Canon 1Ds Mk2, 600/f4 + 2x extender, 580EX II flash + flash extender, WH2 + Gitzo 3530LSV.
Manual exposure mode f11, 1/125, iso 640.
RAW image processed in Capture One; sharpened in Photoshop CS4, full frame.
I use the Canon 2x quite a lot, but always stopped down to f11 and only on prime lenses. At larger apertures the image is never quite sharp in my experience and on most cameras, at smaller apertures, you start to run in to image softness caused by diffraction. I never use a 2x on zoom lenses as the results are always a disappointment. The 2x also produces much better results when the subject is relatively close compared to subjects that are relatively distant, but I’m not sure whether this is to do with the optics or more to do with atmospheric effects.
I also use the Nikon 1.7x at f11, and at least with the Nikon 200-400, have found that this combination produces images that are acceptably sharp.
No lens or lens plus teleconverter is at its best when used wide open; this is indisputable, so even when using a 1.4x, I usually stop down to f8. Only when there is no acceptable ISO or shutter speed alternative do I shoot with the 1.4x (Nikon or Canon) at f5.6. With some f4 prime lenses the results can be OK but with zoom lenses, this is rarely so.
Not trying teach granny to suck eggs, here, but it might be useful to some.
Looks bang on the money, Great exposure and fill flash, Good technique as always, I have only used the 1.7x once on the 200-400 and must admit i didnt like it one bit so only use it on the 600 and rarely at that but agree with the rest of your statement regarding the 2x
Discussion
11 repliesCanon 1Ds Mk2, 600/f4 + 2x extender, 580EX II flash + flash extender, WH2 + Gitzo 3530LSV.
Manual exposure mode f11, 1/125, iso 640.
RAW image processed in Capture One; sharpened in Photoshop CS4, full frame.
I use the Canon 2x quite a lot, but always stopped down to f11 and only on prime lenses. At larger apertures the image is never quite sharp in my experience and on most cameras, at smaller apertures, you start to run in to image softness caused by diffraction. I never use a 2x on zoom lenses as the results are always a disappointment. The 2x also produces much better results when the subject is relatively close compared to subjects that are relatively distant, but I’m not sure whether this is to do with the optics or more to do with atmospheric effects.
I also use the Nikon 1.7x at f11, and at least with the Nikon 200-400, have found that this combination produces images that are acceptably sharp.
No lens or lens plus teleconverter is at its best when used wide open; this is indisputable, so even when using a 1.4x, I usually stop down to f8. Only when there is no acceptable ISO or shutter speed alternative do I shoot with the 1.4x (Nikon or Canon) at f5.6. With some f4 prime lenses the results can be OK but with zoom lenses, this is rarely so.
Not trying teach granny to suck eggs, here, but it might be useful to some.
Dale
Dave
JR
Ron
T