Canon EF 1.4 X III, EF 100-400 L II, & 7DII - Anyone Use This Combo?
Aug 29, 2016 14:11:26 #
I find that using a gimbal head works well. Usually better than hand held, at least for me, it keeps things steadier than hand held. I also use a Red Dot sight and track the subject with the dot and both eyes open rather than attempting to track through the viewfinder. If I have the center point and dot well registered than AF does a good job.
Aug 29, 2016 14:35:14 #
Sounds good....I still like to walk or drive to where the birds might be and find whatever. The way I work, the bird isn't going to wait for me to set up a tripod...I also have a gimbal head that I will eventually start using a tripod when I can't get around as well; but for now I like to hike or drive around find what I can find on the spot----challenging but fun. So far no problems tracking or finding the bird. Happy shooting! Check out my facebook page...just captured a Great Horned Owl both perched and flying. Facebook page is listed under Lynn Gross Sioux City, Iowa
Aug 29, 2016 15:36:14 #
grossoboe wrote:
Sounds good....I still like to walk or drive to wh... (show quote)
I use it at a local water bird spot where I can sit up the tripod overlooking the ponds.
I find that hand held works OK for the birds coming in or taking off but the high overhead ones I keep getting off them, esp when they change direction.
But with the gimbal head I have been able to track an Osprey for several circles and sweeps over the pond without losing the bird for more than a fraction of a second. I keep both eyes open and keep the dot as close to the bird as I can and with both eyes I am able to follow direction changes. That is really hard with the viewfinder only. The red dot sight also works hand held but after a while my arms and hands get tired and the camera gets really unsteady.
Aug 29, 2016 17:28:23 #
I hear you....maybe it's just me, but I keep both eyes open anyway. I have a Wimberly Sidewinder on a Really Right Stuff 55 head which I like a lot. Where I'm at, I don't have anything close by to use it parked in one spot for awhile. I used to use a Sigma 120-300 f2.8 OS lens with a Canon 2x III on it and WOW it was fabulous, I experienced the arms getting tired if I shot birds in flight for awhile; that's why I went with the Canon 100-400 II with 1.4x III and the weight was cut in half. Even my Sigma 150-600 C is heavier than the Canon combination!
Aug 29, 2016 17:44:07 #
grossoboe wrote:
I hear you....maybe it's just me, but I keep both ... (show quote)
Yes the 100-400 is a weight saver.
My Tamron 150-600 is usable hand held but gets tiring so it is more or less permanent on my gimbal.
When I am doing hummers, bugs etc at the flowers and feeders in my yard I use a Tamron 180 f/3.5 Macro with a Kenko Pro 300 1.4x. That is lighter yet.
Aug 29, 2016 17:50:30 #
grossoboe wrote:
The EXPANDED spot is in the shape of a cross and covers most of the entire center of the screen. Most of the heavy hitters in bird photography like this and the 8pt or possibly zone (9point) focus points being best for birds in flight; however, most use expanded focus spot. You're welcome. Lynn
When I use the 1.4 III with the 7D Mk II only center point AF is available. This is exactly what the lens manual says will happen:
"Autofocusing (AF) using only center AF points while shooting is possible when using the lens with the following camera models [lists several] . . . EOS 7d Mark II . . ."
So if you are able to use additional points (cross, zone, etc.), it would be helpful if you would post a video (FB?) showing the extender on the camera and the ability to select something other than the center point. This can be done by pushing the Info button a couple times to bring up the shooting menu on the live screen, then hit the button on the top left which allos you to choose the AF points.
If you and other "heavy hitters" can do this, others should be able to as well, and Canon should address why some can and some can't. Would really appreciate the video illustrating this, as would others. Thanks.
Aug 29, 2016 17:56:12 #
grossoboe wrote:
Sounds good....I still like to walk or drive to wh... (show quote)
Mobility will always give more and better shots .....!
Aug 29, 2016 18:08:52 #
Depends on the camera body.
7DII & 5DII - one point
80D - 27 (with 100-400 mk II)
1DxII - 61, with 27 acting as cross type
7DII & 5DII - one point
80D - 27 (with 100-400 mk II)
1DxII - 61, with 27 acting as cross type
Aug 29, 2016 18:10:01 #
You are right. The center auto focus points are: Single-point Spot AF, Single-point AF, and AF point expansion. ALL of these are available with the 1.4 III attached or any combination with the end result being F8. I was simply stating what the big hitters like to use; obviously they have to use less than F8 to use AF point expansion selection, surrounding points, and Zone AF. This is using the Canon 7D Mark II which is the body we are and have been talking about.
Aug 29, 2016 22:05:18 #
Sorry to mention this, but if you want to get around the single focus point, you have to get a faster lens or bump up to a 1dx, vs 1 or 2. Decent 1dx bodies should be available at reasonable prices with the release of the 1dxII. I have one. I hardly ever use my 7DII any more. There are those who are good enough to use a single focus point for BIF. But you really need to be good.
Aug 29, 2016 22:19:43 #
You're right; I wish I had one....just don't have the bread to do it.....I've had pretty good luck with the expanded spot setting. However I can use all the focus options with my Sigma 150-600 C at f6.3.
Aug 29, 2016 23:35:02 #
grossoboe wrote:
You're right; I wish I had one....just don't have the bread to do it.....I've had pretty good luck with the expanded spot setting. However I can use all the focus options with my Sigma 150-600 C at f6.3.
Seems to me if you can hold that 150-600 with the 1.4 and you can keep the AF function it should work for you. But the 100/400 is probably light by comparison so you can hand hold it and get some great stationary shots. Practice with the 1 point and when you get it, you will be happy. Denise Ippolito (http://www.deniseippolito.com/) great results with single point for BIF. Check out her website. Go out and have some fun.
Aug 30, 2016 16:21:55 #
imagemeister wrote:
Mobility will always give more and better shots .....!
Yes it will, as I found out when I locked my keys in my truck down at the river this morning!
Went there to play with my new 1.4x extender that I picked up at the UPS terminal this morning. I like the added reach! Haven't micro-adjusted the camera to the lens yet but here are some comparison shots I did for anyone who may be interested. The 2 shots of the young eagle were both with (560mm) and without (400mm) the extender. It was about 1100' away from me on an island in the river. Wouldn't cooperate and come any closer today! The two shots of the lighthouse were both at 560mm, but one was taken with my 7DII (APS-C) and the other with my 6D (full frame). I apologize for the overall poor IQ. Just started learning the best way to use this combo!
Aug 30, 2016 17:02:33 #
LFingar wrote:
Yes it will, as I found out when I locked my keys ... (show quote)
As it has been part of this thread, please indicate whether/how AF works on each of these two cameras (points available, etc.).
Aug 30, 2016 17:18:41 #
You're getting good detail with the extender and the IQ is close to the lens alone IQ. I can see you probably need to micro adjust your focus. It's adjusted pretty close though; the big thing is to pick a time when there is no atmosphere turbulence. I can see a little waviness in your shots (not your fault). Good job!
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