TC for the DSLR as Dust-Barrier

[Ikinaa]

Does anyone of you use a TC1.4x or TC2.0x, not only for getting nearer, but also as a dust-barrier when changing lenses?
I know that you lose 1 or 2 stops respectively, but when you are in a place where there's dust or sand (like the seashore), do you leave the TC on the body when changing lenses, so that the sensor is protected?

[leony]

i don't change lenses at the beach at all. i usually envision the image before hand and put on the right lens before leaving the car. but really as long as you're not ignorant about it there is no reason to worry. i've changed film and lenses on my film camera while shooting at the beach. i've even shot MF on the beach with multiple backs and all. just be quick and don't drop the camera in the sand. if you're really concerned, bring two bodies with different lenses on them so that you don't need to switch lenses - but that might not be an option.

[Aylwin]

I've never heard of such a practice. Bear in mind, the TC's don't fit all lenses so that approach would only work for a handful. Besides, you only use the TC when you need the extra reach so I don't see the use of keeping it on while switching lens.

[Ikinaa]

... Bear in mind, the TC's don't fit all lenses so that approach would only work for a handful. ...
why doesn't it fit all lenses? If a lens lens fits on the body, it should also fit on the TC?

[Aylwin]

See here: http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=154&mode lid=7462

and here: http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=154&mode lid=7463

It says: "This tele extender can be used with fixed focal length lenses 135mm and longer (except the 135mm f/2.8 Softfocus lens), and the EF 70-200 f/2.8L, 70-200 f/2.8L IS, 70-200 f/4.0L, and 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS zoom lenses." That means you can't use it with any lens wider than 135mm and on only a few long L zooms.

[nosquare2003]

... Bear in mind, the TC's don't fit all lenses so that approach would only work for a handful. ...
why doesn't it fit all lenses? If a lens lens fits on the body, it should also fit on the TC?

Because some part of the Canon TC is protruding and it fits most tele L lens only.

If you're saying Tamron TC (not the SP one), it will fit Canon lens.

[leony]

it will fit, but TCs are optimized for LONG lenses and you also need an f/2.8 lens if you want to be able to AF with it. TCs also reduce the quality. it's much better to use an 80mm lens rather than 40mm with a 2x converter. you'll see the difference in images, so stick to longer lenses if you need the reach, and only then use TCs if you still need more reach.

[nosquare2003]

it will fit, but TCs are optimized for LONG lenses and you also need an f/2.8 lens if you want to be able to AF with it.

Sorry, Canon TC don't fit with some Canon lens physically. It has a protruding part that will damage the rear element of some lenses (e.g. non L lens). If Canon TC has to be used (on lens other than L tele), an extension tube has to be used.

[CyberDyneSystems]

...it will fit,...

In Fact Canon Teleconverters WILL NOT fit the VAST MAJORITY of Canon lenses... of the 50 plus lenses canon makes.. the two teleconverters will only fit about a dozen lenses, all of which are telephoto lenses.

They fit virtually NONE of the zooms except for the 70-200mms and the 100-400mm.

Anyway.. the idea, though a nice thought, is not practical with the existing gear.... as keeping a 1.4X T-con mounted is hardly Ideal much of the time.. even if you are only using telephoto lenses.

[Cadwell]

To quote Canon:

Extenders are only compatible with selected EF lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF 70-200mm f/4L, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM, EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM and fixed length L-series lenses of 135mm or higher.