T2i Autofocus - how is it?

It's the main issue between buying it or bumping to 7D.

I currently use an Xsi and understand it is noticeably better.

However, I've seen comments that the AF is not better than a 50D, i.e. that the 50D supposedly has a better AF.

I had a 50D and for concert shooting was not impressed at all with the AF, did not consider it significantly better than a 40D, which I had, and I consider the XSi's focus, in low light at least, just as good.

Afaik, the Rebel (xxxD) series all have weaker AF than the xxD series. The 7D crushes those too... Being a 40D user, I tried shooting with a 400D and 450D occasionally and apart from AF, I REALLY couldn't work the 450D controls as well as the 40/50D. I also find it way easier to see the correct focus in my viewfinder, which is a tad bigger than the xxxD viewfinders. Better ergonomics will probably also improve your keeper rate, even if it's only slightly.

In short, if AF is important to you, a 7D is probably a good choice, though I wouldn't upgrade from a 450D just jet.

Rock Photo Star wrote in post #10189012
However, I've seen comments that the AF is not better than a 50D, i.e. that the 50D supposedly has a better AF.

With Canon, don't always assume that newer = best. The T2i is the newest Rebel, but that does not mean it will have better AF than any recent XXD.

It seems like the Rebel AF runs about 2 generations back from XXD (this has been the case, how the 7D will affect that is open to speculation).

Hmm, I thought AF system was the same in the XTi/XSi/T1i/T2i, the only exception being the XS/XT/and the original Rebel (cmiiw).

qbfx wrote in post #10189586
Hmm, I thought AF system was the same in the XTi/XSi/T1i/T2i, the only exception being the XS/XT/and the original Rebel (cmiiw).

The AF system look physically the same in the XTi/XSi/T1i/T2i, and have the same feature set (cross center point, better sensitivity at center with f/2.8 and under, etc...). I've heard speculation that the AF algorithms are updated for each generation, but I've never heard Canon confirm that, nor have I seen any tests that would back that up (keeping in mind that benchmarking AF is a difficult thing to do)...

TweakMDS wrote in post #10189499
Afaik, the Rebel (xxxD) series all have weaker AF than the xxD series. The 7D crushes those too... Being a 40D user, I tried shooting with a 400D and 450D occasionally and apart from AF, I REALLY couldn't work the 450D controls as well as the 40/50D. I also find it way easier to see the correct focus in my viewfinder, which is a tad bigger than the xxxD viewfinders. Better ergonomics will probably also improve your keeper rate, even if it's only slightly.

In short, if AF is important to you, a 7D is probably a good choice, though I wouldn't upgrade from a 450D just jet.

why not just yet?

Tweak is a user.owner but I can't tell if the other commentators have actually used the T2i. Would like to hear from more users.

bump

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Sikor7 wrote in post #10191439
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Sorry.

Not sure why this is such a hard issue for people to respond to.

I did spend over an hour searching the forums using keywords such as T2i and AF or autofocus.

Surprised this site would not have this question down pat from experience and not just from understanding of Canon's policies between the D and rebel lines, etc.

There's even misinformation as people claim the T2i's AF is the same as the XSI cannon's own literature says they've made a number of tweaks to the AF [now how that translates into real world use and use against the 7D or 50D is what I want to know].

Think of it from a manufacturing standpoint. Why would they make the T2i as good as the 7D, or any xxD model for that matter? Even if it is the same electronics used in both bodies, the lower model of the two is going to be slightly disabled. That is what is going to sell the higher end body.

The 7D is far above the xxD models as far as AF is concerned (from what I hear) and that is what is helping to motivate people to move to that body. Personally, I think it would be a bad business decision to make the xxxD bodies as good as the xxD bodies, let alone the fairly new release of the 7D.

Sikor7 wrote in post #10192494
Think of it from a manufacturing standpoint. Why would they make the T2i as good as the 7D, or any xxD model for that matter? Even if it is the same electronics used in both bodies, the lower model of the two is going to be slightly disabled. That is what is going to sell the higher end body.

Don't forget, however, that there are lots of products that are identical except for badges or labels, and the one with the labels sells for much more than its clones without them. Marketing is as manipulative as it is economically rational, and I have no doubt Canon takes "perception" into account when differentiating its products. How many parts from a Camry are interchangeable with a Lexus?

The fact that one is more expensive does not, in any way, mean it is absolutely a better product.

Truth is, I don't know how the two focus systems compare in terms of real specs, and reports on forums of perceptions from users are worth very little.

As someone who's owned both the XSi and T2i, I can tell you that I haven't noticed any difference. As I mentioned, the appearance is exactly the same as the XSi (i.e. AF points in same locations, same cross/line configurations) - the only difference would be on the algorithmic side. However, there hasn't been a time yet where I've been using the T2i and say to myself "wow, focusing seems to be much faster or reliable than my old XSi".

rral22 is right - reports on forums of perceptions are indeed worth very little. It's too bad AF is hard to benchmark, but that's the reality. BUT, if you're looking for something that's much improved over the XSi, I can say with some confidence that you will be disappointed with both the T2i and 50D. If you want improved AF, 7D and up is the way to go.

manttium wrote in post #10192706
BUT, if you're looking for something that's much improved over the XSi, I can say with some confidence that you will be disappointed with both the T2i and 50D. If you want improved AF, 7D and up is the way to go.

Yes, that was my experience with the 50D, not noticeably better than a 40D and even a XSi.

On various internet reviews, people claim the T2i is focusing quicker in low light [Including this months review in Popular Photography magazine]. I turn to this forum cause to me, as a canon dedicated forum, I figure it would be the be all end all when it comes to hearing user experience.

I do see people overwhelmingly commenting on the 7D being noticeably quicker focusing than any camera up to and including the %d mkii

Went from xxxD (XT then XTI) to xxD (40D) then to xD (7D)-the AF is better each step.On the 7D it really shines,it has it's own processor for the AF.I gave up on the xxxd models so they could have gotten better(I'm sure they have) but there is a big difference between all the cameras that I have had-7D is competeing with the 1Dmk 3&4 AF systems and doing well for the difference in the price (to the point that it's too good/complicated for some people).I'm still learning it (and loving it)-it is real good!