70-200mm 2.8 IS w/2x extender?

[Gr8outdrsmn]

My question is, will the IS still work with the 2x extender attached, or am i going to have to be super steady when taking my pictures? Thanks for your time and input.

[crn3371]

IS will still work, but you're doubling the actual focal length of your lens so instead of observing hand held guidelines for a 200mm lens you need to use guidelines for a 400mm lens.

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Thanks for your quick reply and the added info.

[gasrocks]

The IS will still work but will not help quite as much as it used to. So, be careful. Some say you should not use a 2x on any zoom (a good general rule.) I find the results can be very good though.

[HighPlainsPhotographer]

I don't own this combo, but have rented a 70-200 2.8 on numerous occasions and have tried converters with it. No problems with AF or IS on my Rebel XT when using the 2x, but, IMO the images are too soft and lack contrast, particularly wide open. The 1.4x seems to work great with this lens.

Shaun

[EOS_JD]

You lose a lot of IQ with the 2x. I prefer the 1.4x. Works well on the 70-200 f2.8L IS,

[-MasterChief-]

IS will still work, the 2x Mark II is a little better than the first generation 2x TCs.

[Tapeman]

I use both converters on the 70-200 2.8L IS. The 1.4x performs better than the 2x. You give up some IQ but I recommend both TCs

[45R]

What is IQ? I am looking into this combo as well. Thanks!

[themirage]

Image Quality

[45R]

Image Quality



Thanks!!! :lol:

[joegolf68]

Multiple tests I've seen indicate the 2x works great with this lens, although the common misconception is that the 2x is a horrible alternative to the 1.4. Many folks won't even use the 2x due to this urban legend that they eat up all the IQ. I use both and the 2x will work just fine with this lens.

[gjman]

Since a picture is often worth a 1000 useless words on a forum:

Scaled down (640x480) JPEG-L from a 70-200 f/2.8L IS + 2x TC II on a Monopod
1/320, 400mm, f/8, ISO 100 on a 20D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/IMG_5170.jpg

This is from the actual image.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/EleSealActual.jpg

[Gr8outdrsmn]

Thanks for all of the input, and for the great pictures. This all really reassures me on the idea of the 2x and my 70-200.

[ilovemycamera]

Multiple tests I've seen indicate the 2x works great with this lens, although the common misconception is that the 2x is a horrible alternative to the 1.4. Many folks won't even use the 2x due to this urban legend that they eat up all the IQ. I use both and the 2x will work just fine with this lens.


I appreciate your optimism. I just recently purchased the 70-200 2.8L IS (a week ago today) and was condidering the 2x as my next purchase. i do, in fact, read a lot of negativity regarding the 2x, and have been a little leary.

I also wondered why they didn't offer a rebate on it... have they ever? It costs as much as some of the primes they are offering rebates on this time

[Lord_Malone]

There's no rebate for the extenders. At least I don't recall seeing it listed on the current rebate list. I had the 2x briefly, but preferred the 1.4x. The 2x also makes the lens really long on your body, so it's probably best to just turn off the IS and use a monopod.

[ilovemycamera]

There's no rebate for the extenders. At least I don't recall seeing it listed on the current rebate list. I had the 2x briefly, but preferred the 1.4x. The 2x also makes the lens really long on your body, so it's probably best to just turn off the IS and use a monopod.

Thanks Lord_Malone... i can always count on good advice from you! And, what would your 2cents be on the 'do you think they would upgrade/update/improve the 70-200 2.8 L IS anytime soon' question? I guess i am just worried that i jumped the gun with the pma's right around the corner...

[Lord_Malone]

I don't think that Canon will ever replace the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. At least not any time soon. It's generally regarded as their best zoom, and why would they mess with an otherwise perfect lens? It's fast and it's got IS. If people want light they've got the f4L IS alternative. There are other less expensive alternatives in the L line in this focal range to choose from also, so I think Canon will be sticking with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra on this one. That's not to say that they won't introduce a Mark II version with a new generation IS at some point, but I doubt it.

[ilovemycamera]

I don't think that Canon will ever replace the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. At least not any time soon. It's generally regarded as their best zoom, and why would they mess with an otherwise perfect lens? It's fast and it's got IS. If people want light they've got the f4L IS alternative. There are other less expensive alternatives in the L line in this focal range to choose from also, so I think Canon will be sticking with the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mantra on this one. That's not to say that they won't introduce a Mark II version with a new generation IS at some point, but I doubt it.


Once again, thanks! Maybe i can start using it and enjoying it instead of wondering 'What IF'.....

I did see where they had the new 3rd generation IS in the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6, so it could be on its way.... but i hope you are right in the sense that they won't mess with it. It is indeed an awesome lens. I will just have to find some time to get to thte gym and lift some weights so that i can carry that sucker around and hand hold shots and the horse races this weekend!

They really should make you a moderator on this forum... you keep things running smooth!

[Lord_Malone]

They really should make you a moderator on this forum... you keep things running smooth!

They wouldn't dare! Aside from the fact that I disappear mysteriously from this forum from time to time, I'd surely abuse my new found moderating powers. I would use this power from a desire to do good. But through me, it would wield a power to great and terrible to imagine. I have a laundry list of people I'd ban just for fun. :evil:

[joegolf68]

I appreciate your optimism. I just recently purchased the 70-200 2.8L IS (a week ago today) and was condidering the 2x as my next purchase. i do, in fact, read a lot of negativity regarding the 2x, and have been a little leary.

I also wondered why they didn't offer a rebate on it... have they ever? It costs as much as some of the primes they are offering rebates on this time

I was wondering to why no rebate for the TC's, but I guess that is Canon's call. As for my optimism for the 2x, I honestly don't know. I have read so much from both sides, and I don't have tests of my own yet, so we are on our own to judge for ourselves. The 1.4 certainly has its cheerleaders, so that is why I bought the 1.4 FIRST and then added on the 2x recently. As I said though, I need to go out and do my own tests. With both, even with IS, I'd think a monopod or tripod would be ideal.

[EOS_JD]

You get a £35 rebate here in the UK for both the extenders. The big downside to the 2x (apart from the loss in IQ - and which may be acceptable for some) is the 2 stops loss of light! AF also becomes very slow.

Tough choice but I prefer the 1.4.

[ilovemycamera]

You get a £35 rebate here in the UK for both the extenders. The big downside to the 2x (apart from the loss in IQ - and which may be acceptable for some) is the 2 stops loss of light! AF also becomes very slow.

Tough choice but I prefer the 1.4.


It sure would make life easier if they'd just have one rebate with the same stuff on it for EVERYBODY! Guess that would make sense, and canon rebates hardly ever do...