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.  

[TTMartin]

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@LanceA wrote:

Did you take the over head shot of the scene with a drone?

I have several drones for over head shots.  Pretty much straight up stills and 4K 60 FPS videos.  I have found out on several ocassions that drones are not waterproof and do not bounce.

Lance 

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No that was just a Google Earth screen shot.

[Bryston3bsst]

I've been following this thread all along. You've all kinds of suggestions some of which require a fair amount of money.

I'll go the unpopular route and say that you already own the hardware that you need to get fantaistic BIF pictures. An extender isn't going to help. In fact, I think it will hinder you. Hand holding long glass can be very difficult. A 1mm movement at the camera end can amplifiy itself at the subject end into a meter or more. Plus it slows AF.

You need to go somewhere where there are a lot of opportunities and practice. I live in the Tampa area and I would be happy to meet with you at a fabulous BIF shooting gallery that I go to quite a bit. Lots of opportunities allows a lot of trial and error. MIstakes are great teachers.With your 1D and the 100-400 II I can assure you success in a short while.

I got these on Sunday.

If you'd like to meet up let me know. I go over there every couple weeks or so. I'd love to help you out.

[DaBrownCO]

I like the suggestions about KISS! I have been trying back-button focus on my new 6D and while I have gotten some incredibly sharp pictures, I've also gotten some that are less so. I just reset my camera to have BBF back on shutter.

[DaBrownCO]

TT, NOW I understand your post to set 'AF-ON' to AF-OFF! As I am new to back-button focus, and have in fact decided to abandon it for a while due to a few blurry shots (which may be caused by me), I came across your post a couple of weeks ago. Didn't understand the logic behind it to be honest, but now all is clear. Thanks!

[DaBrownCO]

"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."

WOW! Love it Waddizzle! So true, but something we often forget.

[ebiggs1]

"I am new to back-button focus, and have in fact decided to abandon it  ..."

I am not a fan of it either but I come from a place where all the new gadgets cameras have were not even none existent.  I still think it best to start simple and add the 'helers' as you learn.  Learning the basic camera, like a 1Dx2, is daunting enough in itself.

[ebiggs1]

BTW, keep in mind the great shots you see here are not their first or beginner efforts.