Canon R6 with Sigma 150-600mm + 2x teleconverter: Has anyone tried this combination. - Does it autofocus? - Does it autofocus with eye detection (birds)? There is a lot of chatter that...

NJose Loc: Miami

Has anyone tried this combination.
- Does it autofocus?
- Does it autofocus with eye detection (birds)?

There is a lot of chatter that the lens will not autofocus because it stops down to F11.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

NJose wrote:

Has anyone tried this combination.
- Does it autofocus?
- Does it autofocus with eye detection (birds)?

There is a lot of chatter that the lens will not autofocus because it stops down to F11.

I wouldn't do it. The Sigma C is ok at 600mm, but not good enough to provide sharp images with the 25% to 30% hit in sharpness that will happen with a 2X converter. Even the sharper Sport would lack the image quality. I had a 600mmF4 that was fine with a 1.4X and would mechanically work with a 2X but the image quality just didn't cut it. A 2X TC is meant for a 200mm F2 or a 300mm/400mm F2.8 - those lenses are really sharp.

Besides, what kind of a tripod and head do you have that will adequately support a combination like that anyway, even if you were to get it to work and were ok with the crappy at best image quality?

NJose Loc: Miami

Interesting Gene51. I forgot to mention it's the 150-600mm C that I own wanted some extra reach.

I've done a lot of research and image quality has not come up. I'm hoping someone with this combo will chime in and share some real-life experience.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

If you don’t already have the TC, let me suggest a 1.4X instead (and even then, it’s a compromise).

NJose Loc: Miami

FYI...
Just heard back from Canon Support (read below). Canon would not comment on how autofocus would work with third-party lens + teleconverter.

Canon Support <quote>:
According to Canon Support..< this is a quote> "Yes, I can confirm that the EOS R6 can autofocus with an effective maximum aperture of f/22, so a lens like the RF 800mm f/11 IS STM and the RF Extender 2X can still autofocus since the effective maximum aperture of f/11 minus the two stops of the extender come to f/22. As quoted from Nick's link (https://www.canon-europe.com/cameras/eos-r6/autofocus/): The EOS R6 is the first EOS to have this level of sensitivity, which lets it focus with maximum apertures as small as f/22, allowing teleconverters to be used with relatively narrow-aperture lenses, including our ultra-portable super-telephoto lenses, such as the RF 800MM F11 IS STM and RF 600MM F11 IS STM."

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

NJose wrote:

FYI... br Just heard back from Canon Support (read... (show quote)

Whether it will AF is only one issue, the resulting IQ is what’s really important.

Haydon

Generally speaking putting a 2X teleconverter on any lens other than a fast prime will result in a major hit with focus speed, accurate reliable focus or most importantly image quality as TriX suggested. I know no one really wants to hear this, but it's more important to understand bird behavior to get closer to your subject when your reach hits the limitation.

NJose Loc: Miami

Thanks, everyone! Putting this to rest, no more looking extenders/teleconverters.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

NJose wrote:

Interesting Gene51. I forgot to mention it's the 150-600mm C that I own wanted some extra reach.

I've done a lot of research and image quality has not come up. I'm hoping someone with this combo will chime in and share some real-life experience.

I have used the 150-600 C Sigma, and I would not recommend using the 2X converter on any camera.
The C is NOT that sharp at 600 to begin with, let alone adding a 2X converter.
You are taking an excellent camera and you are asking it to make a bad choice good, it does not work that way. Sorry.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Go to the Sigma website and search for the TC compatibility table. The x2 TC is manual focus only on the 150-600 lenses. Even tho I use the TC-1401 with the 150-600 Cont and 100-400, it’s usually more frustrating than it’s worth. I think the x2 TC would be a waste of your money.
https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lens-resources/teleconverter-compatibility

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

NJose wrote:

Has anyone tried this combination.
- Does it autofocus?
- Does it autofocus with eye detection (birds)?

There is a lot of chatter that the lens will not autofocus because it stops down to F11.

Not "tried" it but, Users have reported AF @ f11 with Canon lenses and TC..... third party lens and TC ? - maybe, maybe not - that is the way Canon likes to work. Just get the 800 f11 and CROP and use AI pixel enlargement if necessary ....8-)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

47greyfox wrote:

Go to the Sigma website and search for the TC compatibility table. The x2 TC is manual focus only on the 150-600 lenses. Even tho I use the TC-1401 with the 150-600 Cont and 100-400, it’s usually more frustrating than it’s worth. I think the x2 TC would be a waste of your money.
https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lens-resources/teleconverter-compatibility

I wouldn't put too much stock into a compatibility chart that doesn't identify individual camera models nor distinguish between DLSRs and MILC bodies. As noted in other comments, an EOS R type body is not limit to f/8 autofocus typical of yesterday's DSLRinosaurs.

NJose Loc: Miami

Guys, don't shot the messenger...

I just heard back from Sigma (see quote below)...not really sharp or super sharp, but "razor sharp".
Where to go from here???

<quote>
Thank you for contacting us. Good news!!! I can tell you first hand that the R6 and the 2x plus the lens will infact autofocus!!!!! It’s starting out at f13 but is razor sharp!

Best,

signature_692838628
Marc Farb
Tech Rep/Photographer| SIGMA Corporation of America
15 Fleetwood Court | Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
TEL: 516-659-0497 | FAX: 631.585.1895

LEWHITE7747 Loc: 33773

NJose wrote:

Has anyone tried this combination.
- Does it autofocus?
- Does it autofocus with eye detection (birds)?

There is a lot of chatter that the lens will not autofocus because it stops down to F11.

If you are spending that much on a camera get a good Canon RF lens.

NJose Loc: Miami

LEWHITE7747, easier said than done. I'm happy for those that can, but I got to make do with what I can. But, if you are willing to give me a zero-interest loan, send me a private message and I'll take you up on the offer.
LOL