Setting up new Canon 7D II: I have had my eye on a new Canon 7D II and finally got a good deal (Adorama - $1,200 with free Proxima 100 printer. Reduction in price takes into account an...

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Setting up new Canon 7D II

Dec 2, 2017 16:11:39 #

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

I have had my eye on a new Canon 7D II and finally got a good deal (Adorama - $1,200 with free Proxima 100 printer. Reduction in price takes into account an included $350 American Express Gift Card). I am expecting it in the next couple of days and I intend to use it primarily for birding. With this camera I now have the ability to create three different presets. I was thinking about creating: 1) birds in a bush (usually not well lit, lots of things to confuse autofocus), 2) birds sitting up in a tree - usually a bright sky or cloudy grey background, and 3) birds in flight.

Those of you who set up your camera's presets, I'm curious as to what you do? Specifics for each type of preset would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Dec 2, 2017 16:59:00 #

williejoha

The only preset you need. Is for. BIF. Go to google Arthur Morris and BIF, he is the expert when it comes to setting up your D7 II.
WJH

Dec 2, 2017 18:10:50 #

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

williejoha wrote:

The only preset you need. Is for. BIF. Go to google Arthur Morris and BIF, he is the expert when it comes to setting up your D7 II.
WJH

Thanks for the info. I'll look him up.
Mike

Dec 2, 2017 18:35:45 #

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

MikWar wrote:

I have had my eye on a new Canon 7D II and finally... (show quote)

Keep in mind there are seven different autofocus options and 6 different AI Servo options. I will send you a link to the autofocus guide book from Canon, which is a download, later on this evening

Dec 2, 2017 18:39:36 #

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

mwsilvers wrote:

Keep in mind there are seven different autofocus options and 6 different AI Servo options. I will send you a link to the autofocus guide book from Canon, which is a download, later on this evening

Thanks. I look forward to it.
Mike

Dec 2, 2017 19:30:21 #

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

MikWar wrote:

I have had my eye on a new Canon 7D II and finally... (show quote)

I started with this: http://photographylife.com/recommended-canon-7d-mark-ii-settings and tweaked a few as I used it. Didn't record the tweaks, but you would have your own preferences. I usually used center point focus or center expanded. Mostly I used the 100-400L mk2 so SS was at least 1/400 for sitting birds and with the 1.4x extender I went for 1/640 min SS. Flying birds I used at least 1/1000 or 1/1250. Those are all in good light. Lower SS or even flash with better beamer in poor light.

That Canon download of a 50 page manual just on the AF is a good resource.

Dec 2, 2017 20:59:19 #

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

MikWar wrote:

Thanks. I look forward to it.
Mike

The link below is to Canon's Learning site. The EOS 7D Mark II AF-Setting Guidebook is required reading for anyone who's serious about learning how to get the best from this camera's various advanced auto focus options. Its around sixty pages log and can be printed out on 8.5 x 11 paper. If your printer supports two sided printing that's only 30 sheets of paper. This is not your regular type of manual. It's pretty clear and generally a good read, and is supported by graphics and photos. The link is to a page with a brief overview of the document. On the bottom of the left side there is a section called Additional Resources. In that section there is a link to download a PDF file containing the guide to your computer.

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2014/eos7dmk2_afGuidebook.shtml

Dec 3, 2017 08:46:22 #

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

robertjerl wrote:

I started with this: http://photographylife.com/r... (show quote)

Thanks for the specific suggestions. I agree with you that I'll tweak them to my own preferences but it is helpful to start somewhere.
Mike

Dec 3, 2017 08:46:51 #

MikWar Loc: Chicago, Western Suburbs

mwsilvers wrote:

The link below is to Canon's Learning site. The i... (show quote)

Thanks for the link. I'll download it and give it a read.
Mike

Dec 3, 2017 09:49:44 #