Canon 1.4 or 2.0 extender?

StRoRo · #1 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 11:46 AM

Hi,
I have been toying with getting either the Canon 1.4 II or the 2.0 II extender. I have searched the web and found lots of sites which showed me many graphcs and mathmetical formulae about drop offs lighting levels etc and virtually none have real life comparisons, so Im hoping you can help.

My current setup is a Canon EOS 50D with a Canon 100-400mm 4/5.6L IS lens.
My prefered photography is birds, mammals and motor sport.

Which extender would I benifit the most from?

Thanks,
Stuart.

Mike Jackson · #2 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 11:51 AM

You'll lose AF with both canon extenders. I think you lose one stop of light with the 1.4 and 2 with the 2. Have a look at the Kenko ones as AF is still retained in good light with the 1.4 extender.

StRoRo · #3 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

You'll lose AF with both canon extenders. I think you lose one stop of light with the 1.4 and 2 with the 2. Have a look at the Kenko ones as AF is still retained in good light with the 1.4 extender.

The lens I have should work under certain conditions, but I will look at the Kenko on, as some of the reviews have been good and especially as its more than half the price.

Should I go for the 1.4 or the 2 now?

glsammy · #4 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 05:58 PM

With your lens without a doubt the 1.4.

Boddie · #5 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

You'll lose AF with both canon extenders. I think you lose one stop of light with the 1.4 and 2 with the 2. Have a look at the Kenko ones as AF is still retained in good light with the 1.4 extender.

Not if you tape the pins you won't. At least not on the 1.4. Not sure about the 2

StRoRo · #6 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Not if you tape the pins you won't. At least not on the 1.4. Not sure about the 2

I have read with the canon 1.4II and my lens autofocus will work but not anything better than f8, which isn't very good.

To throw another one in to the mix. My dad uses many sigma items and he suggested a Sigma 1.4

Thanks in advance

Geoff F · #7 (**permalink**) 31-01-2010, 09:08 PM

Be aware that due to their shape the Canon converters will only work with certain Canon lenses. So while they are acceptable for the Canon 100-400 they may not work with other lenses including a lot of Canon lenses.

City Dweller · #8 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StRoRo

Hi,
I have been toying with getting either the Canon 1.4 II or the 2.0 II extender. I have searched the web and found lots of sites which showed me many graphcs and mathmetical formulae about drop offs lighting levels etc and virtually none have real life comparisons, so Im hoping you can help.

My current setup is a Canon EOS 50D with a Canon 100-400mm 4/5.6L IS lens.
My prefered photography is birds, mammals and motor sport.

Which extender would I benifit the most from?

Thanks,
Stuart.

I have the Canon 100-400 and both the Canon 1.4x an 2.0x.
I have tried the 1.4x and the lens does autofocus on my 1D MKIII...slowly and at f8.
I wouldnt recommend using any converter on this lens..it is pretty slow (in terms of f) and the image in the viewfingder is fairly dark.
Forget winter birding in the UK with this combination as it is unlikely you will achieve a suitable shutter speed for a 560mm lens unless you hike up the ISO and risk losing image quality.
You are only gaining 160mm (at the longest zoom) this isnt very much in 'distance' for all the added disadvantages....I know it sounds simple but you would only have to stand a few feet closer to achieve the equivelent of 160mm.
Finally,if you decide you do want a converter with the Canon then buy the Canon 1.4x.Why go the extra expense of buying an L lens to put a lower quality piece of glass between the lens and the camera?
Good birding

BillyPilgrim · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010, 04:49 PM

I'd go with the 1.4x if I were you.

I wouldn't recommend paying the extra for the Canon though. I've owned the Sigma, Canon and Kenko versions and the only difference I noticed was that the Canon, as well as being twice the price, was also bigger and heavier.

StRoRo · #10 (**permalink**) 05-02-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by City Dweller

I have the Canon 100-400 and both the Canon 1.4x an 2.0x.
I have tried the 1.4x and the lens does autofocus on my 1D MKIII...slowly and at f8.
I wouldnt recommend using any converter on this lens..it is pretty slow (in terms of f) and the image in the viewfingder is fairly dark.
Forget winter birding in the UK with this combination as it is unlikely you will achieve a suitable shutter speed for a 560mm lens unless you hike up the ISO and risk losing image quality.
You are only gaining 160mm (at the longest zoom) this isnt very much in 'distance' for all the added disadvantages....I know it sounds simple but you would only have to stand a few feet closer to achieve the equivelent of 160mm.
Finally,if you decide you do want a converter with the Canon then buy the Canon 1.4x.Why go the extra expense of buying an L lens to put a lower quality piece of glass between the lens and the camera?
Good birding

Good points.

I actually decided that I would probably leave it anyway. 100-400mm lens with a cropped chip camera = very decent zoom anyway.
After searching the internet a lot it seems the lens struggles with extenders for some reason.
The lens itself I love, and I think it will keep me going for quite a while.