Canon 1D MKIII Autofocus- Interactive Review

Canon 1D MKIII Autofocus Problems- Interactive Review

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Drew,
I appreciate your efforts to track down the seriousness of the focus issues with the MkIII. By comparing the percentage of out of focus (oof) images of both the MkIII and MkII under identical conditions it will be possible to signal Canon that something needs to be done (if that is the outcome). As one who uses f/2.8 frequently on my 300 and 70-200 lenses, the tests raise real concerns.

I am looking forward to your night soccer tests, since night college football is coming soon! Thanks for taking on this endeavour.
Steve Brenner

This is probably a dumb train of thought but, if you wanted to test whether intensity of light, not temperature has an effect, would the following be valid experiments?

1) Use an ND filter, cut light going into camera 2 stops, raise ISO to compenstate during test. Use f2.8.

2) Use a 70-200 f2.8L vs a 70-200 f4L, both at f4, since f4 version lets less light in.

3) Use an 1.4 extender on the 70-200 f2.8L. Check on vs off both at f4.

#1 would probably be the best as it doesn't involve stopping down from f2.8 to f4 and possibly masking problem.

Just a thought from left field.

Drew, you are correct that for some AI Autofocus it isn't an important issue, and to others it is huge. I shoot airshows (hot and bright sun, fast action...need AI Servo). In fact, I desperately want to buy a Mk III (I have the 1D Mk II and 1Ds Mk II) but just can't take the chance that I will get a body that isn't "up-to-speed" (literally!).
I am an engineer (retired from the Space Shuttle program) and I understand how tough it is for a company to design and manufacture a high-tech product. I buy Canon products because I believe they strive for perfection, and I am sure their engineers aren't eating and sleeping well knowing that some of their customers are having a problem with their new baby...you simply can't imagine how devastating it is to have a product whose design/manufacture is in question. My heart goes out to them, and I know they will resolve the issue as soon as they can. I hope we can refrain from "Canon-bashing". They are every bit as upset as we are about this situation.
Ironically, some Mk III owners seem to be happy with their camera, which makes the problem even more baffling.
The cause may turn out to be "operator error" (i.e., the camera is so sophisticated that the Cfn's, and the actual use is more unforgiving than we are used to therefore the photographer's are using improper techniques...which by the way is still a problem for Canon. How can you make a camera that even experts can't use properly?) or it could be a design issue or a manufacturing issue.
I hope, when you finish your tests (and it sounds as though you are trying to do a proper set of tests...a very difficult and time-consuming endeavor) that you share the results with Canon. I am quite sure the engineering managers will appreciate any sound input.
I am sticking with Canon...I will buy the Mk III once we know that everything is OK with the camera. I have to admit, I am tempted to get one now anyway, and hope mine works perfectly, as many seem to do.
I just wish Canon would make some form of announcement (e.g., "We heard some complaints and are testing to replicate them," "We don't believe there is a problem") but this silence is ominous.

What firmware is on your MK III ?? Mine is showing 1.0.8. Not sure if I am having the problem, need to do more testing. My camera was just delivered last Friday. Was wondering about firmware versions.

Thanks,

Tony Bonanno

I have not chimed in on this thread because I have had nothing to add. However, I have been following it closely and looking in on the Galbraith updates as well. The outcome is very important to me and will have a large impact on my decision to purchase or not purchase the 1D Mk III; I have already put funds aside for the purchase so I am serious about this.

That got me to thinking that there may be others like me out there that are following this thread because it is important to their purchasing decisions but not posting any comments. I do a lot of wide open AI Servo shooting with the 1D Mk II at f/2.8 and f/2 (the 70-200 mm L IS and 135 mm L glass). The Mk III would seem to have what it takes to ‘make my day’ with the improved low light performance, always an issue when shooting high school events.

So, I’d like to add my thanks and encouragement to those who are doing the intensive reviews of this camera, they are saving me and potentially a lot of people a great deal of grief. If Canon is listening they could also be saving Canon from public relations disaster of much greater proportions than is already in the making.

i wholly agree with this sentiment. i too am sick and tired of shelling out mega $'s on canon equipment only to discover a back focusing issue or faulty firmware or $1500 lenses that don't work or flashes that are way out-the list over 20 years is endless. get your act together canon-there are other systems out there that do work!

There has been enough data presented here to allow some conclusions: the MkIII's AF does not work as purchasers would like; various professionals have had some problems which causes them to conclude that there seems to be a higher % of OOF shots with the MkIII than with previous Canon pro bodies; and, so far Canon has failed to speak up.

It is about time for Canon to indicate that it hears the comments, sees the test results and is working to improve things. Silence does not sit well with professional users. Honesty and action does work!

Steve Brenner