300mm f4 L with 2x extender

[slimrbp]

I had a bit of a windfall recently and decided to but a Canon 2x extender (the windfall didn't quite stretch to the 500mm f4 I wanted ) to use with my 300mm f4 L.

I had read around on the 'net and responses seem mixed to as to the expected performance but I thought what the hey give it a go! I thought I would share the end results.

It arrived today and I had a quick go and was pleased with the end result. As the maximum aperture is f8 autofocus doesn't work I tried taping the pins but no joy. This shot was taken in the back garden whilst hiding in the Garden Shed in a bag hide and reinforcing the fact my neighbours think I am mad

1/500s @ f9 ISO 500, 600mm



This 100% crop shows that the image is quite soft but I reckon partly down to my technique (I am not used to wielding 600mm lenses ).



A quick crop to remove some of the distracting highlights at the back and it actually produced a nice A4 print.



All in all for a first go I am pleased, some of the images I take go to a stock agency, I think it highly unlikely they will be good enough using this set up but I also shoot for enjoyment and printing at home and I think it will fit the bill!

[Tobyh]

Hey Richard,

I often use a 300mm Sigma ( a 2.8 though) with a 2x converter and find I get good results. I'm not familiar with the Canon 300mm F4 - is it really sharp without converters>?

Also - do you tend to use a tripod or not?

[slimrbp]

Toby,

I did use a tripod for this shot but have only recently started to use one for telephoto work (I mainly used it for macro) so my haven't got my technique sorted
If I am photographing in the local parks or local nature reserves I tend to leave the tripod at home as the telephoto attracts enough attention on it's own.
I generally find that the IS usually works well for me to handhold at quite slow shutter speeds (I haven't try to do it with the 2x on as I find it hard to manually focus and keep steady).
The 300 F4 is nice and sharp in it's 'natural state' and works well with a 1.4x.

[Michael A]

I use 300F4 with 1.4 teleconverter and also with 25mm extension tube and find it excellent for close up shots of even small insects. Great walk about lens.

[Tobyh]

Richard,

Reason I asked is that I rarely use my setup handheld as 600mm plus the crop factor of the digital sensor means you have at least 900mm and the slightest movement, as I'm sure you are more than aware, will soften your shots. It's a pain but I carry my gear attached to the tripod the entire time I'm out and have got used to that. I guess it would depend on the size you intend printing / using as to wether you can hold hold or not. That said, I don't have IS / VR

I must admit that I was sceptical about using a 2x when I first tried but although the AF should work, on mine it's slightly out and when i realised that I was fine, just have to manually focus - I couldn't work out why my shots with the 1.4 were excellent and the 2x was crud until I sat and figured it out.

Stick at it, you'll soon get used to it - this is what I'm getting from mine (not all the time of course!) - this is obviously post processing but you quickly see if you got the AF spot on..



I'm still looking for a 500mm but in the meantime a 300mm prime with a good converter I believe is a realistic alternative.

TobyH

[slimrbp]

Beautiful photo! I would be chuffed to bits if I got a shot like that

I agree I think shooting with the 2x on will definitely be tripod time, I am looking forward to getting out and about with a bit more.

[slimrbp]

I tried the combo out again this weekend with more success. Tripod mounted again but this time I used a cable release to fire the shutter and also used live view to act as a mirror lock up. An added bonus to this was to find that 'Live' Autofocus works even with an f8 lens.

This shot was taken at 1/500s @ f11, ISO 400 (600mm).



And this is a 100% crop with no sharpening applied.



I am pleased with the results and this will definitely be going in the camera bag!