Canon EOS 6D for Action Photography
The humble Canon EOS 6D (Full Frame) for motorcycle panning at Killarney, Cape Town and Birds in Flight, Woodbridge Island.
The Canon EOS 6D body is not really renown for its Autofocus System capabilities when compared to i.e. the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (Full Frame) / Canon EOS 7D Mark II (APS-C) - and globally Canon photographers are not too keen for its 4.5 fps continuous rate compared to 6 - 14 fps in most sport-orientated bodies.
I took the Canon EOS 6D on various tests (deliberately) paired with the Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM lens for demonstrating the camera's 11-Point AF system capabilities at 4.5 frames per second.
If this was my only Canon EOS body, I would have no concern shooting motor sport and / or Birds in Flight - only change I would make is to replace the 70-300mm lens with my 400mm prime lens for Birds in Flight (for faster AF and the 100mm additional reach).
"A humble 2012 Full-Frame body with my 'shortest' long lens still delivered the goods"
The image of a Pied Kingfisher in flight was a deliberate attempt to show the influence of environment, awareness, cognition, perception and reflex when exercising your craft. At 4.5 fps and a minimalist AF-system I was confident to get the shot. Matter of fact there are 4 shots in this sequence - all 'ideal exposures' for my own expectations.
I also used my 'shortest' long lens to make this image: the Canon EF 70 -300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens.
I don't use the Canon EOS 6D anymore, but it is still in our bags. Will never let it go. I personally replaced the 6D with the 6D Mark II for landscapes / long exposures and street photography.
The Canon 6D Mark II at 6.5 fps is even better at birds in flight, although not its main purpose (for me).
The moral of this post is - first try to get the most out of your camera and lens(es) before you upgrade. In many cases human behaviour and getting a comprehensive understanding of the environmental variables can save you quite a bit.
For me, a regular challenge is to get the best out of my oldest equipment. Of course it does have many limitations comparing to the latest tech, I respect this fact, but being in the moment with 'older' familiar ergonomics is such a comfort zone - and not having the FOMO feeling.
The 6D is good to go for motorcycle racing as well... and more.
Two images with Canon EOS 6D at Center-Point AF (AI Servo Mode):
1st Image: Motorcycle Panning at Killarney Cape Town
2nd Image: Birds in Flight Photography - Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
Image 1: Canon EOS 6D - Motorcycle Racing Killarney, Cape Town
.jpg "Image 2: Canon EOS 6D - Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town")
Image 2: Canon EOS 6D - Birds in Flight Photography Cape Town
Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Bird Photography with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Resources / Birds in Flight Photography Gallery
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Resources / Birds in Flight Photography Gallery
Two Cost-Effective Canon Lenses for Birds in Flight Photography
Two Cost-Effective Canon Lenses for Birds in Flight Photography