The Canon EOS-7D Mark II AF Grid Void

[Jack Douglas]

Boy I'm all ears and hope to hear more one way or t'other since I was looking at the 7D2 for BIF and my 6D is a dog in that area. I'd like more reach, sure, but 300 2.8 II X2 III has been really satisfying for me and 6D IQ is fine for my static bird shooting etc.

I guess what's needed is for more owners shooting 1Dx AND 7D2 to relate their experiences with AF since we know the 7D2 is a significant improvement on the 7D.

Jack

 

[East Wind Photography]

Boy I'm all ears and hope to hear more one way or t'other since I was looking at the 7D2 for BIF and my 6D is a dog in that area. I'd like more reach, sure, but 300 2.8 II X2 III has been really satisfying for me and 6D IQ is fine for my static bird shooting etc.

I guess what's needed is for more owners shooting 1Dx AND 7D2 to relate their experiences with AF since we know the 7D2 is a significant improvement on the 7D.

Jack

My opinion is to hold off a bit until the Servo AF issues are ironed out. If your primary purpose for the 7d2 is to capture BIF then you will be better off grabbing a used or refurb 1dx or 5d3. I have high hopes for the 7d2 but not in its current state.

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks, East Wind Photography.

Reading the other threads, it seems you started out shooting a basketball game with glowing reviews when others were beginning to to knock the AF. It is really hard to sort out the chronic incapable complainers from those that have had legitimate issues. Have you, or others you're aware of, had extensive communication with Canon on this?

The old truth floated back into my consciousness yesterday - generally, you get what you pay for.

Jack

 

[bluenoser1993]

The old truth floated back into my consciousness yesterday - generally, you get what you pay for.

Jack

While I agree for the most part and would apply that sentiment to the overall picture quality that can be obtained with the given camera choices, not necessarily for given functions of the cameras. When the first 7D came out cheaper than the 5DII, the 7D had the superior AF. The AF from 1DX and 5DIII is proven tech, but it would seem canon tried to test some changes to it on the 7DII before then releasing a further advanced system in the coming FF releases. As mentioned above I think they will get it performing as it should with some firmware changes. Perhaps rushed out to market before fully tuned. If you want conspiracy, then perhaps the improoved performance will be released after the new FF bodies are out with the next generation AF and the performance levels will be realigned between model lines at there price points.

 

[East Wind Photography]

Thanks, East Wind Photography.

Reading the other threads, it seems you started out shooting a basketball game with glowing reviews when others were beginning to to knock the AF. It is really hard to sort out the chronic incapable complainers from those that have had legitimate issues. Have you, or others you're aware of, had extensive communication with Canon on this?

The old truth floated back into my consciousness yesterday - generally, you get what you pay for.

Jack

Yes I started out shooting larger subjects like people and it seems to work ok. Still get mysterious AF lock issues but maybe 5% of the time. The problems are with moving subjects that move faster than people generally do and that are quite a bit smaller. It's not a bad camera but if birds in flight are your forte then you might want to pass. It's possible it does better on people due to iTR and facial tracking. Though with that turned on or off it still sucks on BIF.

So far all canon has said is to send it in to be checked out. No admission of fault. I'm about ready to do that. Though I'm not sure they can fix it yet and I may just be wasting shipping and insurance $$$. This is why I've been waiting to see if something gets addressed in a firmware update. Now that updates for the 5d3 and 1dx are out maybe they will have time to address the 7d2.



When the camera does hit one sharp it's really really good.

 

[takesome1]

When the camera does hit one sharp it's really really good.

That is why I still have hope for the 7D II.

 

[Jack Douglas]

Thanks East Wind Photography and bluenoser1993, I agree with what's being expressed. I have until the end of March to decide and maybe just stick with my 6D for now. Still spending time on the Queen Charlotte Islands is the plan and there are birds and wildlife in abundance including bears, eagles etc. so ........??

I'll be watching all the threads! :-\

Jack