AF on 5D MK2 compared to 40D?

[AndyM2020]

Does anyone have any real-world experience on how the autofocus compares between the 40D and the 5D MK2?

I will be upgrading soon and would prefer the 5D MK2 over the 7D, but there's no point going that route if the AF is no better than what I have now (knowing the the AF on the 5D is its weak point).

One of my main subjects is dogs, and I often photograph them running towards me. The 40D with a 70-200mm f/2.8 L can be a bit hit or miss depending upon light levels and how fast they are running. I know the AF on the 7D would be more suitable, but I also have need for the cleaner/better high ISO of the 5D, which would also help me to use faster shutter speeds when shooting dogs.

[AndyM2020]

No one?

Hopefully this isn't seen as a "7D vs 5D2" thread, as it's not - I know the differences between the two and their strengths/weaknesses.

I just need to know if the AF on the 5D2 is comparable or better than the 40D. If it is better, I'll be more likely to go with the 5D2 for the better low light capability, which will allow me to use higher shutter speeds without having to use flash (not always good with animals...)

I seem to recall it being said that the AF on the 5D2 was more or less the same as the MK1, which is about 2 years older than the 40D, so although the 5D1 is a higher spec camera, it is older technology. So the two may be more or less comparable.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 40D and 5DII systems are likely very similar, though I think the 40D is a touch faster.

If you're really worried about autofocus, then youre going to be looking at the 7D or 1 series.

[ErikUngerPhotography]

If your main subject is fast moving dogs, why wouldn't you want the 7D? While the 5D does have slightly cleaner images at the higher ISO's, it is better to have a noisy image with spot on focus than a clean image with slightly off focus.

Do you use any sort of PP? Even just LR by itself these days does an amazing job of cleaning up noise.

Of course, you could always wait and see if the 5D III/X will in fact have 61 AF points and 7.5 fps. Course it ain't gonna be cheap. But if you would like my advice for which one to get for what you described you needed, go with the 7D. I shoot sports with my 5D II, and I do get some good shots, but I am saving to get a 7D specifically for action and wildlife.

[Professional]

If i will shoot movements and/or actions then i will always go with faster responsive AF cameras, in Canon my choice is 1 series always, then can be 7D, then those x0 series such as 60D/50D,40D....etc.

[AndyM2020]

Thanks for the replies.

My heart says 5D2 and my head says 7D - the 5D2 is just on the edge of my budget, but I keep forgetting that I would have to replace my EF-S mount 17-70mm lens if I went with it, which pushes it out of my budget. I think I may also be too hung up on that extra teeny bit of ISO performance.

I do also do other things like landscapes, portraits and studio, and have a growing need for video (by all accounts, video on the 5D2 is just "nicer" on the 5D2).

I think I will go with the 7D and give it a year or so and then upgrade to the 5D3 (if it has been released by then, and has hopefully dropped in price a little) if I need to.