Maybe I'm paranoid? 5D Mkii AF Hunting issue

So I recently brought my 5D mkii on a trip.
Never noticed it before, but it seems if I try to focus on a wall or something that is really blank from any distance, the AF will hunt and not focus. This is with center AF point.

When there is something to focus on, it hits it pretty fast.

Also when it's dimly lit, I'm having issues with hunting also.

This goes with all my lenses, 35L, 17-40L, 15mm FE, 70-200 2.8IS

I've had my camera for 6 months now and never noticed it.. but then again, I never really had to focus on a wall or very plain flat objects before (mostly did headshots/venue shoots)

any input?

the AF system requires contrast of some kind. SLR's do not have binocular vision like us, so they can't focus on a blank surface. If you use an external flash or st-e2, they put out lines of near-infrared light - the AF system can then lock on those. You can set a 430 or 580 to emit the AF assist without flashing during the exposure if you want purely low ambient light shots

timbop wrote in post #10647708
the AF system requires contrast of some kind. SLR's do not have binocular vision like us, so they can't focus on a blank surface. If you use an external flash or st-e2, they put out lines of near-infrared light - the AF system can then lock on those. You can set a 430 or 580 to emit the AF assist without flashing during the exposure if you want purely low ambient light shots

ahh yes, I did try this with the external flash and it did help alot.
So I was just paranoid

http://www.kareldonk.c​om …worth-it-save-your-money/

A few people on here experiencing similar problems.

corkneyfonz wrote in post #10647747
http://www.kareldonk.c​om …worth-it-save-your-money/

A few people on here experiencing similar problems.

While it is a personal preference what price is "worth it" for a particular set of capabilities, this "article" is counter to my experience and personal opinion.

Down_Shift wrote in post #10647714
ahh yes, I did try this with the external flash and it did help alot.
So I was just paranoid

yep

corkneyfonz wrote in post #10647747
http://www.kareldonk.c​om …worth-it-save-your-money/

A few people on here experiencing similar problems.

A d700, d3, or any camera from any manufacturer will have problems focusing on a featureless blank wall without AF assist.

Down_Shift wrote in post #10647649
So I recently brought my 5D mkii on a trip.
Never noticed it before, but it seems if I try to focus on a wall or something that is really blank from any distance, the AF will hunt and not focus. This is with center AF point.

c'mon any AF requires contrast.

Down_Shift wrote in post #10647649
Also when it's dimly lit, I'm having issues with hunting also.

This usually happens on open wide aperture (peripheral AF points). Can't do much on these scenarios.