Canon 85mm f1.8 and Kenko 1.4

[simonfw]

I know it says in some areas that they wont work together but has anyone tried?

I am thinking of buying the 85mm and would like the 1.4 to throw in the bag to do some longer shots (indoor sports and outdoor).

Welcome any feedback.

Was looking through an Amateur Photographer magazine from less than 6 months ago - I wish I had purchased a room full of equipment then 30% less!!??!!.

Or should I save for the 135mm (Sports ok but portraits on a 40d?)

 

[HoppyUK]

Pretty sure the Kenko will fit and function on that lens, but I suspect it won't be very good at all

If you want a bit more reach now and then, Canon 55-250 IS is a terrific little lens for £200.

 

[simonfw]

Will use my 70-200mm f4 for that but thought for low light the above combo might work well

Any other views?

Simon

 

[pearce_jj]

how about the 135mm f2.8 (with soft focus) lens - can be had 2nd hand for about £150 anyway. It's a great little lens - I really regret selling mine. Don't stop to think on the 85mm though, it's cracking

 

[kiko]

i quite often use the kenko teleplus pro 300 2x convertor on my canon 85mm f1.8, with my set up it doesn't communicate the f stop difference that should occur but changes you shutter speed. so in my eyes i would say it should work like a dream, just make sure that the convertor doesn't stick out at all.

 

[blue max]

I love the 135L on a crop camera. I don't like to be part of a picture so the focal length allows me to be far enough away to remain unnoticed.

I also had a 70-200L and a 1.4x converter. To be honest, the difference between 135mm and 200mm was not huge. I got the 1.4x to go with the 135L, thinking it would cover me to near enough 200mm, but it was a pain to put on and lost me a stop of light and didn't really get me any nearer. I would just rather enlarge and crop in photoshop.

The single biggest advantage of a prime is the wide aperture. If you are going to cripple it with a 1.4x, you lose that advantage somewhat. The extenders are much more useful on ultra long telephotos where the cost of a longer lens is huge.

I would certainly strive for a 135L as it's a superb lens, is awesome for sports and extremely useful if you move to full frame. Don't forget the price of the 1.4x gets you a long way towards another lens anyway. The second hand values are also very strong, so you won't lose too much if it's not for you.

Graham

 

[Strolls]

how about the 135mm f2.8 (with soft focus) lens - can be had 2nd hand for about £150 anyway. It's a great little lens - I really regret selling mine.

Really? I'm surprised they go so cheap, seeing as they appear to be rarities on the second hand market.

eBay is difficult to search because it's always clutters with zoom lenses shipped from Hong Kong and lots of other crap, but I can't see a 135mm SFF in the completed items. I don't think I've seen one in the classified here in the last 3 months, either.

I'm, extremely pleased with my 85mm f/1.8, so if I saw the 135mm at £150 I would leap on the offer.

Stroller.