Testing the 7dmk2 on a Whiskered Tern

[Tonji Ramos]

WHISKERED TERN
Chlidonias hybridus
Manila Bay
December 5, 2014



This was an overcast day with dark grey clouds. The clouds diffused the light and helped tame the white feathers and give a nice glassy reflection on the water. The shadows were nicely defined and graduated.  With the shadows, the grey and white bird, and the silver water, I felt like I was shooting with black and white film again. I was smiling there while clicking away. 

The 7dmk2 acquired my targets well. This is the full height of this shot I just cropped the sides. Unusually good for a camera to AF on a flying bird that was so close. 

I am quite happy with the 7dmk2. Its going to be the main camera in the bag.







Canon 7dmk2, Canon 600mm f4 series2, 1/8000, f6.3 ISO1600, Really Right Stuff TVC-34L, 4th Generation Designs Mongoose M3.6

[William Lim]

Great capture, Tonji. How is compared to 1dm4?

[Tonji Ramos]

Thanks William.

Compared to the 1dmk4, I don't know. I've never owned a 1dmk4. My last bodies were 7d, 5dmk2, and 5dmk3. I think the 7dmk2 has better AF than the 5dmk3. Some people say the 7dmk2 AF is better than the 1dmk4. I think Romy said the AF of the 7dmk2 might be better than the 1dmk4 when I talked to him about it. In addition it focuses better than the 1dmk4, 5dmk3, and 1dx in low light. Great for nocturnal birds like owls.

The files of the 7dmk2 vs the 5dmk3 are noiser as expected because it uses a crop sensor. When I enter a dark forest area with the 5dmk2 I am confident I can get a useful photograph. I have not tried forest birding with the 7dmk2 yet. But I am pretty sure I will use the 5dmk3 as my overcast forest birding body.

If the 1dmk4 and the 7dmk2 were equal in AF performance the 1 series body would suffer in comparison because of its heavier weight. Weight is my pet peeve.

I personally find the 1d bodies heavy for my type of birding. They are great cameras, don't get me wrong. But I like exploring and carrying my own rig, sometimes for hours in a day. I think the weight of the 1dmk4 and the heavier 1dx is a big downside compared to a 7dmk2. For people who use porters the weight is probably not an issue. But for myself, I am so tired after some of these hikes, I can't imagine lugging any extra weight every step of the day. I have already missed some great birds because I was too tired at the top of the climb.

The new series 2 lenses of Canon cost double of the series one lenses. And one of the main selling points is that they are lighter. Personally I would pay for something to be lighter but not heavier. In racing lighter is better. Titanium is more expensive than steel. Carbon fibre is better because it is lighter than aluminum. In hiking and mountain climbing a premium is paid for lightweight gear. The extra weight of a 1 series body is equal to my canteen of water for half a day.

So if the camera performance was the same the lighter one would be better in my opinion. When it was 7d vs 1dmk4 the choice was clear, get the 1dmk4, even if it was heavier because it was so much better. But now with the 7dmk2, the 1dmk4 comparison becomes a toss up.

But if you already have a 1dmk4 the extra cost of buying another body that has slightly better AF might not be worth it. Since I did not have a 1dmk4 and I sold my old bodies except for the 5dmk3 it was an easy decision for me.

I hope I answered your question. If there is something else don't hesitate to ask.

[Romy Ocon]

Awesome action, nicely frozen Tonji.....love the wing slicing the water!

[William Lim]

Thanks, Tonji for a very comprehensive answer. I agree with you about the weight issue. I still do carry my gear myself and I feel I am not as strong as I used to be. That is why I am thinking of shifting to lighter gears.

[Tateo Osawa]

Very good action shot, Tonji. Nice to see.

[Tonji Ramos]

Thanks Tateo, it was fun shooting the terns. I actually went back a couple of times.

I hope we shoot together again this new year. I really appreciated your company and assistance last time I was in Cebu.