5D MK2 for Wildlife using Telephoto lens?

NorthernFilmMaker

NorthernFilmMaker

Active member
I am very interested in the 5D and am very much considering getting it in the next month... one of my main interest would be to use it to shoot stock footage. So, I'm very interested to know how the camera would perform shooting with say the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS on the long end!? Do you think the jello effect would be too excessive when slowly tracking with animals? or would it be better to lock it down on extreme telephoto shots? I love what I have seen so far from the 5D, it looks awesome. And would love to add this camera to my kit. Thanks
 
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Would no doubt work very well for wildlife, as demonstrated here: http://vimeo.com/2418304

I can not comment on a lens... You will need to get a very good tripod head if you plan to work with that zoom range on any camera.
 
I have the 5d and the 100-400...with the updated firmware it is a very good combination. You will need a very good tripod and head if you want to track subjects. I just did some tests filming my friends son playing baseball and the the jello is not so bad. It might be hard to track the focus tough. I might upload some sample shots later if you like.

I dont think you have much better options for wildlife, L glass and low light sensitivity. What were you using untill now? I am presently looking for a 2x extender, 400mm is still a bit short.
 
Pierre N Petit said:
I have the 5d and the 100-400...with the updated firmware it is a very good combination. You will need a very good tripod and head if you want to track subjects. I just did some tests filming my friends son playing baseball and the the jello is not so bad. It might be hard to track the focus tough. I might upload some sample shots later if you like.

I dont think you have much better options for wildlife, L glass and low light sensitivity. What were you using untill now? I am presently looking for a 2x extender, 400mm is still a bit short.
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Thanks, this is very helpful information. I am using the HPX500, i don't have a good telephoto lens for it, but just searching around I found that I am going to have spend at least 5 to 6K on a decent one such as the Canon J21aX7.8 SD lens with 2X extender.... or get a 5D MK2 with a collection of 3 lenses (superwide, Medium, Tele) for about the same price.... hmmmm? Thanks again, exactly the info i was looking for! Oh, I would love to see something if you can. It would be mucho appreciated!
 
I dont have a workflow for editing yet but i could upload a raw file if you like....let me try and do it now...i will be leaving for a few days....
 
Sorry my upload is ridiculous don't know if it my web host or provider but im stuck at 7 KB\s.
i had to cut it and recompress it because the original file was half a gig. http://theworldin35mm.com/video/test.mp4
Maybe if you have something specific you would like me to test, i will try to help you if i can.
One thing for sure is the hpx will be more solid, no jello, banding ect...You can monitor in HD, record audio more efficiently.. also it is way easier to edit dvcprohd.
But the form factor of the 5d is really interesting if you have to hike to your location, and with the right conditions the images are simply gorgeous. I sold my hvx for the 5d but i did not use the 5d enough yet to have final verdict.
 
I have an idea for a doco on a native nocturnal marsupial. The MKII with a small camera mounted LED light is the best option I can think of. The GH1 with it's auto focus is another option but it's low light ability is not quite as good.
 
Pierre N Petit said:
But the form factor of the 5d is really interesting if you have to hike to your location, and with the right conditions the images are simply gorgeous. I sold my hvx for the 5d but i did not use the 5d enough yet to have final verdict.
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This is exactly what i was thinking! The form factor is what makes this interesting, I'm finding that I'm missing alot of amazing shots because I don't want to dig out and set up the big boy, or else by the time i get setup i miss the shot! I would like to have a small-ish camera that I can easily setup up quickly and start rolling. I did look at other small camera options but i'm not liking the options... just personal preference i guess. If you are having trouble with the file being so big, don't worry about it... I'll take your word that the 5D would be usable with the 100-400mm. Maybe when you get your editing solution going you could post something. That would be cool! Thanks again
 
One consideration for long lens photography untested but based on stills work is that a large sensor capture device may not be most appropriate

Many stills photographers prefer small (aps) chip cameras for long lense work because they get a smaller cheaper device for the 'reach'

Im going to need to do surfing footage no doubt (I live in a UK surfspot)

A 600 'reach' is really required

I have been mulling the fact that an EX1 with with a 1.5 converter is actually lighter and easier to carry than a 600/4 which is very big and heavy and gives about the same reach

I think the device that produces the 'sweet spot' for

weight portability vs visual reach vs low light performance vs IS function

there is not an obvious winner

One concern with my 600 is the lack of IS which seems very critical with a long lens which is covered by your chosen zoom

Its difficult to choose on these expensive devices - we are in an uncharted area

S
 
NorthernFilmMaker said:
Hey thanks for this Pierre, It helps!
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I was in contact with a guy on vimeo and he was using a canon 2x and 1.4x extender with success....http://www.vimeo.com/4122649
The 100-400 is not as sharp as some other fixed lense but you have the advantage of the zoom for framing, i guess if you are stalking and want to stay unoticed it would be a good thing.
One negative aspect of that lense is the pumping mechanism. Some say it's no problems but i'm pretty sure that is what got dirt on my sensor on my previous camera.
The recording time limit on the 5d might be a problem for you as well, but with the firmware update at least you don't loose your settings between shots, so just stopping and restarting recording could work, you just loose a few seconds.
 
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