Kenko 1.4x does not work on my Canon 7D Mark II: The Kenko 1.4x Teleplus Pro 300 teleconverter works on my T4i and my 70D, but not on my 7D Mark II. I get two error messages. One is...

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

The Kenko 1.4x Teleplus Pro 300 teleconverter works on my T4i and my 70D, but not on my 7D Mark II. I get two error messages. One is Error 01, which says there is no communication between the lens and the camera, and to clean the contacts. The other error message says that the firmware update failed, and to try again. I spoke to Canon, and did not get a reason why this teleconverter won't work on the 7D Mark II. Also, there is no firmware update yet for this camera.

Didereaux Loc: Swamps of E TX

You can use it IF you set the aperture WIDE open in either Av, or Manual mode. Or at least mine works that way on the 7D. Some also use a thin strip of scotch tape across the contact pins as well. But the key is wide open and stays that way. You do the same with some of the older len's such as the Sigma 400mm.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Ersten wrote:

The Kenko 1.4x Teleplus Pro 300 teleconverter works on my T4i and my 70D, but not on my 7D Mark II. I get two error messages. One is Error 01, which says there is no communication between the lens and the camera, and to clean the contacts. The other error message says that the firmware update failed, and to try again. I spoke to Canon, and did not get a reason why this teleconverter won't work on the 7D Mark II. Also, there is no firmware update yet for this camera.

is this a possibility?
Most Canon EOS camera bodies are programmed to shut down auto focus if the calculated effective aperture for the lens and teleconverter is smaller than f/5.6, the Kenko TELEPLUS PRO 300 converters work the same way.

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

Didereaux wrote:

You can use it IF you set the aperture WIDE open in either Av, or Manual mode. Or at least mine works that way on the 7D. Some also use a thin strip of scotch tape across the contact pins as well. But the key is wide open and stays that way. You do the same with some of the older len's such as the Sigma 400mm.

I failed to mention that this only occurs when I attach the new Canon 100-400 IS II lens to my 7D Mark II. The Kenko works with my Canon 100mm L IS USM lens and my Canon 50 mm using the 7D. However when the 100-400 is attached, the viewfinder and top LCD won't even show any information (acts like the camera is not powered on), so I can't use this lens at all. Maybe it's because the 100-400 is too slow, but I thought that would only affect autofocus properties and I could still use the lens when manually focusing.

When I taped the contacts of the teleconverter, autofocus was disabled, and the aperture read nothing else except "00" while the shutter speed and ISO functioned normally. This was the same result whether in Av, Tv or M modes. I guess I'll need to buy a Canon teleconverter if I want to use one on my 7D with the 100-400. Or, just use the Kenko on my 70D with the 100-400, but with the AF and tracking superiority of the 7D over the 70D, I won't get great shots of BIF.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Ersten wrote:

I failed to mention that this only occurs when I a... (show quote)

Just so ya know, when using the Canon 1.4 III teleconverter with this lens/camera combination, ONLY the center focus dot will be available.

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

LiamRowan wrote:

Just so ya know, when using the Canon 1.4 III teleconverter with this lens/camera combination, ONLY the center focus dot will be available.

I thought the 2.0 converter had that limitation. I'll double check. Thanks to all who responded.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Ersten wrote:

I thought the 2.0 converter had that limitation. I'll double check. Thanks to all who responded.

I own that lens and camera, the manual states this, and I double-checked with Canon directly, so this info is accurate.

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

LiamRowan wrote:

I own that lens and camera, the manual states this, and I double-checked with Canon directly, so this info is accurate.

Are BIF shots a significant part of your repertoire, and if so, is this combination, with only centerpoint focusing, satisfactory to you, or do you mainly shoot stationary objects?

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Ersten wrote:

Are BIF shots a significant part of your repertoire, and if so, is this combination, with only centerpoint focusing, satisfactory to you, or do you mainly shoot stationary objects?

I have used the camera/lens with the extender only once, and I did shoot a few BIF. My initial impression was that there is a little IQ sacrificed with the extender, but my experience is too limited to offer anything more than just an impression. IQ is not sacrificed using other lenses with the 1.4 extender, so it may have just been first-time-out inexperience. I did notice, however, that with even only one focal point, the lens was able to lock on to a moving bird. That surprised me. If I am able to form a confident opinion in the future I'll check back with you. I will say that the lens and 7D II are a joy to use. I'll post a BIF and a close up. You can see reflections of trees in the eyes of the crane portrait if you zoom in. Both hand held, no extender.

(Download)

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

LiamRowan wrote:

I have used the camera/lens with the extender only... (show quote)

Wow, the clarity in the sandhill crane's eye after zooming in is amazing! And, the BIF shot gives me enough reason to pop for the Canon 1.4x.

Ken Rockwell said (http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/100-400mm-ii.htm): "This 100-400 gives much better perspective at its longer focal lengths than shooting with a dedicated 100mm macro. It shoots down to about 1/3 life size, and does it with plenty of room between you and your subject better than the 100mm f/2.8 IS L."

There is definitely an advantage to using this lens for closeups if access to the subject is restricted. And with the amazing IQ of this lens for closeups, it rivals the 100mm IS L (see attached photos I took this week at the Ruth Bancroft Gardens in Walnut Creek, CA), so if weight and space are limiting factors on trips (such as African safaris or backpacking), I just might leave my 100mm at home!

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated. And you are right -- the combo of the 7D Mark II and this lens is a dream fit!

Budnjax Loc: NE Florida

I'm sorry, but I've read non-biased reviews of Kenko tele-converters and using one on a fine camera like the 7DII and 100-400L is lens is somewhat like buying a Maserati and putting recaps on it. The lens/camera combination is never going to be better than the weakest link.

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

This Kenko has gotten very respectable reviews on B&H, rivaling the three times more expensive Canon 1.4X III. If it was compatible with my 100-400 L IS II, it would be a no brainer to use.

I have attached photos taken today in response to your reply. There is no noticeable degradation in IQ, IMHO. Photos are unretouched, handheld, and only resized for uploading. Equipment: 7D Mark II and Canon 100L IS/Kenko combo.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Ersten wrote:

Wow, the clarity in the sandhill crane's eye after... (show quote)

Just to clarify; both crane shots were WITHOUT extender. Also, as superb is the detail in the 100-400 ii, it does not equal the 100mm IS L. I have a lot of respect for Ken Rockwell, but my experience with both lenses makes me disagree.

Just to compare "eyes," here's one with the 100mm. You will not - CANNOT - get this kind of detail with the 100-400.

Blue morpho macro 100mm IS L

(Download)

Ersten Loc: Concord, CA

LiamRowan wrote:

Just to clarify; both crane shots were WITHOUT extender. Also, as superb is the detail in the 100-400 ii, it does not equal the 100mm IS L. I have a lot of respect for Ken Rockwell, but my experience with both lenses makes me disagree.

Just to compare "eyes," here's one with the 100mm. You will not - CANNOT - get this kind of detail with the 100-400.

That's the compromise for having a zoom, but the flexibility is hard to beat, especially when the differences in IQ is minimal.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Ersten wrote:

That's the compromise for having a zoom, but the flexibility is hard to beat, especially when the differences in IQ is minimal.

Agree, although I suspect the 100-400 ii is as sharp as many primes. It's as sharp as my 50mm 1.4; maybe sharper. The 100mm IS L is in a class of its own.

I meant to ask what the flower is in the first photo in your series posted here? Just beautiful and very unique. Love that image.