7D for motorsports?

Hello all.
I've recently come back to Canon after a couple years in Nikon land.

I bought a 5DM2 for portraits and weddings and general use, and a 7D as a backup, and possibly - if it proves capable - to use for motorsports, at least until I can pony up for a 1DM4.

However, I've just made a trade that has, as an unexpected consequence, landed a clean and updated 1DM3 in my lap. In a somewhat humorous full-circle kind of irony, I had a 1DM3 before switching to Nikon, and while it occasionally back-focused, I found the performance to be pretty darn good...and better than the D300 I was using for trackday stuff most of last year.

Anyway, now I have a decision to make: Sell the 1DM3 and use the 7D for the motorsports events, or sell the 7D and keep the 1DM3?

In 2010, I'll be shooting a handful of motocross events, and about 25 motorcycle trackdays (on road courses). For the trackdays, I'll be using a Canon 600/4.0 IS, and for the MX, a 70-200/2.8

My primary concern is whether the 7D's autofocus system can match the 1DM3's capabilities. My gut tells me the 7D isn't going to be up to the task. These are fast-moving bikes, not some kid running towards the camera. (No offense, Drew...) For reference, I generally use center-point (only), in AI Servo, in either aperture-priority or manual exposure mode.

Any thoughts from those who have shot road racing or trackdays with a 7D? Does it cut the mustard?

Simon Harrison and Geoff Hubbard both shoot 7Ds very well for Motorsport on here,sharp as tack pics.
I sold my ID MK3 and went to Nikon because the blooming thing would not focus,and am very happy now.
Pons

Here are some I've shot with the 7D... actually over the past 3 days. I'm not sure. Some look good and some do look OOF/blurry. I think part of that reason is because of a fairly slow shutter speed.

I think with the 600.....my money would be on the MKIII

7D just doesn't have the horsepower to push that lens like the MKIII does.....but nothing keeps you from taking it along and testing either.

onesickpuppy wrote in post #9760094
7D just doesn't have the horsepower to push that lens like the MKIII does...

Wow.
Really?
I'd love to hear your reasoning for this opinion.
Can you explain?

After all, the focus motor is not in the body; the camera merely tells the lens whether the subject is closer or further than the current focus distance, and the lens does the rest. Of course, the lens gets power from the camera battery, but I doubt this is what you meant.

TAZorich wrote in post #9752466
Any thoughts from those who have shot road racing or trackdays with a 7D? Does it cut the mustard?

To put it simply, yes.

Whether it's as "quick" as the MKIII is something i can't comment on, but i can say it's a match for my 1DMKIIN. As you have both cameras, why not just try them and see which one you want to keep ?

As for a 7D not being able to drive a 600...err ok.

I also have a 7D,bought in January!
Which i use mainly for motorsport & so far very happy with it!
I personally think the AF is much better than my old 40D for instance but wouldn't know what it's like compared to the mkIII though
Pete

LOL...where is this statement coming from ?

onesickpuppy wrote in post #9760094
7D just doesn't have the horsepower to push that lens like the MKIII does......

Very nice pics, I need to learn to use my 7D for similar environments.