls that is more matched to my comings & goings.