6D AF - users opinions?

[EspressoJunkie]

I was recently torn between a 6D and 24-105, or a 70D with 17-55 (and 10-18).

I picked the latter and it's a great camera and there's no real reason for what I'm about to say, but I'm getting the FF itch again and I am seriously contemplating changing to a 6D and 24-105. I'm under no illusion that it's anything more that GAS, but it is what it is.

The only thing that concerned me a little about the 6D was the AF system. I've used a 60D before and didn't love it's 9 point AF system. However the 70Ds AF system seems to be overkill as the only thing I shoot that moves are my kids!

So id love to hear opinions from owners of the 6D, is the AF an issue for general shooting or is it simply a case of the internet blowing things out of proportion?

 

[danny_bhoy]

The 6D's lack of AF points compared to some other models can be a bit of a drawback if you like to switch AF points rather than focus and re-compose. I found that, especially in low light, the outer focus points can be a bit hit and miss. Saying that the centre focus point (which is all I really use) has never let me down and is really very reliable, even in the darkest of conditions.

If you're thinking of shooting sports, wildlife (or any fast moving subject really) then I'd maybe stretch the budget a bit if possible and look at a used 5DMK3. For portraits and slower moving things then you'd be hard pushed to beat the 6D. I've got two and absolutely love them!

 

[EspressoJunkie]

The 6D's lack of AF points compared to some other models can be a bit of a drawback if you like to switch AF points rather than focus and re-compose. I found that, especially in low light, the outer focus points can be a bit hit and miss. Saying that the centre focus point (which is all I really use) has never let me down and is really very reliable, even in the darkest of conditions.

If you're thinking of shooting sports, wildlife (or any fast moving subject really) then I'd maybe stretch the budget a bit if possible and look at a used 5DMK3. For portraits and slower moving things then you'd be hard pushed to beat the 6D. I've got two and absolutely love them!

Yeah I had heard to centre point is good, and being honest I'd say that on any camera I've owned the centre point is what gets used about about 80% of the time!

 

[danny_bhoy]

Yeah I had heard to centre point is good, and being honest I'd say that on any camera I've owned the centre point is what gets used about about 80% of the time!

Then you're golden. I've enjoyed every minute of using the 6D and also got a nice surprise at how light and compact they were after using the 5D series.

Pair it up with a nice, fast prime and it'll blow your socks off

 

[Phil V]

Then you're golden. I've enjoyed every minute of using the 6D and also got a nice surprise at how light and compact they were after using the 5D series.

Pair it up with a nice, fast prime and it'll blow your socks off

This^
I came from a 7d, and it's years since I've relied on the centre focus point, but honestly it took no time to get used to it again.

The outer points are usable in good conditions, you just have to realise the point they're 'gone' and switch to the centre point.

My requirement was for low light IQ, just be clear to yourself what it is you hope to gain from the switch.

 

[woof woof]

It's years now since I had a Canon DSLR and I've never had a 24-105mm f4 but on the general point of f4 lenses I'd find f4 limiting.

I remember years ago shooting indoors with my lowly little 20D and a f1.4 lens with someone else with a 5DII and f4 zoom and the frustration and disappointment they felt with being limited to f4 and the resultant ISO/shutter speed battle.

Before you buy I think you should just take a moment to think about what you shoot and in what lighting and if f4 is enough.

 

[EspressoJunkie]

This^
I came from a 7d, and it's years since I've relied on the centre focus point, but honestly it took no time to get used to it again.

The outer points are usable in good conditions, you just have to realise the point they're 'gone' and switch to the centre point.

My requirement was for low light IQ, just be clear to yourself what it is you hope to gain from the switch.

A big reason for the switch is simply because I do miss that Full Frame magic, and also I miss the low light ability (I've had both a 5Dmkiii and D750 before so I know what a good FF camera is capable of). Also I had envisioned using the video features of the 70D a lot more that I've ended up doing.

I'm under no illusions that it's essentially an unnecessary switch and I'll lose having an ultra wide for a while, plus obviously the 70D is stronger in some areas. But at the same time I know that once it's in my head I'll probably end up making the switch for better or for worse!

 

[EspressoJunkie]

It's years now since I had a Canon DSLR and I've never had a 24-105mm f4 but on the general point of f4 lenses I'd find f4 limiting.

I remember years ago shooting indoors with my lowly little 20D and a f1.4 lens with someone else with a 5DII and f4 zoom and the frustration and disappointment they felt with being limited to f4 and the resultant ISO/shutter speed battle.

Before you buy I think you should just take a moment to think about what you shoot and in what lighting and if f4 is enough.

This is a valid concern, I do have a 50 1.8 , and I think that f4 on a FF should be enough for what I shoot. It's either that or try to stretch the budget to a 24-70 Mki but Im jumping the gun here!

 

[woof woof]

This is a valid concern, I do have a 50 1.8 , and I think that f4 on a FF should be enough for what I shoot. It's either that or try to stretch the budget to a 24-70 Mki but Im jumping the gun here!

Ah, I didn't know you had a 50mm f1.8 and in that case maybe it's problem solved and it obviously depends what you shoot and in what lighting.

For example I take quite a few indoor shots of family and friends and in a normally lit room at times even f2.8 can result in ISO 25,600 especially if you're shooting something that can move even slowly and therefore need a realistic shutter speed.

 

[Brian G]

It's years now since I had a Canon DSLR and I've never had a 24-105mm f4 but on the general point of f4 lenses I'd find f4 limiting.

I remember years ago shooting indoors with my lowly little 20D and a f1.4 lens with someone else with a 5DII and f4 zoom and the frustration and disappointment they felt with being limited to f4 and the resultant ISO/shutter speed battle.

Before you buy I think you should just take a moment to think about what you shoot and in what lighting and if f4 is enough.

"It's years now since I had a Canon DSLR" - in which case you are not aware of the high ISO performance of newer cameras.
High ISO performanceis so good on modern cameras (especially the 6D) that an F4 lens is no constraint, you simply turn up the ISO whem the light starts to dim.

 

[woof woof]

"It's years now since I had a Canon DSLR" - in which case you are not aware of the high ISO performance of newer cameras.
High ISO performanceis so good on modern cameras (especially the 6D) that an F4 lens is no constraint, you simply turn up the ISO whem the light starts to dim.

Oh yes I am! I have CSC's these days and one is a FF Sony A7 which wont be a million miles away from the 6D. I don't agree with you that f4 is no constraint, simply dialing in stratospheric ISO's doesn't come without a hit to image quality but I did say that it all hangs on what you shoot and in what lighting and this is the key together with the quality you'll accept.

Even when shooting indoors under artificial lighting f4 may be enough if you're happy with the results you get with an acceptable shutter speed at the very highest ISO's. YMMV, it's just a point I thought worth raising.

 

[mrgubby]

I normally use a 7D2 for motorsport but on occasion I've been shooting in the paddock with the 6D/24-105 then wandered to trackside without swapping bodies. It seems to have coped not too bad at all

 

[sirch]

Just to echo what has been said above. I love my 6D, I always use Back Button Focus and recompose so pretty much always use the centre point.

 

[EspressoJunkie]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I could cope fine with the AF, as I say I mainly use centre point anyway.

I guess I'm struggling with the whole head vs heart thing. I know the kit I have is more than adequate, and I know I'll be loosing things (flippy screen, video AF, a 2.8 zoom, and an ultra wide) but I think a lot of it is because I've shot full frame so much before and I want to go back!

Also I'm in a situation where this is probably the last time I'll be able to make a large camera purchase for a while (although the switch shouldn't cost too much extra) and I'm thinking I might as well make it a good one!

Ah. I'll stew on it for a while.

I know what I SHOULD do and I know what I WANT to do......

 

[ABTog]

The 6D/24-105 combo is really good, I have that and the AF speed is fine. With some lenses it's actually the lens motor that's not fast enough at focusing (might be an issue with the old 50mm f1.8 Mk2, but the STM version will fix that). I don't find a problem focusing on moving targets with this combo.

Thinking about your comparisons with your existing 70D:
24mm on a full frame sensor is equivalent view to 15mm on a crop sensor, so the perceived "lack" of wide angle isn't that bad.
f2.8 on a crop sensor gives equivalent depth of field and bokeh to about f4 on full frame, so you're not really going to be missing out much there either. I refer you to:

View: https://youtu.be/f5zN6NVx-hY

In terms of light at f4, the bigger sensor helps massively and the 6D is great and high ISO, I've had perfectly usable shots at 10,000 ISO.

It's up to you though, only you can work out if the switch is justified or not.

 

[niko]

i must admit, i do like the look of the 6d, ive looked at it combined with the 24-70 f4 as a nice relatively light and small combo

 

[ABTog]

i must admit, i do like the look of the 6d, ive looked at it combined with the 24-70 f4 as a nice relatively light and small combo

It is a good camera, but I'd go for 24-105 as it's cheaper and gives you more reach. The long end is really useful and gives really nice bokeh.

 

[niko]

It is a good camera, but I'd go for 24-105 as it's cheaper and gives you more reach. The long end is really useful and gives really nice bokeh.

ive had a 24-105 with the 5d mk111 great lens but not really compact.
tbh its just an offhand thought rather than something that is very likely to happen but if it did, with 6d id want the more compact lens with it and for my use i like the 24-70 range as a walkabout. if i went with the 105 id go with the mk111 again.

 

[EspressoJunkie]

For me, I would be choosing the 24-105 over a 24-70 mainly due to budget reasons (I'd rather put the difference towards affording a 17-40 in the future). Although from what I can see in samples the 24-105 is no slouch, just maybe not quite as nice as a 24-70.

 

[niko]

For me, I would be choosing the 24-105 over a 24-70 mainly due to budget reasons (I'd rather put the difference towards affording a 17-40 in the future). Although from what I can see in samples the 24-105 is no slouch, just maybe not quite as nice as a 24-70.

the 24-105 is a great lens without a doubt

 

[Meeten]

Sure either heard there is a 6dii out at some point?
Whilst I have a 6d and don't want to see it depreciate further, if I was in your shoes I'd consider holding fire. (normal stuff, cost, value, times being a factor)

 

[EspressoJunkie]

Sure either heard there is a 6dii out at some point?
Whilst I have a 6d and don't want to see it depreciate further, if I was in your shoes I'd consider holding fire. (normal stuff, cost, value, times being a factor)

The 6Dii is indeed meant to be out soon, and no doubt it'll drive the used prices down, but I'm losing my job in the next 6 months, so while this may seem daft, I can afford to do this now, but I may not be able to by the time the new 6D comes out.

This is the last chance to have a FF camera for a while which is part of my motivation!

 

[ABTog]

The 6Dii is indeed meant to be out soon, and no doubt it'll drive the used prices down, but I'm losing my job in the next 6 months, so while this may seem daft, I can afford to do this now, but I may not be able to by the time the new 6D comes out.

This is the last chance to have a FF camera for a while which is part of my motivation!

That's really rough.
I can see the logic though. Once the monthly salary is gone, you can't justify a big expense (unless you get a big redundancy payoff). But hopefully you'll find another job soon enough.

On the pricing of the 6D, mine was £700 secondhand with 9k on the shutter count. Can't see the price getting much lower for a while even if the Mk2 comes out soon.

Sent from my SM-A310F using Talk Photography Forums mobile app

 

[EspressoJunkie]

Thanks. Yeah its a crap situation but that's exactly the justification. My missus is fine with cameras coming and going now but probably not so much if I'm not working!

The £700/750 mark is what I'm hoping for. I've seen used 24-105s for about £350 so hopefully what I get from selling my current kit will almost cover it. I'll keep my 50mm and I've got a flash so it shouldn't be too painful a transition.

 

[odd jim]

It's years now since I had a Canon DSLR and I've never had a 24-105mm f4 but on the general point of f4 lenses I'd find f4 limiting.

I remember years ago shooting indoors with my lowly little 20D and a f1.4 lens with someone else with a 5DII and f4 zoom and the frustration and disappointment they felt with being limited to f4 and the resultant ISO/shutter speed battle.

Before you buy I think you should just take a moment to think about what you shoot and in what lighting and if f4 is enough.

Its not really limiting on a 6d as such, as you can use very high ISOs without incurring significant noise.

 

[odd jim]

In answer to the OP - the AF is not a problem. I've tracked the fastest objects you possibly can track from ground level (F1 cars and fast jets) without any problems whatsoever (examples available if you want!).

 

[odd jim]

Sure either heard there is a 6dii out at some point?
Whilst I have a 6d and don't want to see it depreciate further, if I was in your shoes I'd consider holding fire. (normal stuff, cost, value, times being a factor)

There's always going to be a new model out at some point

 

[Mintchocs]

For amateur use the 6D is a capable camera, the problem is that it is now getting on a bit and as Canon has lagged behind in sensor tech APS-C sensors (other brands)have narrowed the gap considerably. Crop sensors cameras with the latest sensors generally have an equal to better AF system. This leaves the the 6D with only one main advantage and that is being a larger sensor and achieving shallow depth of field. I have this camera and when I bought it the options were different butnow there are loads of alternatives. It all depends on what you shoot and what is most important to you in a camera.

 

[woof woof]

Its not really limiting on a 6d as such, as you can use very high ISOs without incurring significant noise.

Deep sigh... so all you ever need is an f4 lens and there's no speed or quality of final image reason at all for any lens faster than f4? Yeah, right...

It depends on the shutter speed, the resultant ISO, processing, the DoF you want, resizing for viewing and your quality threshold and mostly and as often with you I find myself disagreeing I just thought it was a point worth mentioning, sorry if I've ruffled f4 zoom fanboy feathers and the point is sort of moot as the op has an f1.8 lens available.

 

[odd jim]

Deep sigh... so all you ever need is an f4 lens and there's no speed or quality of final image reason at all for any lens faster than f4? Yeah, right...

It depends on the shutter speed, the resultant ISO, processing, the DoF you want, resizing for viewing and your quality threshold and mostly and as often with you I find myself disagreeing I just thought it was a point worth mentioning, sorry if I've ruffled f4 zoom fanboy feathers and the point is sort of moot as the op has an f1.8 lens available.

Bit patronising, when did I say any of that rubbish? And there's no need for the fanboy comments. I'm definitely not an "f/4 fanboy", given most of my lenses are at least f/2.8 and consist mainly of fast primes.

Just said f/4 lenses on the 6d isn't restrictive. At f/4 shallow dof is possible too on FF...

 

[EspressoJunkie]

Although I would obviously prefer a 2.8 zoom, I'm trying to make this as direct a swap as possible cost wise and as such the 24-105 is a cheaper option.

With regards to it being an older camera, essentially the two things I want are something FF and something Canon! So the 6D really hits the price/performance points for me. As much as I would love a 5Dmkiii (I've owned one before and they are lovely) I simply can't justify the cost of one. I know the theoretical advantages of FF are minimal but for whatever reason I miss shooting FF.

 

[odd jim]

Although I would obviously prefer a 2.8 zoom, I'm trying to make this as direct a swap as possible cost wise and as such the 24-105 is a cheaper option.

With regards to it being an older camera, essentially the two things I want are something FF and something Canon! So the 6D really hits the price/performance points for me. As much as I would love a 5Dmkiii (I've owned one before and they are lovely) I simply can't justify the cost of one. I know the theoretical advantages of FF are minimal but for whatever reason I miss shooting FF.

The Canon 6d and 24-105 f/4 is a very usable and capable combo [emoji106]. I'd still argue the FF advantages are still more than minimal.

 

[Brian G]

Oh yes I am! I have CSC's these days and one is a FF Sony A7 which wont be a million miles away from the 6D. I don't agree with you that f4 is no constraint, simply dialing in stratospheric ISO's doesn't come without a hit to image quality but I did say that it all hangs on what you shoot and in what lighting and this is the key together with the quality you'll accept.

Even when shooting indoors under artificial lighting f4 may be enough if you're happy with the results you get with an acceptable shutter speed at the very highest ISO's. YMMV, it's just a point I thought worth raising.

Well, the OP was asking for "Users Opinions."
I am a user and I was expressing my opinion.
You are obviously not a user and your opinion is your own.