I am tired of my 7D markII

[Go Wild]

As the tittle sais....i am completely tired of the 7D markII. I´m done...

Explaining:


I am shooting wildlife since 2008, from those years i have been using some eos bodys like 350D, 40D, 5D markII and recently 5D markIII and 7D markII. Yes, unfortunatly i am not a rich guy and never could get a 1D body....But work is being good, and i am able now to get the best lenses and good bodys, i always prefer to get the best lenses than to splash the money in a body.

So i get the 5d markIII because i also make some weddings and comercial services, but i needed a body more suitable for wildlife. When the 7d markII was announced i got that feeling it was the perfect camera for me. Great shuuter speed, great AF and a 20MP with good ISO behaviour looks like stellar to me! I could get finally a good wildlife body without having to buy the expensive 1D X.

I will jump all the story to the end. I am now using the 7D markII for 1,5 years and i got tired of getting soft photos and out of focus photos.
From the first days i put in me the problem. I suposed it was me the problem and i needed to use the so called "learning curve" beacuse the AF sistem ws very complex. Yes, maybe it was my mistake and somehow i was loosing the capability of focusing right.

But no....after all this time, after i tryed everything, no. My learning curve teached me that this is a camera problem! In the same situations, with same lenses, i get stellar sharp photos with the 5d markIII, then i change to the 7D markII and they are soft. And no, of course i am not comparing a fullframe with a APS-C, i mean REAL soft!!
but the most ridiculous, is that i discover a huge inconsistance in this camera! With the same settings, with the same subjects sometimes i get a sharp photo (but yet still not totally clean), and then without any change the photos get soft.
This happens with every lens i use. 16-35 F4 IS L, 50mm F1.8 STM, Tamron 90mm F2.8, Tamron 150-600, Canon 500mm F4 IS L.

I tryed to AFMA to get better results, i have lost a huge amount of time getting the lenses in the best spot of AFMA, i find in every lenses a need to afma but even so, i gained a little bit more detail but still, the focus continued to be inconsistant and i continue to get, from my perspective, bad photos.

And i am tired! I got back from a trip to the polar region, i have made a job with polar bears. 75% of the photos i get with the 7D markII are just non usable! 98% of the photos i have made with the 5D markIII are just PERFECT! WTF Canon???!!

I exclude the possibility that i am making anything wrong because i have just tryed everything with this camera! So i am tired, angry and tired of her! I don´t exclude the fact that my camera could have a problem. It was one of the firsts, i bought her as soon as she got out, but this is really making me getting tired of Canon...Specially, when you have friends that use Nikon, and you see better photos in sharpness and detail issues taking with a Nikon D7100 than with the 7D markII. And i have tryed the Nikon D500 and i got really satisfied with the camera in first impressions....But of course i don´t want to change, i have everything from canon and i really am a fan of canon....But this camera is killing me....

The problem is that i don´t have any body unless i go for the 1D series that could give me "settings" of the 7D markII.

I am considering to send camera to Canon Portugal (i am from Portugal), but i find a lot of articles in internet with the same complain about the camera, and when they sent the camera, it just returns equal.....

If someone have some sugestion regarding to the camera i really apreciate, otherwise i am just thinking in selling this camera and try to buy a 1D markIV in second hand....

ps - sorry about any error in english...

 

[Loswr]

What did Canon Service say when you contacted them?

 

[Go Wild]

What did Canon Service say when you contacted them?

Hello Neuro!

Well, i am going to contact them´s now. I haven´t done that because i always suposed that the problem was me....And i am really reluctant in contact Canon because i couldn´t find any comentary that said that after sending the camera back the problem was solved....

I am really sad because the camera is a good camera in buffer, speed, etc....but this is really a huge pain....I can´t trust the camera and this cannot happen....

 

[Loswr]

One other thing to look for – when the pics are soft, are they sharp anywhere? I'm getting at, is the focus off or is the whole image soft?

 

[Go Wild]

One other thing to look for – when the pics are soft, are they sharp anywhere? I'm getting at, is the focus off or is the whole image soft?

Yes, i got the 2 situations, sometimes the sharp point appears in a zone out of the AF point selected, and other situations the image just get soft.

Let me put here 2 examples:

In both examples i got AF in back button and used the center point expanded. Both situations also AI SERVO was used

in example 1:

this photos were taken with 1/3200 F7.1 - Paralel movement to the camera, and slow movement of the animal. Camera placed in sturdy tripod and without movement. Easy shot! The results are this:

same photo with crop:

same photo with bigger crop:

Now lets see an example of the 5D markIII. Same settings, same situation, altough in this the bear was more quiet, but in the other it was moving really slow.

with crop:

with bigger crop:

 

[Go Wild]

Another example here:

Same situation, the bear was stationary, i was stationary. Camera in tripod. Settings Iso 100 1/2000 F8. Paralel movement, easy shot.

Results:

crop:

crop2:

 

[takesome1]

I have sent my 7D II in twice to Canon. Once with the lens to match them up. Both times they say they did something but it comes back the same way.

The AF system has never worked properly, I only used mine on the 500mm.
I think there may be bad copies of the 7D II and it sounds like you and I may have gotten one of them.

When the camera does hit focus the pictures are great though.

Since I bought the 5DsR and its AF systems accuracy and precision is on par with the 1D bodies I have had. I do not use the 7D II for stills anymore, just video.

I own a 1D IV and if I were shooting action and needed speed I would use it over the 7D II.

So I guess the story here is I gave up on the 7D II. It sounds like you are about to as well.

 

[Shift7]

Both 7D2 samples is with 1.4X converter ... So maybe it is an issue. By the way, what are your 7D2 2 first digits of serial number? I also have one, but never was happy with it, so most time it spends in bookshelf ...

 

[Go Wild]

Both 7D2 samples is with 1.4X converter ... So maybe it is an issue. By the way, what are your 7D2 2 first digits of serial number? I also have one, but never was happy with it, so most time it spends in bookshelf ...

Hello, yes they were with the 1.4x extender, but without the extender it´s the same thing....

From left to right, my serial begins with 03

 

[unfocused]

I don't have any answers other than to send it to Canon with samples, explanation and comparison of the shots between the two cameras.

In the meantime, if you want to salvage some of the soft shots, here is my advice:

In Photoshop: make a duplicate layer of your final image. Change the blending mode to hard light. Go to filters and choose "Other" then "High Pass" adjust it to about 2-5 pixels, whatever looks best. High Pass increases edge contrast, and can do amazing things to help an image look sharper. It does have a tendency to increase noise though, so be careful. But, I have salvaged many images this way. It is especially useful on fur, feathers and eyes.

 

[Go Wild]

I have sent my 7D II in twice to Canon. Once with the lens to match them up. Both times they say they did something but it comes back the same way.

The AF system has never worked properly, I only used mine on the 500mm.
I think there may be bad copies of the 7D II and it sounds like you and I may have gotten one of them.

When the camera does hit focus the pictures are great though.

Since I bought the 5DsR and its AF systems accuracy and precision is on par with the 1D bodies I have had. I do not use the 7D II for stills anymore, just video.

I own a 1D IV and if I were shooting action and needed speed I would use it over the 7D II.

So I guess the story here is I gave up on the 7D II. It sounds like you are about to as well.

Your story is quite like mine. Yes, the camera already gave me good shots, but most of the times, especially when the subject is more than 20 meters, just can´t get a clean shot...I am really disappointed with Canon, because we are talking about a 1300€ camera, it´s not a entry level one....is a semi-pro one! And you just can´t rely on a camera that fails in moments you just can´t fail...
Well, i don´t know what i´m going to do...next step is to contact Canon and let´s see what they do...then i don´t know...I don´t have financial possibility to buy another camera more expensive, i just bought 3 months ago the new 500mm F4.

I don't have any answers other than to send it to Canon with samples, explanation and comparison of the shots between the two cameras.

In the meantime, if you want to salvage some of the soft shots, here is my advice:

In Photoshop: make a duplicate layer of your final image. Change the blending mode to hard light. Go to filters and choose "Other" then "High Pass" adjust it to about 2-5 pixels, whatever looks best. High Pass increases edge contrast, and can do amazing things to help an image look sharper. It does have a tendency to increase noise though, so be careful. But, I have salvaged many images this way. It is especially useful on fur, feathers and eyes.

Thank you unfocused! Fortunatly i did a lot of shots with the 5D and i still could do some 35% of good shots with the 7D, but i will try your advice.

 

[Shift7]

Mine serial number starts 04.... So I believe that older cameras had this issue, any other happy/unhappy users please write your serial number first digits

 

[AlanF]

There are parallel threads about soft 7DIIs going on, so it must be real. I have an early model with serial number beginning 033. By chance I have been comparing telephoto lenses on it this morning with them on the 5DS R using charts, the results of which bear out my experience of using the 7DII in the real world for 18 months.

My 7DII hardly differs from the 5DS R with the 100-400mm II and also the Sigma 150-600mm C at 400 mm and 600mm, with really sharp results of both lenses on both bodies. But, my 300mm f/2.8 II + 2xTC III on the 7DII is soft, whereas it is sharp on the 5D R.

So, in my case, it seems that the 7DII doesn't work well with some lenses.

 

[tron]

Mine serial number starts 04.... So I believe that older cameras had this issue, any other happy/unhappy users please write your serial number first digits

Mine starts with 07. I am not sure I have such issues but it is lazy when trying to focus on birds in flight using 65 AF points and I am not 100% sure about perfect focus points alignment...

But when it is ... "lazy" the results are soft (since it does not focuses and I have to retry...)

 

[FEBS]

Mine serial number starts 04.... So I believe that older cameras had this issue, any other happy/unhappy users please write your serial number first digits

Mine starts with 013 and I have about the same issues as OP. Already thought many times that I'm spoiled by using FF, but I hear that other have the same issues. I will need to test with a colleague owner of 7Dii to find out if I will keep this body.

 

[takesome1]

There are parallel threads about soft 7DIIs going on, so it must be real. I have an early model with serial number beginning 033. By chance I have been comparing telephoto lenses on it this morning with them on the 5DS R using charts, the results of which bear out my experience of using the 7DII in the real world for 18 months.

My 7DII hardly differs from the 5DS R with the 100-400mm II and also the Sigma 150-600mm C at 400 mm and 600mm, with really sharp results of both lenses on both bodies. But, my 300mm f/2.8 II + 2xTC III on the 7DII is soft, whereas it is sharp on the 5D R.

So, in my case, it seems that the 7DII doesn't work well with some lenses.

I haven't monitored the current threads, but there were problems with a few bodies that were soft and it was a problem that once repaired was great.

As you say there is almost no difference between a 5Ds R cropped shot and and a 7D II if it is in focus. Mine has always produced sharp images when in focus, but the AF system has not been as accurate or precise as other bodies I have.

It is hard to determine from Go Wild's photos which it may be. Is the snow in front of or behind the bear in focus or out of focus, hard to say. If he had a picture of a grizzly bear and a grassy field it would be easier to tell.

 

[Mancubus]

I've had EXACTLY the same problem with my 7D2. Bought mine as soon as it came out, to replace a 70D that sometimes would get out of focus photos (and was miles better than the 7D2).

Tried everything, blamed myself, blamed the lens, spent many hours fiddling with the AF adjustments...

Sent the camera to repair (was still in warranty) and it came back exactly the same way, technician report said it was working fine. All my shots still had exactly the same kind of softness you showed on the polar bear.

Bought myself a 5D3, the shop took my 7D2 as part of the payment, and I've never looked back. Piece of junk, extremely disappointed with it and with Canon for not fixing it. Unfortunately there is no alternative brand.

The 5D3 is great, rarely misses.

I won't make the same mistake with the 5D4, I plan to buy it, but will wait at least 6 months after the initial release and keep a close watch on the reports.

 

[Go Wild]

I've had EXACTLY the same problem with my 7D2. Bought mine as soon as it came out, to replace a 70D that sometimes would get out of focus photos (and was miles better than the 7D2).

Tried everything, blamed myself, blamed the lens, spent many hours fiddling with the AF adjustments...

Sent the camera to repair (was still in warranty) and it came back exactly the same way, technician report said it was working fine. All my shots still had exactly the same kind of softness you showed on the polar bear.

Bought myself a 5D3, the shop took my 7D2 as part of the payment, and I've never looked back. Piece of junk, extremely disappointed with it and with Canon for not fixing it. Unfortunately there is no alternative brand.

The 5D3 is great, rarely misses.

I won't make the same mistake with the 5D4, I plan to buy it, but will wait at least 6 months after the initial release and keep a close watch on the reports.

Well, for me it is clear that this camera have an issue. If no one complains the problem could be in the users. But there are a lot of users with same history....and this is not normal! And i cannot accept that a 1300€ camera have this tipe of behaviour, and honestly i am very disappointed with Canon because of this. Why do I need the so called "better AF sistem in the market" if simply get´s me loosing shots after shots....One thing is for sure... I will send it for Canon to see what they say....and if the camera continues the same i wont look back...I will sell it and after that, don´t know...I have no real substitute for this in the price tag and that´s what makes me more angry....this camera was just what i needed....Damn.

 

[haggie]

Just a thought from someone that does not own a 7D Mark II:

Perhaps it makes sense to not only compare the serial numbers but the firmware version in particular.
Perhaps Canon changed something there that gave the improvement over what might before have been a problem?

 

[pvalpha]

Go Wild - I had a similar problem to yours. No amount of AFMA or work with various lenses I had would solve it. Focus was never consistent, and even when it was, there was an "unsharpness" to the image. Taking pictures at f7.1+ and any shutter speed over 1/1250 sec showed a sort of "vibration" in the image when pixel peeping. Almost like various objects had an after-glow that just would render the image unsharp. Focus was dead on (there was literally no where else in the focal plane that was as sharp as the focus point). But the image was still unsharp.

I believe my problem was the shutter frame and mirror assembly.

I was only a few weeks after purchase, so I took it back to the camera retailer and traded for a new copy. The problem vanished with the old copy of the body. For most of that time I was thinking I was the problem. I wasn't.

The problems were gone until about 3 months ago. I started noticing my BiF images were getting some of the blurriness your shots show. I had recently bought a 70-200 F2.8L IS II, as I wanted to get a rugged lens for taking candid pictures of my dog's in motion. I have been noticing an ever increasing number of unsharp images in situations where the system should never be unsharp. A few were missed focus, and that's on me. But the others... not a chance. There are some pictures where nothing is in "focus" the way I know this lens can hit focus.

I have a feeling that my current 7D2 copy is starting to show signs of the same problem reappearing. And that's getting to be more than a trifle annoying. I'm probably going to go down to the store again, as I have an extended warranty, and see what they can do for me. Which sucks because I want this camera, not a 5D3. I suppose I could sell everything and go in for the D500... but there are certain things I don't like about Nikon systems. :/ Its frustrating.