Canon Extender EF 2x II 2 x Teleconverter

[Nikon Kid]

Are these Canon Extender EF 2x II 2 x Teleconverter any good
Would it be my next option to fit between the 450d and the 70-300
would the auto focus and Image stabilisation work.

See it here on ebay 380038512476

[JimMorris]

Are these Canon Extender EF 2x II 2 x Teleconverter any good
Would it be my next option to fit between the 450d and the 70-300
would the auto focus and Image stabilisation work.

See it here on ebay 380038512476

I'll tell you tomorrow, my 1.4 arrived today.

[IanF]

The Canon extenders are very good if a little expensive. Kenko ones are just as good. They're better suited to adding to a telephoto lens rather than a zoom and even then unless you ahve a fast lens or a pro body usage and good results can be very difficult to achieve.

I'm afraid you may be disappointed if you add a teleconverter to the 70-300 espeically the 2x. Apart from losing two f-stops which in effect means you quarter your shutter speed the results will be very soft lacking detail. Even using a 1.4x degrade the image quality. The autofocus will work but only very slowly and can be quite juddery. Also it may not work at all unless the subject is strongly contrasted.

[Nikon Kid]

Then thats a 'NO' for me then, I will just have to wait and see how I get on with the
300mm, at least its giving me plenty of practice for when I am able to buy the 400mm.
I do quite like using the 300mm its very comfortable in the hand.

[citrinella]

Then thats a 'NO' for me then, I will just have to wait and see how I get on with the
300mm, at least its giving me plenty of practice for when I am able to buy the 400mm.
I do quite like using the 300mm its very comfortable in the hand.

I'd agree with that approach, waiting. Every penny spent on compromise solutions delays the day you can afford what you really want. I don't think the compromises are worth it.

Mike.

[Roy C]

I do not think that a Canon tc (1.4 or 2x ) will even fit the 70-300. If you do get a tc for this lens I would advise a 1.4 non Canon

[Arbu]

JimMorris, how are you getting on?

I'm in the same position. I have a Canon 400D with a 70-300mm IS lens and would like to extend this, if I can.

[Roy C]

JimMorris, how are you getting on?

I'm in the same position. I have a Canon 400D with a 70-300mm IS lens and would like to extend this, if I can.
If you do go for a tc I would strongly advise against a 2x as this will degrade the image quality very badly with your lens, even with a 1.4tc you may well be disappointed with the results and you will lose AF. Either way do not get a Canon converter as it will not even fit your lens.

[Arbu]

If you do go for a tc I would strongly advise against a 2x as this will degrade the image quality very badly with your lens, even with a 1.4tc you may well be disappointed with the results and you will lose AF. Either way do not get a Canon converter as it will not even fit your lens.

Thanks. My current lens is good because it's not too heavy and the IS means that I can use it without a tripod. But it sounds as if I need to accept that if I want to get more serious, I really need to be digiscoping, or at a minimum I would need a tripod. And that would totally change the nature of what I do, because the equipment is nothing like as portable.

[Roy C]

Thanks. My current lens is good because it's not too heavy and the IS means that I can use it without a tripod. But it sounds as if I need to accept that if I want to get more serious, I really need to be digiscoping, or at a minimum I would need a tripod. And that would totally change the nature of what I do, because the equipment is nothing like as portable.
You have not got to get into digiscoping to be serious, you just need a longer lens. There is a heck of a difference between 300mm and 400mm for birds. Both the Canon 100-400 and 400mm f5.6 can be hand held and used without a tripod. I handhold the 400mm f5.6 for 95% of my shots and can walk with it slung around my neck for hours on end (and I am a weakling senior citizen ;) ) I have just come back from a 3 mile walk with it attached to the camera and slung around my neck.
Another alternative is the new Sigma 150-500 which has a 4 stop IS but is a little heavier than the two Canon's mentioned.

[Arbu]

Thanks. Yes that Sigma lens could be useful. I'd better get saving...