What are canon 2 x extenders like?

Gary Kinghorn

Gary Kinghorn

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I have a 70-200 f2.8 IS II and a 1.4 extender. I was just wondering what these lenses are like with a 2 x attached?

Anyone got experience?

Body would be a 1d mk3 or 5d mk3
 
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You will lose a little in the IQ Gary, that's all, not much. A handy tool when you need the reach. Based on a Mk. II 2x extender.
 
Don't you also lose 2-stops?
 
Yes you do lose two stops but on a 2.8 lens you would still have AF on a F4 lens you would probably only have manual focus.

I have used both 1.4 and 2x extenders lose of IQ on L series lenses is marginal if at all from my experience.
 
I use my Canon MkIII 2x extender with my 70-200 f2.8L II and I'm really pleased with the results. There's a bit of IQ drop off but not a great amount TBH and the AF speed is also slowed a little but it's still good enough for most subjects. Here's a shot from my 70D, 70-200 and 2x extender taken at 1/400sec, f8 and ISO100 at 400mm. It's a jpeg SOOC with no other PP apart from a crop and I think there's plenty of detail in there. I usually use my Sigma 150-500 OS on my 5D3 and the 70-200 and 2x on my 70D, but on the times I've used the 70-200 and 2x on my 5D3 the results are outstanding.


I'm so happy with the results from my 2x that I've just ordered a 1.4x MkIII which I'm looking forward to using with my 70-200 and my 300 f4L IS. If it's as good as this I'll be happy with it.

Yorkshire Bird by modchild, on Flickr
 
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I have three test shots (using a 1DMkIV) .
First is the lens at 200mm
Second is a crop from 200mm +2xII....400mm
Third is a crop from 200mm +2xII +2xIII.....800mm
The images are too big to show here but can be viewed by following this link
http://www.boblatham-photography.net/70-200-test

Bob
 
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valb said:
Yes you do lose two stops but on a 2.8 lens you would still have AF on a F4 lens you would probably only have manual focus.

I have used both 1.4 and 2x extenders lose of IQ on L series lenses is marginal if at all from my experience.
Click to expand...
F4 + 2xTC is fine on a 1 series and on a 5D3, equals F8, both AF at that aperture.
5d3 + 70/200 F4 IS L just about equals a 400 5.6 L in IQ and contrast , AF marginally slower. IS helps as its still active on the zoom but the 400 doesnt have IS so its swings and roundabouts, but the zoom + TC is a very workable solution if you dont want to purchase another lens.
Just taken some test shots at lunchtime and I would say the zoom + 2xTC from what I can see on the back of the camera, even at maximum magnification is pretty remarkable.
 
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MatBin said:
F4 + 2xTC is fine on a 1 series and on a 5D3, equals F8, both AF at that aperture.
5d3 + 70/200 F4 IS L just about equals a 400 5.6 L in IQ and contrast , AF marginally slower. IS helps as its still active on the zoom but the 400 doesnt have IS so its swings and roundabouts, but the zoom + TC is a very workable solution if you dont want to purchase another lens.
Just taken some test shots at lunchtime and I would say the zoom + 2xTC from what I can see on the back of the camera, even at maximum magnification is pretty remarkable.
Click to expand...

Interesting information about the 1 series and 5D MarkIII autofocussing at F8. Another reason for me to think about upgrading!
 
modchild said:
I use my Canon MkIII 2x extender with my 70-200 f2.8L II and I'm really pleased with the results. There's a bit of IQ drop off but not a great amount TBH and the AF speed is also slowed a little but it's still good enough for most subjects. Here's a shot from my 70D, 70-200 and 2x extender taken at 1/400sec, f8 and ISO100 at 400mm. It's a jpeg SOOC with no other PP apart from a crop and I think there's plenty of detail in there. I usually use my Sigma 150-500 OS on my 5D3 and the 70-200 and 2x on my 70D, but on the times I've used the 70-200 and 2x on my 5D3 the results are outstanding.


I'm so happy with the results from my 2x that I've just ordered a 1.4x MkIII which I'm looking forward to using with my 70-200 and my 300 f4L IS. If it's as good as this I'll be happy with it.

Yorkshire Bird by modchild, on Flickr
Click to expand...
That is impressive Stoo. I used one on my crop 600d and 70-200II and thought the shots IQ was bad. Perhaps I need to try it again on with my 5DIII.
 
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