Canon Photography

40d not good for bif

My 20d replacement has just arrived, the 40d. I have read some reviews on DP forum where they are saying that focus tracking on a moving bird is poor as the focus quickly locks onto the background, but it will refocus back again quicker than the 20d.

I havent had time to use it yet, has anyone had problems tracking small birds in flight with the 40d. (I wouldn't be surprised if it was down to using a short lens or poor tracking skills). I use a 400mm F5.6 and have a steady arm so I was expecting an improvement over the 20d, I hope I don't regret this purchase?!

I appreciate that some people on that forum may have poor tracking skills, wrong lens types, poor copies etc so I dont always believe what I read, what do you guys (who own a 40d) think?

Thanks

Alex

Well I'm no great shakes at all where BIFs are concerned, and I've read the negative commentary on the 40D in this regard: but I have to say that - within the scope of my own modest expectations - personally I don't agree that it's "not good".

There's actually another thread on the subject here, Alex.

The shots in there (speaking about mine) might not prove that it's the best camera ever for BIFs, but I do think they prove that it isn't as terrible as some folk suggest.

This looks OK to me, for example.

I'd agree that it takes a bit more effort on the part of the photographer, but thats a good thing IMHO. The focus tracking seems [excellent to me, but I do agree that the focus lock will wander off with little provocation. Just means I've got to try harder to keep the focus point where it needs to be, which I'm OK with.

I know that since I've got my 40D, I've found myself more likely to have a go at a BIF, whereas I'd be more likely to shrug and think "naaah, it's not worth the effort..." with the 30D.

Cheers Keith,

Looks like I should give it a go then. From what I can see of it so far the other improvements look good. I hope it doesnt rain this weekend

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