xD to 1D users - question on focus points

I recently took the plunge and ordered a second body so I can have a backup and figured this round I’d go with a 1 series. So I’m coming from a 5D Mark II (20D prior to that) to a 1D Mark IV, one of which I find the outer focus points for the most part useless (more so with moving subjects) and the other I can’t want to try out. So my question is, with a 1 series body do you still focus and recompose using the center point? For sports, do you still use the center point or do use a point that works for the composition you’re after?


I’ve run a few searches on this question and while I’ve found some useful information nothing really addresses what I’m looking for. I’ve had this 'center point focus/recompose' and 'shoot wide/crop (moving subjects) composition later' mentality for so long with the 5d/20d that having a camera that can focus well (and a lot more what seem to be useful focus points) will be something new. Now I’m not saying the 5d mark ii focus sucks, but it has its drawbacks for sure – so please keep this question from spawning a bunch of “the 5D is great, learn how to focus”.


Thanks

x0SiN0x wrote in post #11686772
I recently took the plunge and ordered a second body so I can have a backup and figured this round I’d go with a 1 series. So I’m coming from a 5D Mark II (20D prior to that) to a 1D Mark IV, one of which I find the outer focus points for the most part useless (more so with moving subjects) and the other I can’t want to try out. So my question is, with a 1 series body do you still focus and recompose using the center point? For sports, do you still use the center point or do use a point that works for the composition you’re after?


I’ve run a few searches on this question and while I’ve found some useful information nothing really addresses what I’m looking for. I’ve had this 'center point focus/recompose' and 'shoot wide/crop (moving subjects) composition later' mentality for so long with the 5d/20d that having a camera that can focus well (and a lot more what seem to be useful focus points) will be something new. Now I’m not saying the 5d mark ii focus sucks, but it has its drawbacks for sure – so please keep this question from spawning a bunch of “the 5D is great, learn how to focus”.


Thanks

I no longer focus and recompose on the 1D. For sports, well, I don't shoot sports, but I think the new 2009+ cameras are the only ones to start AI Servo on non-center AF points.

I generally use the closest focus point. (MK III)

evilr00t wrote in post #11686800
I no longer focus and recompose on the 1D. For sports, well, I don't shoot sports, but I think the new 2009+ cameras are the only ones to start AI Servo on non-center AF points.

that's interesting, wasn't aware of that

I think you have the luxury of center focusing the 1dmk4 and crop/tweek your composition in post when shooting sports. In many cases you'll see alot of sports photos having the subject in the center.

I almost automatically have a different mentality when I shoot with my 1dmk3. I focus with the outer points all of the time and compose the photo this way. When I use my 5dc or 5dmk2 my "mode" changes and I focus/recompose on super slow subject in good light OR center focus/recompose where I CANNOT screw up or miss the shot. These have worked for me but everyone gets there way of doing certain things.

When I had the 50D I would use the limited 9 points with cross sensors and then focus on the "closest" outer point then recompose a hair. With the 1dmk3 it extends far enough in most cases to hit the shot without moving the camera.

Question off topic is how do you like the IQ of the 1dmk4 compared to your 5dmk2???? My photos I did with a 24L has given me similar IQ of the 1d3 but better ISO performance. Thats alot of beans!! for better ISO but my "likes" is AF focus points in the 1d3.

Definitely no prblem using any focus point on a 1-series... the 7D is a xD too of course and all its 19 AF points are excellent also.

Rai33 wrote in post #11686975
Definitely no prblem using any focus point on a 1-series... the 7D is a xD too of course and all its 19 AF points are excellent also.

true, should have excluded that one from my initial comparison. When it came down to which to get - the 7d was high on the list, but figured I had the cash from a previous project so why not indulge myself

AlanU wrote in post #11686866
Question off topic is how do you like the IQ of the 1dmk4 compared to your 5dmk2???? My photos I did with a 24L has given me similar IQ of the 1d3 but better ISO performance. Thats alot of beans!! for better ISO but my "likes" is AF focus points in the 1d3.

I havent gotten my hands on it yet actually, comes in Monday or Tuesday I believe. My *guess* is the images wont be all that different based on the quality reviews of the 5dmk2.

Thanks so far for all the replies, sounds like im good to go experimenting with all the focus points which will be a big change from what im used to.

Making the change from a 5Dc and 30D to a 1DIV, I found it was a nice change to be able to use all of the focus points as opposed to a focus and recompose that I had used before. It took a little getting used to, but it didn't take long, and now I am spoiled