*istD AF performance (was Re: Sigma 2.8 Zoom lens comments)

[John Coyle]

My experience with the AF of the  MZ-S and the *istD tells me that the MZ-S 
is far better than the digital, with any of the lens I have used on both 
cameras.  I find the MZ-S very quick and accurate, and able to AF in very 
dim conditions and low contrast.  On the other hand, using the *istD at a 
wedding on Saturday, I got only two focussed shots in a 6-7 second 
opportunity (when the couple were walking back down the aisle after the 
ceremony) using AF-C and the SMC-Takumar 28-105 4-5.6: sensitivity 400ASA 
and exposures were in the 1/60 @ 4.5 to1/90 @ 5.6 region.  I have to confess 
that this is my first real disappointment with the *istD: perhaps, however, 
it was due to battery state, as I did get the half-full to empty warning 
several times during about an hour's use - turning it off and back on again 
gave me a full indicator every time though!  Alternatively, the state of the 
batteries together with the fact that this is a solid and heavy lens may 
have contributed.

John Coyle
Brisbane, Australia