Canon extenders
- This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated Jun 6, 2011 at 9:42 pm by
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Hi guys,
I’ve been doing a bit of birding over the last couple of weeks with my 70-200 2.8, setting a “trap” if you like, and shooting with wireless remote. I’m thinking of investing in an extender, and was looking for some input as to whether to go for the 1.4x or 2x.Cheers,
Stu
Me personally ( just my personal bias, others may not agree).
If you really want a little more reach you can get the 1.4TC. I would avoid the 2x.
All TCs carry inherant “cost”. You gain a little reach but sacrifice focus speed, light loss and hits to IQ. Those trade offs are linear. Meaning with the 1.4 the “cost” are less relative to the 2x.
This is a little more subjective.
In my “opinion” TCs are best used with primes. All else equal the “cost” are less apparent/prevalent when used in conjunction with primes versus zooms. Very few zooms accept TCs “well”..<<
Long winded way of saying.
Even though I “can” mount my 2X on either my 500 f4, I rarely do and only do so if there’s no other “option”. Its nice to have in my bag but even when Id rather be 1,000mm ( 500mm f4 + 2x)because something is just that little further away I will mount the 1.4TC and shoot at 720mm f5.6 unless theres simply, no choice.And thats with lenses that take TCs with the least amount of “noticeable” cost.
Get the 1.4TC.
Even if you aren’t “estatic” with results, you should be pleased (relative/subjective) and I think you will be. Its a worthwhile “accessory” to have in your kit, even if you find you prefer not to use a lot.Dont get the 2X.
At $500 (Cdn prices) I think you will find the “cost” too muchI’ve got a 1.4 and on my 400 prime the IQ loss is barely if at all noticeable. The 70-200 takes a bigger IQ hit. There are a few things I don’t like about it though.
1 I am forced to use the center focus point with it on my 400 5.6. A lens with a larger aperture then 5.6 shouldn’t have this issue.
2 The locking mechanism to the lens is is not in a protected location and is very easily tripped leaving the lens not securely attached to the tele. I’ve had to send my 400 back to Canon after I picked my camera up out of the backpack and the lens rotated off the tele and dropped to the floor. Always make sure the lens is secure each time before you pick up the camera with a lens/tele combo on it. A Lesson I learned the hard way…
I never leave TCs mounted….ever. Its just that much more strain on the rims. So for me, I go out to shoot X…and if for some reason I need that little extra reach I put the TC on, grab the shot I want…remove…and try to get closer…wait for another day. It doesn’t matter what you your using the bare lens is always going to be “superior” to adding a TC.
Hits to IQ are “subjective”, I find I can see them regardless of lens/tc combo…Difference being “how” noticeable it is…Some I think are anal about it…if they can see the difference at 100% its “crap”…me…Im more…give me a break
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