AF, object tracking and different bodies

As I have spammed through many threads I'm torn about where to upgrade my 1d2 to: 7d, 5d2 or 1d3.

One thing I just don't get messing with the cameras I have is the tracking of objects in the AF. All the above are supposed (in servo mode) to pick up an object in the center and then follow it around as long as it doesn't leave the ellipse in the 1d series. But the 5d2 lists the same feature and for about the same area. The 7D autofocus with all cross-type points is of course different, but again it basically promises the same feature, except that in the 7D you can also pick up an object at an AF point of your choice (the others can only do the initial pickup in the center).

I can't quite believe all these cameras do it equally well. What's the scoop in practice?

How well does that work in the best of cases, anyway? What kind of object can I track? What kind of "distractions" can I have in there without losing the object? How am I supposed to know what I am focusing on since there is no indicator following the object?

Allright, so testing it is.

What do you guys think is a proper test scenario? Obviously it is easier for me to move around with the camera instead of creating a moving object that is reproducible (to compare cameras). What kind of object do I use. Maybe a game card?

i think your question is a good one.
i have wondered the same thing.
i know the 7d is supposed to have the best AF system available but many people swear by the 1d3 for wildlife and sports.

i wish i had an answer for you but at least my reply will bump your question.

I think the 1DII is still better than the 7D for AF performance, especially in tough situations like low light, TCs, and low-contrast.

Best way to test it is to shoot actual scenarios. Track meets, horse races, BIF are all decent enough.

I'll answer your question for you though -- 1DIII>1DII>>7D>>5DII>Rebel on AI servo performance alone. On features and price/performance I'd say 1DII>7D>Rebel>1DIII>5DII, but then you're getting subjective with the weight you place on features like weathersealing, shutter lag, VF and blackout time, build, dual card slots, modern interface, blah, blahblahblah.

Edit: I've not used the 1DIV enough to give my experience with it, but I imagine it would be just a bit nicer than the 1DIII (obviously).

Oh believe me I know all about how many different parameters are there to weight against each other

I want to directly compare the cameras, unless I find something that moves in a circle it's probably better to study some reproducible dance moves with the camera.

If you were in PA I'd say join me on the sideline and use my 7D for some sports, but alas...

7D is WORLDS better than a rebel and 5DII, but the 1D bodies are a notch above. They simply dont have FPS falloff and AF hesitations which the 7D does have in comparison to the 1D bodies. Not saying the 7Ds sometimes hesitant AF is a bad thing as its still bloody fast compared to anything else other than pro bodies.

I have shot with rebels, 60D, 7D, 5D2, 1D3 and a 1D4. My experience is basically this:

1D4 > 1D3 = 7D > 60D > 5D2 = T2i

My first 7D wasn't as good as my 1D3. However, my latest 7D is every bit as good. The great thing about the 7D is you get the customization of the AF system similar to the 1D bodies at a significantly cheaper price. For the money, the 5D2 is utter junk (many will disagree) in AI Servo. I ended up having to do more "spray and pray" to get some sharp in focus shots. Keeps are much much higher on the 7D and 60D. However, the 1D4 is cake. Just doesn't miss. Just be prepared to pay for it

Now I'm debating whether to get a 7D in the CPL for this this test. I can resell it at the same price, no? So it's free, right?

My wife will think I'm nuts if I start cruising around in a pattern with the cameras. But then what's the change?

Utter rubbish from someone who does not understand Cameras OR photography.

But expected on this forum.

cookie99 wrote in post #12842589
Utter rubbish from someone who does not understand Cameras OR photography.

But expected on this forum.

Woah! That's a bit harsh, isn't it?

^^^Agreed..uncalled for..

awe Cook, did he bash your 5D2?? you poor little guy...that wasnt very nice of him...
oh wait, YOURE the rude one..

Tell ya what, if everyone here doesnt know what they are talking about, then why do you bother posting, or even looking on this forum??


Seriously, back on topic, I would agree with most of what Jason said. imho teh 7D is nearly equal to the 1D3, and the 5D2 should not even be bothered with for sports/wildlife,etc..o​wned one, LOVED it for portraits and landscapes...but a bird in flight/single sprinter in a mess of runners, or bikers,etc?? HAH!!! you may as well be shooting with a Rebel..atleast you would have the crop factor working for you..
just my 2 cents..dont care if you dont agree with it..

Well.. I can only share my experience between the 5Dc and the 7D. (I can only assume the 5D2 has a similar, if not identical AF as the 5Dc.)

In low-ish light (indoor ambient lighting w/ regular tungsten/CFL bulbs for lighting)... the 5Dc tracks EXTREMELY poorly when compared to the 7D. I had gotten so used to (and perhaps spoiled) by the fact the 7D rarely bats an eye (though it's not 100% perfect under these conditions), that when I tried it with my 5Dc, I was shocked by the poor keeper rate.

So that's some food for thought.

I'd stick w/ the 7D or 1D# if you're looking for AI Servo performance.

Depends on how much of the "crop factor" concerns you...were it me I would go for the D Mk IV as opposed to the 7D. No others need apply.

Well the 1d4 is out price-wise. I'd be willing to pay the extra money for a used 1d3 or a refurb 5d2 over a CLP 7D.

Being that you can get a 1DIII for ~$1800-2k used, and that is in E to E+ condition, I would go with that..over ~$1300-1500 for a used 7D..
I love 1.3x, (imo)better IQ, and overall better images albeit slightly less sharp than my 7D was.granted I have a 1DIII that has the AF issues, and is being fixed by Canon right now..but the MP in the 7D and 1.6x are really brilliant when coupled with its KILLER AF system(which rivals the 1D3 very closely), it is a hard camera to beat..especially for sports or wildlife.
but imho, I see the 1D systems 1.3x as a mix between great portraits like a FF camera can do, and a killer sports platform, like the 7D can do...
RE: the 7D vs 1D3, I would easily consider owning both if I had the $..as a lot of great photog's here do..
If I had to choose one, I would have trouble deciding....I know I know, I gave up my 7D for the 1D3..but, that was more for the ruggedness, FPS, and 1.3x sensor.and was not made to find the best AF system...as both are equally great.imo
if you want the best, as mentioned, get the 1d4(way out of budget for me too, but maybe someday.. )
other than that, decide if you NEED the 1D build quality and weather resistance, and SLIGHTLY higher FPS and maximum bursts rates....
If you dont, save the extra ~$500(or nearly ~$1k for a CLP refurb'd 7D) and buy some gLass!!

Good luck!