I'm currently using a 20d to shoot racing motorcycles. I use the servo mode to handle the focus. I pan constantly wait for the right moment. To make matters worst I shoot a lot at night. For that I use a 580ex. Of course I lose some shot to focus tracking issues. I use the center focus point and slip off target and back on too late. The bikes are moving at 60 to 70 mph at varying distances. I'm thinking of moving the 20d to a backup role for next season. Considering night racing and focus tracking as key factors, I'm trying to decide on adding a 1D Mark II N, 5D, or just get another 20d. BTW, I tend to shot a Canon 70-200 2.8 during day races and a Tamron 28-75 2.8 at night. I feel the shorter lenses helps speed up focus tracking. However, the focus point displaying for only a few seconds causes problems when long tracking times are required for night races. I believe the M2n display can be set to not dim. Anyone have some suggestions?
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
The focus point stays lit on the 1-series cameras. I only realized recently (when it was pointed out to me) that it does *not* stay lit on the 20D. I find this bizarre, but there it is.
In any event, for your purposes I would definitely go to the 1D Mark II, either N or not. There are excellent bargains to be had on used non=N Mark II's.
I think for that type of photography, you may find the 5D a bit too slow at just 3 FPS. I think the 1D Mk IIn is ideal for this kind of fast action photography.
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Actually, I only shoot in single frames. The 580ex falls off way too fast for more than one frame at night with motorcycles closing at 70 mph from 30 yards. Burst rate is not of value to me. I'm normally very close to the track but there is still a large area to light up. I saw on another post that the 5D had better focus tracking in lower light levels with flash than the 1D M2N. Is that true?
The riders don't mind the flash going off in their eyes? Anyway, the 580ex will keep up at 8fps for a few frames if you add the CP-E3 power pack and an extender like the Better Beamer.
Thanks for the info. I'll have to add extra power to the flash. That will help. What about the reduction to focus tracking speed while using the flash on the 1D M2 or M2n. Not a problem?
White Balance so easy, even our 5 year old can do it.- Melissa Strickland
Linear Mode
