Extenders for 70-200L 2.8 IS

chump1979

chump1979

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Has anyone here had any experience using the 1.4x and 2x extenders with a 70-200L 2.8 IS?

I've heard that the 1.4x works ok but the 2x you get a big drop in IQ and AF speed.

I was hoping someone on here has had experience with either but i was really hoping to get the 2x but after the mixed reviews am a little unsure now :(

Thanks
 
The 1.4X extender works well on the 70-200 2.8L IS with very little drop in quality, particularly if you stop down a stop or two.

The 2X extender has the advantage with this lens of still retaining AF on all Canon bodies because of the large max aperture. As you'd expect there's a marked drop off in image quality, but I'm not sure it's as bad as some reviewers would suggest. The postman came with my 70-200 2.8L IS and the 2X converter on the same day. I fitted them both on the camera and walked outside looking for anything really to test the combo on and couldn't believe my luck to grab this shot.

OY8N7034-01.jpg


Whilst the drop in quality is there it's not half bad IMO and the shot was hand held.

My philosophy with converters is that if you're going to invest in top end glass you might as well have both converters to maximise their use. Normally I'd prefer to use them behind a prime lens. I use the 1.4X converter quite a lot without a second thought, but I've no qualms about using the 2X when I need the reach either - any drop in quality is probably cancelled by the need not to crop so much.
 
And this was with the 2X TC used behind the 500mm F4L

OY8N7633-01.jpg


Compared to the cost of lenses, it's a no brainer really -get the converters.
 
Thanks for the useful advice CJ. It's good to see images in practice and not just an anonymous reviewer telling you this and that.

I will only be using it for the few times i will need the extra reach but don't want to shell out for a stupidly large reach lens (the 2.8 cost me enough already!). So, like you say, despite the drop in quality it is a no brainer.

Something to add to my camera bag :)

Thanks again
Marc
 
No probs - glad to be of help. CJ is much prettier than me btw. :D
 
Just make sure you get the MK2 version Glo. There may be a few MK1 versions knocking about at reduced prices still. The MK2 versions are weather sealed and unlike the MK1 version they retain image stabilisation.
 
Thanks for that CT, will do :thumbs:
Will probably be wanting to stick with Canon but remember reading someone advising Kenko a while back.
Do you know if there is there much difference in quality between the two? (pic, not build quality).
 
The Canon extender is the one to go for, I'm not sure the IS will still work if used with the others.

My Sigma 1.4x doesn't allow IS iirc
 
I'm not sure Glo, but I think the argument goes that the Kenko TC still retains AF with smaller aperture lenses where you lose it with the Canon ones. It seems you can overcome this by taping certain contacts on the Canon converter but I'm not sure it's something I'd want to do.

Whilst a TC is basically just a magnifying glass stuck behind the lens (it has no effect on minimum focusing distance) it's still a lens, and the optical quality is important. I've no experience of the Kenko versions at all, but I do know the Canon ones are carefully produced to match the optical quality of their glass, so my gut reaction would be to stick with Canon. Apart from anything else, the converter is the bridge providing electrical contacts to a lot of very expensive circuits at either end and I'm a bit of a worrier. :D
 
Hmm, I wish I'd see this before I ordered the 1.4 as looking at those images I may have been better getting to 2X
 
whiteflyer said:
Hmm, I wish I'd see this before I ordered the 1.4 as looking at those images I may have been better getting to 2X
Click to expand...

I think you've done the right thing getting the 1.4X first tbh. To listen to some reviewers you'd think the 2X TC is only marginally better than using the bottom of a pop bottle. Andy Rouse thinks they only belong in the skip. :D

I think you have to be guided by your own experience of using them. Obviously they're best used behind a prime lens, but to think they can produce images like the first one above used behind a zoom lens is quite incredible. I'm not sure, but I don't think that first shot was taken with the lens stopped down much - if at all. If I can find the original shot I'll post the exposure details.
 
Slightly off topic, but will the converters work on all canon lenses, or just all L lenses ?
How about EFS lenses ? - I am guessing the answer to the last question will be no, but what about the others ?
 
I have been very kindly lent both the x1.4 and the x2 also a kenko x1.4 and a sigma x2 took a shot with all 4 on my 70-200 2.8 and the AF works fine with all of them, havent had chance to look at them yet and they may not be any good as it is getting dark and were all hand held if ok will post later if not I plan on doing some tests during better light in the next few days so will get back then
 
steveinspain said:
Slightly off topic, but will the converters work on all canon lenses, or just all L lenses ?
How about EFS lenses ? - I am guessing the answer to the last question will be no, but what about the others ?
Click to expand...

Nicked from elsewhere.. ;)

CANON Teleconverter compatibility Chart

* In the charts "30D" represents all Canon "non 1 series" cameras film or digital re AF compatibility. This includes 300D, 350D, 400D, D30, D60, 10D, 20D, 30D and 5D etc.
"1D" is representative of all "1 series" film or digital as well as the EOS 3.

NOTE: "AF" means the combination will autofocus.
"MF" (Manual focus only) means that the combination will function,. but AF will NOT be available.
Canon EF LENS Compatibility: ------- 30D/5D/350D* --- 1Dseries*
----- LENS --------------------------------------- 1.4X -- 2X ------ 1.4X -- 2X
CANON EF 135mm f2L USM ------------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM --------- AF --- MF ------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 200mm f1.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 200mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f4L IS USM ---------------- AF --- MF-------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f4L USM ------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f4DO USM ----------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f5.6L USM ----------------- MF --- MF -------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 500mm f4L USM ------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 500mm f4.5L USM ----------------- MF --- MF -------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 600mm f4L USM ------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 1200mm f5.6L USM ---------------- MF --- MF-------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM-------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 70-200mm f/4L USM--------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 70-200mm f/4L IS ----------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L USM-------- MF --- MF --------AF --- MF

"Other" Compatible Lenses, Discontinued, or "Not recommended"

TS-E 24MM F/3.5L Not recommended
TS-E 45MM F/2.8
TS-E 90MM F/2.8
MP-E65mm f2.8 1-5X Macro
Any EF-L Telephoto listed above, it's older brother (non IS etc.) will "fit" as well
 
Here's another vote for the 70-200 and a 2x. I don't use it that way very often but it can be a very useful tool to keep in the bag. I use the 1.4x on my 70-200 for almost half the pictures I take with it and the quality is excellent. There is a drop in quality from the 2x but it is not great. They lose both sharpness and contrast but are better than not getting the shot IMO
 
I set up a test for some POTN pixel peepers back in the summer....shot a set of roof tiles with various T/C's

Canon 1.4 and Kenko 1.4 were very similar in IQ...the Canon was a little sharper in the centre but the Kenko won around the periphery (30D crop)
The Sigma 1.4 was sharp but had a different colourcast.
The Canon 2x lacked the sharpness of all the 1.4's

The tests were done on a tripod mounted 300/3 IS. Since then, I've swapped the Sigma 1.4x for a Sigma 2x but haven't tried it against the Canon 2x's (I've got 2 of them) in any controlled situations although, again, the colourcast of the Sigma looks different.

I don't use the 70-200/TC combination much now as the 300 and 400 are better at these lengths.

We'll see what RickJ comes up with. I'm sure that there are copy variations with T/C's just as there are with lenses although both my Canon 2's appear identical.

A quick extra to Steve's question.....
You can use a Canon T/C with most lenses if you stick a short tube in between them (12mm) but you'll lose infinity focus. How short focus will go depends on the orginal f/l of the lens.
I can also add the 35-350L to the list above...I guess it is missing as it's been discontinued.

Pin taping will allow continued AF in reasonable light and with a high constrast border for the AF. Focus hunting is probable on moving targets and the risk of lens motor damage is real so I'll leave out details of the pins to tape:thumbsdown:

Bob
 
Interesting Canon Bob - I have just ordered a set of the Jessops tubes as an intro to macro work - having just been asked to take some pictures of wedding rings prior to my first wedding in 2 days time....
Not something I had given any thought to, but suddenly I was handed the rings and told 'we need them back in 20 mins..'
This is what I have done, but next time (if ever..) I will be better prepared...

IMG_6063_edit_resized.jpg
 
steveinspain said:
Interesting Canon Bob - I have just ordered a set of the Jessops tubes as an intro to macro work - having just been asked to take some pictures of wedding rings prior to my first wedding in 2 days time....
Not something I had given any thought to, but suddenly I was handed the rings and told 'we need them back in 20 mins..'
This is what I have done, but next time (if ever..) I will be better prepared...
Click to expand...

For a tenner I'll resist the urge to tell you which macro lens you should get for your 5D....that tenner will save you a fortune. :naughty:

Bob
 
Well Bob, I got no fortune to spend, so why not tell me anyway..?
Not even got a tenner..!
 
C'Mon Bob....Put him out of his misery....He's already in pain!!(Steve ins pain!!:'()

BTW...I just got a 5D + Canon 100mm 2.8 Macro, so that would be my guess:shrug:
 
Sorry Alex (and Steve) but it's the 180L. Wonderful on a 5D with a 1.4 T/C and a short tube. Course, you'll be needing an MT-24 to light things up a bit.:naughty:
 
Right.
Anyone here just got a Christmas bonus and feel a need to share it with my - if you can stump up the grand, I'll find the rest to ensure I have the lens and flash (I have the other bits..)

Many thanks,
Steve, holding his breath in the hopes that one of you TP members is feeling benevolent..
 
ok had a play today nothing exciting just some tree trunks but you should be able to judge, the first pic is 70-200 f2.8, the second with the kenko x1.4, 3rd canon x1.4, 4th canon, x2 fifth sigma x2.


IMG_0048.jpg


IMG_0049.jpg


IMG_0053.jpg


IMG_0054.jpg


IMG_0056.jpg


no other lens in my gear list would fit on the canon converters.
the only other lens in my gear list that sigma would fit was the 100mm.
but all would fit on the kenko x1.4

hope this is of help to someone
 
thanks for the images rick. is the first image taken at 200mm or 70mm?

Thanks :)
 
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