Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III: I am wondering whether the problem of autofocus has been resolved in the new Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III?
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Due to family illness, I've barely scratched a zillionth of a pixel, but the long-awaited 21.1 MP Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III arrived Monday in three huge boxes with almost everything from 14mm-400mm to replace a complete Nikon system started in 1963 with a Nikon-F that ended this summer with a D2X. I detested the divorce but screamed for fullframe and many more megapixels. So far, but based on limited experience, this starts with a homerun. While I'll be more than happy to address any question, please bear in mind that I've seen little yet of the proverbial iceberg, let alone any solid scientific data, nor even a print. Subjective views, based on more than 50 years in photography, two degrees in the field, and a beginning orientation that anything less than 4x5 was "miniature," slants this very premature stance. But, I'll be objective as I can. Just keep the preceding in mind as you form questions. As a start, though, it won't hurt to tell you that I am pleasantly surprised by: (1) It "feels" good and at home in my grubby old hands: a point I approached negatively about Canon in general, and this weighty beast in particular; (2) I'm astonished with its "user friendliness" compared with my last few Nikons, and especially the D2X; (3) I'm far less apprehensive about dumping Nikons and spending enough money to buy a halfway decent car for this switch after playing with it two evenings; and (4) Spending this much when I really didn't NEED another camera line bothered me less the first time I played with it for 10 minutes. Retired, with maybe a few creative years left, this change was because my physical condition wouldn't allow me to wag around a view camera, and I wanted the nearest reasonable qualitative results without a complete blowout with insanely priced Hasselblad stuff. Hope to post more valuable details soon. I did, however, discover the ONLY people I will use for all photo buys in the future:family owned. bdonovan@kcamera.com You will be grateful!
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Ronald if this question is directed at me I cannot help you. I no longer have the camera, didn't experience any lens or sensor problems and do not have one for sale. Sorry.
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Hello Brian. I've had this lens for four years now, and while my copy has been beset with build quality issues, I can't complain about autofocus. It's not as fast as some of the newest SSM lenses, but it tends to be quick and accurate. You can always check other reviews here: http://www.dyxum.com/reviews/lenses/Carl-Zeiss-Vario-Sonnar-T*--DT-16-80-F3.5-4.5_review318.html
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I used this lens for one year until yesterday without any problems. Just yesterday I am experiencing the same issue: quite focus hunting when zoomed out at 70+ and when it stops it is not on focus! Any idea?
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I also have this slow focus problem on my D300 and D700. Slower focusing than any other lens I have used. Anyone heard about a fix for this yet?
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Same here, I got my D50 nearly 3 years ago and also have been plagued by the sticky shutter problem starting after 1.5 years. I have been taking lots of photos (29500 shutter releases so far) and used the extended warranty. I'm also disappointed by this shutter and considering returning the camera again for repair.I envy the time where people would keep their film camera for 20+ years... (maybe they did not take that many photos :)
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seems to be an epidemic. same problem no autofocus. if I use the zoom to get in focus then pics come out ok but not good.
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Thus far I did not experience any issues with focusing - worked fine for me. Moreover, XS-1 has a manual focus mode with the focusing ring conveniently located on the lens housing and a switch on the body to select manual focusing mode, so if you get into a situation that auto-focus does not work for you, it is very easy to override it.
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I'm using it on my Canon EOS 5D Mark III. I see no reason it shouldn't also work on the 1D.
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i think the only fix is to replace the motor. i am surprised that even the latest digitals like d300 and d700 have the same problem too. i thought it was simply because the f5 is a relatively old camera. i can't say it is a complete waste of money but is definitely a huge disappointment. i would have bought the D type if i were doing it again. i wish i got that in the first place but i was scared of the focus problems i had with my 35mm 2.0 D type so decided to get the newer designed lens. that is my story.i will try to contact nikon and see what they will offer. i still have the 5 year warranty so it could be covered under that if they are willing to stand up for their reputation. i think the only fix is to replace the motor. i am surprised that even the latest digitals like d300 and d700 have the same problem too. i thought it was simply because the f5 is a relatively old camera. i can't say it is a complete waste of money but is definitely a huge disappointment. i would have bought the D type if i were doing it again. i wish i got that in the first place but i was scared of the focus problems i had with my 35mm 2.0 D type so decided to get the newer designed lens. that is my story.i will try to contact nikon and see what they will offer. i still have... » Read More i think the only fix is to replace the motor. i am surprised that even the latest digitals like d300 and d700 have the same problem too. i thought it was simply because the f5 is a relatively old camera. i can't say it is a complete waste of money but is definitely a huge disappointment. i would have bought the D type if i were doing it again. i wish i got that in the first place but i was scared of the focus problems i had with my 35mm 2.0 D type so decided to get the newer designed lens. that is my story.i will try to contact nikon and see what they will offer. i still have the 5 year warranty so it could be covered under that if they are willing to stand up for their reputation. « Show Less
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Firstly it is an older 1D. It is a second generation APS-H SLR. Right now they are on Mark IV in that range. One of the best advantages of this camera for me is the 8fps burst mode. Very good for a camera in this category and price range. I own one that I bought used. Best investment I ever made so far. You can see the differences in the 1D's at the bottom of the following page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EOS-1D_Mark_II
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I've had mine for two years and it hasn't failed. Never heard anyone mention the AF failing. AF back focusing, or front focus, yes. But depending on what Canon body you're using most the time Micoadjustment enables you to tweak the lens to focus properly.
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I've had mine for almost a year now. Unlike the previous posters, I haven't had any issues with focus. However, I have recently discovered 3 dead pixels in the CCD each separated pretty far from each other. I shrink most of my pictures for web use so it's not really an issue with me but it's not good when there's more than a couple of dead pixels in your CCD. Otherwise it's been pretty good; I do like it a lot.
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I have this problem But I don't understand your solution, Bruce. Could you or someone explain it again please?You appear to be saying that if the camera is at something like a standard focal length you can choose both Macro and MF. But you can't - not on mine anyway!In my experience, the camera will not focus below 1ft. The image stays blurred and often the yellow central focus frame will display a question mark.Auto-focus does not work in Macro either - so to all practical purposes the camera has no Macro mode. If someone has a fix for this I'd be very interested.
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Nikon has fixed the issues, but Nikon has not ever mentioned any problems either so just double check if you order one. I brought one less then a month ago without any issue tested and passed. It was found that one of the alignment stations was not calibrating correctly and about 20% of the models were effected according to Thom Hogan.
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I've been using the camera for about 3 months or so and was hesitant about using the auto focus/auto exposure because my last Canon video camera not only made noise, but it continuously unfocused and refocused throughout recording. I switched to all auto mode just to "see" how bad it was and haven't gone back since. I use Premiere Pro editing software and the audio is clean (we run a small soundboard and there's a tiny bit of hiss from there that the denoiser filter removes completely). But we hear no camera noises at all.
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Has anyone received an official response from Canon on this issue? Specifically, the nature of the issue (hardware/software). I have the same problem. Autofocus outside of the widest zoom setting does not function. The camera lights up focus targets and beeps, but the focus is clearly wrong. The camera is NOT in macro mode.