7Dii + 400 f/5.6 + Canon 1.4TC =?

[Sabaki]

As excited as I am about some of the 7Dii's features, I am equally unfamiliar with them.

This auto focus at f/8.0 on the centre AF point is interesting to me.

I understand that with a Canon 1.4x TC III, I can get 896mm and the camera will still maintain auto focus. So essentially I get larger magnification without losing AF.

So a few natural questions would be, is there loss of other AF capabilities, such as ITR and just how much of an IQ penalty will I experience by attaching a 1.4x TC to my beloved Canon EOS 400mm f/5.6? Has anybody got experience of shooting the 400mm with a 1.4x TC?

What else do I need to know? What questions haven't I asked that is relative to this setup and more importantly, if I was standing next to you in a photography retailer, about to pull the trigger on a Canon 1.4x TC for the above setup, would you stop me or encourage me to buy one?

 

[Loswr]

I compared the 100-400 -/+ 1.4xII on my 7D, IQ wasn't significantly different from cropping. But...the 400/5.6 takes a TC better, and the 7DII will AF.

As for what to expect, the AF with the TC will be 50% slower. Also, I'd expect a some hunting with a busy background, e.g. bird in a thicket, based on my experience with the 1D X with the 2xIII behind the 600/4L IS II.

I'd encourage you to get it.

 

[Duade Paton]

I have used a 1.4tc on the 400 5.6. The good points are that it works and in the right conditions will produce sharp detailed images. The things to take note of are it becomes a 560 f/8 and I had best results around f9/10. The effect of this means you need a lot of light to get the required SS for that lens. If you are shooting in anything but strong light you will struggle.

The AF is significantly slower and is very noticeable compared to the native lens. The lens will hunt and can be very frustrating when you are used to how fast this lens is on its own. You are also limited to the single focus point which is annoying if you like to recompose using focal points.

I found the 7D and 400 5.6 a fantastic combo on its own and adequate FL to get most shots. I would only consider shelling out $500 if you have a lot of light, really need extra FL and can live with the slow AF and single focal point.

Here are a couple of examples shot with the 400 + 1.4 on a 5dmk3.

 

[2n10]

I am looking forward to seeing how this combination works also. I use a Kenko 1.4TC with my 7D and 100-400 and found the same issues as Neuro and Duade. It is very doable as long as you know the limitations. Large, slower moving birds if flight are possible also with my combination.

 

[Sabaki]

50% knock on AF is rather massive, so perhaps more a solution for perched/stationary subjects than animals on the move.

Neuro and Duade, thanks for the info. I'll probably try and borrow a TC before buying one of my own.

Gorgeous shots Duade!

 

[noncho]

400 5.6 + 1.4 on crop difference - http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=278&Camera=736&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=278&CameraComp=736&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=1

It's not bad