I saw that you live in Alabama. There is a great camera store in Auburn (Cameragraphics) run by nice people who are also great photographers. They will let you try lens, etc. They are very helpful. They also often have used lens that are clean as can be at substantial savings. I bought many of my lens in New like condition from them and have saved lots of dollars over new ones.

I have the 100-400 II and love it. It is very sharp. I also have the version One of the 70-200. For shooting birds, I would try to 100-400 first.

One warning... L-Series lenses can become addictive! 😜

I am a teacher also! I am a music teacher, but also have done and currently help with yearbook, which is about 40% photography.

I have a T6s, which is similar to your T6. I also have a 6DmkII and a 5DmkIV. Although the 5DmkIV is better, the T6s works well for shooting indoor sports, but for me unfortunately with only one lens: Canon 70-200 mm f2.8 IS (version I - Yes, I plan to update to the Version III). The problem is that the lighting in most high school gyms is not good; this, it is difficult to find a setting that works perfectly. Shooting basketball requires a fast shutter speed. If your shutter speed is not at least double your focal length or preferably even faster, your pictures will have motion blur. Depending on the gym, don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO to 6000 on the T6. You can get good shots at that ISO. Also, use a small group focus in the middle of your view finder not a single point or the full frame. Shoot multiple shots per second. However, I imagine you are already doing all of that.

Really, you should consider saving some pennies and purchasing a 70-200 f2.8 IS of one version or the other if at all possible. As well, Sigma and Tamron both make some pretty good clones of the lens that are very good also for slightly less money. You definitely want one with IS for indoor sports. At least that is my humble opinion. A first version is a great lens. You can find them used at reasonable prices. Good Luck!

I got a 5D mark IV. It was totally unexpected. I though my 6D mark II was all I would ever want! I have a sweet and wonderful wife that obviously know more than I do. Love it and what it will do.

One of the best I have used is connecting the camera to either my iPhone or iPad Pro with Canon Connect. I especially like using the iPad because I have a very good image on the iPad display. However, I know that is not what you were asking. I have other shutter releases and none work as well as my phone and tablet.

I bought a fire proof gun safe and installed shelves in it. I also keep a canister of dry-rid in it to keep moisture at bay. I did build the shelves so that air could flow behind and in front of them so that the fry-rid would be effective for the entire contents of the safe rather than just one area. When I reported the camera equipment i own to my insurance company, the first question they posed was do I keep it in a secured and fire proof safe. They seemed pleased when I told them what I had done. I have bern pleased with the setup. I am able to organized the safe so that things are orderly and easy to access.

I second that suggestion. The book is a great resource.

Are you specifically referring to sensor size or disk formatting? Senosor would be full frame (rather than format) where formatting would refer to how you format the disk in the camera settings. Regardless, either would be a good a valid question.

These pictures are some that I recently took of orchids at gardens at the Biltmore House.

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I was looking through some pictures I took earlier in the year and realized how much I liked this one taken through the blooms of a cherry tree in Arlington National Cemetery.

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Just outside the park off of I-40 in the Pisque National Forest is Max Patch Bald. It is breathtaking at sunset time! Lots of wild flowers. It is easy to access via a good forest road. All of the other places you mentioned are wonderful also. Actually, I am here at our place now and about yo get out with my camera!

What distances do you shoot them from?

I own a 6D mk II as my primary camera. I know they cost more, but I am pretty well convinced that lenses with a red line around them (Canon) are superior especially in terms of sharpness. I have a multitude of Canon L-Series lenses zooms and primes that I use with the camera and all work well. However, if I had to give them all up, I would have a difficult time choosing between two of them.

1. EF-L 24-70 f2.8 II - This lens is just a good solid all around one. It produces a wonderful bokeh when needed. As well, it is sharp at all focal lengths and focus is quick and generally very accurate. I really like this lens and the pictures I take with it.

2. EF-L 24-105 f4 II - There is definitely some overlap length with the 24-70 mm, but the added reach of the 71-105 mm range can be a plus in so many situations. Being a f4 lens, you cannot obtain the same depth of field range as the 24-70 f2.8, but you can get a nice bokeh if you compose your shots for it. As with the 24-70, images are extremely share and crisp.

I would not just select a prime lens. You would be very limited. I do use my L- Series prime 35, 50, 85, 100 (macro), 135, and 200 a lot, but for specific circumstances. I also have a number of other zoom lenses, but like the primes, their usage is more specific.

Regarding the two lenses mentioned above, I probably keep them both on the camera about equal time depending where I am going and what I will be shooting. Again, I would hate to be put in the position to choose one over the other. I hope you find my descriptions of the two helpful.

I would encourage you to look at a second lens such as a 150-600mm. Both Tamron and Sigma make very good lens in that mm range that are good lens and reasonably priced. I really like my Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. It is not my most used lens, but very useful when I need and want it for specific shots. I will admit that it does not sparkle like the Canon 100-400mm, but half the price!

Stunning photos of a most beautiful lady. Your pictures captured her vulnerability. Of course, I based that on your initial remarks and the emotions captured in the photos. She is a gorgeous lady. I hope you two can explore more photo possibilities.

I own a Sigma (not Tameron) 150-600 and like it a lot. Just yesterday, I had the chance to shoot with a Canon 100-400 v2. That lens was insanely clear. I would urge you to borrow or rent one if possible and try it. That lens is now on my wish list for sure!