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Yes, I'm also surprised not to see a noticeable difference (although this isn't a careful statistical analysis) between f/2.8 and f/5.6. Will get together soon with a friend who has a 5D3 and shoot with hers -- the local egret rookery is a reliable setting. The odd thing is, a bird (one that is gliding with no wing flapping) will be sharp (and by sharp, I mean tack sharp at 100%, with allowance for DOF) in one frame, will be still in the center and slightly soft in the next frame, then out of the center and softer in the next frame, then further out of center and sharp again in the third frame, then back in the center and soft in the 4th. Makes no sense except for the camera searching way more than I'm happy with.
I've settled on the center point with the 4 helper points. I think I've tried all the combinations of the various settings.
May rent a 1DX but that will be a dangerous flirtation.
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Super Moderator
Last edited by arash_hazeghi; 03-29-2014 at 01:53 PM.
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Post a Thank You. - 2 Thanks
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BPN Member
Originally Posted by
William Dickson
I presently use a Canon 7D and I am thinking about getting myself the 5D.
I know the differences between the two cameras,but the one thing I would like to know is, if I was the same distance from the subject and took an image with both cameras, then obviously I would have to crop the Canon 5D image more to obtain the same 'finished' image. Would the IQ then be the same, worse or better?
I use a Canon F/2.8 300mm Mk1 lens usually with a 1x4 TC, and if its a bright day, I would use my 2x TC.
I really dont know if I should keep the 7D or go for the 5D.
Any advice is appreciated
Thanks
I've ordered the 5D Mkiii 
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Super Moderator
Congrats William. looking forward to seeing your photos
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BPN Member
I would like to thank you guys for all your input into this thread, I never thought there would be so many posts. Thanks 
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BPN Member
I have checked a few websites for best settings for the focus system on the 5D Mkiii. but they all seem rather complicated and telling me different settings. If any of you guys that use the 5D give me some hints and tips on the focus system for BIF, it would be greatly appreciated
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I've mostly limited it to single point (not the tiny point) and 4 point surround, to try to minimize jumping to flapping wings and the like, but it isn't always possible to keep the bird's body in the center of the frame. The other day I slowed the burst rate by using the quiet shutter setting and that seemed to improve things a little. Some of what I'm seeing may be focus trying to jump to another part of the bird's body -- I suspect the 4 surrounding points cover more area than it looks like. I suspect the camera's AI Servo focus evaluation can't quite keep up with its high speed burst.
And it is a difference that I can only see at 100%. When the bird gets big in the frame, some of it can be a DOF issue, but that doesn't account for all of it.
I've tried the various cases (and read some conflicting info about which ones to use) and settled on Case 1, but I haven't seen much difference. The issue is for birds in a clear sky -- no BG and no intervening objects.
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Super Moderator
Originally Posted by
William Dickson
I have checked a few websites for best settings for the focus system on the 5D Mkiii. but they all seem rather complicated and telling me different settings. If any of you guys that use the 5D give me some hints and tips on the focus system for BIF, it would be greatly appreciated
Hi William, I have written a guide that explains various functions/features of 5D3 AF for flight, Jim Neiger also has a guide for flight photography.
In audition to camera settings, flight photography is a specialized craft, it is not simple point and shoot, there are many different scenarios and factors, and it takes a while to build up the necessary skills to become a flight shooter. If you are interested I also recommend you take a workshop to learn more about field technique and how to use your gear in various different conditions.
best
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