So I know I'm not the only person to notice some hesitation in low light focusing with the 5d3. It's mainly reported by event photographers (I'm a wedding photographer). I tried the new 600 flash and that didn't help.
Well, I bought the new 24-70 II and I'm pleased to report that it's much better than it was with the V1 lens. Not perfect, but definitely better My first dance shots were probably twice as quick to lock on.
Just thought I'd share that. If you're struggling with the 5d3 a bit, maybe hire the lens and see if it helps you?
Phil, does the slow focusing occur in the AI or single shot mode? I noticed that my 5D Mark III and 24-70mm Mark II did hesitate more in the AI mode under low light and low contrast condition. I normally use that mode regardless whether the target is stationary or actually moving but if the lighting conditions get really low I have to switch to the single shot mode, which is still sure footed under the same conditions.
There are 100 different reasons why your AF might not be performing up to your expectations.
Everything from your AF point, subject, lighting, lens, technique, and lastly - camera body.
To assume that because your expectations are not being met that it is automatically the camera body's fault is a far cry indeed.
The 5DIII is not perfect, but far better than the 5DII with regards to focusing. I can still make the 5DIII hesitate and miss under certain situations, but it's far more tolerant than past bodies.
Consider too that there are also certain elements with the 5D3 and different lenses in regards to which "focus group" a lens falls into. I.e, Group A has 5 dual cross type AF points with the 24-70 mkII, whereas Group B only has the single center point as the dual cross type AF point for the 24-70 mkI. (pages 79-84 under "lenses and usable focus points" in the 5D III manual). Also note, that the dual cross point functionality only occurs at f/2.8 and wider. Basically, the AF system is designed to work harder when shooting at wider apertures. I wouldn't know any of this had I not been flipping through the manual the other day out of boredom.
However, if you are only using the center point to focus and recompose, then this is basically a moot point.
I find the 5D3 hesitates in very low light but.... it locks on. I've done the same test at f/2.8 with the (fairly poor low light focusing) 1D4 and the 5D3 nails focus when the 1D4 is just confused and wants to go hide in the kit bag
I even got the 5D3 to focus in my living room at night under an up-lighting 60watt bulb with a 6 stop ND filter screwed on to 16-35 ii at f/2.8. Take that under-priced 6D
set to one shot AF, center point or group, turn off spot, full press and it shoots right away. However, if you half press and wait for the AF light, the delay is far too long.
My 5D3 with the 600ex-RT attached is definitely slower focusing in very low light than my 5d2 was...it's not just you.
deepbluejh wrote:
To assume that because your expectations are not being met that it is automatically the camera body's fault is a far cry indeed.
That may be true, but in situations where the ONLY thing that is different in the equation is the camera body and the problem presents itself, it seem most likely that the body is to blame.
deepbluejh wrote:
There are 100 different reasons why your AF might not be performing up to your expectations.
Everything from your AF point, subject, lighting, lens, technique, and lastly - camera body.
To assume that because your expectations are not being met that it is automatically the camera body's fault is a far cry indeed.
The 5DIII is not perfect, but far better than the 5DII with regards to focusing. I can still make the 5DIII hesitate and miss under certain situations, but it's far more tolerant than past bodies.
I wasn't saying anything bad about the camera. Don't take it so personally.
My 5d2 didn't have this issue using the same kit and conditions so I'd say the body is very likely at fault.
This is a fairly common situation with wedding photographers. It's been brought up a number of times.
My own honest view is that, since I'm only every affected in the first dance and especially with the AF assist on, the camera wants pinpoint accuracy. Well with two people moving around that's hard to achieve, but the faster focussing of the v2 lens / more accurate lock means its likely to achieve focus faster.
Only a guess but I'd love the ability to say how exactly in focus the camera needs to be before it locks. That'd let me know if that was the problem.
scalesusa wrote:
set to one shot AF, center point or group, turn off spot, full press and it shoots right away. However, if you half press and wait for the AF light, the delay is far too long.
Ill have a go. I back button focus most of the time but I could try this. I do wonder if the AF assist is part of the problem. I tried it without once and it seemed much better but I've not tried it since.
Ps this issue is pretty much only with the first dance although I've had the same general issue with moving subjects in low light. Static subjects are generally ok.
The 6d has -3EV AF sensivity! Take that overpriced 5d3!
I've gotten my 5Dc to lock focus in some pretty dim situations, but part of the 'trick' is to find a significant amount of contrast for the point to go off of. The 6D, 5D3, and any AF camera for that matter, is going to struggle with a lack of contrast...some just need slightly less.
BTW I did NOT come up with this; I took it from another of the threads on this subject. I am about to buy either a 5D3 or a 6D, and I would like to know what others think about this beefy AF beam as a possible solution/aid to AF on 5D3?? ...Show more →
My first dance shots were probably twice as quick to lock on.
