Happy New Years everyone. I need an extender to accompany my 70-200 F/2.8. I haven't done a lot of research. Should I go with a Canon brand or is it worthwhile to spend half as much on a third party brand? If so, any recommendations are appreciated.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on January 2, 2012 at 10:33 PM
Which 70-200 do you have?
The reason I ask is that with the old 70-200 2.8 IS and the model II 1.4x convertor, I've never gottenwhat I consider to be an acceptably sharp image. Nothing really horrible - it is usable depending on what you consider usable but nothing I'd use as a stock image image or print to 16x26.
Based on my results, I'd never use a third party extender with my 70-200 and I don't think I've ever put the 2x on the lens.
Depending on budget and intended use, you may want to look into a used 300 f4.
If you have the new 70-200 II, that might be a different story.
Posted by Wick Smith on January 3, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Not to confuse the issue, but I also have the 70-200 2.8 IS & have the 1.4x extender. My combination works well with sharp results. There's a small drop off in quality with the extender, but it's not objectionable. I shoot with the 5DII body. I also bought the 2x III extender and have gotten great results with that. The images are surprisingly sharp. Things have to be just right for me to get a print that would look good at 16 x 24. I've found it to be a great solution without having to spring for a 300 or 400mm lens. The results are not nearly as good on my 7D camera body.
Mine is non IS, but I am not sure which model number it is. I purchased it almost exactly two years ago. My other option is renting a lens as I only need the extra focal length for about a week. I am not sure if my tripod head could handle the extra load weight though. I have the RR BH-40. Thanks for your time both of you.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on January 3, 2012 at 5:56 PM
You would have the old version I of the 70-200, which is a great lens.
Your BH-40 will handle a 300 f4 and a 400 f5.6 without any difficulties. A 300 f2.8 or 400 f4 or faster I'm not sure about - I haven't used that ball head.
http://www.lensrentals.com/ is a good place to rent from. The old 1.4x II rents for $65 for three weeks which is a much cheaper solution, even with shipping. Or even rent a longer, fixed focus lens.
Posted by Andy Richards on January 8, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Michael: I am late to the dance here, obviously. But based on your comment about only needing the lens for a week, I would definitely consider the rental. I just bought the newest Nikon 2x converter to use on my 70-200 for occasional use. But I bought it with the thought that I will probably be able to sell it for approximately the same price I bought it for, as it is in high demand. I wanted to have something that I would always have in the bag for the occasional need, but that length is not my normal shooting style. If I were going on a dedicated wildlife shoot, I would probably consider renting a lens.
I used to own a Tokina 300 f2.8 with a matched Tokina 2x AF converter. The lens yielded sharp, bright, contrasty images. With the 2x on, everything suffered. On my nikon lenses, it was worth. IMO, I would not buy one of the other brands to try to match up with your Canon glass. I think its too much compromise.
Discussion
6 repliesThe reason I ask is that with the old 70-200 2.8 IS and the model II 1.4x convertor, I've never gottenwhat I consider to be an acceptably sharp image. Nothing really horrible - it is usable depending on what you consider usable but nothing I'd use as a stock image image or print to 16x26.
Based on my results, I'd never use a third party extender with my 70-200 and I don't think I've ever put the 2x on the lens.
Depending on budget and intended use, you may want to look into a used 300 f4.
If you have the new 70-200 II, that might be a different story.
Mine is non IS, but I am not sure which model number it is. I purchased it almost exactly two years ago. My other option is renting a lens as I only need the extra focal length for about a week. I am not sure if my tripod head could handle the extra load weight though. I have the RR BH-40. Thanks for your time both of you.
Your BH-40 will handle a 300 f4 and a 400 f5.6 without any difficulties. A 300 f2.8 or 400 f4 or faster I'm not sure about - I haven't used that ball head.
http://www.lensrentals.com/ is a good place to rent from. The old 1.4x II rents for $65 for three weeks which is a much cheaper solution, even with shipping. Or even rent a longer, fixed focus lens.
I used to own a Tokina 300 f2.8 with a matched Tokina 2x AF converter. The lens yielded sharp, bright, contrasty images. With the 2x on, everything suffered. On my nikon lenses, it was worth. IMO, I would not buy one of the other brands to try to match up with your Canon glass. I think its too much compromise.