Cannot take ANY focused moving object photos using my new 1D X MKII and my EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L

[LanceA]

First let me familiarize you with my back ground a bit.  I have enjoyed photography off and on for some time.  However, my previous camera was a 2003 Canon 10D.  I really decided to take a bit of a step up when purchasing a new 1D X MKII, the above listed lense as well an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L  II USM  lense.   I purchased a nice gimble, a shoulder rig, 4 large C-Fast cards, extra batteries, etc...

The 4K 60 FPS videos are spectacular through this setup (could do without the Motion JPEG Codec for sure), and the functionality is a breeze.

But I am far more interested in the still photography side of my Canon 1D X MKII and lenses.   I have read the ebtire manual several times and the on-line available AF setup guide from Canon.   My camera and both lenses, as well as my older Canon lenses, have no prblems when auto focusing on STILL objects, but as soon as there is movement such as a large water bird flying by my position, then I cannot get this camera to focus AT ALL.   I have no issues when maintaining the bird (as an example) in the focus area of the lense, then activating the back button focus while depressing the photo button.   Even at 14 frames per second I end up with zero shots in focus!   I have tried almost every AF area selection mode and all 6 of the Focus Cases  along with everything else that a very inexperienced novice such as I can think of.   I really hope that I am simply missing something that someone here can help me uncover.  I am so frustrated at this point that I am willing to pay someone who owns a similar setup to walk me through their 1D X MKII setup to hopefully get to the bottom of my issue.  Unfortunately I cannot find anyone in my area and we no longer have any camera shops around.

Thank you very much for you help and and understanding in advance.

Lance A.  

[jrhoffman75]

A tip from Canon-Europe:

[kvbarkley]

I like to use IS with my monster lens - even with a "fast enough" shutter speed - since it "locks on" and limits the movement that I see, making it easier to focus on a particular point.

[TTMartin]

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@jrhoffman75 wrote:

A tip from Canon-Europe:

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Canon USA recommends using Image Stabilization even when shooting at higher shutter speeds because in lens Image Stabilization also stabilizes the image for the Focus Sensor and it can improve auto focus especially when shooting at a high frames per second. 

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 1

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 2

A Look at The Canon Autofocus System Part 3 

[cicopo]

Sorry I wasn't able to contribute today but I have a 3 day R/C jets event to shoot. One day down & 2 to go but it looks like we're making progress. 1/80 really kills any chance of a sharp photo when the target is in flight. As for IS I have read that Canon feels it helps the AF do it's job even when not needed because of a high shutter speed in many on line discussions & I use it for my events. The ONLY time IS has softened photos was when using (Canon brand) lenses which only have IS for use in shooting stationary subjects. When the lens has a panning mode for the IS I use it. 

[TTMartin]

For the EF 100-400 L IS II, I leave the image stabilization ON, but, use Mode 3*.

Mode 3* is a relatively recent development from Canon and is on a limited number of Canon L IS II lenses including the EF 100-

400 L IS II. Before commenting on whether IS should be ON or OFF on the EF 100-400 L IS II, please be sure you are familiar with Mode 3*.

A couple recent shots with the EF 100-400 L IS II + 1.4X TC III (IS ON, Mode 3*)

* Newly Added IS Mode 3: The new IS II super-telephoto lenses are the first to introduce Canon’s new IS Mode 3.  This new stabilization mode is similar to IS Mode 2 in the respect that it can detect and correct for panning by shutting off IS correction in the panning direction, but the difference is that IS correction occurs only during the actual exposure in IS Mode 3. (As in IS Modes 1 and 2, camera shake and panning detection occurs whenever the shutter button is pressed halfway.) As a result, the image in the viewfinder moves more naturally while panning, and battery power is conserved. This feature is expected to be welcomed by sports photographers as well as those who photograph birds in flight.

Canon's Series II Super-Telephoto Lenses and Series III Extenders, by Chuck Westfall

[LanceA]

Thanks,

My learning curve is still quite sharp, but I am now able to take focused stills of moving objects.  I will try leaving IS on #3.

[Waddizzle]

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@LanceA wrote:

Thanks,

My learning curve is still quite sharp, but I am now able to take focused stills of moving objects.  I will try leaving IS on #3.

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The learning curve should always be quite sharp.  The moment you notice that it is not, is the moment when you realize you have become stagnant.  This is true of any discipline, not just photography.

[LanceA]

Thank you again for adding to my limited knowledge base.  I will leave my telephoto on #3 IS.

I am very interested on your opinions about the quality and usable functionality of the 1.4X TC III extender?  I really like the potental of getting nearly a 600mm lens from my 10-400mm, but I am a bit concerned about losing clarity (although your photos are great) and the definate lose of one stop of light level.  Are you still able to attain good Auto Focusing with this extender in place?

Lance A.

[TTMartin]

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@LanceA wrote:

Thank you again for adding to my limited knowledge base.  I will leave my telephoto on #3 IS.

I am very interested on your opinions about the quality and usable functionality of the 1.4X TC III extender?  I really like the potental of getting nearly a 600mm lens from my 10-400mm, but I am a bit concerned about losing clarity (although your photos are great) and the definate lose of one stop of light level.  Are you still able to attain good Auto Focusing with this extender in place?

Lance A.

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Yes, your 1DX Mk II should have no trouble focusing with the the EF 100-400 L IS II and the 1.4X TC III. I pretty much leave the 1.4X TC III on my lens all the time. I'm using a 7D Mk II that does't have the low light performance of the 1DX Mk II and haven't found having to shoot at f/8 to be an issue.

Some more pics from the EF 100-400 L IS II with 1.4X TC III

[LanceA]

Thank you very much for the information about the extender and my camera potentially working together.   I think that I will order the 1.4X soon.  Or, should I simply go a bit further and get the 2X extender ?   I had read several reviews saying that the 1.4 X was borderline capable with auto focus and that the 2X extender was inconsistent at best.  This is the only thing that has kept me away from these, what seemed to be no brainer, extenders for my Canon telephoto lens.   

How on Earth did you capture a Blue bird in flight?!  Your photos are absolutely amazing.   I would love to be able to use your settings for the attached photos to help me attain a better understanding of how to get it right.  

Thanks again for your help, patience and understanding.  I really need it.

Lance A..