Can someone recommend a teleconverter?

[HughHowey]

I'm looking at either the 1.4X III or the 2X III from Canon. I'll be using them on a 5DIII primarily with a 70-200 2.8 II. It's for the times I'm shooting wildlife, which isn't often, but I do have a trip coming up in December.

How mushy are pics with the 2X? Is the little extra reach on the 1.4 worth adding? Or am I just as well off to crop a sharp image?

Thanks in advance.

[Random Orbits]

The 1.4x affects IQ almost imperceptibly in real photos, but the 2x is discernable at 100%.  In both cases, it's better than cropping, but the 2x definitely affects IQ more.  With either, you have to re-AFMA with the extender(s) installed.  Even with 2x, the photos should be fine at normal sizes if you don't crop it too much.

From what I've read, the 70-200 II with a 2x is nearly a match for the 100-400 (I've used the 70-200 with 1.4 and 2x but not the 100-400).  If true, you don't really have another way of getting to 400mm without jumping to much more expensive primes.

[neuroanatomist]

How mushy are pics with the 2X?

Depends on the lens.  With the 70-200 II, they're not mushy at all.  (Click through and View All Sizes for a 1600 pixel version).


EOS 7D, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM + EF 2x II Extender @ 400mm, 1/160 s, f/5.6, ISO 3200


EOS 5D Mark II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM + EF 2x II Extender @ 260mm, 1/250 s, f/5.6, ISO 400

The crane was in an enclosure, so I was shooting through wire.

The above are with the 2xII, but the 2xIII isn't really much different optically (AF is better).  I'd get the 2xIII in your position...

[yablonsky]

I would prefer cropping.

With my 5D II I found the resolution is sufficient for cropping. I used the Canon 1,4x, a Kenko 1,4x and a Kenko 2,0x with the 70-200 4L IS and the 300 4L IS. I didn't like all of them. The 1,4x TCs are better IQ wise, but the 1.4x ratio is poor. The images are hazy. Contrast is missing.

The dragon fly is a 1920 x 1200 crop. 5D II + 300 4L IS.

[Half Way To Nothing]

I Have the 5d3 and use the Sigma EX 1.4 and 2 x converters.

This photo was taken over 200 meters away, hand held using a 120-300 2.8 and a 2 x converter.


Untitled by P A - Photography, on Flickr

[neuroanatomist]

I'm looking at either the 1.4X III or the 2X III from Canon. I'll be using them on a 5DIII primarily with a 70-200 2.8 II.

As you look at the examples, keep in mind that the lens the TC is used with plays a big role.  Put a 2xIII on a 70-200/2.8 MkI (the worst of the three 70-200/2.8's), you get mush.  Put it on a 300/2.8L IS II, you'll have better IQ than many bare lenses.

[HughHowey]

You all rock. I lean toward the 2X after seeing Neuro's shots. I think 95% of the time, it'll be on the 70-200 2.8 II.