What's the Difference: 1.4X EF Extender 2 Vs. 3

[nubu]

I haven't paid much attention to the MKIIIs as I only use my TCs on occasions. I was thinking of upgrading the 2XII but someone on here say they can't be stacked with the 1.4. What is the story?

Here is a shot using the 1DSIII +100-400 + 1.4 +2.0 MkIIs but if I can't stack the IIIs this would not work.

Thats true, no stacking any longer! But that was for me not really an option already before...

 

[East Wind Photography]

Another difference is that the MKIII extenders have more screws in the mount area providing more support. I rented a MKII extender before buying my mkIII and I was a bit nervous carrying by the camera with a 300 2.8 attached. After getting the MKIII I am not concerned with carrying that combo by the body.

It's a small difference and likely less important than IQ but if that kind of thing bothers you than it's something to consider as well toward the upgrade.

One big difference is the AF circuitry, which was optimized to work with the newer MkII supertele lenses to provide faster and more precise AF when using the extender (AF performance with other lenses is the same as the MkII extenders).

According to Bryan at TDP, the 1.4xIII has less barrel distortion and noticeably less CA. The 2xIII is slightly sharper in the mid frame and corners, and has slight barrel distortion (whereas the MkII had slight pincushion distortion - which is generally less noticeable than barrel).

Physically, the 2xIII has two more elements and is 22% heavier; the 1.4xIII also has two more elements (grouped differently, so one less group), but the weight is pretty much the same. The MkIII versions have the fluorine coating on the exposed elements which makes them easier to clean. Also, the MkIII extenders have the 'new' paint color which matches the MkII superteles, if that sort of thing matters to you...

 

[BL]

if money is no object, just get the mkIII

i rented a 1.4x III and compared it against a borrowed 1.4x II.

wound up buying the mkII for $230 new on ebay, and don't feel like i'm giving much of anything up against the performance of a $450 mk III.

 

[mwh1964]

Have the 2xMkIII and the 70-200 MK2. I think it gives pretty impressive results. A bit heavy and cumbersome to carry around. One thing I did not realize was that the 2x doesn't work with my 70-300L and wouldn't AF if it actually would fit the lens. So perhaps the 1,4 would have been the better choice. My own fault being too ignorant though. But for IQ I don't think you will be disappointed with the 2TC.

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Can anyone tell me what changed on the version 3 (versis version 2) for the Canon Extenders?

Is there some advantage to shooting the 3 Vs the 2?

for the 1.4:
a lot less lateral CA
sharper edges
but only BARELY better in the center (takes 200% view and flipping and high contrast subject to spot it)
apparently more precise AF when used with IS II supre-teles

(for the 2.0 I don't know since I never used the old Mark II)

 

[adhocphotographer]

So, bottom line is:

1.4x III is slightly better than mk II
2x III is significantly better though.

I have the 2x III and was thinking about getting the 1.4x.... I might just try and pick up a mkII second hand.

thanks for the info all!

 

[Kerry B]

For me both the new extenders are better than the Mkii versions, especially the x2 which shows a considerable improvement on the old ones. I am not sure that you will see a huge increase in image performance unless you use one of the new fluoride coated lenses. I have the 300f2.8 mkii and using extenders is now a non brainer.

Forget about lab reports, in real world shooting using extenders on zoom lenses is never as good as when used on a fixed prime lens.

Granted there is only a small difference in image quality between the Mk2 and Mk3 extenders but any improvement is better than nothing. Knowing what I now know I would buy the new Mk111 extender in preference to the Mk11 when used with the new prime fluoride coated lenses.

I can only go by my own experiences and say that the 300mm lens with the new x2 extender when used with a Canon 5dmkiii is better than using a bare 300 on a Canon 7D. Just goes to show what this combo can produce.