Canon Teleconverters: I am looking at the two options for Canon Teleconverters, 1.4x and 2x. Both are the same price. Why would I not choose the 2x (more powerful) for better...

markwakeman Loc: Bremerton, WA

I am looking at the two options for Canon Teleconverters, 1.4x and 2x. Both are the same price. Why would I not choose the 2x (more powerful) for better flexibility of focal lengths if they are the same price. What am I missing. I will use this teleconverter with my EF 100-400mm lens to shoot wildlife.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Mainly because there will be no AF with the 2X - because of the 2 f-stop loss of light ......and the image quality will suffer MORE than the 1.4X.

Cropping is your friend - done properly .....

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

markwakeman wrote:

I am looking at the two options for Canon Teleconverters, 1.4x and 2x. Both are the same price. Why would I not choose the 2x (more powerful) for better flexibility of focal lengths if they are the same price. What am I missing. I will use this teleconverter with my EF 100-400mm lens to shoot wildlife.

Mark, welcome to the Hog.
The main reason to use the 1.4x is that your 100-400 will NOT auto focus with the 2x.
Other than that, I would not discourage you from using the 2x.
Good luck
SS

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

markwakeman wrote:

I am looking at the two options for Canon Teleconverters, 1.4x and 2x. Both are the same price. Why would I not choose the 2x (more powerful) for better flexibility of focal lengths if they are the same price. What am I missing. I will use this teleconverter with my EF 100-400mm lens to shoot wildlife.

If your camera handles f8 af then the 1.4 still allows af where the 2 will not. Quality wise they are identical on the MII version of the lens. Which is superb and better than many competitors lenses without the converter on.
That is what you need to consider if you want to lose af or not.

BBurns Loc: South Bay, California

The 1.4X cost you 1 f stop. The 2X costs you 2 f stops. If you have fast lenses it makes little difference.

markwakeman Loc: Bremerton, WA

All, thanks for these responses. AF is definitely important to me. I am glad I asked. I enjoy the daily summaries, I have learned so much. Thanks again.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

markwakeman wrote:

All, thanks for these responses. AF is definitely important to me. I am glad I asked. I enjoy the daily summaries, I have learned so much. Thanks again.

Mark - I didn't see you mention your camera body. Given AF is important, be sure you have a camera body today that supports the use of the 1.4x with your 100-400L. The loss of 1 stop of light will take the 100-400L to f/8 which only higher end cameras in the EOS line can retain autofocus.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

As asked before, what body are you using? The Rebels will not focus at f/8.0 which the 100-400 becomes with a 1.4X (I use one with my 100-400).
Only some bodies will focus at f/8.0 - my 6D will not (the new 6DII will), my 7DII will (7D will not), the 5DIII (current firmware), IV & S or Sr series will, the 1D series will (with current firmware on older bodies of this series), 77D & 80D will (70D will not).

markwakeman Loc: Bremerton, WA

I am shooting a 7DII and a T3I. I should be OK.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

markwakeman wrote:

I am shooting a 7DII and a T3I. I should be OK.

The 7DII will AF at f/8 on center point and center expanded. T3i will not AF at f/8 at all.
Some claim taping points on the lens or using third party extenders will get f/8 AF but admit it is usually slow and wonky except in the very best light.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

Good questions. I have the 7D, 100-400 and added the 2x tc this spring. No autofocus, but not the end of the world. The magnification is what I was looking for. First thing you will discover is that your tripod needs to be upgraded BIG TIME. f11 is the most wide open setting. You're not going to be taking sports pics or tracking birds in flight. I like the 2x. Just takes time to get used to it.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Manual focus using live view and 10x zoom might be a viable option with the 2.0 TC. You won't be catching fast action with it in Manual focus. Be sure to get the Mk III TC. The 1.4 is probably your best option with the 100-400. I use the 2.0 with my 70-200 f/2.8 II, which gives me f/5.6 aperture.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

markwakeman wrote:

I am looking at the two options for Canon Teleconverters, 1.4x and 2x. Both are the same price. Why would I not choose the 2x (more powerful) for better flexibility of focal lengths if they are the same price. What am I missing. I will use this teleconverter with my EF 100-400mm lens to shoot wildlife.

What camera are you using? If your camera does not support f/8 as a lens' maximum aperture, you really can't use either unless you want to manual focus. A teleconverter decreases the maximum aperture of a lens. The Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 effectively becomes an f/6.3 -f/8.lens with a 1.4x extender and f/9 - f/11 with a 2x extender. Many newer Canon cameras support AF with f/8 as a maximum aperture for at least a limited number of focus points. So your camera, depending on what it is, may support auto focus with a 1.4x tele, but definitely will not support auto focus with the 2x version.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

if that 100-400mm is an L lens then the 1.4x is the way to go. if auto focus is not an issue, then the 2x I worth a look see.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

bull drink water wrote:

if that 100-400mm is an L lens then the 1.4x is the way to go. if auto focus is not an issue, then the 2x I worth a look see.

The 100-400 is only an L lens and always has been. The 2x will not af with any body on that lens. f8 is the smallest and this becomes f11 with a 2x