Canon lens extenders for 4oomm: I have the 1 .4 ii which works pretty well.I have heard nothing too positive about the 2x. Has anyone tried the newer 2xiii? Canons says the only...

myrocket

I have the 1 .4 ii which works pretty well.I have heard nothing too positive about the 2x. Has anyone tried the newer 2xiii?
Canons says the only difference is a improvment in the glass. But the saleman on the phone did not seem too excited about it.
I shoot mainly surf photography and wildlife.
Thanks
Bruce

Yackers Loc: Norfolk, UK

I tried a 2x converter (genuine Canon) a couple of years back and I was very disappointed. I was expecting a loss of light, but the amount of light I lost was ridiculous and made photographing birds very difficult. I haven't bothered with 2x converters since and I don't think I'll bother in the future. It doesn't matter what grade of optics or "glass" is used it won't make up for the loss of light.

myrocket

I was thinking the same thing..Thank you Yackers

Haydon

The 2.0x extender is best suited for the great white prime lenses but I have seen some very good results on the 70-200 2.8L II. Otherwise I'd recommend trying to get closer to your subject matter, whether it be through experience or a blind.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yackers wrote:

I tried a 2x converter (genuine Canon) a couple of years back and I was very disappointed. I was expecting a loss of light, but the amount of light I lost was ridiculous and made photographing birds very difficult. I haven't bothered with 2x converters since and I don't think I'll bother in the future. It doesn't matter what grade of optics or "glass" is used it won't make up for the loss of light.

Canon 7D, 100-400mm L II, 2X III converter.
About 1/2 mile away.
f2.8 becomes f5.6 800mm. Guess what? 800mm is f5.6 so no loss of light when compared to the 800mm anyway so not too sure what the light loss issue is.
Here is a link for the 800mm in case there are any confused people.
https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/products/details/lenses/ef/super-telephoto/ef-800mm-f-5-6l-is-usm

I do not see substantial image degradation.
Yes a pixel peeper might have fits but I do not do that as I see fine cracks and wires pretty well defined for the distance this was taken.

(Download)

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I have seen excellent results with 2Xiii converters on white canon lenses. For instance, 400mm DOII and 600mm II. With both of these lenses you will be working at f/8, so you better have pretty good light. Lot of people say "don't bother". After looking at results of others, I am trying it more and more. So far, so good but I think you really have to be good with your shooting techniques to get pleasing results. Look at some of Artie Morris's stuff. He does not hesitate to use a 2X extender. Also check out Regis on this blog. His 2Xiii results are pretty impressive. So, the optics are there, its a matter of the operator.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Nalu wrote:

I have seen excellent results with 2Xiii converter... (show quote)

myrocket

Basically I was interested in the 2x for my surf photography for a few spots that break pretty far offshore. I have no problem with birds just using my 400mm without any extender.
As for the 2x I was just interested in finding someone that could compare the old ones with the latest.
The loss of light seems to be the problem no matter what.
Thanks for the reply

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

myrocket wrote:

Basically I was interested in the 2x for my surf photography for a few spots that break pretty far offshore. I have no problem with birds just using my 400mm without any extender.
As for the 2x I was just interested in finding someone that could compare the old ones with the latest.
The loss of light seems to be the problem no matter what.
Thanks for the reply

Again, any extender has loss of light.
But pick an 800mm and it is the same light as the 400 with the 2x. Absolutely no difference in light loss.
I did not use the older 2x but read on them before purchasing and went with the 2x III.

myrocket

Well thanks guys..I guess I need to bite the bullet and just go buy one. It sounds like it would take more than one situation to really see if the 2x is the problem or the operater :)
If anyone out there has compared the old ones to the newer iii ,a reply would be appreciated.

myrocket

thanks Arch

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Bruce - which 400mm is question #1? Question #2 - which camera?

If you don't have a base lens and camera body that will drive an f/8 combo, the 2x extender is a non starter before you even begin to assess the image quality.

If you're shooting a 400 f/2.8L, you'll be very impressed with 2.0x and the 800mm reach.

BTW - why don't you rent one first?

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

myrocket wrote:

Well thanks guys..I guess I need to bite the bullet and just go buy one. It sounds like it would take more than one situation to really see if the 2x is the problem or the operater :)
If anyone out there has compared the old ones to the newer iii ,a reply would be appreciated.

Good idea.

myrocket

I have the 7Dii with the 400mmii......

myrocket

The trouble with renting in my case is I am not sure if whats going on is me or the lens when shooting in different conditions which is always the case in surf photography. I have to deal with mist,glare water surface etc. One day everything looks great and the next minute you are wondering whats wrong when its the conditions that is the problem.
I am figuring that out now with the 1.4ii.
Thanks for the help