5Dm2 or 1Dm3: better lowlite AF?

All,

I am generally happy with my gear, except that the 1dm2's AF just isn't fast enough in really bad reception halls. I find that if I am shooting my 1dm2+70-200/2.8IS from a distance of 30 feet or so (beyond the AF assist of my 580) in a really dark reception hall, the AF is just really poor. My 5D seems to be much faster, but since I use a 24-70 on it I am generally within the range of the AF assist on the flash, so I am not sure if the 5D really is any better. As it is I always use center AF on the 5D, and center point with 7 point AF expansion on the 1dm2. It is particularly annoying when trying to capture reactions to the toasts or whatever, and I am starting to think that I'd like to replace my 1dm2.

So, my original plan was to upgrade to the 1dm3, which is supposed to have better lowlight AF than its predecessor. I don't really want a 50D, so my self limited choices are for a 5dm2 or 1dm3. I am leaning 1dm3 because I do more than shoot weddings, and the 1 series fits my other subjects better (sports, wildlife, etc). I just don't want to be unhappy with the upgrade, so was hoping for some input.

*** PLEASE POST ONLY IF YOU"VE GOT THE GEAR MENTIONED ***

Thanks,
Tim

me too wanna know

A used 1D3 is what you want OR wait for the mk IV or whatever comes out next.

High ISO performance would more than likely go to the 5D II

Low light focus ability would probably favor the Mark III.

Now this is all IMO... I can say the Mark III focus ability in low light is great. I am amazed at how well it does for me.

I'm in the same boat, and I think I'm going with the Mark III as well. I'd love whatever comes next, but I need a new body asap. The focus on the Mark III is like a strong magnet, while the 5D Mark II takes a while to hunt, but better low light quality obviously.

Here's the trouble you'll have with this poll. There's not very many people who have extensive experience using both cameras in the setting you specify. So what most people will do is just vote with what they have, or what they think the best will be. Not terribly scientific.

Personally, I can't vote because I do not have much experience with a 1D MKIII in low light. However I do have a lot of experience with 5D's, and if you're happy with your 5D classic's AF, you should expect to be at least as happy with the 5D MKII's, as it's very much the same, but slightly better.

timnosenzo wrote in post #7637533
Here's the trouble you'll have with this poll. There's not very many people who have extensive experience using both cameras in the setting you specify. So what most people will do is just vote with what they have, or what they think the best will be. Not terribly scientific.

Personally, I can't vote because I do not have much experience with a 1D MKIII in low light. However I do have a lot of experience with 5D's, and if you're happy with your 5D classic's AF, you should expect to be at least as happy with the 5D MKII's, as it's very much the same, but slightly better.

Yeah, I see what you mean after looking at the gear of those who voted already. Oh well, hopefully the comments are more reliable...

... OK, anyone else have/used a 1d3 and 5d/5d2?

I haven't used the 1DIII in low light, but if AF is a major concern, I'd go for the 1DIII. It will give you usable images up to ISO6400, and I really don't think there is much question that the 1DIII has better AF than the 5DII. The 5DII does okay in low light, but if you're using fast glass, you're going to want to rely on those (marginal) off center points.

I'm not touching this thread with a 10 foot poll.

How does this even require a poll? And how are there any votes for anything other than the Mark III?

If I could only have one camera it'd probably be a 5D2 or 5D Classic but for low light AF there's nothing out there that's better than the 1D Mark III. It's friggin' unbelievable.

You shouldn't be surprised that the people who own/have used both have all voted for the Mark III. None of the people who voted for the 5D2 have owned the 1D Mark III. For low-light AF there's no contest.

1D3 ------- no question.

hmmm, seems like my suspicion that the 1dm3 will fit the bill is right on.

Perry Ge wrote in post #7645427
How does this even require a poll? And how are there any votes for anything other than the Mark III?

If I could only have one camera it'd probably be a 5D2 or 5D Classic but for low light AF there's nothing out there that's better than the 1D Mark III. It's friggin' unbelievable.

You shouldn't be surprised that the people who own/have used both have all voted for the Mark III. None of the people who voted for the 5D2 have owned the 1D Mark III. For low-light AF there's no contest.

My thoughts exactly. Yes, I've owned both. 1D3 - hands down.

I don't have a 1DIII but I have a 1DsII. And the 1DsII kills the 5D in terms of AF speed and accuracy. The 1DIII will only be better.