Local Photographer GB Jordaan took the Canon 1DX MkII for a spin

Recently, I had the opportunity to shoot two rugby games with the new Canon 1DX Mk II.

As I am not very ‘technically’ orientated so I will only give feedback on the basic features I am looking for in a professional camera, specifically one used for sporting events.

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Bulls and Sharks

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Lions and Cheetahs

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan

ISO

Shooting at Loftus and Ellispark under heavy flood lights usually requires an ISO setting of 2000 when you’re shooting at a shutter speed of 1/1000 at an aperture of f/2.8.  Unfortunately this didn’t really put the camera’s ISO to a real test, however, I can say that the results were outstanding at a ISO setting of 2000.

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Bulls and Sharks

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Lions and Cheetahs

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan

Focus Tracking

The feature that most impressed me has to be the focus tracking.  I wouldn’t exaggerate when I say that the focus tracking is at least 70% better than the 1DX.  The tracking seems to grab the subject and just doesn’t let go!  Due to the operators error, I did miss a few shots but it was far less than I am used to.

I can also boast about the fact that the focus point is lit up again, as was the case with the 1D MkIV which makes it even easier to hit a moving subject.

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Lions and Cheetahs

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan

Conclusion

To conclude, the Canon 1DX MkII is a workhorse of note.  A definite step up from its predecessor with such a huge leap forward it’s sure to bring new dimension to the serious professional photographers results.

There was however, one negative… a BIG one…  I had to give it back!!

Just want to thank Canon South Africa and Outdoorphoto for this neat opportunity.

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Lions and Cheetahs

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan

Taking the 1DX MkII for a test, shooting a rugby game between the Lions and Cheetahs

Photo Credit – GB Jordaan