7D Mll, original 500 mm f/4 IS compatibility

I know from much experience that had I been shooting with my original 7D (though I was never happy with those images either), with all else the same, that my results would have been better. So I'm going to reproduce the shots tomorrow with both cameras before going to Canon.

bmknj17 wrote in post #17979564
I know from much experience that had I been shooting with my original 7D (though I was never happy with those images either), with all else the same, that my results would have been better. So I'm going to reproduce the shots tomorrow with both cameras before going to Canon.

One needs to eliminate the variables. Setting a controlled environment is a way to achieve it. Setting the tripod and doing the controlled shots takes very little time but can turn out to be invaluable. Doing it "in the field" relying on your experience can help, but it can still have some variables that you do not think about.

Being a quality/compliance engineer for almost 45 years taught me something!

Please shoot a simple black cross on a white piece of paper, and close enough to the ground that we can see, in the grass, where the focus actually fell.

I am a bit baffled by the OP's problems. I don't have the 500 F4 but my 7D2 plays VERY nicely with my 300 F2.8 L IS, 100-400 Mk2 and 800 F5.6 L IS.
I know some have had AF issues with this camera but it is usually (though not always) user error. I bought mine as a backup/travel camera to my 1DX so I found the transition very easy - though coming from another camera this may well not be the case.

bmkjn17 could you post some images (with exif data) - perhaps we may be able to help more?

To update, Canon returned my camera, extender, and lens (a second time) and said there were no issues with any of them. Only a microadjustment was performed, but that was after the first return and I'd already tested the camera since then and still my images aren't sharp.

The rep (I'm working with one person.) said that the exif data did not indicate any user issues.

Two weeks of rain with at least another to go. When I can finally shoot again, if I still have the problem, I'm going back to Canon and shooting with the rep to see if he can tell me anything.

bmknj17 wrote in post #17995573
To update, Canon returned my camera, extender, and lens (a second time) and said there were no issues with any of them. Only a microadjustment was performed, but that was after the first return and I'd already tested the camera since then and still my images aren't sharp.

The rep (I'm working with one person.) said that the exif data did not indicate any user issues.

Two weeks of rain with at least another to go. When I can finally shoot again, if I still have the problem, I'm going back to Canon and shooting with the rep to see if he can tell me anything.

I hated being in your situation but I was. I kept second guessing myself.... wondering what I was doing wrong. I know the vast majority of 7D2s are working well, as the main 7D2 thread shows daily. My situation was a bit different because mine worked flawlessly for 10 months, then everything was fuzzy/muddy or pick your own adjective. Mine went back to Canon twice.... during its second trip back, I bought a used 1D IV, really for my own sanity. I figured I could eliminate myself as the source of the problems if another camera body worked well with my 100-400ii. It was an extreme solution, but it enabled me to tell Canon what I'd done and that my 7D2 would be returning again and again until it was right. As a result, they replaced my 7D2 with a brand new one... not a refurb.

My point is...... you will have to make sure your technique isn't the problem... and from there, find a way to get Canon to either fix the problem but better yet, get a replacement camera.

Another user told me privately he is having the same issue as me.

I'm going to see if I can get another 7DMll from Canon--even if it's just while shooting there--to test.

Once/if I find out it's not user error, I'll fight for a new one for sure.

I appreciate your telling me about your situation.

bmknj17 wrote in post #17995573
...and still my images aren't sharp.
....

It would be really helpful if you could embed your images here... in large size with EXIF intact.

That way we might be better able to advise.

Following your original link... most of the images there look excellent. Perfectly focused and very sharp.

But there is no EXIF on them, so cannot confirm which camera or lens was used or be sure we're talking about the same images as you're concerned about.

If the Canon rep is telling you that the 7D2 will not work well with the 500f4 then he is wrong.. There are plenty of people on here that use that combination and get excellent images.. What he is telling you just isn't true..