This would apply to anhy camera that has case numbers or the 3 parameter settings. I have owned all the crop bodies from the 20D to 7D2. Also all 3 5D and currently have the 5D3.
I am not stuggling in any way. I went out birding (in flght) a few weeks weeks ago and tried all 6 case numbers and all AF modes, single, expanded and zone. Since they were steady and non erractic I had very good succes and found zone to work quite well on this body.
I have been curious about Canon's explanation about AF switching when it comes to expansion AF mode.
From the 7D2 manual
The key phrase the camera switches it's focus to neighbouring AF points. My understanding is the surrounding AF points around the centre point in expanded are assist AF points. In AI Servo I never see anything switch. Ever. All I see is the centre point illuminated. Perhaps they just assist faster. If so I wish Canon would have worded it that way.
Personally I decided it does not make much sense so if I'm in Cases 5 or 6 I use zone where the AF points are actually switching. If you are tracking an erratic subject it just makes sense the more AF points involved the better. Especially in 65 AF for those really small fast birds that change directions quickly. Very difficult to track in expansion - even in 8 point.
Of course this is just my opinion. This is the only part of that entire manual that I have always questioned. Even the Canon PDF AF guide. I keep asking in case someone has found the answer on other forums but no answer yet.
I am not stuggling in any way. I went out birding (in flght) a few weeks weeks ago and tried all 6 case numbers and all AF modes, single, expanded and zone. Since they were steady and non erractic I had very good succes and found zone to work quite well on this body.
I have been curious about Canon's explanation about AF switching when it comes to expansion AF mode.
From the 7D2 manual
The key phrase the camera switches it's focus to neighbouring AF points. My understanding is the surrounding AF points around the centre point in expanded are assist AF points. In AI Servo I never see anything switch. Ever. All I see is the centre point illuminated. Perhaps they just assist faster. If so I wish Canon would have worded it that way.
Personally I decided it does not make much sense so if I'm in Cases 5 or 6 I use zone where the AF points are actually switching. If you are tracking an erratic subject it just makes sense the more AF points involved the better. Especially in 65 AF for those really small fast birds that change directions quickly. Very difficult to track in expansion - even in 8 point.
Of course this is just my opinion. This is the only part of that entire manual that I have always questioned. Even the Canon PDF AF guide. I keep asking in case someone has found the answer on other forums but no answer yet.