Any new news about Canon 1D X f/8 AF?

[jrista]

Its been a while, and we have not yet heard anything from Canon about the 1D X, particularly its AF system that seems to be lacking f/8 AF. I like my Canon cameras, but Canon seems to be falling farther and farther behind Nikon in the area of technological excellence...including AF. Nikon's new 51pt AF systems seem to have multiple f/8 sensitive AF points...will the 1D X remain competitive and get multiple f/8 AF points in its new 61pt AF system as well? Speaking for bird photographers everywhere...the loss of f/8 AF will be a pretty severe blow for supertele+TC users... :'(

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

They have not said anything about a redesign of the AF system, it took years to develop, so its not a likely event that it would be scrapped on short notice.

I've done testing with my 5D MK III using taped contacts, and the AF system is basically incapable of consistent focusing at f/8. I did have reasonable focusing with my old non-IS 70-200mm f/2.8, but not with any of my other L telephotos.

 

[wickidwombat]

i tested my new 5Dmk3 with the 70-200 and a canon 2x TC stacked with the kenko 1.4 TC and definatley no sign of AF at f8 so i wouldn't hold my breath for f8 AF on the 1Dx I dont think its as simple as flicking a switch in the firmware otherwise i am sure magic lantern would have enabled it on all the other cameras.

 

[Marsu42]

They have not said anything about a redesign of the AF system, it took years to develop, so its not a likely event that it would be scrapped on short notice.

Seeing the af performance @f8 on my humble 60d, I guess Canon is not fixing the hardware, but optimizing the firmware - my 60d works ok @f8 if multiple af points have got the subject, but it's very tricky in bad lighting conditions with just one. But for a "pro" body, Canon cannot release a 1dx w/ af @f8 and say "your mileage may vary"... maybe they figure out a way to enable or disable it based on lighting conditions, so it either really works or not at all?

 

[Maxis Gamez]

Canon let me used a 1D X last week at the Florida's Birding & Photo Fest 2012 in which I was part of the speakers group.

I talked to them about the f/8 issue and the answer was the same. It's because the way they have the AF points.

Here is an image with a non-production body.

 

[Shnookums]

I talked to them about the f/8 issue and the answer was the same. It's because the way they have the AF points.

I guess that for what you do, f/8 AF is important. Do you consider it an issue or not? Considering the 1Dx will be a great camera. Can it replace your 1DIV?

 

[Maxis Gamez]

I talked to them about the f/8 issue and the answer was the same. It's because the way they have the AF points.

I guess that for what you do, f/8 AF is important. Do you consider it an issue or not? Considering the 1Dx will be a great camera. Can it replace your 1DIV?

The AF is lightning fast and just locks! I probably had about 3 images out-of-focus during my overnight used of the camera.

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm. I'll keep my 1D MKIV and 5D MKIII for landscapes.

 

[briansquibb]

I'll keep my 1D MKIV and 5D MKIII for landscapes.

+1 I was beginning to wonder if I was the only person thinking that way

 

[xROELOFx]

I talked to them about the f/8 issue and the answer was the same. It's because the way they have the AF points.

I guess that for what you do, f/8 AF is important. Do you consider it an issue or not? Considering the 1Dx will be a great camera. Can it replace your 1DIV?

The AF is lightning fast and just locks! I probably had about 3 images out-of-focus during my overnight used of the camera.

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm. I'll keep my 1D MKIV and 5D MKIII for landscapes.

can you explain to me why? is it because of the lack of the cropfactor? or the more shallow DOF?
wouldn't a 1D X with a 1.4 extender almost be the same as a 1D mk. IV? (like in autofocus speed, image quality etc.)

 

[PhilDrinkwater]

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm.

I can understand that. Do you think you'd get a 7d (or an upgraded 7d) if a 1.3x crop doesn't happen again?

Just wondering what bird photographers will buy next..

 

[tron]

It's a shame! It will be difficult to find a secondhand 1DmkIV at a reasonable price

 

[Maxis Gamez]

I talked to them about the f/8 issue and the answer was the same. It's because the way they have the AF points.

I guess that for what you do, f/8 AF is important. Do you consider it an issue or not? Considering the 1Dx will be a great camera. Can it replace your 1DIV?

The AF is lightning fast and just locks! I probably had about 3 images out-of-focus during my overnight used of the camera.

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm. I'll keep my 1D MKIV and 5D MKIII for landscapes.

can you explain to me why? is it because of the lack of the cropfactor? or the more shallow DOF?
wouldn't a 1D X with a 1.4 extender almost be the same as a 1D mk. IV? (like in autofocus speed, image quality etc.)

Hi,

If you use a 600mm lens with a 1.4x TC attached to a 1D X, you’ll get 840mm at f/5.6 while with the same set up with the 1D MKIV is 1092mm at f/5.6 with an excellent AF performance.

You won’t be able to use a 600mm with a 2x TC anymore so that’s out of question. Same goes with the 500mm.
I truly don’t see a reason to sacrifice 252mm by using the 1D X.

In other words

600mm X 1.4= 840mm (1D X with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3= 780mm (1D MKIV – f/4) – No tele-converter attached.
600mm X 1.3 X 1.4= 1092mm (1D MKIV with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3 X 2= 1560mm (1D MKIV with a 2x TC – f/8) with a not so great AF. Single point.
800mm X 1.3 X 1.4= 1456mm (1D MKIV with a 1.4x TC – f/8) with a decent AF. Single point.

As you can see, a big difference.

Thanks!

 

[Maxis Gamez]

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm.

I can understand that. Do you think you'd get a 7d (or an upgraded 7d) if a 1.3x crop doesn't happen again?

Just wondering what bird photographers will buy next..

Before I upgraded to the 1D MKIV, I used a 7D. I still have it actually.

I recently posted a picture on Facebook about that.

 

[xROELOFx]

I talked to them about the f/8 issue and the answer was the same. It's because the way they have the AF points.

I guess that for what you do, f/8 AF is important. Do you consider it an issue or not? Considering the 1Dx will be a great camera. Can it replace your 1DIV?

The AF is lightning fast and just locks! I probably had about 3 images out-of-focus during my overnight used of the camera.

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm. I'll keep my 1D MKIV and 5D MKIII for landscapes.

can you explain to me why? is it because of the lack of the cropfactor? or the more shallow DOF?
wouldn't a 1D X with a 1.4 extender almost be the same as a 1D mk. IV? (like in autofocus speed, image quality etc.)

Hi,

If you use a 600mm lens with a 1.4x TC attached to a 1D X, you’ll get 840mm at f/5.6 while with the same set up with the 1D MKIV is 1092mm at f/5.6 with an excellent AF performance.

You won’t be able to use a 600mm with a 2x TC anymore so that’s out of question. Same goes with the 500mm.
I truly don’t see a reason to sacrifice 252mm by using the 1D X.

In other words

600mm X 1.4= 840mm (1D X with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3= 780mm (1D MKIV – f/4) – No tele-converter attached.
600mm X 1.3 X 1.4= 1092mm (1D MKIV with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3 X 2= 1560mm (1D MKIV with a 2x TC – f/8) with a not so great AF. Single point.
800mm X 1.3 X 1.4= 1456mm (1D MKIV with a 1.4x TC – f/8) with a decent AF. Single point.

As you can see, a big difference.

Thanks!

i see your point, thanks for your quick reply!

 

[jrista]

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm.

I can understand that. Do you think you'd get a 7d (or an upgraded 7d) if a 1.3x crop doesn't happen again?

Just wondering what bird photographers will buy next..

If Canon drops the 7D line, and does not bring back a 1.3x crop camera, and really does indeed intend to drop f/8 AF in their Pro bodies, I think bird photographers on Canon gear are just SOL. I have a 7D now, and I would stick with that until the day it dies. I'd pick up a 1D IV if I could (they are getting rather hard to find...seems a lot of people still want the 1-series performance with a crop factor). In the absence of f/8 AF on any body and the loss of pro-grade crop bodies, I might move to Nikon. I really don't like that thought (I like Canon gear and ergonomics), but if Canon decides to ditch the bird photographers, I think bird photographers will have to ditch Canon. Reach is probably the most important factor for a birder, and being able to AF at maximum reach (which is often 600mm + 2x TC + CF... 1920mm on 1.6x or 1560mm on 1.3x) is critical. Nikon seems quite happy and capable of providing multiple f/8 sensitive AF points in their 51pt AF system, which is used on quite a few bodies.

 

[Maxis Gamez]

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm.

I can understand that. Do you think you'd get a 7d (or an upgraded 7d) if a 1.3x crop doesn't happen again?

Just wondering what bird photographers will buy next..

If Canon drops the 7D line, and does not bring back a 1.3x crop camera, and really does indeed intend to drop f/8 AF in their Pro bodies, I think bird photographers on Canon gear are just SOL. I have a 7D now, and I would stick with that until the day it dies. I'd pick up a 1D IV if I could (they are getting rather hard to find...seems a lot of people still want the 1-series performance with a crop factor). In the absence of f/8 AF on any body and the loss of pro-grade crop bodies, I might move to Nikon. I really don't like that thought (I like Canon gear and ergonomics), but if Canon decides to ditch the bird photographers, I think bird photographers will have to ditch Canon. Reach is probably the most important factor for a birder, and being able to AF at maximum reach (which is often 600mm + 2x TC + CF... 1920mm on 1.6x or 1560mm on 1.3x) is critical. Nikon seems quite happy and capable of providing multiple f/8 sensitive AF points in their 51pt AF system, which is used on quite a few bodies.

Hang in there... I'm sure something is coming. Maybe not until late 2013 but They are well aware of our frustration. Trust me!

 

[jrista]

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm.

I can understand that. Do you think you'd get a 7d (or an upgraded 7d) if a 1.3x crop doesn't happen again?

Just wondering what bird photographers will buy next..

If Canon drops the 7D line, and does not bring back a 1.3x crop camera, and really does indeed intend to drop f/8 AF in their Pro bodies, I think bird photographers on Canon gear are just SOL. I have a 7D now, and I would stick with that until the day it dies. I'd pick up a 1D IV if I could (they are getting rather hard to find...seems a lot of people still want the 1-series performance with a crop factor). In the absence of f/8 AF on any body and the loss of pro-grade crop bodies, I might move to Nikon. I really don't like that thought (I like Canon gear and ergonomics), but if Canon decides to ditch the bird photographers, I think bird photographers will have to ditch Canon. Reach is probably the most important factor for a birder, and being able to AF at maximum reach (which is often 600mm + 2x TC + CF... 1920mm on 1.6x or 1560mm on 1.3x) is critical. Nikon seems quite happy and capable of providing multiple f/8 sensitive AF points in their 51pt AF system, which is used on quite a few bodies.

Hang in there... I'm sure something is coming. Maybe not until late 2013 but They are well aware of our frustration. Trust me!

Well thats VERY good to hear. Thanks for the update, btw. The lack of f/8 aside, how did you like the 1D X in general? If Canon made an APS-H version of the 1D X, would it fill the role as a birders body?

 

[Loswr]

600mm X 1.4= 840mm (1D X with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3= 780mm (1D MKIV – f/4) – No tele-converter attached.
600mm X 1.3 X 1.4= 1092mm (1D MKIV with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3 X 2= 1560mm (1D MKIV with a 2x TC – f/8) with a not so great AF. Single point.

600mm X 1.5 X 2= 1800mm (D800 with a 2x TC – f/8) with multiple cross-type AF points after cropping to the same 16 MP as the 1D MKIV.

Just sayin'.

 

[Maxis Gamez]

I still believe using a full frame for bird photography is not ideal even using a long lens like my 800mm.

I can understand that. Do you think you'd get a 7d (or an upgraded 7d) if a 1.3x crop doesn't happen again?

Just wondering what bird photographers will buy next..

If Canon drops the 7D line, and does not bring back a 1.3x crop camera, and really does indeed intend to drop f/8 AF in their Pro bodies, I think bird photographers on Canon gear are just SOL. I have a 7D now, and I would stick with that until the day it dies. I'd pick up a 1D IV if I could (they are getting rather hard to find...seems a lot of people still want the 1-series performance with a crop factor). In the absence of f/8 AF on any body and the loss of pro-grade crop bodies, I might move to Nikon. I really don't like that thought (I like Canon gear and ergonomics), but if Canon decides to ditch the bird photographers, I think bird photographers will have to ditch Canon. Reach is probably the most important factor for a birder, and being able to AF at maximum reach (which is often 600mm + 2x TC + CF... 1920mm on 1.6x or 1560mm on 1.3x) is critical. Nikon seems quite happy and capable of providing multiple f/8 sensitive AF points in their 51pt AF system, which is used on quite a few bodies.

Hang in there... I'm sure something is coming. Maybe not until late 2013 but They are well aware of our frustration. Trust me!

Well thats VERY good to hear. Thanks for the update, btw. The lack of f/8 aside, how did you like the 1D X in general? If Canon made an APS-H version of the 1D X, would it fill the role as a birders body?

The camera AF System is extremely fast. I would love to own this body but not as full frame.

 

[briansquibb]

600mm X 1.4= 840mm (1D X with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3= 780mm (1D MKIV – f/4) – No tele-converter attached.
600mm X 1.3 X 1.4= 1092mm (1D MKIV with a 1.4x TC – f/5.6)
600mm X 1.3 X 2= 1560mm (1D MKIV with a 2x TC – f/8) with a not so great AF. Single point.

600mm X 1.5 X 2= 1800mm (D800 with a 2x TC – f/8) with multiple cross-type AF points after cropping to the same 16 MP as the 1D MKIV.

Just sayin'.

Not enough fps tho