Canon extenders: I want to get an extender for my Canon 70-200 L f/2.8. I'd like the 2x for extra reach but i'very read reviews that it isn't as shsrp6. What do you who have either of...

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I want to get an extender for my Canon 70-200 L f/2.8. I'd like the 2x for extra reach but i'very read reviews that it isn't as shsrp6. What do you who have either of these (1.4 or 2) think?

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I have a 2X extender. It's OK. But, if I had it all to do over again, I'd have chosen a 1.4 - we're really after sharp photos, after all.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Tracy B. wrote:

I want to get an extender for my Canon 70-200 L f/2.8. I'd like the 2x for extra reach but i'very read reviews that it isn't as shsrp6. What do you who have either of these (1.4 or 2) think?

Any extender (Canon's term for teleconverters) will have an impact on IQ and sharpness. The 1.4x and 2x Extender III are both excellent devices to provide you with more reach, and may both be acceptable for your purpose. However, the results with the 1.4 will be better with possibly unnoticeable image degradation much of the time. You will notice more image degradation with the 2x. For many people it is unacceptable. I would try it out, but make sure you can return it if you're unhappy.

Smudgey Loc: Ohio, Calif, Now Arizona

Extenders in general will not be as sharp as the lens that you are putting it on, however if there is an extender that is made specifically for the lens that you are using, then the results will be better than if it is a generic extender.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

Thanks everyone. I'll probably go for the 1.4xiii.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Tracy B. wrote:

Thanks everyone. I'll probably go for the 1.4xiii.

I think you'll be happier with the 1.4x. I understand why you were considering the 2x. With it it would turn you 70-200 f/2.8 into a 140-400 f/5.6. However, the results you will get with that combo will be inferior to the Canon EF 100-400.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

I have both. The 2x can be disappointing.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Tracy B. wrote:

I want to get an extender for my Canon 70-200 L f/2.8. I'd like the 2x for extra reach but i'very read reviews that it isn't as shsrp6. What do you who have either of these (1.4 or 2) think?

I do have both, the 1.4xIII and the 2xIII (don't even know why), and have used them both on the 70-200 and 400 lenses and the 1.4 is clearly the one if you're looking for critical sharpness. It really takes some pixel peeping to see any degradation to the IQ with it and I would not say that the 2x is bad in that respect (for from it), but it is noticeable!

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

I think sharpness is more important to me than extra reach. Thanks again. It's always nice to talk with someone who has experience with the equipment.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

The 1.4 x is much more flexible than the 2x re camera focus options. At f/8 you would be limited to one focus point if that for most cameras. But, don't be fooled. I have seen many examples very sharp images with 2x converters but you focus techniques and lens stability have to right on so good results can be obtained with good techniques.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

Nalu wrote:

The 1.4 x is much more flexible than the 2x re camera focus options. At f/8 you would be limited to one focus point if that for most cameras. But, don't be fooled. I have seen many examples very sharp images with 2x converters but you focus techniques and lens stability have to right on so good results can be obtained with good techniques.

Thanks for replying.
I have the Canon 5d mark iv. 61 AF points AF possible at all 61 AF points with many lens + extender combinations effective at f/8.
But, I do hand hold 99%, so to be sure I have the sharpest photo, I'll be getting the 1.4iii.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Nalu wrote:

The 1.4 x is much more flexible than the 2x re camera focus options. At f/8 you would be limited to one focus point if that for most cameras. But, don't be fooled. I have seen many examples very sharp images with 2x converters but you focus techniques and lens stability have to right on so good results can be obtained with good techniques.

Keep in mind she's referring to using it with a fast f/2.8 lens. Unless I've done the math wrong, with the 1.4x extender on her lens, the maximum aperture would be f/4, and with the 2x extender, the maximum aperture would be f/5.6, not f/8. Of course, In the case of her brilliant new camera, a maximum aperture of f/8 wouldn't be an issue anyway with regard to focus points, but would still result in a wider DOF and the reduction of a stop of light. There are always trade-offs. Using the 2x extender with a 70-200 f/4 would result in a maximum aperture of f/8.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

mwsilvers wrote:

Keep in mind she's referring to using it with a fa... (show quote)

Good point. I didn't catch that. Thanks for pointing that out. These forums are great. It's like asking customer service questions without the wait.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

Tracy B. wrote:

Thanks for replying.
I have the Canon 5d mark iv. 61 AF points AF possible at all 61 AF points with many lens + extender combinations effective at f/8.
But, I do hand hold 99%, so to be sure I have the sharpest photo, I'll be getting the 1.4iii.

Guess I did not read the original message carefully enough. Yes, with the 70/200 2.8 with the 2X is will be 5.6. And I did not realize she is using the 5DIV. As such all of her af functions will be available. Also, at 400mm with the 2x, there will be a little leeway re shooting techniques. Always best what ever converters, take the time to do a fine focus exercise to determine whether the focus is right on. I have two 1.4x and one 2X. Until just recently I had not taken the time to mess with the 2X. I fine tuned it and am now trying it out. Check out the junco below done with a 5DIV, 600mm IS II (f/4) and 2XIII, gimbal mounted (1/500, f/8, ISO 1250). Not the best of light, but if you look at the feather detail, it is still pretty sharp. So, in my mine, the 2X has plenty of opportunities especially in good light, especially with a 2.8 lens. Will I used it much compared to a 1.4X, probably not. Buy the 1.4 and maybe down the road add the 2X.

(Download)

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

Nalu wrote:

Guess I did not read the original message carefull... (show quote)

Thanks for the advice. Beautiful bird.