SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lady, yes the IV is an amazing camera if you already have one.
But other than the pro body and features, it's not as much camera as the 5dlll, and that's the way Canon planned it when it used the 1dx to replace both 1d models with the 1dx and gave the 5lll the same focus system. Creating two wildlife/sports cameras.
But at the going rate of $3000, it's only with buying if you need it's ability to shoot in harsh conditions.
What is a bargain, is the 1dslll at around $1800 or less. ;-)
SS

BasqueLady Loc: Woodburn OR

Hoss Loc: Near Pittsburgh, Pa

Good luck at that budget!!!
I shoot with a 5D Mark II with a 300 f2.8 and if needed I will use a Canon 1.4 converter or the Canon 2X converter and get good results!!
My older camera is a 30D only 8 megapixel and a crop sensor and got good shots, some I had enlarged to 20 X 30 prints with no grain!!!!
I lean towards the 300mm f2.8 because it is versatile and get good results with either converter on it, even on the 30D!! I know some are using the Rebel Ti3 with the sigma zoom I think it is the 150 to 600mm and they are getting good results. You may want to price it out! Feel free to look at some of my topics most of the animal pics were shot with the 300f2.8. All tHe eagle pics had the 2X on the 300

Good luck
Mike

RRS Loc: Not sure

I agree with everything you've said. I shoot a 5DMKII with the 300mmf/2.8L IS II with the 1.4/2.0 Canon Series III TC's and also the 7D for the FPS. I do experience noise with the 7D at ISO 800 and above but fix it in PP. Patiently awaiting the 7DMKII in September (I hope). I still think that the Canon7D was about 4 to 5 years ahead of it's time and is a great buy today.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

I too enjoy wildlife and sports (action photos) I use the Canon 7D which you can pickup very reasonable along with the Canon 100/400 zoom. I find this to be an awesome combination and you can pick up that lens very reasonable also. The 7D will also give you the advantage of APS-c for geater zoom. Hope this helps!

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Have been doing a lot of indoor sports shooting lately, mostly MMA, kick boxing etc. My 5Dc has been stretched beyond it's limits even when used with a 2.8 and 1.8 lenses as it maxes out at 320 ISO. My point is for low light sports and wildlife, Canon sensors are leaving a lot to be desired in poor lighting conditions. If you are looking to make this a business or serious hobby, consider something like the Nikon 610 or one of the newer Sony "7" series. Don't take my word for it. Check sensor ratings at DxOMark and see for yourself how poorly Canon stacks up to competitors in this category.
There is a lot to like about the 7D, but for me, low light capability would be a deal breaker for me.
Also, you do not get any more "zoom" using a crop sensor camera. What you do get is a smaller field of view due the sensor being half the size of a FF camera. I think the advice of getting a FF camera is sound for what you want to use it for.
BTW - The 610 exceeds even the pro model Canon 1D MKlV in every category for half the money new vs older technology, cropped sensor, at twice the price.
I shoot canon and as much as it pains me to change, if indoor action shots grow, I will be switching, probably to Nikon over Sony. Not wanting to re-kindle the Canon/Nikon war, but anyone checking the ratings by a very reliable company may come to the same conclusion I have.