Real world performance of 1DX MKII vs. MKI at low light reception for stills

[mjcphoto]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone here had real world insight into how the 1DX MKII performs with focussing at a low light reception vs. the MKI. I'm still using my 1D MKI and 5D MK3 - both need focus assist in low light recption conditions. I've been using 3rd party triggers (Godox) to trigger off camera lights (also Godox) lately, but when I move into the reception I've had to add the Canon flash into the mix as the Godox flashes assist beam just doesn't cut it when paired with my cameras. Was wondering if the assist beam is even needed with the MKII? Ideally, I'm guessing that if I hold out for the MKII, that would be my best bet, but thought I'd ask.

Thanks in advance!

Michael

[RobertTheFat]

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@mjcphoto wrote:

Thanks for the insight - this is good to hear. I've documented at least 200 weddings with the 1DX and in low light reception hall settings, it has always needed focus assist. What you've shared is promissing. I may have to pull the trigger. I've also read that not only can it focus in lower light, but that the new focussing system enables quicker focus. I just don't know anyone using it to get real world experience. I've also heard that the 5D MK IV can focus in lower light situations as well...also rated at -3 ev.

Thanks so much!

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"Quicker focus" can have various meanings. Keep in mind that modern DSLRs have two independent focusing systems: one for the viewfinder and one for live view. It's worth making sure that the alleged focusing advantage of the Mark II applies to the viewfinder. As a wedding photographer, you're probably not going to do much live view shooting in darkened areas.

[mjcphoto]

It's been confirmed that the 1DX MKII focuses faster from both the internal documents/ technology upgrades (now has a dedicated processor to focusing and metering) as well as from the real world reviews. It's low light sensitivity has also been expanded to -3ev. The tech upgrades are over the 1DX. The reviews I've read and seen were not using live view. Was interested in hearing from real world users even still.

Thank you,

Michael