*UPDATE* Canon EOS-1D X Firmware Update Addresses f/8 & Red AF Points in AI Servo

[JR]

Cool!   This is great news!  I almost bought the 1.4x III extender earlier this week because I was afraid the 2x extender would not work with some lenses on my 1DX.  Now the choice is simple!  I will get a 2x extender.  Also happy about the AF point illumination...

[ishdakuteb]

canon! please update 5d iii on red af points...

[Lee Jay]

Sure would be nice to have the same update for the 5DIII....

Yes!  And the 7D replacement.  f/8 AF - please!

[neuroanatomist]

So the question is, when, in the name of everything, can I download?!

I can't say why I'm recommending this, but I'd strongly recommend trying the 1D X firmware update link again after 9 PM EDT today.

[drmikeinpdx]

I am anxiously awaiting the red autofocus points for the 5D III.  Other than that I am loving the new camera.

[jrista]

Not quite as good as Nikon's 51pt f/8 AF option

Erm, you mean 15pt f/8, don't you?  Sure, one f/8 cross-type point with 4 surrounding single-line f/8 points isn't as good as three full columns of cross points, but let's not inflate Nikon's system, mmmm'k?   

Well, sorry. "Nikon's 51pt AF systems f/8 AF option." I guess I worded it poorly originally, had no intention of making it sound like all 51 points were f/8 capable. I definitely don't want to inflate the Nikon bubble any more than it already is.

[natureshots]

I'm psyched they added f8 autofocus to the 1dX but I wish I didn't buy a 1d mkiv because I knew this feature was missing , bastards... I think a lot of people forget how important for canon sales big white lenses in documentaries and at sports events are. The lack of f8 autofocus was super annoying when they announced the 1dx for the people who definitely need this feature. I think there's more of us than is present on internet forums.  Any guys know what taping pins on the III series extenders does to the chip they put in to help autofocus on the big whites? Taping pins are helpful still for using other points besides the center at f8.  Do you basically lose the chip that is the big selling point for these TCs? Also, is there any benefit of that chip for using the TCs with the 70-200mm 2.8 IS II? Are the chips helpful if you stack kenko TCs and canon TCs?  Trying to get my hands on the III teleconverters and a big white soon and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks guys!

[Sitting Elf]

Finally had the excuse to buy a Canon 1.4x III extender!

Just ordered from Amazon, where the price has dropped significantly at the moment. Currently $419.00.
Last time I looked about two weeks ago, it was $50 higher.  Get 'em while they're at this price!

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-1-4X-III-Telephoto/dp/B0040X4PUE/

[GT3]

Side note - the Kenko remains a viable option for those with a 70-300 L, which is physically incompatible with the Canon TCs.

 
As noted, it works at f/8 with many lenses that do not accept a canon TC, ...

E.g. EF 100, EF 24-105 etc. This makes me really consider to get an Kenko.

This is the link to the lenses the Kenko will work with

http://kenkoglobal.com/pdf/TELEPLUS_DGX_series_CompatibilityList.pdf

And yes, I have another vote for the 5D3 going red

[Tcapp]

But will it be red ONLY for AI SERVO? What about ONE SHOT? I don't servo in dark receptions.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

+1. 

I literally almost bought the Kenko 1.4x yesterday, to try out with the 100-400mm for those times when I can't bring the 600/4 II.  Now that the Canon 1.4xIII will soon give me AF, I've just ordered the 2xIII (to replace my 2xII) for use with the 600/4 II.

Side note - the Kenko remains a viable option for those with a 70-300 L, which is physically incompatible with the Canon TCs.

My Kenko 1.4X TC is still within the return window, but I'll keep it.  As noted, it works at f/8 with many lenses that do not accept a canon TC, and even focuses at f/8 with my old 10D!
I do hope they release a similar fix for the 5D MK III, but they will likely delay, if only to find out about any bugs once a large number of users have the firmware.

I decided to do a little testing of my 5D MK III and Kenko TC this morning, but could not format my CF.  After trying another CF, I noticed my battery was low, so I charged it and tried it again.  It formatted the card and then froze up.
I removed the TC and everything was fine.  Then I tried another camera that had worked fine with the TC and it would not work with the TC either.
So my TC has died.  Back it goes.  I'll hold off on a replacement until we see if Canon does upgrade the 5D MK III, since I have a Canon TC already.

[neuroanatomist]

But will it be red ONLY for AI SERVO? What about ONE SHOT? I don't servo in dark receptions.

They already illuminate in One Shot (provided you've enabled the setting to do so, the default is to only illuminate when the camera thinks it's dark enough to need it, but you can have them light every time with a setting change).  The issue at hand was that the point in use doesn't illuminate in AI Servo on the 1D X, as it did on previous 1-series bodies (but not on the 7D).

[Tcapp]

But will it be red ONLY for AI SERVO? What about ONE SHOT? I don't servo in dark receptions.

They already illuminate in One Shot (provided you've enabled the setting to do so, the default is to only illuminate when the camera thinks it's dark enough to need it, but you can have them light every time with a setting change).  The issue at hand was that the point in use doesn't illuminate in AI Servo on the 1D X, as it did on previous 1-series bodies (but not on the 7D).

Are you saying the 1dx does light up at the START of AF in one shot, while the 5d3 does not?

[neuroanatomist]

But will it be red ONLY for AI SERVO? What about ONE SHOT? I don't servo in dark receptions.

They already illuminate in One Shot (provided you've enabled the setting to do so, the default is to only illuminate when the camera thinks it's dark enough to need it, but you can have them light every time with a setting change).  The issue at hand was that the point in use doesn't illuminate in AI Servo on the 1D X, as it did on previous 1-series bodies (but not on the 7D).

Are you saying the 1dx does light up at the START of AF in one shot, while the 5d3 does not?

No, I'm saying both the 1D X and the 5DIII can light up when focus is achieved (not at the start of AF, but at the end), provided the VF Display Illumination setting (AF5 menu) is set accordingly.

[Tcapp]

But will it be red ONLY for AI SERVO? What about ONE SHOT? I don't servo in dark receptions.

They already illuminate in One Shot (provided you've enabled the setting to do so, the default is to only illuminate when the camera thinks it's dark enough to need it, but you can have them light every time with a setting change).  The issue at hand was that the point in use doesn't illuminate in AI Servo on the 1D X, as it did on previous 1-series bodies (but not on the 7D).

Are you saying the 1dx does light up at the START of AF in one shot, while the 5d3 does not?

No, I'm saying both the 1D X and the 5DIII can light up when focus is achieved (not at the start of AF, but at the end), provided the VF Display Illumination setting (AF5 menu) is set accordingly.

Yea, but I want it to light up at the start of af!