Canon cameras autofocus
- Thread starter davholla
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I feared that might the case. I just wondered how my 7DMKII and 90 compare to newer models but if it can't be measured then how can we know?
pooley
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I've had a 7d2 and an R5 previously, and there is a serious improvement with the mirrorless camera when it comes to wildlife. Focus locks on a little quicker but once on is a lot stickier.
For things like birds in flight you're no longer having to deal with the real bugbear in older Canon AF, with the focus failing to keep up with incoming subjects - I lost count of the number of times I kept the focus area directly on the face but ended up with nice sharp feet instead. Turns out it was a weakness in the system experienced by many. The newer cameras will give you far more keepers in similar situations.
On the downside, the newer AF systems are more complicated but once you get your head around them they work well
In a nutshell - birds on a stick, stay with your DSLR, moving subjects - mirrorless will give you far more keepers
Mike
For things like birds in flight you're no longer having to deal with the real bugbear in older Canon AF, with the focus failing to keep up with incoming subjects - I lost count of the number of times I kept the focus area directly on the face but ended up with nice sharp feet instead. Turns out it was a weakness in the system experienced by many. The newer cameras will give you far more keepers in similar situations.
On the downside, the newer AF systems are more complicated but once you get your head around them they work well
In a nutshell - birds on a stick, stay with your DSLR, moving subjects - mirrorless will give you far more keepers
Mike
Craikeybaby
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Generally speaking cameras with a stacked sensor will have better AF performance, but you are looking at the really high end models.
Brentor
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Perhaps you should try a new model using the Canon test program or hire one and see how they compare. I have a 7D11, R6 and R7. I find that the AF on the mirrorless models is better. I am only using EF lenses, so the RF versions may be even better.
andrewc
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The best A/F on the canon cameras I have used so far is:-
1DX Mk II
R7 (a very close second)
1D Mk IV
7D Mk II
with 7D Mk 1, 50D, 40D, 30D, 350D in that order.
The 1D series cameras runs on a higher battery voltage, which will turn focus motors faster.
I'd like to try an R3 or R1.
1DX Mk II
R7 (a very close second)
1D Mk IV
7D Mk II
with 7D Mk 1, 50D, 40D, 30D, 350D in that order.
The 1D series cameras runs on a higher battery voltage, which will turn focus motors faster.
I'd like to try an R3 or R1.
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The recent R series mirrorless blow all older cameras out of the water for autofocus accuracy and speed. Simply no comparison there.
Very useful for big fat lenses, pretty much no difference for the rest. You'd think R1 would come out on top being the latest and greatest.
Phil V
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It’s not that it ‘can’t be measured’, just that there’s lots of different requirements, so it’s more about understanding the generational changes.
In DSLR terms, the only way to improve on what your cameras deliver is to go to a 1dx series.
But mirrorless changes the game. The R and RP are ‘different’ but probably not better. However from the R5 and R6 on, everything should be an improvement, though a slightly different way of working.
When I did the loan of the R6 I described it as witchcraft. And all these years later I would feel hampered by anything less.
I found the RP worse than the Canon 7D MKII or Canon 90D to be honest.
I wonder how a 1dx compares to a Canon R7
As the IDX MKII second costs more than a R7 new it should have the best auto focus.
Are they all the cameras you have used?
andrewc
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I'd say the R7 has the cleverer A/F system as its newer, but the focus speed of the 1DX makes up the difference.
I reach for my 1DX2 first 8 out of 10 times.
andrewc
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Yes.
The 1DX2 was Canon's flagship but its three generations old (R1 / R3 / 1DX3 / 1DX2), Its 8 years old.
The R7 is a prosumer camera thats 2 years old.
TimHughes
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What features do you need from autofocus? Maybe this list helps?
- AF Points and Coverage:
- The number and distribution of autofocus points impact the system's ability to focus on subjects across the frame. A larger number of points and broader coverage ensure flexibility in composition.
- AF Modes:
- Look for modes like One-Shot AF (for stationary subjects) and Servo AF (for moving subjects). Continuous AF modes are critical for sports or wildlife photography.
- AF Speed and Accuracy:
- The speed at which the system locks focus is essential for action photography. Accuracy is vital for achieving sharp results, especially with narrow depth-of-field settings.
- Eye and Face Detection:
- Advanced cameras offer eye and face detection for precise focusing in portrait photography. Some systems also include animal detection for wildlife shoots.
- Low-Light Performance:
- A good AF system should perform reliably in low-light conditions. Check for the lowest EV (Exposure Value) level the system can handle effectively.
- Customizability:
- Features like adjustable AF sensitivity, tracking speed, and area selection allow users to tailor the system for specific scenarios.
- Specialized Features:
- Options such as zone AF, expanded AF, and touch tracking enhance versatility. Some systems incorporate advanced tracking for specific subjects like cars or athletes.
- Video AF Capabilities:
- For videographers, smooth and silent AF transitions are critical. Features like Movie Servo AF and manual override are helpful.
- Eye-Controlled or Subject Recognition AF:
- Some high-end cameras (like the Canon R1) feature cutting-edge technologies, including eye-controlled AF or AI-based subject recognition for enhanced focus precision.
TimHughes
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Here is an attempt to fill ratings 1-5 for some of the cameras mentioned. I gave the job of filling it in to my custom gpt and I've check several of the data points it seems to be accurate.
| Criteria | 7D Mark II | 90D | 5D Mark IV | 1D X Mark II | EOS R | R5 | R1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF Points & Coverage | 3 (65 pts) | 3 (45 pts) | 3 (61 pts) | 3 (61 pts) | 3 (5,655 pts*) | 4 (5,940 pts*) | 5 (AI-based, full-frame coverage) |
| AF Modes | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| AF Speed & Accuracy | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Eye and Face Detection | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Low-Light Performance | 3 (-3 EV) | 3 (-3 EV) | 3 (-3 EV) | 3 (-3 EV) | 4 (-6 EV) | 5 (-6 EV) | 5 (-7 EV) |
| Customizability | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Specialized Features | 4 | 4 | 3 (basic zones) | 4 (advanced zones) | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Video AF Capabilities | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Eye-Controlled or Subject Recognition | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 (Eye-controlled AF) |
| Compatibility | 5 (EF lenses) | 5 (EF-S/EF lenses) | 5 (EF lenses) | 5 (EF lenses) | 5 (RF + EF via adapter) | 5 (RF + EF via adapter) | 5 (RF + EF via adapter) |
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Thanks for that - I suppose one problem about comparing AF is that not everyone wants the same AF.
For me photographing a flying insect is the aim - which of course might not Eye detection might not help with.
Craikeybaby
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The better systems also tend to be a bit more involved to get the very best out of them.
pooley
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For flying insects R5/R7/R7 etc will knock spots off any dslr
How does the R7 compare to the R8?
Buck
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As I have learned, with the newer models you do need to invest a small amount of time in setting up the menu options correctly for the type of shooting you will be doing. For example, if I set my R5 to animals, it virtually ignores humans and won’t focus on them easily.
Interesting - I assume that it has creative modes so you can set one up for people and one animals?
Buck
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The R8 has a larger sensor but lower resolution and will be less noisy at higher ISO but the AF is supposedly improved on the R7
The R7 is an APS-C camera where I think the R8 is full frame so that will impact on lenses and compatibility?
The R7 is an APS-C camera where I think the R8 is full frame so that will impact on lenses and compatibility?
Buck
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It does. You can set up the customisable buttons to select shooting styles or, as I have done, use the the Custom modes as I can program in ISO, aperture and shutter speed into these too.
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Good luck with that. Crazy speeds at minimum focus distances.... A lot will depend on the lens, focus motor type, etc.... skill.... The only redeeming feature of new cameras here is electronic shutter. You can take thousands of images worry free and hope you maybe have 1 or 2 lucky takes in there somewhere
pooley
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Sorry, no knowledge about the R8 specifically, but I would expect it to be at least as good as any previous models in the R series line
I thought that until I saw this flickr stream
Mintchocs
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Here’s a link to a YouTuber who shoots insects. Not sure how useful or accurate the information is but you have to start your research somewhere and there’s not many photographers shooting flying insects.
@wilder_action
Helping you to understand how I do my type of action photography of animals, birds and especially insects up close and personal. I’m not technical myself so I keep things simple for all to understand.
youtube.com
boer13
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Not aware of any online index.
My experience.. have used a 1Dx for more than a decade and got to know it extremely well ie I believe I've managed to extract the very best ito its AF abilities - from a birds in flight perspective.
Recently, my wife got an R8. For fun, I fitted it to my birding lens and was surprised to find the AF performing very well without me having spent any time to set it up.
As a result I now use an R6 for BIF and while it's early days, I'm rather confident that I'll retain more shots from each opportunity. I struggle with some other aspects - having been so familiar with the 1Dx, but will work on these while taking advantage of the AF improvements.
My experience.. have used a 1Dx for more than a decade and got to know it extremely well ie I believe I've managed to extract the very best ito its AF abilities - from a birds in flight perspective.
Recently, my wife got an R8. For fun, I fitted it to my birding lens and was surprised to find the AF performing very well without me having spent any time to set it up.
As a result I now use an R6 for BIF and while it's early days, I'm rather confident that I'll retain more shots from each opportunity. I struggle with some other aspects - having been so familiar with the 1Dx, but will work on these while taking advantage of the AF improvements.
Thanks I have seen that.Here’s a link to a YouTuber who shoots insects. Not sure how useful or accurate the information is but you have to start your research somewhere and there’s not many photographers shooting flying insects.
@wilder_action
Helping you to understand how I do my type of action photography of animals, birds and especially insects up close and personal. I’m not technical myself so I keep things simple for all to understand.
I was thinking that the best way to check would be to get an assistant bounce a small ball against a wall for a certain number of times and see how many good photos a camera/lens combination takes.
The problem of course would to be find an assistant who wants to do that and of course getting the cameras/lens.
hunnymonster
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Remember that autofocus works (and has different limitations) between SLR & Mirrorless...
I'm having a hazy recollection that SLR/DSLR (as in native EF/EF-S mount) are reliant on the maximum aperture of the attached lens (including any teleconverter) - the faster the lens the faster the AF and there are limits per body where AF doesn't work below a given aperture... And that is also proportional to the price of the body - so say a 1-series will happily autofocus with a f/8 lens assembly the x0-series may struggle/fail on f/5.6 lens assembly.
Experience with converted EF lenses on RF bodies suggests that this aperture-based limitation doesn't apply - this is an n-of-1 anecdote of course
All the foregoing assumes there is sufficient light for the AF to actually work in the first place
I'm having a hazy recollection that SLR/DSLR (as in native EF/EF-S mount) are reliant on the maximum aperture of the attached lens (including any teleconverter) - the faster the lens the faster the AF and there are limits per body where AF doesn't work below a given aperture... And that is also proportional to the price of the body - so say a 1-series will happily autofocus with a f/8 lens assembly the x0-series may struggle/fail on f/5.6 lens assembly.
Experience with converted EF lenses on RF bodies suggests that this aperture-based limitation doesn't apply - this is an n-of-1 anecdote of course
All the foregoing assumes there is sufficient light for the AF to actually work in the first place
TimHughes
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As I understand it, this is largely right, although even in the mirrorless system wider apertures and more light can help with autofocus speed and accuracy, seems to be less dramatic than the old dslr system though.
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There seems to be a cutoff point where autofocus accuracy and speed drops quite suddenly. It has to be pretty dark with a decent lens, like after sunset. You would arrive there a lot sooner with slow aperture.
Similar considerations applied also to DSLRs. Just a lot sooner and these really wanted specifically f4 or f2.8 lenses. Any faster and they again couldn't get that extra accuracy
I did find that I can only photograph fireworks with my Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM which are the only things that I would photograph in such poor light
Swanseajack
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If you look at that guys EXIF data for cameras used, it seems as if his recent photos are taken mostly with the Nikon Z8, Nikon Z9 and then Canon R5. It maybe useful for you to compare the models used for deciding your next purchase.I thought that until I saw this flickr stream
PS, it also seems he has some very nice glass at his disposal.
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Craikeybaby
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I can't help with an assistant, but Canon and Fuji (and probably others) do free 48 hour test drives. Although if autofocus is a priority I would probably rule out Fuji...
I have family but whether they will help or not is another matter. I am always in envy of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Henri_Fabre who once said to his family, "I need a caterpillar," and they all went looking for one.
I believe that the Canon R7 has similar autofocus to the R5 and is cheaper but I will need to investigate more next year.