Extenders compared: Canon 1,4 III vs Kenko 1,4 DGX MC4 vs no extender

[Mikehit]

That is a nice illustration, Alan.

One other aspect I have been wondering about is the interplay of pixels, quality of pixels and dynamic range. As an example I have seen examples where one camera model can have more noise but more detail and which you prefer comes down to choice or intended use.
But this brings me onto the second part - if a tc gives you more pixels on the subject would this not lead to better dynamic range and contrast with an improvement in perceived sharpness?

 

[AlanF]

That is a nice illustration, Alan.

One other aspect I have been wondering about is the interplay of pixels, quality of pixels and dynamic range. As an example I have seen examples where one camera model can have more noise but more detail and which you prefer comes down to choice or intended use.
But this brings me onto the second part - if a tc gives you more pixels on the subject would this not lead to better dynamic range and contrast with an improvement in perceived sharpness?

Extenders usually lower contrast because the TCs lower MTFs. Also because a particular detail is spread out over more pixels, the transitions of contrast are spread out and there is lower perceived acutance.

 

[Mikehit]

Also because a particular detail is spread out over more pixels, the transitions of contrast are spread out and there is lower perceived acutance.

Logical!
Thanks, Alan.