70-200 f2.8 IS mk 2 with 2x extender

[alben]

Just received my 70-200 today, to late to really test it as have been so busy, just know it works and focuses fast. A couple of questions, firstly is it any good with the 2x extender ( I have searched, this forum and others, Arthur Morris, birds as art on FM gets brilliant images with this combo ) others say the 100-400 (which I have) or similar gives better results. I also have the 1.4 mk3 extender and reviews say it performs well with the 70-200 f2.8 IS mk2. Second question, is there a strap that is capable of carrying this lens on a 5D3,either to my side or across my back ( as I saw a Nikon user recently using, though with a lighter lens, bigger camera) My usual method of carrying the 100-400 is to hold the lens as I am walking, I do not find this awkward most of the time but if walking with my dog it can be a problem.

Regards, Alan

 

[neuroanatomist]

I have the 70-200 II and both MkIII TCs, the combos are very good. For IQ, it's a wash between 70-200 II + 2xIII and 100-400, no real world difference (I owned the 100-400 for a few years, sold it for lack of use after getting the 600/4 II and having the 70-300L). I do find the 100-400 better from a handling standpoint (shorter collapsed length, better balance).

For a strap, check into Blackrapid...connected to the tripod foot of the lens, balance is great and it's quick to bring up and shoot. Bounces a bit if you move fast; in those situations I use a Spider Holster, which holds a 1-series plus 70-200/2.8 fine. I use Arca Swiss plates on body and lens collars, so I put a Kirk 1" clamp on the Blackrapid lug (with a little Loctite Blue), and Spider has an Arca clamp.

 

[Canon1]

I am also interested in this combo. My go to is a 300 f2.8is ii and I have a 100-400. I've been waiting for a replacement 100-400 but it always seems just around the corner.

I like the iq just fine for the 100-400, but the IS is just ok, and the AF speed is quite slow.

For this who have used the 70-200 f2.8 is ii with the 2.0x tc iii, is the AF any faster than the 1-4? I find the 300ii with 2.0x iii AF very fast and is great for BIF.

 

[neuroanatomist]

For this who have used the 70-200 f2.8 is ii with the 2.0x tc iii, is the AF any faster than the 1-4?

The bare 70-200 II is very fast. With the 2xIII, it's a bit faster than the 100-400, but tends to hunt as much if not more with complex subjects (birds in thickets), where the bare lens does fine.

 

[mwh1964]

I had the combo but have now sold the 2xEXIII. IQ was fine as well as AF. However, I found the combo to be heavy and cumbersome. Now I am using the 70-300L in those situation. Quite a nice lens too. Thinking of getting the 1.4EX as it would give a f4 lens and even could be used with the 70-300 at the long end although at f8. Tried the 2x with the 300 f2.8 II for a couple of weeks. That is where it excels. Unfortunately, I don't have the 300 f2.8 lens in my bag.

 

[docsmith]

I shoot the 70-200 II with the 2x tc III with my 5DIII. It is a good combination. On par with the 100-400L optically. I think the 100-400L may AF a bit faster, but it isn't by much. I will likely be selling the 100-400L soon as it is only getting used when I want a more compact set up.

I also use a black rapid strap, but instead of attaching to the foot, I attached the black rapid to a OP/Tech utility loop which is attached to one of the camera body strap mounts. Holds everything well.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

I have the 70-200 II and both MkIII TCs, the combos are very good. For IQ, it's a wash between 70-200 II + 2xIII and 100-400, no real world difference (I owned the 100-400 for a few years, sold it for lack of use after getting the 600/4 II and having the 70-300L). I do find the 100-400 better from a handling standpoint (shorter collapsed length, better balance).

For a strap, check into Blackrapid...connected to the tripod foot of the lens, balance is great and it's quick to bring up and shoot. Bounces a bit if you move fast; in those situations I use a Spider Holster, which holds a 1-series plus 70-200/2.8 fine. I use Arca Swiss plates on body and lens collars, so I put a Kirk 1" clamp on the Blackrapid lug (with a little Loctite Blue), and Spider has an Arca clamp.

+1, I share this experience