Re 1D mk iii or 7D

mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
edited January 12, 2011 in Cameras
I know this topic has been discussed many times , but im battling with my 1d focus is perfect on single shot but shooting on continuous with someone coming straight at me i might get one clear shot in. So now the big question is should i sell and get a 7d. I wish i could get a new 1d but a little out of my league.:confused
2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
www.mcgphotosa.com

Comments

  • rookieshooterrookieshooter Registered Users Posts: 539 Major grins
    edited December 28, 2010
    Have you contacted Canon about calibrating the AF?
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited December 29, 2010
    Yip upgraded and latest software done but still battling?
    Have even tried all settings suggested in canon digital forums at a compete loss. ne_nau.gif
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • rookieshooterrookieshooter Registered Users Posts: 539 Major grins
    edited December 29, 2010
    mcg wrote: »
    Yip upgraded and latest software done but still battling?
    Have even tried all settings suggested in canon digital forums at a compete loss. ne_nau.gif

    I don't mean firmware I mean having Canon look at it. I'm not sure if they are still "fixing" 1D MKIIIs or not with AF issues, or if this is totally uncommon. I know a lot of cameras struggle with AI-servo on a subject coming towards the camera.
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited December 29, 2010
    Yip the camera has been to a cannon agency recently they did the upgrade and re-calibrated the AF.Said all was fine.
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,078 moderator
    edited December 29, 2010
    If you could supply access to a full resolution sequence demonstrating the problem and with full EXIF and a description of the exact lens used (model and version), shooting technique and shooting conditions, I would love to help diagnose the problem and help you see if it is camera and/or technique related.

    In the meantime I would remind you that AI Servo requires about 1/2 second to find focus and start sampling for motion. If you should just mash down on the shutter button it's not unusual to get a series of images that are OOF. Also the closer the subjects and the faster the closing speed the harder it is for the camera to follow focus.

    The Canon 1D MKIII is most responsive using the center focus dot alone and keeping that on the primary subject. If you lose the primary subject start the acquisition sequence over again. Crop to the action in post if you need to. It's a balancing act between cropping/composing during acquisition and cropping in post as composing an interesting shot in-camera delivers much better detail, but it's vital to keep the center AF point on the primary subject to maintain focus in AI Servo.

    If you have a lens with IS try shutting that down/off. IS takes some time to activate and if you cannot wait for the IS to settle it will result in its own motion blur. A tripod with a video head is much more effective and I would lug that around, legs extended if I were pretty much by myself and legs brought close together like a monopod otherwise. The video fluid head is kept very loose and it still does a nice job of dampening camera/lens motion.

    My normal technique was as soon as I saw the intended action starting to develop I would start to repeatedly half-depress the shutter button. This keeps the focus very close to where I need focus to be at the time of action and keeps the AF response as quick as possible.

    Just before the desired action I would half depress the shutter for the last time and, either just before or just as action started, then mash down the shutter and hold for a burst of 3-4 images. I've gone for longer sequences on occasion but the 3-4 frames is usually good for the average play in American football, for instance.

    You might consider getting a 1D MKII/MKIIN instead. The AF in those bodies is still amazing even by current standards. Any of the 1D series bodies should be able to beat a 7D AF and the performance of the 7D autofocus drops in lower light.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited December 29, 2010
    Ziggy thanks for the one up maybe that is my problem i had the 1d mk ii n and have to agree i never had a problem with af. But thought i would upgrade for better performance with noise etc.
    I think what i have to do is practice on my technique and not blame the camera, or alternately get myself another 1d Mk ii n. I'm sure ill miss the ruggedness and durability of the 1d series if i go back to a xx d series.
    As i often shoot in rain or heavy dusty conditions.
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • EddyEddy Registered Users Posts: 320 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2010
    I have the IDS MKIII for only about 1-1/2 yrs with 2000 shots and straight away took it to canon for the oil spots and the calibration everything seems to be working right now with no issues touch wood, boya its a sweet camera, and i thougth about selling it until i looked at what was out on the market other then the 5d nah am keeping it..luv it to much for the noney i spent on it. I actually sold my GF-1 to get the 135 f2 lens for street photography

    BTW took it with my Leica m8.2
    E.J.W

    Great understanding is broad and unhurried, Little understanding is cramped and busy" ..... Chuang Tsu
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited December 31, 2010
    Sweet Eddy have decided to keep it bought another 1 d mk iii with 5749 shots serial no 55 upwards and added a 100 f/2 to the collection
    I had the 5d but just never used it so sold it and got a good price.
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • EddyEddy Registered Users Posts: 320 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2010
    mcg wrote: »
    Sweet Eddy have decided to keep it bought another 1 d mk iii with 5749 shots serial no 55 upwards and added a 100 f/2 to the collection
    I had the 5d but just never used it so sold it and got a good price.


    Good choice you will luv it once you get a handle on it and from what everyone has said it just takes patience, what you have there is a sweet thing..lolol no offence to all the women...heheh.. South Africa must have some nice spots to photograph .. luv the surfing there..Jus tmissing one more lens which i dearly want is the 300 f4
    E.J.W

    Great understanding is broad and unhurried, Little understanding is cramped and busy" ..... Chuang Tsu
  • ThatCanonGuyThatCanonGuy Registered Users Posts: 1,778 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2010
    MCG got the 1D Mark III, Eddy has the 1Ds Mark III.
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 1, 2011
    Yip well i guess its still a 1D just triple the price and Eddy if you can get a 300 f4 its a sweet lens.
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 2, 2011
    1144277834_JTkx4-M.jpg

    My new toy.
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • ThatCanonGuyThatCanonGuy Registered Users Posts: 1,778 Major grins
    edited January 2, 2011
    I'm not sure what your new toy is... a red X in a box?rolleyes1.gif
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 3, 2011
    What you mean ??
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,078 moderator
    edited January 3, 2011
    Your image is not showing. Please check the settings on that gallery, especially the Security and Privacy section. I think that you need External Links turned on for others to see the images here.

    "You" can see the image because your computer is recognized as the owner of the gallery. The rest of us just see a box.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • EddyEddy Registered Users Posts: 320 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2011
    ziggy53 wrote: »
    If you could supply access to a full resolution sequence demonstrating the problem and with full EXIF and a description of the exact lens used (model and version), shooting technique and shooting conditions, I would love to help diagnose the problem and help you see if it is camera and/or technique related.

    In the meantime I would remind you that AI Servo requires about 1/2 second to find focus and start sampling for motion. If you should just mash down on the shutter button it's not unusual to get a series of images that are OOF. Also the closer the subjects and the faster the closing speed the harder it is for the camera to follow focus.

    The Canon 1D MKIII is most responsive using the center focus dot alone and keeping that on the primary subject. If you lose the primary subject start the acquisition sequence over again. Crop to the action in post if you need to. It's a balancing act between cropping/composing during acquisition and cropping in post as composing an interesting shot in-camera delivers much better detail, but it's vital to keep the center AF point on the primary subject to maintain focus in AI Servo.

    If you have a lens with IS try shutting that down/off. IS takes some time to activate and if you cannot wait for the IS to settle it will result in its own motion blur. A tripod with a video head is much more effective and I would lug that around, legs extended if I were pretty much by myself and legs brought close together like a monopod otherwise. The video fluid head is kept very loose and it still does a nice job of dampening camera/lens motion.

    My normal technique was as soon as I saw the intended action starting to develop I would start to repeatedly half-depress the shutter button. This keeps the focus very close to where I need focus to be at the time of action and keeps the AF response as quick as possible.

    Just before the desired action I would half depress the shutter for the last time and, either just before or just as action started, then mash down the shutter and hold for a burst of 3-4 images. I've gone for longer sequences on occasion but the 3-4 frames is usually good for the average play in American football, for instance.
    You might consider getting a 1D MKII/MKIIN instead. The AF in those bodies is still amazing even by current standards. Any of the 1D series bodies should be able to beat a 7D AF and the performance of the 7D autofocus drops in lower light.


    Hey Ziggy:
    There was a write up on the AI servo, from canon would you hapeen to know where i can find it or point me to it please
    Thanks
    Eddy
    E.J.W

    Great understanding is broad and unhurried, Little understanding is cramped and busy" ..... Chuang Tsu
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,078 moderator
    edited January 6, 2011
    Eddy wrote: »
    Hey Ziggy:
    There was a write up on the AI servo, from canon would you hapeen to know where i can find it or point me to it please
    Thanks
    Eddy

    The most lucid explanation about Canon's AI-Servo behavior originally comes from Chuck Westfall, the head of Canon USA Marketing. It is reprinted here:

    http://photonotes.org/other/ai-servo.html

    A more recent article, again with input from Mr. Westfall:

    http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Tips/CanonAIServo.html

    Hopefully the following is a link to a Canon article relating to AI-Servo:

    http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2866&fromTips=1
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • EddyEddy Registered Users Posts: 320 Major grins
    edited January 6, 2011
    thanks ziggy U-DA MAN!!!!!!
    E.J.W

    Great understanding is broad and unhurried, Little understanding is cramped and busy" ..... Chuang Tsu
  • JustinThymeJustinThyme Registered Users Posts: 112 Major grins
    edited January 10, 2011
    Dont give up on the MKIII. The AF is totally different from the MKIIN and tweaking the cfIII for what you are shooting is necesssary. I had a learning curve with the body but after it was over I never had focus issues again, including objects coming straight on.
    And yes Nice reference Ziggy, a quick read on thses links should get you on your way.
    Canon CPS Gold Member
  • mcgmcg Registered Users Posts: 67 Big grins
    edited January 12, 2011
    Thanks for the help I AM WINNING.
    2 X Canon 1d mkiii,Canon 17-40 l,100 f2 ,70-200 f2.8 300 f4, sigma 150-500
    Pentax spotmatic,K1000 28mm 3.5, 50 1.4 50 1.2, 55 1.8, 135 3.5, 200 3.5, 85-210 4.5 Helios 58 2.0.
    Rolleicord , mamiya RB67 with all the trimmings.
    www.mcgphotosa.com
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