1DX mark II Auto Focus

[jaayres20]

I have been doing a few tests with the 1DX mark ii and I have to say that the DPAF is unreal. I set up a shot in almost darkness (where I had issues seeing myself) to test out the noise at ISO 51000. I was able to achieve focus with the center focus point (the most sensitive one) fairly easily, but at at times it did hunt a little. However, when I switched to live view not only did the still life become easier to see with the exposure simulated screen, I was able to focus anywhere instantly, and I mean instantly and accurately. To get an idea of how dark it was, a shot that was still a little underexposed was ISO 51,000 f/2.8 and 1/30, much darker than I will ever experience at a wedding. I am blown away at how crazy fast and accurate this DPAF is. I wish I could find a way to use it more in my shooting style. Anyone else finding the same thing?

 

[Eldar]

Since I do not do video, I normally only use live view for manual focus. But I agree, the DPAF on this machine is so fast and works so well in poor light that it becomes a fully functional alternative to the OVF. It is also very fast to use, because you only point at what you want in focus, anywhere in the image (not a restricted area, such as the regular focus points) and, in no time, it´s there.

There is also another very positive observation I have, being a Zeissoholic with a range of manual focus lenses. Manual focus with the standard focusing screen works very well. I can visually nail focus with my Otus lenses at f1.4, at least as easy as with the 5DSR, with the customised S-type screen. And using the center focus confirm function seems to be dead on every time.

 

[jaayres20]

I have never considered mirrorless an option for me and I probably will not buy one. However, with the technology Canon has now, if they wanted to, they could make a very nice FF mirrorless camera with best in class autofocus. I really never thought that their DPAF would be faster and more accurate (especially in extremely poor light) than their OVF autofocus.