Gunzorro
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 p.64 #9 · What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase? | |
Carsten -- I know -- it's a weird situation, and I'm not the norm anyway! 
I have had unexpected OOF shots -- very unpredictable. I charted the center AF sensor with the help of a fellow on DPR forums, by bracketing in on eight angles to establish sensitivity, mapping the sensor and finding it was more of amorphous "cloud" than a concrete and distinct point. The actual measurement was approximately 3X the width and height of the indicated area, with "webbing" between the cross-members. Due to Nikon's programming, areas of high contrast detail on the edge of this large nebulous sensitivity will pull focus off the center (desired) area of the sensor. (For some shooting, Canon provides a setting for a "zone" of related sensors that are intended to do a similar function. I think Nikon has an expanded feature too.)
I've been used to Canon, where the center area noted for estabishing focus (glows red) is almost surgically exact, and smaller by almost 2/3 size compared to that D7000. The earlier D1X is more like the Canon size and distinct sensitivity, but unfortunately the IQ of that sensor is not up to my needs. For most people, up until the 5D3 (and possibly the 1DX even moreso), the Nikon AF has been superior for general focusing.
From my tests, the center point AF title goes to Canon, although I know most people prefer Nikon for outer AF points and active follow-focus for moving subjects. Those aren't of interest to me, but precise metering and AF center point selection are.
I'd set the D7000 aside for nearly a year, but before selling it, I decided to give it a fresh go and buy a few different lenses to try on it. I was impressed with its overall IQ, rivaling the 1Ds2 I was comparing it to. But exposure was not as much to my liking, and definitely it failed in head-to-head focusing on the same exact subjects as the 1Ds2 -- critically. I had used the D7000 for a couple event assignments about a year ago, and almost totally got hosed by missed focus shots. Luckily, I had about 50% acceptable from Day One, then switched to 60D and pulled the job off without anyone being the wiser. But it was an awful and scary feeling when I reviewed the shots from Day One that night, tired and wanting to sleep.
Much as I love the color and the detail when shots turn out on the Nikon body, I can't say it is good camera for center-point AF and MF shooters.
I guess I've been trained into the Canon center point strength (or weakness, depending on your POV), and expect that whatever is under that little rectangle to be in focus, and nothing else that is closer than its outside edge.
Added to that, the Nikon flange/sensor distance is not as Alt-friendly as Canon's, it becomes simple math on where I should spend my money. I gave it a try, straddling both camps, but in the end, it doesn't make economic sense. I waited to see if the D800 would totally excite me, and unfortunately, interesting as it is, I can't commit to buying it and getting sidetracked further.
I'm holding onto a few AIS and "D" lenses that I can use as Alt and have on hand for when/if I get that craving to try a Nikon body again.
Please understand this is not a condemnation of Nikon, or its overall IQ.
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Great lens, but be aware of its limitations. In other words, don't expect sharpness close up and wide open. At more distance (4-8m), it has a lovely look, and stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4, it starts being really damn sharp, but around f/4, watch out for focus shift