What extender for Canon 500mm F4 IS L II ?

[Freddie]

I tried the 200-400 a couple of years ago before CPS shortened the trial period. I was very enthusiastic about it until I'd tried it for a while. I could see no practical use for it as it was too big and heavy for its range and cost WAY too much money at the time. The 100-400 II is a far better solution for me and seems to be equally as sharp. I can snap a TC on that lens, if necessary, in a very short period of time.

 

[Go Wild]

Go Wild, my advice would be to start with the 1.4x, the combination is suitable to everyday usage; the 2 X may be special, but just in some situation and with a lot of patience/effort. In both cases, remember to AFMA the combination, or you'll see much more softness and IQ degradation.

Thank you Rancho_runner, i will have the attention of the AFMA. Still with some undefinition about the converter....I am more convinced to get the 1.4x...but the 2x its very desirable...

I use them both. Usually, the 1.4X TC III is on the 100-400 and the 2X TC III is on the 500. The 1.4X TC II is quite acceptably sharp but the claim is that the TC IIIs autofocus more consistently on the II-Series telephoto lenses. The 2X TC II never worked at all well for me so I sold it years ago. The new 2X TC III works very well for me on the 500. Attached is a sample image from the 7D MK II using the Canon 500L f/4 II + Canon 2X TC III. Shot wide open @ f/8, uncropped. I have tons more from a trip to Arizona last week. The only restriction with the 2X TC III is the lack of autofocus on lenses slower than f/4.

Wow...tha is a great example! Fine detail for the 2x! Now i am mixed up again!!

FWIW - https://www.lensauthority.com/t/camera-systems/canon/lenses/canon-branded-lenses?utf8=%E2%9C%93&product_sort=descend_by_variant_price&per_page=48

A used 200-400 for $8,105 to $9k. Toss on a 1.4x indoors, but while out in the mess, you can slide in the builtin 1.4x, and as a zoom you have as many framing options as you want.

I tried the 200-400 a couple of years ago before CPS shortened the trial period. I was very enthusiastic about it until I'd tried it for a while. I could see no practical use for it as it was too big and heavy for its range and cost WAY too much money at the time. The 100-400 II is a far better solution for me and seems to be equally as sharp. I can snap a TC on that lens, if necessary, in a very short period of time.

The 200--400 it´s not an option to me. I really don´t make that lens "my lens..." I thing it´s good for sports, or for video, and also for some wildlife photographers...for me no. Too expensive, and for that combo, y definitly buy the 500+1.4x and still get more reach for less price. I shoot with the 500mm (vers.1) for about 3 years and only once i needed "less" focal distance.....most of the times, the more you have the best the shot. Regarding the lens, the decision is taken, i love the 500mm and the only option that could make me think is the 600mm, but i already ecplain why not that one...

So...the big question is the teleconverter....1.4x or 2x. I need the reach but not at any price (regarding to quality of the image). If the 2x can give a photo wiht the quality of the detail show by Freddie, then i think i can change my mind a go for the 2x instead of the 1.4x....

 

[candc]

If you are going to get one or the other then no question its the 1.4xiii that you want. The 2xiii is nice to have but its only useful in limited situations. You can get good results with the 2x tc but it affects the lens performance and iq in a noticeable way. Most everyone avoids using the 2x's unless you really need to. On the other hand, you can put the 1.4x on and pretty much shoot without thinking about it.

 

[Freddie]

The only real disadvantage I have found in using the 2X TC III with several lenses is that the autofocus is lost with any lens slower than f/4.
Despite the conventional wisdom that the 2X TC III costs image quality, my experience suggests that using the TC is still far better than enlarging the image file by the same factor.
Attached is another image from the same day as the House Finch. Same specs. Canon 5D MK III, f/8 (wide open). This is a full frame image with no cropping. I have already said that the 2X TC II was not satisfactory. The newer TC is quite satisfactory.
The 2X TC III is less useful for low light or for lenses that lose autofocus when it is mounted to them. Other than that, in testing two different 2X TC III converters, there is no real disadvantage in image quality.
I should add that I've been using the 2X TC III for five years.

 

[luckydude]

I've got the 600mm f4 II and the 1.4x and 2x tc III. The 1.4x is good, the 2x is not as good. It's OK.

http://www.mcvoy.com/lm/moon.jpg

is the 2x + 600mm.

 

[Go Wild]

Hello!!

Thank´s a lot fo all of your kind answers! They helped me and thank you for that. I ordered today my lens and the teleconverter 1.4x . So i decided to get the 1.4x.

I think it´s the most certain choice for me and my goals. I will get my experience with him, and then, if i see that the reach is not enough i make an economic effort and get the 2x. For now, i think it´s the wiser choice. Then i´ll let you know about my thoughts.

Thank´s again all off you, and if you want to continue to comment this post, please continue because i supose ther will be more people with my doubt and i really couldn´t find much thing in the internet. By the way...Why there isn´t one post wiht photos taken by 500mm F4IS II?? The so called posts: ""Something shot with....?""

 

[Loswr]

By the way...Why there isn´t one post wiht photos taken by 500mm F4IS II?? The so called posts: ""Something shot with....?""

Check the Lens Gallery.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2605.0

 

[Go Wild]

By the way...Why there isn´t one post wiht photos taken by 500mm F4IS II?? The so called posts: ""Something shot with....?""

Check the Lens Gallery.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2605.0

Hello Neuro! I did see this one, but this isn´t for the 500mm F4 IS I ? I was talking about one specific for the new generation, the 500mm F4 IS II. I did found one for the 600mm II but not for the 500mm II

Thank you

 

[Loswr]

By the way...Why there isn´t one post wiht photos taken by 500mm F4IS II?? The so called posts: ""Something shot with....?""

Check the Lens Gallery.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2605.0

Hello Neuro! I did see this one, but this isn´t for the 500mm F4 IS I ? I was talking about one specific for the new generation, the 500mm F4 IS II. I did found one for the 600mm II but not for the 500mm II

Thank you

Right you are, my mistake – I grabbed the wrong link.

Here's the 500/4 II gallery:

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11947.0

 

[East Wind Photography]

If you are going to get one or the other then no question its the 1.4xiii that you want. The 2xiii is nice to have but its only useful in limited situations. You can get good results with the 2x tc but it affects the lens performance and iq in a noticeable way. Most everyone avoids using the 2x's unless you really need to. On the other hand, you can put the 1.4x on and pretty much shoot without thinking about it.

+1

The 2xiii is great on the 300 f2.8L II for a quick and dirty 600 f5.6 but using it on my 600mm is only for a very specialized purpose and not something i would consider on a regular basis.

As already noted the 1.4xiii is the better option for the 500 and 600.

 

[Go Wild]

By the way...Why there isn´t one post wiht photos taken by 500mm F4IS II?? The so called posts: ""Something shot with....?""

Check the Lens Gallery.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2605.0

Hello Neuro! I did see this one, but this isn´t for the 500mm F4 IS I ? I was talking about one specific for the new generation, the 500mm F4 IS II. I did found one for the 600mm II but not for the 500mm II

Thank you

Right you are, my mistake – I grabbed the wrong link.

Here's the 500/4 II gallery:

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11947.0

Yes, thanks Neuro! That is the one! Still don´t have many photos, hope i can contribute soon.

If you are going to get one or the other then no question its the 1.4xiii that you want. The 2xiii is nice to have but its only useful in limited situations. You can get good results with the 2x tc but it affects the lens performance and iq in a noticeable way. Most everyone avoids using the 2x's unless you really need to. On the other hand, you can put the 1.4x on and pretty much shoot without thinking about it.

+1

The 2xiii is great on the 300 f2.8L II for a quick and dirty 600 f5.6 but using it on my 600mm is only for a very specialized purpose and not something i would consider on a regular basis.

As already noted the 1.4xiii is the better option for the 500 and 600.

Thank you East wind, i did take the option for the 1.4x because of that reason, i think the gain in reach of th e 2x maybe don´t compensate the loss of IQ...
I do believe it´s the best choice.

 

[Loswr]

Yes, thanks Neuro! That is the one! Still don´t have many photos, hope i can contribute soon.

Looking forward to it!

I have both MkIII TCs that I use with my 600 II, overall I'd say my shooting comprises 30% bare lens, 60% 1.4x, and 10% 2x.

 

[Go Wild]

Yes, thanks Neuro! That is the one! Still don´t have many photos, hope i can contribute soon.

Looking forward to it!

I have both MkIII TCs that I use with my 600 II, overall I'd say my shooting comprises 30% bare lens, 60% 1.4x, and 10% 2x.

I did tryed once the 2x II on my 500mm Version 1, but honestly i didn´t liked very much of the result, but, it was a "only one day" use in a friend loan of the 2x II.

I do need the extra reach, i often photograph wolfs, deers, eagles and other wildlife animals that intend to be shy...But I just give priviledge to IQ. So the 2xIII "afraids" me.. For this o have chosen the 1.4x i think its a secure choice...Although the improvements on this III series, maybe the 2x it is not a solid choice. Buuut....however, i do not discard buying it in a month or two if i feel i do need that extra reach....We´ll see...in the meantime i will use the 1.4x.

Sorry about some gramatical errors that i can write... (i´m not from US)

 

[Freddie]

Good choice. I do agree that the 2X TC II is not usable if you want decent image quality.

My usage is about 10% bare lens, 70% 1.4X TC III, 20% 2X TC III.

Here's another shot using the 5D MK III, Canon 500 II, and Canon 2X TC III. Shot wide open.

 

[scyrene]

I've skimmed through the thread, apologies if I'm repeating others too much.

I have the 500L II, the 1.4x III, the 2x II and the 2x III. I've used all combinations extensively.

I agree with the general sentiment that the 1.4x is better. It does not degrade image quality to any appreciable degree, and the combination functions as a solid 700mm lens. Autofocus may be slightly impaired, but not to any extent that I've noticed before.

Using a 2x extender does soften the image, and add some colour fringing. BUT it is by no means a deal breaker - you can get excellent images with this combination. It doesn't feel like one lens unit though, you can really tell there's something in between the lens and the camera. Autofocus is much slower, and you are restricted to the central focus points on those cameras that do autofocus at f/8 (except the 1Dx II?). Note one major difference between the two extenders - should you be interested in birds in flight, the 1.4x is usable, the 2x mostly not for this. However, as someone else said, you get more detail with the 2x than you would by digitally enlarging an image taken with the bare lens or 1.4x, so it can be worth it for smaller/more distant subjects. In fact I use the 500+2x III most commonly of all now.

I would recommend to anyone doing this to stop down the aperture slightly. I use f/10. It regains a little of the sharpness that is lost by adding the extender. There is no need to stop down with the 1.4x.

Oh and fwiw it is my understanding and experience that the mark II extenders are not optically worse than the mark IIIs, just that the newer version works better (for autofocus?) with the latest supertelephoto lenses.

If you want examples, here's a gallery of images taken with the 2x III: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjWv9M6b

 

[Loswr]

I h and fwiw it is my understanding and experience that the mark II extenders are not optically worse than the mark IIIs, just that the newer version works better (for autofocus?) with the latest supertelephoto lenses.

I'd say that's true for the 1.4xII vs III, but the 2xIII is optically better (based on reviews and personal experience).

 

[candyman]

<snip>

If you want examples, here's a gallery of images taken with the 2x III: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjWv9M6b

Lovely birdphotos scyrene.
I am impressed with the result of the 2x III. It is on my list

 

[scyrene]

I h and fwiw it is my understanding and experience that the mark II extenders are not optically worse than the mark IIIs, just that the newer version works better (for autofocus?) with the latest supertelephoto lenses.

I'd say that's true for the 1.4xII vs III, but the 2xIII is optically better (based on reviews and personal experience).

Ah ok, maybe I got mixed up

 

[scyrene]

<snip>

If you want examples, here's a gallery of images taken with the 2x III: https://flic.kr/s/aHsjWv9M6b

Lovely birdphotos scyrene.
I am impressed with the result of the 2x III. It is on my list

Thanks! When they introduced f/8 autofocus on the 5DIII it gave my photography a boost

 

[cervantes]

Hello!!

Thank´s a lot fo all of your kind answers! They helped me and thank you for that. I ordered today my lens and the teleconverter 1.4x . So i decided to get the 1.4x.

I think it´s the most certain choice for me and my goals. I will get my experience with him, and then, if i see that the reach is not enough i make an economic effort and get the 2x. For now, i think it´s the wiser choice. Then i´ll let you know about my thoughts.

Thank´s again all off you, and if you want to continue to comment this post, please continue because i supose ther will be more people with my doubt and i really couldn´t find much thing in the internet. By the way...Why there isn´t one post wiht photos taken by 500mm F4IS II?? The so called posts: ""Something shot with....?""

I have some examples also with extenders on my website:

http://www.focrates.com/gear/gear.html

At the bottom of the page.