Does Anyone Have A Canon 1D, Mk2 or 3?

Red Squirrel · #1 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 01:56 PM

If so could you give me an opinion please on it's merit as a camera for wildlife photography as opposed to say a 40D or a 50D?

BillyPilgrim · #2 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Squirrel

If so could you give me an opinion please on it's merit as a camera for wildlife photography as opposed to say a 40D or a 50D?

I have a 2nd-hand 1d mk2 n which I bought on ebay for £1000. The main difference between this and my old 30d, and from what I've read the 40d and 50d, is the autofocus. It is faster and more accurate, especially on moving subjects.

It also retains AF when using tele-converters where the other bodies don't. AF performance when using converters is also superior.

I also like the 8.5 fps burst rate. I usually fire off 2 - 3 frames each time I take a shot. The 2nd or 3rd frame is usually a bit sharper than the 1st. This is probably because my initial shutter button press is on the heavy side and causes slight camera shake?

I think it was well worth the investment but if I were doing it now I'd be torn between it and the 7d.

Red Squirrel · #3 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 03:20 PM

Thanks for that BillyPilgrim. That's pretty much what I thought re accuracy and speed for moving subjects.
I have a 50D, which is good, and use a Canon 100 - 400 f4-5.6 L but still feel there is something lacking. So, wondered if the problem was down to auto focus. Do you feel that this was a factor on the improvement in your photo's?

BillyPilgrim · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Squirrel

Thanks for that BillyPilgrim. That's pretty much what I thought re accuracy and speed for moving subjects.
I have a 50D, which is good, and use a Canon 100 - 400 f4-5.6 L but still feel there is something lacking. So, wondered if the problem was down to auto focus. Do you feel that this was a factor on the improvement in your photo's?

I suppose it improves your chances of getting a good shot. Especially if the light isn't good. I don't own the 100-400 but I would hope you would notice a difference. I certainly did when I first tried my 300mm and 500mm on the 1d.

Red Squirrel · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 10:26 AM

Thank you for the information BillyPilgrim.

willing to learn · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 11:47 AM

The 100mm - 400mm canon lens is a different even better lens on the 1D MII N. I have the 40D 7D and 1D MII N all great cameras all all have their merits but for inflight shots the master is the 1D MII N.
Regards
Colin

petermallett · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 05:58 PM

I bought a used 1D Mk 2 last year to use alongside my 30D for wildlife photography. The 1D2 is a much better camera, focus speed, frame rate and buffer memory are all a great improvement on the 30D. I've not used a 40 or 50D but from now on I think I'll stick with 1D series cameras.

Red Squirrel · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 07:18 PM

Thanks both, thats interesting.
Colin I did wonder about the 1D mk2 N and the 7D. In your opinion which of the two is better for wildlife ( in a hide say), using the 100 - 400 lens. Any advice and personal info will be much appreciated.

welshcameraman · #9 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 02:43 PM

I have been following this thread with huge interest.I have the same problem as Red squirrel. At the moment I have a 400d and looking to upgrade.My father has recently bought a 7d and it is an awesome piece of kit, but I am contemplating a second hand 1d mark 3.

I am ebbing towards the 7d and a battery pack at the moment, for the pixel count, 1.6 magnification, remote flash, better screen, and the warranty.Add to that the fact that I will have around £500 pounds to put towards a new bit of glass.

Problem is....the 1d mark 3 still looks blinking tempting, any comments

Martin

BillyPilgrim · #10 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welshcameraman

I am ebbing towards the 7d and a battery pack at the moment, for the pixel count, 1.6 magnification, remote flash, better screen, and the warranty.Add to that the fact that I will have around £500 pounds to put towards a new bit of glass.

Problem is....the 1d mark 3 still looks blinking tempting, any comments

Martin

Its a tough choice. If it were me and I could be guaranteed a 1d mk 3 with perfect autofocus (I'm sure you're well aware of the issues they had) then I'd go for it. Even then I'd still have a few doubts.