Canon Extender EF 2x II

[willing to learn]

Just wondering if the Canon Extender EF 2x II would give crisp clear images with a 300mm 2.8. I have fair results with the 1:4 converter. But I like idea of a 600mm lens just to try and reach that little bit further.
Regards
Colin

[glsammy]

It should give decent results. I've used a 2X TC with my 300mm F4 which surprised me, far better than I expected. So with your superior lens, plus you retain the auto focus, I'd expect the results to be good. Obviously not as sharp as without, but much better than not using it!
Have a look at Targetman Gallery. He uses a 2X with a 300mm lens with superb results.
Here's a couple of shots I've tried:

[willing to learn]

They answer my question, I be very happy with those results. I hope to have got the hang of taking birds in flight, my favorites being falcons and hawks before the breeding season, So I can do justice to these masters of the air.
I am lucky enough to be able to put my self on route between the nesting area and hunting territory.

Its been pehaps nearly a year since I brought my first DSLR a 400D I now have 4 camera bodies "long Story" 2 40D's one never out the box and more recent a 1D Mk 2N which I have to say after a couple of outings with it, at this point I am a little disapointed.
Sure its got rapid focus and the frame burst is out of this world, but set the same as the 40D in the same condition's image quality wise, it comes a poor second at the moment. Perhaps its me or it needs a service. The sensor needs a clean but thats a job I do not feel confident with yet.

I have tried practicing on my own falcons while flying them, but on you're own with a falcon in the air and a pointer quatering the ground and carrying telemtry and other kit, carrying and using an expensive bit of camera gear I feel is niether safe and more to the point I am not capble of multi tasking

I feel its about time to perhaps let a bit of my equipment go, so I can get a Canon Extender EF 2x II and other equipment that will enable me to progress.
The 400d served me very well, but at the moment I am using a 40D body and my favourite lens being the 100 - 400mm just for its versatitly and speed and ease of use on flying birds. I hope to understand the 40D inside out (which could take me some time ) Just in case the 1D does not work out. Once confident with the 40D I will try again with the 1D.

Sorry to ramble on but the weather's bleak and I have not ventured out.
Regards
Colin

[willing to learn]

An early kite training shot of a young tiercel Hybrid. I think this would have been taken with the 400D.
Regards
Colin

[GTH]

I invested in an EF 2x II and although i haven`t had that many opportunities to experiment with it and get the feel of it, here is an example of what i took at Paxton Pits a month or so ago.I used my canon D1 Mark II and canon 500mm f4. this heron was about 300yards away.At the same time there was a little egret about half a mile away.....and the results were acceptable but not crystal clear.
I hope this helps ....for me it gives me more options as i`m no different to everyone else in trying to get the ultimate shot.

The Heron is "crystal"....in my opinion but would appreciate any feed back.

[GTH]

By the way the heron was hand held

[willing to learn]

It looks fine to me, you have a good shot there that without the extender would not have been possible. I am very much a beginer "Wish I had the 500mm len's". So your shot would be 1000mm at F8 The most I can hope for is 600mm at F5.6. I the same as you take my shots hand held. Looks like the next bit of kit for me is the extender,
Regards
Colin

[GTH]

Yes Colin it was 100mm f8. I`m looking forward to using it( when we get some decent light) and have no regrets at adding it to my kit. I got mine from ebay at a reasonable price!!

[GTH]

sorry it was 1000mm f8

[amerrett]

GTH, that is a truely remarkable shot handheld. I struggle to get that quality with a tripod. Brilliant

A