Canon 20D vs. 350D for F2.8 lens

[dr_who]

Recently I've heard some rumble about 350D lacking the sensor to acurately focus on F2.8 lens. Now, my lens is a bit soft at F2.8, but I don't know how much is due to the sensor or the lens itself. Can someone share their experience if they own both cameras. Any link to an trusty review?

[Ewok]

It's not that the 350D lacks something, it's that the 20D adds something. Canon describes it as "high-precision center AF point compatible with f/2.8". In other words, lenses that are f/2.8 or better can take advantage of high-precision AF on cameras that have it.

[foghorn]

I think the 30d has that feature, not the 20d. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[Ewok]

You're wrong. :lol: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200409/report.html

[Nick_C]

Remember it might not be the focussing, as I found out after lots of tests in low light with my 350D, it was just that at F2.8 its generally soft, which I believe is the case on all but the most expensive lenses.

So I wouldnt automatically blame your 350D, as you will find the same problem on any camera, F2.8 is usually soft, I prefer to stop down a little & raise the ISO rather than use F2.8

Nick :-)

[Ewok]

Are you talking about zooms or primes? There are several excellent non-L primes that produce sharp pictures at wide apertures with the 350D: 85 f/1.8, 50 f/1.4, 35 f/2, Sigma 30 f/1.4.

[tbrasington]

Occasionally it has struggled but only on the side AF points. The center one always is fast with my copy.

[foghorn]

You're wrong. :lol: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200409/report.html
I sit corrected. ;)

This also influences my future upgrade concerns.

[rklepper]

The biggest downfall I found to the XT is the speed and accuracy of the AF. When shooting sports this was a real nuisance as many photos just were not in focus completely. 30D fixed that issue.

[Lightstream]

The 350D is great for static subjects like landscapes, which do not run away easily. (I would worry if they did ;) ) however now I see the point in a better AF system for moving subjects. If you do any AI Servo at all, spend the extra money. Much as I love the 350D, it's AI Servo is simply not up to par.

I've owned the 20D and the 5D, and there is a huge difference.