135L + 1.4x extender IQ question

[J.R.]

Another TC question ...

I've not yet got any TCs as they would not have been useful for any of my gear. I've been wanting a 200mm f/2.8 prime for some time now but am considering the 135L + 1.4x extender which will given me roughly 190mm at f/2.8.

Has anyone used this combo? Anything I should look out for?

Cheers ... J.R.

 

[Random Orbits]

Used it a couple times, but it's not as good as a 70-200L II, so I only use it if I can't bring the 70-200. Not having IS is more of a hindrance than the hit on AF speed because most of my situations tend to be dim and inside.

 

[mackguyver]

The older lenses like the 135 work with the extenders, but you need to stop down 2 - 3 stops for sharp photos. Even the 1.4x is very soft at max aperture. Sorry to crush your dreams of a 190 f/2.8 / 270 f/4, but it is pretty useable at f/8. You can check out the-digital-picture.com's tools to see what I'm talking about. AF performance remains very good with 1.4x, less so with the 2x.

 

[Zv]

You know I often use my 135L with my 7D for extra reach and the results are excellent. No loss in IQ or AF but all the benefits of a 1.6 x teleconvertor (if one existed!). Now, am not suggesting you buy a 7D but maybe something smaller and cheaper like a rebel, EOS M or SL1 might be of some use?

Just throwin it out there as an alternative.

 

[J.R.]

Thanks guys ... but after considerable waiting, thinking, and reconsidering, I have ordered a 70-200L II earlier this evening today (it is night where I am now )

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I think you did the right thing, the 135mmL is wonderful, but not so much with extenders. I just checked, and of 5049 images with the 135mmL, I only have 3 with the 1.4X that I kept. I stopped using that combination when I did not get as good of results as I had hoped for. They are sharp in the center, but would not match the 70-200L MK II.