05-14-2013, 11:40 AM
You may have gathered from my previous posts I do value tracking AF. And for sure it is far from perfect, particularly if you're using multi-points where it can easily get confused as to what exactly it is tracking.
I would agree that even single shot phase isn't perfect, but it is only really noticeable with fast lenses, say <f/2 <100mm, or f/2.8 longer than that. The AF point size is still rather big so it may pick on things other than what you thought.
However, contrast AF isn't perfect for the same reason. If the detection area is big relative to the target, you still run into problems. Arguably it may have a bit more consistency over phase though.
At the end of the day, I go with the thought "use the right tool for the job". Obviously that isn't limited to AF, but a whole bunch of features. Go with whatver works in a given role.
Right now for me, phase will give me a higher hit count than single shot. Looking into the future, if they can combine the best of both phase and contrast AF into a single system, you can bet I will jump on it. Existing hybrid systems still have some way to go to get there.
I would agree that even single shot phase isn't perfect, but it is only really noticeable with fast lenses, say <f/2 <100mm, or f/2.8 longer than that. The AF point size is still rather big so it may pick on things other than what you thought.
However, contrast AF isn't perfect for the same reason. If the detection area is big relative to the target, you still run into problems. Arguably it may have a bit more consistency over phase though.
At the end of the day, I go with the thought "use the right tool for the job". Obviously that isn't limited to AF, but a whole bunch of features. Go with whatver works in a given role.
Right now for me, phase will give me a higher hit count than single shot. Looking into the future, if they can combine the best of both phase and contrast AF into a single system, you can bet I will jump on it. Existing hybrid systems still have some way to go to get there.
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://snowporing.deviantart.com/">dA</a> Canon 7D2, 7D, 5D2, 600D, 450D, 300D IR modified, 1D, EF-S 10-18, 15-85, EF 35/2, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-300L, 100-400L, MP-E65, Zeiss 2/50, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300/2.8, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Olympus E-P1, Panasonic 20/1.7, Sony HX9V, Fuji X100.