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Guys is there any one who has tracked a fast moving subject e.g. a small bird in AF-C mode on both the D2X and D200?

And if so is there any noticable difference in the speed it acquires focus while the subject is moving i.e. is one "faster" than the other?

Thanks guys.

I comes down to if you can keep the subject in your viewfinder or not. Lens choice will contribute greatly.

got a lot of eperience on this

on the D2X the AF-C is determined by several things
1. closest subject priority
2. group dynamic subject priority
3. something else
dependign on how these settings are set in the menu for AFC mode affects the AF-C performance

but in all my experience shooting runway with the fast 70-200VR with vR off
AF-C mode can't continuosly track focus a model walking down a catwalk, now that ain't fast compared to a speeding bird or car

better luck pressing down on the shutter for focus incrementally then taking the shot in single servo mode

but don't take my word i am sure someone else will have a different opinion

just bear in mind several prominent fashion photographers agree with me

wendellt wrote:got a lot of eperience on this

ROTFLMAO. I think this one wins the Acedemy Award for funniest forum statement of the year!

Models on the catwalk aren't exactly "fast moving subjects", Wendell.

Small birds flying are a tad quicker.

So too are F1 racecars. The only time I've seen models keeping up with F1 racecars is when they've been stationary on the starting grid.

Steve has the point nailed by stating that you need to be able to keep the subject in your viewfinder. If you cannot achieve that, the whole question becomes moot.

If you can, then if you have a focus lock already, you'll keep it. if you haven't yet acheived that, then that becomes the salient point, but my limited experience with the D200 thus far suggests that it will be very bloody good.

i am pretty funny gary, probably did not understand the context of the question before i replied

I've come across a lot of people that say they can't get AF-C to work (on Canon and Nikon systems) and I just don't get it. Point the little focus point at your subject, half depress the button and pan with it - you HAVE to keep the subject under the focus point otherwise the camera will go "what the? what you want? i don't see nuffin, dumbass!!!" Generally with a bit of a Japanese accent depending on the ilk of your camera!!

I've tracked three viticulturalists walking thru a vineyard this way, as well as numerous birds like Pintailed Whydah's that flutter around like bees - works every time!

Practice. Practice. Practice. And then some.

Liam =] PS - if the subject is coming towards you, the camera does take about 1/4 of a second longer to update it's focus (depends on lens also) so give it a chance to catch up

gstark wrote:[
Models on the catwalk aren't exactly "fast moving subjects", Wendell.

Gary, that is harsh, you have obviously never seen them all chase a stick of celery after the show is over