EF 70-200 f/4 L IS and 1.4x II teleconvertor?

[thekingb]

Does anyone have experience with the 70-200 f/4 IS and the 1.4x II? Favorable?
Here's my issue. I am trying to get a little more focal length. I returned a bad copy of the 100-400 and decided that I wanted to stick with newer technology. So I tried the new 70-300L, but the inner barrel wobbled and I had to return it. Now it is out of stock at B&H! It's like someone doesn't want me to spend the money....
So either I wait for it to come back in stock or consider a cheaper option: the 1.4x TC. If cost were no object, obviously I should wait for the 70-300. But now I am wondering if the 1.4x would provide a more versatile alternative. It is actually not a huge cost savings, because I would sell the 70-200 if I am happy with the 70-300.
BTW, the 70-300's zoom ring placement drove me crazy for the 2 days I had it. Not sure what Canon was thinking there...

[neuroanatomist]

But now I am wondering if the 1.4x would provide a more versatile alternative.

I don't think I'd say it's a more versatile alternative - with the 70-200mm + TC, you've got either a 70-200mm zoom or a 98-280mm zoom, and you have to mount/unmount the TC to switch, whereas with the 70-300mm, you've got the whole range covered. If you shoot in manual mode a lot, the constant aperture of either f/4 or f/5.6 would be a trade off, but if you shoot in an automatic mode (e.g. Av or Tv) then the variable aperture of 70-300mm is not a big deal.


Optically, the 70-300mm L will outperform the 70-200mm f/4L IS with an extender (even the new MkIII), although the differences are not huge.

BTW, the 70-300's zoom ring placement drove me crazy for the 2 days I had it. Not sure what Canon was thinking there...

Their 'lens positioning article' for the new 70-300mm states, "...this lens really comes into its own when used with an APS-C size sensor camera." That suggests that one of Canon's main targets audiences for this lens is owners of 1.6x crop bodies. So, I suspect Canon was thinking that photographers interested in this lens likely also have one of the better quality EF-S lenses (10-22mm, 17-55mm, 15-85mm) and those lenses also have the zoom ring further from the body. Of course, it may have just been a necessity of the lens design, too. Who knows?

[ddt0725]

Here are a few shots of the70-200mm f/4 IS& 1.4x IIon my 7D. I admit they are not the greatest but that is more do to user error than the result of the combination. Also, I have not micro-adjusted the two together.







On this last shot, my ISO was really high to get the shot which was more to blame for the bad IQ ...

[Jayson]

I shoot almost everything outdoors with a 7D, 70-200f4 IS, and a Kenko 1.4tc for lack of funds to buy something longer. I have pretty good luck with this combo. I MA mine and it is +1 so really not an issue. I agree with everyone else that taking off the extender is not fun.

[clemmb]

I admit they are not the greatest but that is more do to user error than the result of the combination.


[url="http://www.flickr.com/photos/18085870@N07/4851016493/][/url]
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You are selling yourself shot. Great shots Denise


Mark

[scalesusa]

I have used the 70-200mm f/4 with 1.4X, 2X, and both stacked with good results. However, its not at all user friendly to add and take off the extenders in the field.


70-200mm F/4L IS with Canon TC 1.4X II


[View:http://www.mount-spokane-photography.com/Nature/Birds/Finchesextender-test/814931712_37iMo-X2.jpg]:800:800]


70-200mm F/4L IS with Canon TC 2X II


[View:http://www.mount-spokane-photography.com/Nature/Birds/Finchesextender-test/814983596_HQMaY-X2.jpg]


70-200mm F/4L IS with Canon TC's 1.4X II and 2XII stacked. My <span style="text-decoration: line-through;"]5 1D MK III does autofocus if I get it close manually.


[View:http://www.mount-spokane-photography.com/Nature/Birds/Finchesextender-test-2X/814933088_ZNnYJ-X2-1.jpg]

[ddt0725]

You are selling yourself shot. Great shots Denise


Mark

Thanks, Mark! The time of day for these photos wasn't the greatest for this section in my yard but as you can see with the other photos posted here, the combo does still offersome nice IQ.

Denise

[NFLD Stephen]

My 5D MK III

Must be nice....where did you get one already? [:P]


Stephen

[scalesusa]

As noted, they are MK II

[neuroanatomist]

I think the question was not about the extenders, but rather where you got the 5D MkIII body you mentioned...