Focus Speed
Posted 25/02/2004 - 15:29
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Hi!
Yes, the motor for focussing is in the body. Focus speed depends primarily on the light level at the focus sensors. If you use the Sigma EX lenses, you should be just fine
It's a difficult one to judge, but I've tried some really nice Canon gear (EOS50E and EOS3 with f2.8 lenses) and it felt slower, but that was in poor light. Both my Z1 and *istD perform really well with good lenses, and they can really kick the lense round. I've not seen any scientific timing tests though.
The only annoying problem I have had with *istD focussing was at Howlett's in the UK. They installed black fences between the public and the animals. The fences are about 1 to 2m back, and the *istD with Tokina 24-200/f3.5-5.6 lense had some trouble. I had to resort to manual focus. Two things, though, the black fence was very invasive and presumably was taken as a really good contrast point, and the lense was not very fast at 200mm - only f5.6.
Best thing to do is to get to Park Cameras in Burgess Hill (if you can) and have a play. They stock some nice lenses too
Hope that helps,
Matt
Yes, the motor for focussing is in the body. Focus speed depends primarily on the light level at the focus sensors. If you use the Sigma EX lenses, you should be just fine
It's a difficult one to judge, but I've tried some really nice Canon gear (EOS50E and EOS3 with f2.8 lenses) and it felt slower, but that was in poor light. Both my Z1 and *istD perform really well with good lenses, and they can really kick the lense round. I've not seen any scientific timing tests though.
The only annoying problem I have had with *istD focussing was at Howlett's in the UK. They installed black fences between the public and the animals. The fences are about 1 to 2m back, and the *istD with Tokina 24-200/f3.5-5.6 lense had some trouble. I had to resort to manual focus. Two things, though, the black fence was very invasive and presumably was taken as a really good contrast point, and the lense was not very fast at 200mm - only f5.6.
Best thing to do is to get to Park Cameras in Burgess Hill (if you can) and have a play. They stock some nice lenses too
Hope that helps,
Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)
(For gallery, tips and links)
Posted 25/02/2004 - 15:34
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Cheers for your help Matt,
I have been into Park cameras (bit of a trip tho!) but i always find that testing in a shop is so different to actually being out there for "real" shooting.
Out of interest wheres Howletts??
I have been into Park cameras (bit of a trip tho!) but i always find that testing in a shop is so different to actually being out there for "real" shooting.
Out of interest wheres Howletts??
Posted 25/02/2004 - 16:02
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Howlett's is in Kent, not far from Canterbury. Fantastic set of tigers, elephants, and gorillas. Best to go while it's cool, otherwise the tigers flob out on platforms that'll need a 400mm and tripod to get a good shot
Matt
Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)
(For gallery, tips and links)
Posted 25/02/2004 - 16:07
Link
Might have to take a look at that then, i'm only alony the coast in dorset!
I'm looking at getting the Sigma 100-300 which would be ideal for that too
I'm looking at getting the Sigma 100-300 which would be ideal for that too
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15 posts
22 years
Dorset,
UK
In which case, can anyone help me out:
I'm considering the istD body and some Sigma EX lenses (100-300 in particular) but am worried that the AF wont be able to keep up with the need for quick focus or tracking when shooting birds etc.
Can anyone set my mind at ease, or am i best going with (shock horror) a body like the Nikon D70 and using the HSM EX sigma range instead with high speed motors in the lense??