Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review: A Wildlife Photographer’s Perspective

Canon EOS R6 Mark II mirrorless camera is marketed as a major step up from the original R6. It offers a new 24.2MP sensor, faster shooting speeds, improved autofocus, and better video capabilities. But is this new iteration truly an upgrade—and more importantly, is it the best choice for nature photography?

After going through real-world tests, reviews from trusted wildlife shooters, and Canon’s own development path, it’s clear that this camera wasn’t just a minor refresh. Canon aimed to fix what didn’t work in the original while keeping the responsive feel that made it popular. That makes the R6 Mark II worth paying attention to—especially for fieldwork that demands speed, subtlety, and reliability.

Canon’s Mirrorless Evolution: From R6 to R6 Mark II—and Beyond

Canon has been aggressively advancing its full-frame mirrorless lineup since the introduction of the RF mount system in 2018. The Canon EOS R6 Mark II, released in November 2022, is a clear product of that momentum. It sits in the mid-to-high-end tier of Canon’s mirrorless ecosystem and reflects a direct response to user feedback on the original EOS R6, which debuted in July 2020.

From EOS R6 to R6 Mark II: An Iteration That Matters

At first glance, the R6 and R6 Mark II look nearly identical. The bodies are almost the same in design, and both use Canon’s popular LP-E6NH battery. But under the hood, Canon made several critical changes—many of which address the practical needs of bird, wildlife, and sports photographers.

The original EOS R6 was praised for its speed and excellent autofocus, but its 20.1MP sensor limited cropping ability—especially for bird photographers using telephoto lenses at a distance. Additionally, overheating during video recording limited its potential as a hybrid camera.

The R6 Mark II not only bumps up the resolution to 24.2MP, but it also improves subject detection with expanded AI-trained autofocus for birds, animals, cars, trains, and even aircraft. It’s the kind of real-world refinement that makes this a genuine successor—not just a minor update.

Successor Rumblings: Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Canon’s strategy also involves pushing its high-end mirrorless options. In mid-2024, Canon officially announced the EOS R5 Mark II, the long-anticipated successor to the original EOS R5 (2020). While the R5 Mark II doesn’t directly replace the R6 Mark II, it serves as a higher-end option for professionals who demand more resolution and cutting-edge performance.

With a rumored 45MP stacked BSI sensor, blackout-free shooting, and AI-powered autofocus, the R5 Mark II is designed to push Canon mirrorless into flagship territory. It will naturally appeal to wildlife photographers who need both speed and resolution—especially those working for publications or shooting species from extreme distances that require significant cropping.

But at $3,999, the R5 Mark II is more than double the cost of the R6 Mark II. For most birders and field photographers, the R6 Mark II remains the sweet spot between performance, size, and price.

Read the full report – Canon EOS R5 Mark II: The Ultimate Successor in the EOS 5 Series

Here’s the updated “Successors” section with the mention of the Canon EOS R6 Mark III, which is expected to launch this year:

Successors: Canon EOS R6 Mark III on the Horizon

While the Canon EOS R6 Mark II remains one of the most capable and popular mid-range full-frame mirrorless cameras in Canon’s lineup, rumors and industry reports confirm that the Canon EOS R6 Mark III is in development and expected to launch later this year (2025). Details are still limited, but early signs point to improvements in sensor performance, AI-powered autofocus, and enhanced video features, potentially aimed at closing the gap between the R6 Mark II and higher-end models like the R5 Mark II.

For now, the R6 Mark II continues to deliver excellent value for wildlife and action photographers, and it’s still very much a relevant and reliable choice. However, those considering a new purchase may want to keep an eye on Canon’s official announcements if they’re interested in the absolute latest features.

Key Specifications

Wildlife Performance: What Works, What Doesn’t

Autofocus (AF) & Subject Tracking

The upgraded AF system detects birds and animals with high accuracy, even tracking eyes or full-body motion as they move through brush or branches. The camera recognizes smaller wildlife like birds much better than the original R6, and the sticky AF makes tracking flying birds significantly easier. However, it’s not quite as fast or confident in complex backgrounds as the Canon EOS R3 or Sony A1—especially when dealing with erratic bird movement at a distance.

Shooting Speed & Buffer

With 40 fps using the electronic shutter, the R6 Mark II captures fast motion beautifully. But here’s the catch: buffer performance is still limited when shooting in RAW bursts. Expect some slowdown if you’re using slower cards or not using CFexpress. For birds in flight, timing still matters more than sheer speed.

Low-Light & High ISO

The 24.2MP sensor provides a cleaner high-ISO experience than the original R6, but don’t expect miracles. It holds up well up to ISO 12,800. Past that, noise increases noticeably. For early-morning or late-evening birding, it’s usable—but full-frame competitors like the Nikon Z6 II handle low-light slightly better with less chroma noise.

Video for Wildlife: A Strong Contender

If you’re capturing wildlife behavior in motion, the R6 Mark II finally gets it right. With uncropped 4K 60p from a 6K oversample, video is sharp and detailed. You can record for hours without overheating, a known issue with the original R6. The full HD 180 fps slow motion is usable but lacks fine detail.

Animal eye detection carries over smoothly to video mode, making this a reliable option for wildlife documentary clips. However, rolling shutter artifacts still exist in fast pans or tracking quick movement—so it’s not perfect.

Build & Handling: Field-Ready, But Not Rugged Pro-Level

The weather sealing is reliable, on par with the EOS 6D Mark II or original R6. Light drizzle, dust, or mist won’t be a problem. The grip is comfortable, and the control layout is very familiar for Canon users. The vari-angle screen is useful for ground-level bird photography or vlogging in the field.

Still, the body doesn’t feel as rugged or durable as the EOS R5 or 1D series. It’s built for prosumers, not hardcore field abuse. For serious backcountry wildlife photography, the body may feel just a bit too refined and light.

Lens Recommendations for Birding & Wildlife

If you’re considering the R6 Mark II for nature photography, the choice of lens makes or breaks the system. Here are top pairings:

• Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM – Lightweight, sharp, and versatile. Perfect for birding.
• Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM – Budget super-telephoto. Limited in aperture, but great reach in good light.
• Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM – For serious wildlife professionals. Stunning optics and speed—but very expensive.
• EF Lenses via Adapter – The R6 Mark II handles EF lenses surprisingly well with Canon’s adapter, including popular birding lenses like the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM.

The body’s performance is good enough that with high-end RF glass, it comes close to matching the EOS R5 for birding—though it still lacks the resolution for serious cropping.

Alternatives & Contenders: How the R6 Mark II Stacks Up

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II sits at the crossroads between enthusiast and professional. But is it the best tool for your birding or wildlife work? Here’s how it compares to top rivals and close Canon siblings—along with insight into which model is the most similar.

Canon EOS R5

• Sensor: 45MP full-frame
• Burst Rate: 20 fps (electronic), 12 fps (mechanical)
• Video: 8K/30p, 4K/120p
• Price: ~$3,399 (body only)

The R5 remains the higher-end mirrorless option from Canon, and it still offers two key advantages over the R6 Mark II: resolution and flexibility. For wildlife photographers who rely heavily on cropping distant birds, the 45MP sensor provides more room to work with. It also offers better 4K and 8K video capabilities.

However, the R5 has known overheating issues during extended video recording. Its rolling shutter is more pronounced in certain modes. For stills-only shooters or those who prioritize megapixels and image quality, the R5 might be worth the premium. But for most bird photographers, especially those who shoot bursts and want better thermal handling, the R6 Mark II is the more agile tool.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II – The Next-Gen Flagship (Special Model)

• Sensor: 45MP full-frame (stacked BSI, rumored)
• Burst Rate: Up to 60 fps (rumored)
• Video: Expected 8K RAW internal, 4K/120p
• Autofocus: Enhanced AI-powered subject detection
• Price: $3,999.00 (List: $4,299.00, Save $300 – 7%)
• Product Code: SKU: CAR5M2 | MFR: 6536C002

The newly released Canon EOS R5 Mark II takes everything great about the original R5 and pushes it several steps further. It’s being positioned as Canon’s new high-end hybrid mirrorless camera—built for demanding wildlife, sports, and cinema work. Expect faster readout speeds, better low-light noise handling, and more intelligent autofocus that rivals or surpasses the EOS R3.

If you’re shooting birds or wildlife professionally—especially in difficult light or with long telephoto lenses—this camera is likely to be among the top-tier options available. However, at $3,999, it’s more than double the price of the R6 Mark II. For many, that leap will only make sense if you need the extra megapixels, blackout-free burst shooting, and pro-level video tools.

Bottom line: The R5 Mark II is shaping up as Canon’s ultimate tool for hybrid shooters and serious wildlife professionals. For enthusiasts or birders who don’t need the absolute best, the R6 Mark II remains the more accessible and lightweight alternative.

Read the full comparison review – The Canon EOS R5 Mark II or the R6 Mark II is a Better Choice for Wildlife Photography?

Canon EOS R7 (APS-C)

• Sensor: 32.5MP APS-C
• Burst Rate: 30 fps (electronic), 15 fps (mechanical)
• Video: 4K/60p
• Price: ~$1,399 (body only)

For wildlife photographers on a budget, the R7 is a surprisingly strong option. The APS-C sensor gives you a built-in crop factor—great for reach when photographing distant birds. It’s compact, lightweight, and offers fast performance with excellent autofocus.

However, low-light performance and noise handling aren’t as strong due to the smaller sensor. The R6 Mark II is better in dynamic range and cleaner at higher ISOs. Still, for outdoor daytime shooting, the R7 punches well above its weight—and many birders prefer it for portability and cost.

Canon EOS R3

• Sensor: 24.1MP full-frame stacked BSI
• Burst Rate: 30 fps
• Video: 6K RAW, 4K/120p
• Price: ~$5,499 (body only)

The R3 is Canon’s professional sports and wildlife camera, featuring a stacked sensor for lightning-fast readout and blackout-free shooting. It includes Canon’s best autofocus system, subject detection, and weather sealing—aimed at serious field professionals.

Compared to the R6 Mark II, it’s faster, more robust, and features advanced controls like eye-control autofocus. But it’s also well over twice the price. Unless you’re a working wildlife photographer needing pro-level durability and speed, the R6 Mark II offers 85–90% of the R3’s performance at less than half the cost.

Sony Alpha A7 IV

• Sensor: 33MP full-frame
• Burst Rate: 10 fps
• Video: 4K/60p (cropped)
• Price: ~$2,498 (body only)

Sony’s A7 IV is a strong generalist camera. It has solid resolution, great autofocus, and good image quality. However, its burst speed is limited (10 fps), and video is cropped at 4K/60p. For bird and wildlife photography, especially when tracking erratic subjects, the A7 IV feels slower and less responsive than the R6 Mark II.

Still, for those who shoot a mix of portrait, landscape, and occasional wildlife, the A7 IV is a great all-arounder. But birders will likely prefer the Canon’s better subject tracking, faster bursts, and lens compatibility.

Read the full review – Sony Alpha a7 IV: Exciting Gear for Bird and Wildlife Photography

Nikon Z6 II

• Sensor: 24.5MP full-frame
• Burst Rate: 14 fps
• Video: 4K/60p (cropped)
• Price: ~$1,996 (body only)

The Z6 II is Nikon’s midrange mirrorless camera. Its sensor is nearly identical in resolution to the R6 Mark II, and the build is excellent. However, its autofocus is a step behind—especially for fast-moving birds and erratic wildlife. The Z6 II lacks animal eye detection performance that matches Canon’s Dual Pixel AF II.

With the Z6 III rumored or possibly on the horizon, the Z6 II is feeling slightly dated. Unless you’re already invested in Nikon glass, the Canon R6 Mark II is a more dynamic option for action-heavy nature photography.

So Which Is Most Similar to the R6 Mark II?

Most Similar Model:
✅ Canon EOS R7 — Same DIGIC X processor, Dual Pixel AF II, fast burst rates, and great autofocus for birds and animals. While the R7 has an APS-C sensor and is priced lower, its shooting style and subject tracking feel very close to the R6 Mark II—just with better reach but worse low-light performance.

Most Similar Full-Frame Rival:
✅ Sony A7 IV — Comparable price and general-purpose features, but slower for birding. The Canon R6 Mark II wins in burst speed and subject detection for wildlife.

If you’re a birdwatcher or wildlife photographer choosing between these, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• 24.2MP full-frame sensor is finally the sweet spot for wildlife
• Very fast burst rate (40 fps)
• Dual Pixel AF II with solid bird and animal tracking
• No overheating in 4K/60p video
• Great ergonomics, weather-sealing
• Compatible with both RF and EF lenses

Cons:

• Buffer fills quickly with continuous RAW bursts
• Not ideal for heavy cropping—still behind R5 for fine detail
• No built-in flash
• Rolling shutter in video not fully solved
• Lacks the ultra-rugged body feel of Canon’s 1-series or R3

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy It for Birding and Wildlife?

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is a well-balanced full-frame camera that offers fast autofocus, strong burst shooting, and good video tools for nature photographers. It’s a real upgrade from the R6, especially in resolution and reliability.

That said, if you need heavy cropping or shoot in truly extreme conditions, the EOS R5 or R3 still edge it out in performance. But for most birders and wildlife photographers, especially those upgrading from DSLRs or older mirrorless bodies, the R6 Mark II strikes a near-perfect balance of price, performance, and usability.

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is currently available at a discounted price of $1,999, down from its regular $2,199, offering a solid 9% savings. This makes it one of the best-value full-frame mirrorless options for wildlife photographers who want high-speed performance without climbing into flagship price territory.

For those working in more specialized areas like stop motion animation, Canon also offers a dedicated version preloaded with Stop Motion Animation Firmware, priced at $2,299 (regularly $2,499). Both models share the same core specs, but the firmware-optimized version supports precise manual control over live view and enhanced resolution output—critical for frame-by-frame production workflows.

All in all, for under $2,000, it’s one of the most capable birding cameras Canon has ever produced.

Verdict for Wildlife Use: 8.7 / 10
An excellent choice for most birders and wildlife enthusiasts—fast, accurate, and finally free from the flaws of its predecessor.