Bird-In-Flight: 5D3 Vs D810

Hi All,

Recently I try BIF with my 5D3 with 100-400L II + x1.4 III combo - Canon's AF was just unbeliable FAST & accurate. Many times I can almost shot blind and my 5D3 still can capture the birds well.

Long story short: as Nikon is going to bring out it's new generation 600/f4. I'm wondering if D810 is good enough as 5D3 for BIF?

I'll like a combo 600mm + x1.4 for Canon or Nikon. Somewhere I read Nikon x1.4 is not work very well & I'm bit worry too.

Many thanks

There are a few of variables there!
Firstly Nikon are bringing out 2 new lenses (500 F4 and 600 F4) so we will have to wait and see how they stack up against the Canon Mk2 equivalents. At least Nikon have stopped making the mistake of not using Fluorite elements! Only when these lenses are in the "Wild" will we be able to see if they improve Nikon AF. Note I believe Nikon are introducing a new 1.4 Mk3 converter which looks interesting. See Nikon Rumors: http://nikonrumors.com …f4e-fl-ed-vr-lenses.aspx/
I don't have much experience of the 5D3 but I did find it's AF pretty good, I use a 1DX which is significantly better but so it should be at the price! I haven't tried the Nikon D810 but I have tried the D800E and D4 on Nikon 300 F2.8 and 500 F4 lenses (current versions). With the D800E the IQ was very good - but not the AF! The D4 I tried was better but still not impressed.
Perhaps it is me but I came away very glad that I had bought Canon.

Just a suggestion but I would suggest that you look at a 500mm rather than a 600mm for BIF. Whist the Mk2 Canon's are much lighter the 600 F4 is still pretty unwieldy for BIF - my 800 F5.6 is a bit of a nightmare! Though if I do get the bird in the frame it is awfully good.