Continous Autofocus on the Fujifilm X-Pro2

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One of the questions I get asked a lot is the Fujifilm X-Series good enough for sport and is it better than Nikon / Canon.  Since summer 2015 when version 4 firmware was launched for the X-T1 the answer to the first part of the question is a definite 'yes'.

 As I have been posting over the last few months since the launch of the X-Pro2, significant progress has been made in all areas of the new camera spot much so that, in my professional opinion, the X-Pro2 is good enough to compete with a DSLR. Is it better than a Nikon or Canon professional DSLR? The answer to that question is 'no not better' but the X-Pro2 can now compete with the big names in the sports genre. The X-Pro2 can do the job to a professional standard and Fujifilm are continuing to improve the cameras and lenses that we use.

 One of the issues that the X Series has suffered from in the past is following focusing fast moving action. The X-T1 took a leap forward last summer when Fujifilm issued firmware version 4 which improved the autofocus capabilities of the X-T1 and made it essentially a new camera.  

Since receiving the prototype of the camera back in December 2015, I have successfully followed and shot fast moving cars with the X-Pro2 and the XF100-400mm f4.5/5.6, even with the 1.4x converter fitted. But cars tend to be in the same part of the track and they are easy to predict unless they have a problem.  

 Shooting in a stadium environment is a different test altogether.  The players move more randomly and you have to understand the game to predict what is going to happen next and be ready for it.  Busy backgrounds also tend to confuse auto focus systems and keeping the focus locked on your subject can be a difficult challenge for any camera system.

 Yesterday I posted some shots from the Melrose Sevens.  These shots were shot using focus tracking and AF-C on the X-Pro2 and 100-400mm and I posted single shot images.  However the camera was set to 8fps and I did shoot sequences of the players running towards the camera and I was extremely pleased with the number of shots that were sharp as the players ran.

 Here are some sequences that I shot during the tournament, each set was shot on the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and 100-400mm, with two of the sequences shot with the 1.4x converter fitted to the lens.  The images are all straight out of the camera with no cropping.
















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Comments

  1. Unknown15 April 2016 at 09:10

    Great stuff Jeff. I'm currently trying to decide what to replace my ageing EOS1D mkiii with. This is a big help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Macsport24 April 2016 at 20:59

      Pleased that this has given you some help Mark. Good luck with which ever system you decide on for you future camera. But buy the one that is right for you and that maybe sticking with you Canons rather than Fujifilm. A Camera is a tool and each person has different needs. All I can say is Fujifilm suits my style of working and it is now more than capable of getting the shots in the sport and wildlife departments.

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