5D3 + AF assist beam = slower focus

[Carerra911]

Hello All,

While I am new on these forums I have been on the Canon Rumors Forums for a few years now, 

I really wanted to bring this too the attention of you and Canon as it is simply a highly important problem, those of you that don't know, the 5D3 suffers serious focus locking issues when a Canon speedite is attached in Low light, the AF assist beam causes lag with the AF from the 5D3, this makes it virtually impossible to achieve focus in low light when the speedlite is attached, I wanted to bring the topic to this forum, so I have pasted a link to all the discussion we have already had about this problem at Canon Rumors.com - see below

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=10275.0

Please help in letting Canon know this is a very serious problem and effects the cameras performance in most working environments when a speedlite is attached and working in low light, conferences, nightclub work, weddings etc, and can stop the photographer completing the job or task.

Regards

Louis

[digital]

Wow. They are really following these threads aren't they 

[Carerra911]

They are and its just so nice to hear it, Im really looking forward to the firmware, as I do love the 5D3, 

[steliosk]

First of all: aren't t3i and 600D the same product with the same firmware upgrades?
Second: i can't find a global canon forum to post my problem
Third: is Canon Europe a different company than Canon USA? i understand the support load, i can't find a support forum in Canon global so i chose you!

600D 60D and kiss x5 (which is the japan version) BOTH tested in a dark room with ex 580 and 24-105, BOTH face the same problem (both have the same firmware and settings)
Those cameras suffer from focus lag with the AF beam enabled, where in cameras such as 450D 350D 40D WHICH i've tested ALSO with the same settings (even the custom functions where matched) DOESN'T face this problem and the camera focuses instantly with the AF beam..

I've made a post here but i got ignored
http://forums.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS/600D-AF-assist-beam-slower-focus-as-5D3/m-p/10307#U10307

Now you can run your own tests to see i'm telling the truth it won't take more than 2 minutes to find out, or you can insist on that bureucractic crap which will make me very displeased about canons policies, service and products.

Thank you

[ewe]

Please add my concern.  I have a new 600EX and a 5D3 and the performance in low light is terrible with a 24-105 F4.  I got much better performance from a flash with my first rebel many years ago.

On my older Canon flashes, you could see a pattern projected on the target when the flash fired its focus assist.  Now you don't.

[echelonphoto]

Actually...its not the 600ex....works fine on the 5d mk2...you can clearly see the beam.

[echelonphoto]

sold my 5d mark 3 ...in the interim...I got a 1ds mk3....works better with the beam...but still not as good as my 5d mark2...also

the write time to review on the 1ds is deplorably slow, but i love the viewfinder! Why couldn't they put this viewfinder on the

5d series? Well I guess Canon wants you to buy lots of bodies...because not one of them has everything you want.

Looking back at my brief 4 months with the 5d mark 3...it does have a lot going for it....more accurate AF in general...shooting at ridiculously hi iso with no noise...great lcd...fast processor...the only thing wrong was that stupid

problem with shooting in low light with the flash beam. If they fix this problem...I will be buying another one.

[ewe]

I tried it on a close up, and you see the pattern. Unless my memory is poor, I remember seeing the pattern on regular distance objects. With the 600, it is not visible at normal picture taking distances. I remember being able to shoot in total darkness at night with my EOS 3 and, I think, the 480 flash, and getting instant focus and perfect pictures. Given what I saw shooting a party with the new rig, that would be impossible. My focus speed with a D5Mk3, a 24-105 F4, and the 600 was slower than a point and shoot. It was the first time I used the flash, and was greatly surprised by having to wait for seconds for focus lock with a flash and AF assist. My focus with assist turned off was much faster.

[Crista]

Hi everyone,

We have an update on this topic. A firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark III has just been released.  Firmware Update Ver. 1.2.1 incorporates functional improvements and fixes including uncompressed HDMI output, Center AF point to auto-focus at f/8 when used with Canon EF lens/extender, and AF speed improvement when using the Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.

To learn more and download the update, click here .

[Carerra911]

Thank you very much to everyone at Canon for this, there is no mention on the website that this firmware incorparates the assist beam fix?, but Im assuming it does, I will install it later, would like to hear what others have to say, 

Just a big thanks to everyone at Canon for listening to the Forums and helping us make this camera even more perfect,

all the best 

Louis Amore

[Carerra911]

Thank you again Canon

Here is the list

A list of improvements in firmware version 1.2.1 is listed below.

1. Uncompressed HDMI output is now enabled.
2. Enables the center AF point to autofocus when the camera is used with Canon EF lens/extender combinations whose combined maximum aperture is f/8.
3. Improves the speed of the camera’s acquisition of focus when using a Canon Speedlite’s AF-assist beam.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the LCD monitor may freeze and display Err 70 or Err 80 when a still photo is taken during Live View or in movie shooting mode.
5. Fixes a phenomenon that may occur when the continuous shooting priority setting is enabled for multiple exposures, such that, after the sixth image is taken, there is a slight pause before the remainder of the sequence is completed.
6. Fixes a phenomenon in which the viewfinder display shows incorrect information during AEB shooting.
7. Communication with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter has been improved.
8. When images have been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an “O” will be displayed. When images have not been successfully transferred with the WFT-E7 Wireless File Transmitter through the FTP protocol, an “X” will be displayed.
9. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not function properly when an Eye-Fi card is used.
10. Fixes a phenomenon in which the focal length value listed in the Exif information is not displayed correctly for images shot with the EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM lens.
11. Fixes a phenomenon in which the lens firmware cannot be updated properly.
12. Corrects errors in the Arabic language menu.
13. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera changes the AF microadjustment value to -8.
14. Fixes a phenomenon in which the on-screen guidance cannot be fully displayed when setting the maximum limit value for the “Setting the ISO Speed Range for Auto ISO” option.