Autofocus speed (6D vs 5DIII)

[Olivier11986]

Hello,
I'm new here and I would need some advice regarding AF speed. Now, I know tons of threads regarding 6D vs. 5DIII exist and they usually compare specs on paper. I went to the store today with my 100-400L to test the AF speed since I mostly take bird pictures (you can see my flickr page to have a look at what I do mostly : www.flickr.com/photos/olivierlevasseur)
With that said, I mounted the lens and used basically the same settings on both cameras and then put the lens completely out of focus to test the speed at which it could acquire focus.
It was obvious that the 6D acquired focus more quickly although both cameras were spot on.
I know the 5DIII has 63 (or 61) AF point compared to the 11 points of the 6D, but what matters most to me is the AF speed and I was kind of skeptical about my finding.
I've never used a 5DIII before and some AF settings may have been changed in the menus (I know there are a lot of customization options in there)
Basically I wanted to know if somebody had the 100-400L on either these cameras and could comment on AF speed in real life. Regarding tracking birds in flight, I usually use center point.
Thank you very much, any input would be appreciated, and sorry for another debate thread between those 2 cameras.

Olivier

 

[Dick]

This is for the middle AF point I assume as you mentioned that you use it for birds. If so, it only matters when you frame subjects in the middle of the frame I guess. If you recompose, fast side AF points should be a better solution.

That being said... My experiences with 5D3 have shown that when using servo and continuous shooting, the 1st frame tends to be slightly OOF. Haven't really found settings to cure this, but then again the 2nd shot is razor sharp already, so...

 

[Olivier11986]

This is for the middle AF point I assume as you mentioned that you use it for birds. If so, it only matters when you frame subjects in the middle of the frame I guess. If you recompose, fast side AF points should be a better solution.

That being said... My experiences with 5D3 have shown that when using servo and continuous shooting, the 1st frame tends to be slightly OOF. Haven't really found settings to cure this, but then again the 2nd shot is razor sharp already, so...

Thanks for your input!
However, I should have mentionned that I used no particular AF point (auto point selection).

 

[docsmith]

Popular Photography tested the AF speed of both bodies from EV -2 to EV 12. I don't have the results in front of me but I remember comparing them and they were close or the 5DIII was faster at each stop.

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2012/07/camera-test-canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-dslr

I believe they conduct their tests with the 50 mm f/1.4. Which would have enabled the f/2.8 AF points in both lenses. The 100-400L would only enable the f/5.6 AF points. So your test was different.

That said, I own both the 5DIII and 100-400L and haven't had any concerns regarding AF speed. But, I agree with the other response.

 

[MK5GTI]

thanks OP for the test, good to know. as 5d3 is way out of my budget.

hoping the 6D to come in refurb condition. for cheap ;D

 

[Olivier11986]

Popular Photography tested the AF speed of both bodies from EV -2 to EV 12. I don't have the results in front of me but I remember comparing them and they were close or the 5DIII was faster at each stop.

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2012/07/camera-test-canon-eos-5d-mark-iii-dslr

I believe they conduct their tests with the 50 mm f/1.4. Which would have enabled the f/2.8 AF points in both lenses. The 100-400L would only enable the f/5.6 AF points. So your test was different.

That said, I own both the 5DIII and 100-400L and haven't had any concerns regarding AF speed. But, I agree with the other response.

Thanks a lot! Didn't know about this test. Also have 50 f/1.4, should have tested it as well while being there...

 

[Olivier11986]

thanks OP for the test, good to know. as 5d3 is way out of my budget.

hoping the 6D to come in refurb condition. for cheap ;D

Yeah, if only budget was not a concern! I'd go out and buy lots of lenses as well