5D3 - 1DX focus speed

Has anyone used and compared the focus speed of these two bodies on the large superteles? Specifically the 500f4 version 2.

Is the 1DX quicker to lock on?

Thanks

Im a birder and i can say It is a little quicker and does grab more then the 5dmk3 Iv read the 1dx is twice as quick and it could be, but you have to bare in mind that the mk3 is quick to start with so it's not that easy to tell.

I felt that the 5dmk3 did not seem to respond quick enough for me (just my opinion )But the 1dx does it really feels fast ,Iv speeded up the shutter lag on mine and it does make the camera feel even faster .
If i didn't shoot birds then im sure i would have been happy to keep the 5d but with birds you just need as fast as you can get and that is the 1dx .
Rob.
eddit 600f4isII lens

Thanks

Birds won't be the primary use, although I am off to Skye in October to shoot (with a camera!) Sea Eagles.
Motorsports will probably be the biggest use, with large UK mammals second...badgers, deer....that sort of thing.

Maybe I should look at a low mileage 1D4 and keep the 1DS2 for landscapes.

nellyle wrote in post #16180327
Thanks

Birds won't be the primary use, although I am off to Skye in October to shoot (with a camera!) Sea Eagles.
Motorsports will probably be the biggest use, with large UK mammals second...badgers, deer....that sort of thing.

Maybe I should look at a low mileage 1D4 and keep the 1DS2 for landscapes.

There is no "need" to get a 1DX for what you're proposing to shoot (unless you're after the 12fps). I've had a 5D3 for just over a year and the AF has been superb for shooting ducks, swans, Geese, Terns, Gulls etc in flight. I just got a 1DX this week and used it to shoot the Prudential Ride London races today and the AF seems to be a little quicker than the 5D3 to lock on, but as others have said the 5D3 is already so fast its not a massive difference. One area I noticed the 1DX to be significantly superior is the metering. It practically nailed every shot, even when I was shooting into the sun this evening. I sold a low mileage 1D4 recently to a guy who was off to shoot sea eagles

The 1DX no doubt. A 1D series body has no compromises.

nellyle wrote in post #16180257
Is the 1DX quicker to lock on?

Thanks

Yes. Much quicker to lock on the subject for sure.

I've been using a 5D3 for about 6 weeks, and I can't say that I'm impressed with the AF lockup. Mainly using it for cycle racing and motor sport. I've gone back to the 7D.

Hmmm, thanks for all the replies. I'm starting to think that finding a good used 1D4 and keeping my 1DS2 is the best option. I used to have a 1D2N, a 1D4 will be a fair way more up to date I'm guessing.

Chris,

I use my 500 f/4 with 1D IV, 5D3 and 1Dx. The two newer bodies are very good in AF speed (the 1Dx has a slight edge on the 5D3) with the 1D IV not far behind.
In low light situations the newer bodies do better still.
Don't be put off using the 1D IV though, it's still a really good choice.

You find the 5D3 faster than the 1D4 to lock on focus? Even with your 500? I've read that the 1 series bodies power the big teles that bit quicker.

If that's wrong, I can save a bit of cash!

The 5D3 is slightly faster to lock on than the 1D IV, yes. In my experience anyway, others may disagree. Remember the 5D3 shares its AF system with the 1Dx.
I do stress though, that the 1D IV isn't slow or problematic, far from it, just that the newer bodies are slightly faster to AF.
Also, don't forget the faster frame rate with the 1D IV when you're deciding, it's a hard choice

2slo wrote in post #16182386
Also, don't forget the faster frame rate with the 1D IV when you're deciding, it's a hard choice

You can say that again!

I'm very tempted with the X, but my budget won't allow that with the 500 f4 2, a 5D3 does.

I would have to use a 300 with converters if I was to go for the X....which I know you have had success with.

You can't really go wrong with the choices you're looking at.
I haven't taken many shots with the 500 + 5D3 but enough to know that they work great together. If I'm picking up just one camera it will often be the 5D3 (over the 1 series) when I know I'm carrying it all day.

nellyle wrote in post #16182259
Hmmm, thanks for all the replies. I'm starting to think that finding a good used 1D4 and keeping my 1DS2 is the best option. I used to have a 1D2N, a 1D4 will be a fair way more up to date I'm guessing.

I have one in the classifieds

oh yeah the 1DX processor is much faster...