Honestly I am so frustrated right now. I took my R7 out to the local wetlands yesterday because I finally had a free afternoon to catch some of the migratory birds passing through, and I was using my old adapted EF-S 55-250mm lens. I know, I know, it is a cheap lens but it has served me well for years. But the autofocus just kept hunting and missing focus on almost every single shot! It was infuriating. I was staring at these beautiful herons and egrets and came home with like three usable photos out of two hundred. Im done with the constant micro-adjustments and the adapter struggle, I just want something that actually works with the R7 autofocus system.

I really want to get back out there before the season ends in a couple of weeks, but I am on a super tight budget. I have about 600 bucks max, maybe 700 if I really push it, but that is it. I live in the PNW so weather sealing would be a massive plus, though I know that is asking for a lot at this price point. I just want something sharp that I can actually rely on when I hit the shutter button. Is there anything out there that doesnt cost an arm and a leg? Should I just bite the bullet and save up for the RF 100-400 or is there something else I am missing? Im just looking for a bit of advice from people who actually shoot wildlife with this camera because I dont want to throw good money after bad again...