I’ve had the opportunity to shoot in low light and at night on a few occasions with my new 5DMkII And I am kinda disappointed with the poor low light Autofocus performance which is a real shame because it’s a fantastic camera, Let down by it’s poor AF performance.
I’m not just talking about shooting in the dark, I’m talking about as soon as it becomes a bit dark the AF will hunt and refuse to lock focus, Even when you have the AF point right onto something you would expect it to lock onto!
My 40D performed much better, And in a way I feel that I have gone back a step with the 5DMkII. The lack of a inbuilt flash also means you now don’t have AF assist by using the inbuilt flash. I’m not going to buy a external flash just to get some AF assist, So it looks like I will need to get myself a torch now.
I don’t know why Canon couldn’t have updated the AF with the cross type sensors used in the 40D/50D AF system, Which did make a difference! It’s kind of disappointing considering how much of a price difference between the 40D/50D And the 5DMkII and how after 3 years Canon couldn’t find a way to improve the AF system!
The AF in my old D300 puts the 5DMkII to shame!
I don’t know how anyone could even consider using the 5DMkII for sports!
Anyway, Thats just a bit of a update that I thought I would share with those looking at purchasing a 5DMkII.
I might even look with parting with mine if someone were to persuade me with a decent offer ;)
Rich Gale
Intresting as the 5Dmk2 AF is the same as the 5D which is supposed to be pretty good but I suppose its bit dated now.
tracywallace
Sorry you’re not feeling your new camera eos.
Paul Amyes
I never had any problem shooting spots in poorly lit venues with my 5D. I believe that the central focus point is a cross type sensor, but to get the most out of it you need lenses faster than f2.8.
I found that to improve the focusing its best to pick one AF point rather than the auto mode, and use the focus limit switch on the lens (if it has one).
Maybe you also need to check the focus of your lenses and see if you need to micro adjust them?
At the rate you’re going you’ll have soon worked through the entire product line of Nikon and Canon looking for a camera. Perhaps you should have bought a IDs MkIII after all?
Peter Hill
I think I’m inclined to agree with PaulA, as I have not yet experienced a problem with AF at night, including shooting the full moon last night. The test shot I took of the neighbour’s Christmas lights was obtained quickly using AF and an f1.4 lens set at f3.2
And this shot was taken when it was getting dark – hence the light on inside – and was shot very quickly using the AF and a DO IS f4-5.6 zoom.
Like the “black spot” issue some are having with the 5D Mark II, I am not looking for a problem if I am not experiencing it – yet. As I learn the different AF set-up from my old 10D, no doubt I awareness will increase, but so far, as I said, getting the lens to focus so far has been problem-free for me.
Cheryl Ridge
Maybe you should have kept your eos 20d ;-)
EOS20:
Maybe! LOL
The AF performance was just as good! :P
EOS20
It didn’t matter if was using a zoom or a fast prime and the AF limiter set, The camera would still hunt and refuse to lock focus. I always choose a single AF point when shooting, And all my lenses are focusing correctly because I checked and tested everything as I always do when I get a new camera or lens.
The most complained about thing from 5D users over the last 3 years was the poor low light AF performance! So why couldn’t Canon after 3 years do something to improve it?
Have you used a 40D/50D before? The AF performance much better with it’s 9 cross type sensors, And even when using “Slow” lenses. I shot with all f/4 lenses for over a year with the 40D and I never had the AF problems I’ve experienced with the 5D’s AF.
Go with the 1DsMkIII? I should have gone with a D700 in the first place!
Very disappointed considering how much I spent on this camera…..
Cheryl Ridge
If nothing else your feedback helps others!
Ben Herman
no problems with mine yet. You probably already know but make sure you fix your autofocus point on a part where there is a good contrast difference not a flat area of colour/tone.