EOS 1d series body focus perfomance with a 1.4 Extender

[DIABLO]

I'm currently shooting a 60d with a 100-400L lens. For the most part I shoot wildlife, bird in flight. I've decided to get a 1.4 extender for more reach and a second body as well. Currently deciding between a 1d mark 2N, 1d mark 3, or 1Ds mark 2. Trying to stay in the $600-$1,000 dollar range.

I'm leaning towards the 1Ds mark 2 since its full frame and has more megapixles. I can deal with the 4 fps vs 8.5-10fps since I don't like to spray and pray when I'm out shooting.

The reason I'm looking at 1d series bodies versues the 7d is the 45-point AF system. Also they will focus at F8 with one focus point.

My question is how is the focusing on a 1d series body with the 1.4 extender which makes this lens an F8? Is it on par with what I'm shooting now(60d) or is it dramtically slower? I'm shooting AI Servo using one focus point(center).

 

[Loswr]

Not sure on speed, but probably similar (maybe a little slower - older AF processor chip).

Do note that f/8 AF would be limited to the center point only.

 

[DIABLO]

Thanks Neuro.
By the way what would you consider a better combo:

1D mark 2 N or mark 3(depends on price) with an 1.4 extender or 1ds mark 2 with or without an extender? Will the difference in IQ be that dramatic between the two.

I haven't brought the extender yet and from all the reading I have done. It seems about even as far as using one or just croping the image.

What are your thoughts on using an extender.

Thanks, DIABLO.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

You will definitely get better AF performance and equal IQ with a 1Ds MK II and cropping. However, f/8 performance with a extender wasn't bad, just not lightning fast.
You really do not need to ratchet focus from close up to 300 ft., use the AF limiter or pre focus. Then with a slightly different distance, focus is almost instant. I found the same thing happened when autofocusing at f/11 with a non reporting setup. Manually focus to be close, and a tap of the shutter snapped the lens into sharp focus where it would not focus at all if the focus was off by 100 ft.
Recently I tried a Kenko 1.4X TC on my 5D MK III with my 100-400mmL, AF surprised me with its speed, particularly if the change in distance was not great. I returned the Kenko due to issues with my 100L, and am waiting for the promised f/8 firmware update.

 

[DIABLO]

Thanks Mt. Spokane.

I usually keep my 100-400 set to 6.8 - infinity. Rarely do I get close enough to change it to 1.8

With the 1d mark 2 or 3 I'll be at 728 versues 560 if I get the extender and 1ds 2.

Might just skip the extender and get a 17-40 F4L since I already have an 85 1.8 to use with the 1ds 2.

Without pixel peeping how big of a difference is it between the 1d mark 3 at 10.1 MP vs. 1ds mark 2 at 16.7MP.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Thanks Mt. Spokane.

I usually keep my 100-400 set to 6.8 - infinity. Rarely do I get close enough to change it to 1.8

With the 1d mark 2 or 3 I'll be at 728 versues 560 if I get the extender and 1ds 2.

Might just skip the extender and get a 17-40 F4L since I already have an 85 1.8 to use with the 1ds 2.

Without pixel peeping how big of a difference is it between the 1d mark 3 at 10.1 MP vs. 1ds mark 2 at 16.7MP.

The FF makes a impressive difference even at the same MP level compared with a crop. Better everything except for frames per second.

That said, I do like the 1D MK III, you won't go wrong with either.

 

[DIABLO]

Thanks again.

I do not have firewire on my computer. Anybody know what user functions I'll miss out on besides changing the camera owner name?

I did not know about the firmware F8 upgrade to the 5dmk3. Do you think the 6d will get it as well?

Also if I decide to break the bank and get a 1ds mark 3 will I be taking a chance on the autofocus issues that plagued the 1d mark 3?

 

[DIABLO]

Do you all think the new 7d mark 2 will focus at F8?

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Do you all think the new 7d mark 2 will focus at F8?

There are only rumors. Crop cameras have never had f/8 AF. Canon has promised f/8 AF for the 5D MK III. It would be just sheer uninformed speculation about a 7D MK II.

 

[gary samples]

I used my 1Ds mark II for many years now it's is my backup back body and some times leave the 200mm 2.0 on it for my short Len needs with the 1Dx for the 600mm you will love the mark II it kicks but on the 1Ds mark III for tracking on birds the fps sucked but makes you a better shooter good luck !.
p.s it is wonderful with the 1.4 II I used it @ 840mm 90% of the time

 

[RGF]

I had both the 1D Mn and the corresponding 1Ds Mn. If I wanted reach I would go with the 1D model. Unless you need FF and wide angles, I would consider the 1D for the extra reach.

 

[DIABLO]

Thanks Gary & RGF

Gary, good tracking is what I needed to hear! I'm shooting 5.3fps on the 60d and rarely do I shoot a burst of 12 or more shots in a row. I've gotten my techniques down good enough to wait for the best shots. I can live with the 4fps(would like more) of the 1ds 2, it's the reach that's got me over a barrel! 560mm on the 1ds 2 vs 728mm on the 1d mk 2 or 3 with the 1.4 teleconverter.

RGF, I shoot birds in flight for the most part. The way they fly I need all the reach I can get. I think that and the 8.5fps to 10fps on the 1d's is what I'm leaning towards. I know it's a big difference in IQ between 8.2mp, 10.1mp all the way up to 16.7mp on the 1ds 2.

Thanks again!

 

[Halfrack]

Having both the 1D2 and 1Ds2, you're going to want the 1D3. I loan out my 1d2 with my 100-400 for crew rowing, and it works great for their needs. If I were to purchase today, 1D3 all the way.