The lack of quality is quite possibly due to a number of factors, which could include; camera shake, subject movement, heat haze or just generally the distance between you and the subject which could suffer from the effects of less than crystal clear atmoshere.
The most likely and biggest influence IMHO is the use of the 1.4X extender. Although it will physically fit on that lens, it's far from an ideal combination and is best thought of as a last resort when you really need the focal length and getting closer to your subject is impossible.
If the light is good and your subject fairly contrasty you can get away with half decent images of static subjects, even some pretty good results if everything's in your favour and rock solid support/technique is used.
However that lens/combination isn't designed to auto focus with an extender and certainly not with any consistency, on a static subject, let alone on a moving one, hence the reason for you having to tape the pins.
The 100-400mm lens is a fine lens (if you've got a decent copy) but to get the best results you need to know it's limitations. One of which is it's focusing speed.
On a contrasty subject on a bright day it's not bad at all, as the light levels drop though, so does it's focusing speed and accuracy. Add a 1.4X extender into the equation, and a detailed backdrop, then your really exceeding it's capabitities IMHO (especially on moving subjects).
One other point, you don't mention if a tripod was used, but the effective focal length of that lens and extender, combined with the crop factor of your camera equates to 1024mm which is a hell of a lot to get consistently sharp images at 1/500 sec, especially with a subject moving across the frame.
Hope this helps.
Posted by John Chapman on February 26, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Hi Ian I agree with Justin's comments. Start practicing your flight shots with the 100-400 then take it from there.
John
Aberdeen
Posted by Paul Inglis on February 26, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Aye I think Justin explains it very nicely!
Posted by eric weight on February 26, 2008 at 1:15 PM
The 100-400 is the only 'long' lens that I have and so pushing it out a bit with the x1.4 seemed like the answer to my prayers especially when I found out about taping. In practice, I have found that although I have got a few very sharp shots with it attached, it is not all that satisfactory. In fact I rarely seems to be in focus even when it has stopped hunting. looks ok through the viewfinder but the images are nearly always a disappointment. I think the sharp ones were accidents! I rarely use the extender now as even using manual focus, I suspect it of ruining more shots than it gets me.
The 100-400 on its own I am really pleased with although I know others have issues with it. Eric
Posted by Dave Courtenay on February 26, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Its been years since i had a 100-400 but remember trying to use it with a 1.4x and found it to be an unbalanced combo-did it a couple of times and gave up
Thanks for the comment, looks like I need a bigger lens, beter feildcraft or both.
Another question, would like some more reach, hense the TC, rather than saving for the Big Lens, should I be saving for the Canon 45D when it comes out, I'm guessing with 12mp, and cropping 50% more with my existing lens, seams a cheaper option, abet still need to save for a while and wait for the camera. But does the increase the pixels by 15% increase the crop by 50% and get the same result work?
Another option is to trade my 100-400 for a second hand 300 2.8 non Is and adding the convereters. Below 300 i would be stuffed as I have only the kit lens in the bag.
Personally I'd say a new camera, no matter how many pixels, isn't the answer.
The 300mm f2.8 lenses, whilst being bitingly sharp, fast and easily manageable, isn't the answer either, IMHO, at least not if you want to use it mainly for birds, it just hasn't got the reach.
The best option IMO would be to save hard for a Canon 500mm f4 L I.S. or if that isn't financially viable, then wait untill a second hand one becomes available.
A cheaper option would be a Sigma 500mm, although I've no idea how it copes with fast moving action, with or without converters.
Thanks for the response, I have to admit that I already knew this was the answer but was cluching at straws. I think I will have to go for the 'wildlife in the environment shots' for quite a while, Especially as I really need to replace the 18 - 55 kit len with something a bit better.
Now to work on the feild work and some remote control shots.
Discussion
8 repliesI quite like the composition but the quality is rubbish. Taken using a 100-400 + Canon 1.4TC + tape
Is the quality due to noise at 640, the Tc on the lens, to slow shutter speed, something else or all of the above.
Your views sort.
Ian Hay
Camera Model Name Canon EOS 30D
Tv(Shutter Speed)1/500Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)F8
Exposure Compensation +1/3
ISO Speed 640
The most likely and biggest influence IMHO is the use of the 1.4X extender. Although it will physically fit on that lens, it's far from an ideal combination and is best thought of as a last resort when you really need the focal length and getting closer to your subject is impossible.
If the light is good and your subject fairly contrasty you can get away with half decent images of static subjects, even some pretty good results if everything's in your favour and rock solid support/technique is used.
However that lens/combination isn't designed to auto focus with an extender and certainly not with any consistency, on a static subject, let alone on a moving one, hence the reason for you having to tape the pins.
The 100-400mm lens is a fine lens (if you've got a decent copy) but to get the best results you need to know it's limitations. One of which is it's focusing speed.
On a contrasty subject on a bright day it's not bad at all, as the light levels drop though, so does it's focusing speed and accuracy. Add a 1.4X extender into the equation, and a detailed backdrop, then your really exceeding it's capabitities IMHO (especially on moving subjects).
One other point, you don't mention if a tripod was used, but the effective focal length of that lens and extender, combined with the crop factor of your camera equates to 1024mm which is a hell of a lot to get consistently sharp images at 1/500 sec, especially with a subject moving across the frame.
Hope this helps.
John
Aberdeen
The 100-400 on its own I am really pleased with although I know others have issues with it.
Another question, would like some more reach, hense the TC, rather than saving for the Big Lens, should I be saving for the Canon 45D when it comes out, I'm guessing with 12mp, and cropping 50% more with my existing lens, seams a cheaper option, abet still need to save for a while and wait for the camera. But does the increase the pixels by 15% increase the crop by 50% and get the same result work?
Another option is to trade my 100-400 for a second hand 300 2.8 non Is and adding the convereters. Below 300 i would be stuffed as I have only the kit lens in the bag.
Maybe I should buy my second ever Lottery ticket
Thanks
Ian Hay
The 300mm f2.8 lenses, whilst being bitingly sharp, fast and easily manageable, isn't the answer either, IMHO, at least not if you want to use it mainly for birds, it just hasn't got the reach.
The best option IMO would be to save hard for a Canon 500mm f4 L I.S. or if that isn't financially viable, then wait untill a second hand one becomes available.
A cheaper option would be a Sigma 500mm, although I've no idea how it copes with fast moving action, with or without converters.
Thanks for the response, I have to admit that I already knew this was the answer but was cluching at straws. I think I will have to go for the 'wildlife in the environment shots' for quite a while, Especially as I really need to replace the 18 - 55 kit len with something a bit better.
Now to work on the feild work and some remote control shots.
Thanks
Ian Hay