Canon 500mmf4 and 2x converter.

[Magpie70]

I was just wondering if anyone uses the 2xII converter with the 500mm lens. If so what do you think of it? I know the 1.4x converter is very good but would you lose IQ by using the 2x converter?

I would be interested to know what you think,
Cheers, Mark.

P.S would I be able to use the 2x converter on my forthcoming 70-200mm f2.8 LIS?

 

[CT]

The 2X TC works great on the 500mm f4L, although there's a more marked image quality drop compared to the loss with the 1.4X TC which is hardly discernable at all. Having said that the 2XTC is far better than some reviewers would have you believe.

Using a TC with a zoom lens, you're going to see a greater image quality loss than you will with a prime.

This shot was with the 500mm f4L and 2XTC (1000mm)

This shot was with the 70-200 2.8L IS and 2XTC at 200mm (400mm) The image quality isn't actually all that great and soon becomes apparent the more you enlarge the shot.

 

[Ewan]

Except they're both great by anyone else's standards

 

[Magpie70]

both these images are very good. Cheers CT, I think I will get a 2x converter, although I suspect I may use the 1.4x more on the 500mm lens.

 

[CT]

LOL. Don't get me wrong, I'd use a converter on any zoom in a pinch if it meant getting the shot or not, but generally speaking converters behind zooms aren't the best idea.

 

[CT]

I think I will get a 2x converter, although I suspect I may use the 1.4x more on the 500mm lens.

If you're going to that sort of expense for long glass it makes economic sense to get both converters to maximise the use.

I don't hesitate to use the 2XTC on the 500mm and it produces great results, it's just that with the 1.4TC it's highly debatable if there's any discernable loss at all.

 

[Magpie70]

Am I right in thinking if I use the 2x converter on the 500mm, using a 40D I would get an effective focal length of 1600mm? if i've done my maths right (1.6 x 500 x 2)

Even if you do lose a bit of IQ it should still be very usefull for ID shots etc. So a useful addition I reckon.

 

[tazza-oz]

Beautifull shots mate the second shot spot on to me

 

[CT]

Well the 1.6X crop is a bit of a con. All that means is that someone using a full frame sensor would need a 1600mm lens to fill the frame to the same proportions as you with your 40D using the 500mm and 2XTC.

You'll get an 'actual' 1000mm

 

[tazza-oz]

Ooopps i forgot to ask m8 what type of bird are they ? apart from feathered..

 

[CT]

All House Sparrers. Both the adullts are female.

The story behind that 2nd shot is that I got the 70-200 2.8L and the 2X converter delivered by City Link the same morning. I stuck both on the camera and walked outside looking to just shoot anything for a test shot, I couldn't believe my luck to be confronted by this sight. It had been raining heavily for about three days non stop and the birds were ravenous, taking no notice of me at all!