7D AF tracking issues

Hey guys -

I've been using my Sigma 70-200 2.8 (newest one non-OS) with the Canon 7D for half a year and have mixed results. I shot a basketball game last night and it seems like the 7D was back focusing on the long end. I had sent the lens in to Sigma to fix this and it seemed okay upon arrival. I've shot with it extensively since and the problem only comes up in Al Servo mode. The focus is sharp on One Shot. To be sure it wasn't the lens, I switched it to my 1D2 and the results were immediately better. I shot AF expansion on the 7D, have tracking set to slow - what am I doing wrong? Should I only use center AF point? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

- Eric

Here are my custom function settings for the AutoFocus/Drive

C.Fn III 1 - set to 0
C.Fn III 2 - set to 0
C.Fn III 3 - set to 1
C.Fn III 4 - set to 1
C.Fn III 5 - set to 2
C.Fn III 6 - enable of AF modes
C.Fn III 7 - set to 0
C.Fn III 8 - set to 1
C.Fn III 9 - set to 1
All others are set to 0

I don't use center focus, I use AF expansion point. Hope this helps.

Thanks tmalone893, I changed the AF tracking sensitivity and hopefully that will fix the problem. Most of my CF are similar. There's no reason the 7D shouldn't be on par with the 1D2 and I don't believe this is a lens issue.

pagnamenta wrote in post #11378811
Thanks tmalone893, I changed the AF tracking sensitivity and hopefully that will fix the problem. Most of my CF are similar. There's no reason the 7D shouldn't be on par with the 1D2 and I don't believe this is a lens issue.

I came from a 50D to the 7D. I was very impressed on how well the AF performed. But I agree with you, the 7D should be on par or even better then the 1D2.

"There's no reason the 7D shouldn't be on par with the 1D2 ..."

Are you sure about that? You're talking prosumer vs. pro. You even mention, "... I switched it to my 1D2 and the results were immediately better."

RonnieA wrote in post #11381702
"There's no reason the 7D shouldn't be on par with the 1D2 ..."

Are you sure about that? You're talking prosumer vs. pro. You even mention, "... I switched it to my 1D2 and the results were immediately better."

I've been shooting these two side by side for 6 months, and both have advantages (high ISO, crop factor) but the AF seems equal in my results. While we're talking prosumer vs. pro bodies, the 1D2 is at least 5 years older, so I think it's appropriate to conclude that the AF has trickled down the line into the 7D. The AF is not the same, it's redesigned in the 7D but that gives Canon 5 years of learning to create a responsive AF system.

My results improved because the AF settings of the 7D are much more... advanced for lack of a better word. You have different types of AF point selection and that's where I believe I went wrong. The 1D2 was using center only AF while I was using AF expansion on an off center AF point (on the face). Next time around I'm going to stick to my usual sports formula and use single or spot AF on the face and see if that improves the results.

- Eric