The EOS-1D X & f/8

[Canon Rumors]

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Clarification Arthur Morris has posted the reply he received from Chuck Westfall in regards to the f/8 issue with new Canon EOS-1D X.

“AF is unavailable on the EOS-1D X if the maximum aperture reported to the camera through the electronic lens mount is smaller than f/5.6. This is a lower specification than previous EOS-1 series DSLRs. On the plus side, consider the fact that with most f/4 lenses including the 400 DO, 500/4L IS and IS II, and 600/4L IS and IS II, you now have 41 cross-type AF points plus color and face detection, whereas you had no cross-type points and no color or face detection during AF with previous EOS-1 series DSLRs using the same lenses, not to mention a significantly wider AF coverage area from left to right.”

via [NL] & [BPN]

cr

[neuroanatomist]

Great. Canon can have 3M produce little Canon-branded, residue-free pieces of tape, sized to cover the three contacts on the TC. With a brand label, they can charge about $5 each, for a tidy profit.

[1982chris911]

Well, looks like many Birders/Wildlife Guys will stay with the MK IV, if they need 1000mm or 1200mm for their subjects. I really don't know if it was the best decision of Canon to skip the f8 center AF point with the new 1D X. After all Wildlife/Bird Photographers are surely a larger portion of the customers of such equipment.

[DavidRiesenberg]

Ouch. It does seem that Canon somewhat ignored the wildlife photographers with the X. First the sensor without enough MPs to compensate the loss of the crop factor and now the exclusion of the TC friendly AF.
I wonder if the face detection works on animals and birds. 

[wockawocka]

This may soon be addressed if the 7D2 is APS-H and the 1D4 is still available.

[jacobpays]

Could the problem possibly be addressed by the DO TC's that have been patented and mentioned on this site?

[nikkito]

we should wait until the 1D X mk II

[John Thomas]

Generally, according to my kind of shoots, I like the specialisation of the machine. I think that leaving out the F/8 points will be payed back in terms of speed and accuracy of the AF engine.

Can anyone confirm this? Or perhaps there are other reasons to leave out the F/8 point(s)?

[cbphoto]

I look at the Canon lens line-up and the only problem I see is when an extender is used. No Canon lens has a maximum aperture smaller than f5.6. Last century, I bought the 1.4x and 2x FD extenders and found the rendered IQ was lousy with all the recommended lenses. I used them only when absolutely needed, and never with pleasure. Although the EF extenders are supposedly better, I wouldn't use them; they're still a stopgap tool to be used when nothing else will work.

Besides, I can always march 5 miles out on the tundra with this or this.   

Instead of extenders, why not utilize an APS-C sensor camera? The 800mm f5.6 lens becomes a 1280mm f5.6 lens with zero loss in IQ.

[Justin]

The MTF charts of the new super teles paired with the version III 2x and 1.4x extenders generally show little to no image degradation.

Also, although I understand your point about gaining more reach with an APS-C, it's just not true that using a 1.6x focal multiplier sensor equates to zero loss of IQ when compared to a 35mm full frame or aps-H sensor.

I look at the Canon lens line-up and the only problem I see is when an extender is used. No Canon lens has a maximum aperture smaller than f5.6. Last century, I bought the 1.4x and 2x FD extenders and found the rendered IQ was lousy with all the recommended lenses. I used them only when absolutely needed, and never with pleasure. Although the EF extenders are supposedly better, I wouldn't use them; they're still a stopgap tool to be used when nothing else will work.

Besides, I can always march 5 miles out on the tundra with this or this.   

Instead of extenders, why not utilize an APS-C sensor camera? The 800mm f5.6 lens becomes a 1280mm f5.6 lens with zero loss in IQ.

[cbphoto]

The MTF charts of the new super teles paired with the version III 2x and 1.4x extenders generally show little to no image degradation.

I include the loss of 1 or 2 stops of light a degradation of image. If there's in increase in ISO to maintain a fast shutter speed, then there's image degradation.

Shooting action at f8? No thanks. 

Also, although I understand your point about gaining more reach with an APS-C, it's just not true that using a 1.6x focal multiplier sensor equates to zero loss of IQ when compared to a 35mm full frame or aps-H sensor.

The optics are identical in both cases. And no f8 action work! w00t!   

[neuroanatomist]

The optics are identical, the sensors are not. FF sensors deliver higher total resolution and better noise performance.

Many times when shooting with long lenses, narrower apertures are needed to get the entire subject in focus. Just sayin'.

[UncleFester]

Probably marketing at play.

Not a do-it-all camera, but buy two cameras that will do it all. Sort of like the 5DII/7D scenario.

[aznstuart]

Pardon my ignorance, but why won't there be an autofocus past f/8? I currently have a 60D, if I set the aperature at F/11 to take a lanscape picture with my Canon f/2.8 17-55mm, will it also not have autofocus?

[UncleFester]

Shooting action at f8? No thanks. 

What about panning sports @1/30 sec? Bright daylight iso 100 f/8 sometimes will not work.