Eclipse lens/teleconvertor question

[motorhead9999]

So I'm going to make the hike up to catch the totality for the eclipse, and I want to rent a better zoom lens for the event.

I've got a Canon M3 (with the EF adapter), and a 6D. The plan I thought of was to use one camera (with the zoom lens and teleconvertor) to photograph the eclipse itself, and then use the other with my 35mm Sigma art lens to do some landscape portraits with the eclipse in the scene.

1) I was looking at the lenses available, and they had a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 that I was thinking of getting. However,the only convertor I can see on the lens rental site is a 1.4x, which would get me about 560mm or so. Does anyone know if a 2x 3rd party teleconverter (either sigma or tamron) would work with that lens?

2) Alternatively, would the Sigma 150-600 f/5-6.3 be a better option for this situation? I do get a larger zoom, and since I'd be shooting at a larger f stop number, that shouldn't matter. Thoughts?

3) So given that I have the 35mm 1.4 for landscapes, and whichever zoom lens I end up picking for the sun shot itself, which lens should I put on which camera?

 

[Labdoc]

I have the 100-400 MK2 and the Sigma 150-600C, with the appropriate 1.4x tele-converters. I am planning on using the 150-600 with the 1.4x on a 5DsR and the 100-400 with the tele on a 80D. Both setups give great pics. The tele's do make it a slight bit soft but in these pics it won't matter as much as good focus. The F stops won't be a problem with either setup.

Another question, most places have sold out on the required filters. The Sigma takes a 95mm, the Canon is smaller. Bigger costs more. If you are planning on renting I wouldn't wait too long to make a decision.

 

[tpatana]

I have the 150-600c sigma, was planning to use on 5d4 and make my own solar filter.

With those, any expected settings? Also at potn someone said you can remove the filter at about 90% eclipse. Is that true? I was originally assuming I keep the filter on through whole thing.

 

[bholliman]

1) I was looking at the lenses available, and they had a Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 that I was thinking of getting. However,the only convertor I can see on the lens rental site is a 1.4x, which would get me about 560mm or so. Does anyone know if a 2x 3rd party teleconverter (either sigma or tamron) would work with that lens?

2) Alternatively, would the Sigma 150-600 f/5-6.3 be a better option for this situation? I do get a larger zoom, and since I'd be shooting at a larger f stop number, that shouldn't matter. Thoughts?

3) So given that I have the 35mm 1.4 for landscapes, and whichever zoom lens I end up picking for the sun shot itself, which lens should I put on which camera?

1. From what I've read, 3rd party TC's are not as good as the Canon version III's - at least with Canon glass. If you use your M3 with the 100-400 and 1.4x you would have 896mm equivalent, which should be a pretty good focal lengh. You don't want to get much longer or some of the outer corona will be cut off during totality.
2. The Sigma or Tamron 150-600's should be excellent options, probably similar to the 100-400 II + 1.4x
3. 35mm or wider should be nice for landscape shots. I plan to go somewhat wider, but I think anywhere from 16-50mm would be good for these type of shots.


I'm planning to use the following set up:

(1) 300 f/2.8 with 2x extender on either my 5DsR (600mm) or M5 (960mm equivalent) for close-up shots on RRS tripod
(2) 16-35 f/4 with the 5DsR OR Rokinon 12 f/2 with the M5 for wide angle environmental shots, maybe time lapse on Manfroto tripod
(3) cell phone on a cheap mini tripod for environmental video

I'm not sure which camera to use for the close-up shots. I give up focal length with my 5DsR, but the number of pixels on target will be similar. The flip LCD on the M5 would be an advantage for close-up shots. I plan to do some experimentation with sun shots over the next week or so that will help me decide. I purchased a white light solar filter from Thousand Oaks to go over my 300.

With those, any expected settings? Also at potn someone said you can remove the filter at about 90% eclipse. Is that true? I was originally assuming I keep the filter on through whole thing.

From what I've read you can remove solar filters after the "diamond ring" at the beginning of totality and need to replace them and the second diamond ring to avoid camera damage.

 

[bholliman]

BTW, this $10 e-book is excellent if you really want detailed information on how to photograph the eclipse. I've read through it twice and have found the information invaluable.

I don't know the author or have any vested interest, just a recommendation.

http://www.amazingsky.com/eclipsebook.html

 

[motorhead9999]

Alright, I got my lensrental order for the 100-400, as well as the tele completed, so I should have those at least.

B&H has the 77mm eclipse filter for the 100-400, but I can't order it till tomorrow night due to a religious holiday they have.

If I'm just doing landscapes, I shouldn't need a filter for the 35mm, correct?


Also, once I get the solar eclipse filter, in theory, I could do practice runs with it by taking pics of the sun, correct?

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Alright, I got my lensrental order for the 100-400, as well as the tele completed, so I should have those at least.

B&H has the 77mm eclipse filter for the 100-400, but I can't order it till tomorrow night due to a religious holiday they have.

If I'm just doing landscapes, I shouldn't need a filter for the 35mm, correct?


Also, once I get the solar eclipse filter, in theory, I could do practice runs with it by taking pics of the sun, correct?

Avoid a screw-on filter, you need to pull it off the lens at the moment of totality, and put it back on ass soon as the diamonds begin to show. You could miss everything while fooling with the filter.
Make your own using solar filter film, slip-on ones that fit the 100-400L are sold out.

http://astrosolar.com/en/information/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-objective-solar-filter-for-your-camera-or-telescope/

If the screw-on is the only option, practice a lot in the dark.


Here is what you need to make your own. I should have done that, I may order some and make my own. I suspect I can sell my Orion for at least what I paid.

https://www.amazon.com/Baader-AstroSolar-Visual-Solar-Filter/dp/B072XPB9NS/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1501303080&sr=8-9&keywords=solar+film

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

This is what I bought, Orion glass 3.68 id. Fits my 100-400mm L MK II perfectly. They say that they are in stock. Don't bother with the foam tabs that come with it, use a small piece of dect tape to protect the lens from scratches just making sure it does not cover the moving mechanism.

https://telescopes.net/store/orion-3-68-id-full-aperture-solar-filter.html

It may cost less than a screw-in.

 

[jeffa4444]

I have the 100-400 MK2 and the Sigma 150-600C, with the appropriate 1.4x tele-converters. I am planning on using the 150-600 with the 1.4x on a 5DsR and the 100-400 with the tele on a 80D. Both setups give great pics. The tele's do make it a slight bit soft but in these pics it won't matter as much as good focus. The F stops won't be a problem with either setup.

Another question, most places have sold out on the required filters. The Sigma takes a 95mm, the Canon is smaller. Bigger costs more. If you are planning on renting I wouldn't wait too long to make a decision.

20 stop Super Stopper from Lee Filters

 

[degos]

20 stop Super Stopper from Lee Filters

Sorry for the late response, just saw that 'answer'

Do not use an ND filter for photographing the Sun and definitely not for viewing it. There's a reason Solar-rated filters have sold-out in the USA and ND filters have not; they do two totally different things.

Do not use ANY filter, Solar-rated or not, that is exposed like a square-frame filter where it could be inadvertently damaged and cracked.