-=FAQ=- Teleconverter/T-Con Tele extender Discussion

[Andy_T]

Which of the third-party T-cons would give the best image quality?

I'm searching for a 1.4x and 2.0x third-party tcon to put on my 80-200/2.8L and am a bit amazed by the multitude of offerings or at least names:

- Kenko Pro300 w/o DG (7-element)
- Kenko MC7 (7-element)
- Kenko MC4 (4-element)
- Kenko Teleplus SHQ 1.5x
- Tamron 'Pro' (7-element)
- Tamron MC4 (4-element)

Does anyone have experience with comparing the performance of these and can endorse one over the other?
From what I've read, the Kenko 'Pro300' and Tamron 'Pro' line should be the top model with the best quality, and the 7-element versions should better than the 4-element versions ... but does anybody have any advice here?

Best regards,
Andy

[R Schade]

Regarding : Tamron Teleconverter1.4C-AFT MCA

Quote: CyberDyneSystems
“III: "Other" Third Party T-cons
We are currently putting together info on other third party manufacture T-cons,. compatibility, autofocus data etc. Please contribute any direct experience or info”

Just from my own Experience with several Lenses. The Tamaron AF- Teleconverter1.4C-AFT MCA has worked with

Canon 50mm F/1.8
Canon 85mm F/1.8
Canon 70-200mm F/4.0
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8
Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8

Positive comments.
1 Price is always a consideration, it works about how I expected, i.e. you get what you pay for. Hey, I lucked into this converter for $25.00 from one of our members, I couldn’t go wrong for that price.
2 It has done what Tamron said it would.
3 For the casual user it probably will be fine, (Not the pro which I am not) the picture is acceptable

My only negative comments have been.
1 does not report the focal length.
2 Tends to make whites or any bright-light or reflective colors appear brighter than they should be.Especially in bright light or bright days. I see halos. Sometimes.
3 Pictures are perceptually a little less sharp than when not using it. Hey, it’s a Tele converter this happens right? I would hope that the more expensive Tamron models, as well as Canon and other 3rd party are sharper?

Should some one buy it?
Based on your needs and pocket book it is acceptable.
Russ

[Tom W]

OK, a little teleconverter information to add to the thread. I stacked a Canon 2X and Canon 1.4X on the 5D today with the 400 f/2.8 and maintaned autofocus even though the combination was effectively f/8. Seems that the 1.4X does not relay its existence to the camera when it is stacked behind the 2X, so the camera will report the aperture as if the 1.4X weren't there. I beleive that this has been pointed out on other cameras, but not on the 5D.

Checked it with the 70-200 f/2.8 and it held AF as well, though I wouldn't expect the zoom to give very nice image quality with the stacked converters. Even with the prime, I recommend stopping down a couple of stops if you use this setup. You will lose a fair amount of sharpness.

AF on the 400/2.8 alone or with either teleconverter is excellent. With the stacked combo, it is essential that the setup be used in good light. Otherwise, you'll get erratic hunting for focus. If the lens starts hunting rapidly (and this goes for any lens/telecon combination), let go of the shutter button. You may be better off focusing manually if that happens, unless you can re-aim your shot a bit to get a better contrast point under the AF sensor.

[GyRob]

i have just spoken to Sigma uk about the EX 500 F4.5 DG HSM lens and canon tc 1.4 .They said it will auto focus on a 1dmk2 as its under f8 ,they say in there common info Manul focus with any tcon , the guy said this was just to avoid confusion as there are more people with cameras other than the 1d series and they may want to try a tcon and it wont AF .
Rob.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Gyrob,

The Sigma representative you spoke to is wrong.
There are several members on this forum with first hand expeireince with this combnation,. including myself and the MkII will simply not AF with the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 EX HSM and either the Sigma 1.4X or Canon 1.4X

FYI Sigma international in Japan had no idea about this "issue" until it was brought to there attention by this forum.

The working theory is that only the first BIOS of the MkII would allow AF to function.

Also,. AF did work with the 1D (4.5 MP version)

Working theory is a Canon firmware revision early on in the MkII history is the cause of the incompatibility.

[GyRob]

intresting and i take what you say as true but i am talking about the NEW ex500f4.5 dg hsm its only being out a couple of month,s not sure if anyone on here has the new one. i have one on order although its not so much going to be used with a tc. so af or not isn't a great concern to me .
Rob.
edit. i guess it's the 1dmk2 body / firmware thats the problem Not the lens.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well,. seeing as how all that changes with the DG is the optical coatings.. I do hope your right.

Let me put it this way.. I've yet to hear of a Sigma 500mm pulling this stunt off unless it's on a 1D or a MkII with original first run firmware.

But you are correct,. The three POTN members that I know have this combo do not have the DG version.. unless Cadwell does?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Just using this space to peice together the history as it unfolded of the Sigam 500 MkII anomoly..
I can't seem to find Cadwells post though.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39461&highlight=500mm

Then later;
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=74871&highlight=500mm

[jacobsen1]

Adding the macro extension tube deos not change the fact that the 1.4X will not physically fit the 100mm Macro.

My Sigma 1.4x EX DG telcon DOES fit my Canon 100mm f2.8 macro FYI.

Anyone have any compairisons of the Sigma EX DG telcon and the Canons? I just ordered the 2x Sigma to go with my 1.4 Sigma, but I'd be curious to see a comparison if there is one around.
Ben

[CyberDyneSystems]

My Sigma 1.4x EX DG telcon DOES fit my Canon 100mm f2.8 macro FYI.



Really? the Sigma does? Well,. good to know. I sold my Sigma before I ever gpot the 100 Macro so I never knew this. One to add to the Sticky info.. does it function well?

[CyberDyneSystems]

There is one combination of 1.4X teleconverter and lens involving Sigma and Canon in which the teleconverter's protrusion is just a bit too long for the lens. I'm just not certain which combination it is, but I think it's the Canon 1.4X Mark II telecon and the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM EX. This is not to be taken as gospel, though. My memory of this isn't perfectly clear.

I seem to recall it's the Canon 1.4 won't fit Sigma's new 150mm macro?
Anyway,. we know that the two 1.4s though very similar are different enough that in some cases they don't interchange. I'd actually guess that the difference is in the DIAMETER of the protruding element assembly rather than length,. I just looked at my Canon 1.4 and 100 macro again,. and though they will not fit.. the difference is soooo close that it even looks like if you could remove the black plastic from the t-con protrusion.. they would fit.

[Tom W]

I seem to recall it's the Canon 1.4 won't fit Sigma's new 150mm macro?
Anyway,. we know that the two 1.4s though very similar are different enough that in some cases they don't interchange. I'd actually guess that the difference is in the DIAMETER of the protruding element assembly rather than length,. I just looked at my Canon 1.4 and 100 macro again,. and though they will not fit.. the difference is soooo close that it even looks like if you could remove the black plastic from the t-con protrusion.. they would fit.

With a little more thought, I believe that it was the Canon 1.4X II telecon that was slightly too long for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. There's a little black rubber "snubber" ring around the front element on the telecon that protects everything if you try, and that's what nudged up against the rear glass of the lens. It was a great way to convince myself that I needed IS! ;)

[jacobsen1]

Really? the Sigma does? Well,. good to know. I sold my Sigma before I ever gpot the 100 Macro so I never knew this. One to add to the Sticky info.. does it function well?

Both the 1.4 and the 2.0 Sigma EX DG telcons "work" with the canon 100mm f2.8 marco. I say "work" because they fit on the lens and the lens fits on the body, but the AF does that weird very fast hunting thing I like to call "rattling", but with a macro that doesn't bug me because I MF all the macro work I do anyway because the DOF is so short. If using a tripod and MF it's not an issue at all... Haven't really tested the image quality as the 100mm works fine normally for me, I just put the telcons on all my lenses when I got it just to see what works...

Ben

[fc3s89]

With a little more thought, I believe that it was the Canon 1.4X II telecon that was slightly too long for the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8. There's a little black rubber "snubber" ring around the front element on the telecon that protects everything if you try, and that's what nudged up against the rear glass of the lens. It was a great way to convince myself that I needed IS! ;)
I haven't tried the Canon 1.4x TC with a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 but I have tried it with a Sigma 50-500 and it didn't quite fit due to the Canon TC being slightly too wide to fit into the hole in the lens. There was literally 1mm or less in it. It was so close, but just didn't quite fit. I suspect that is the case with the Sigma 70-200 as well.

[Tom W]

Update on teleconverter experience. I used the inexpensive Tamron 1.4X teleconverter with the 100-400 L zoom with pretty good results. AF works well as long as there's good light.

Tried it on the 70-300 DO and I haven't had good success with IQ using that combination.

[Idoitforfree]

So is the kenko pro300 1.4x better then the Sigma APO 1.4x?

[Idoitforfree]

Wiht a 20D and the 100-400mm I was able to get AF in good daylight using the Kenko Pro 300 1.4X

It would seem then that the Kenko pro300 2x hooked to a Sigma 100-300mm f/4 would AF in good light? :lol:
anyone? I've read about the Kenko's working at f/8

[CyberDyneSystems]

Can't comment on the 2X.. but I have never heard of someone getting a 2X to "fool" a camera into focusing.
I'm not saying it's never happened, only that it seems unheard of.

[Idoitforfree]

Can't comment on the 2X.. but I have never heard of someone getting a 2X to "fool" a camera into focusing.
I'm not saying it's never happened, only that it seems unheard of.

I've heard of the "tape the pins" trick...can anyone explain which pins to tape? I'm conflictd....I know the 1.4x is the better choice(quality and speed) but after having a crappy one for a week, It left me wanting even more Zoom! So can people post pics of 2x teleconverter pics? Any of them. 70-200mm, 120-300mm, 400mm etc Thanks

[CyberDyneSystems]

Look at the FRONT of your T-con..
The three pins to the left side (counter clockwise) are the ones to tape.

[Idoitforfree]

Look at the FRONT of your T-con..
The three pins to the left side (counter clockwise) are the ones to tape.

Final question.....Will this work on the Sigma 2x or Kenko only?

[CyberDyneSystems]

There's no guarantee it will work at all,. as I said I've not ever heard of this working on a 2X.

The pin layout is the same on all of the t-cons mentioned though,. so you can try it.

I've tried it with Sigma and Canon 1.4X T-cons with mixed results on various lenses.
The Kenko 1.4x does not require the tape trick as it allready lies to the camera.. no tape needed.

Tape trick is never a sure thing,. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't (my experience is that most often it either doesn't work or works very poorly.)

One person may have a 20D and a 100-400mm with a taped 1.4X and it works great,. another may have the exact same gear and it won't work at all...

Most common side effect is extreme hunting and focus "chatter" .. worse case scenerio... you don't heed the warning signs of excessive hunting and keep shooting anyway,. and burn out your focus motor.

[Idoitforfree]

There's no guarantee it will work at all,. as I said I've not ever heard of this working on a 2X.

The pin layout is the same on all of the t-cons mentioned though,. so you can try it.

I've tried it with Sigma and Canon 1.4X T-cons with mixed results on various lenses.
The Kenko 1.4x does not require the tape trick as it allready lies to the camera.. no tape needed.

Tape trick is never a sure thing,. sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't (my experience is that most often it either doesn't work or works very poorly.)

One person may have a 20D and a 100-400mm with a taped 1.4X and it works great,. another may have the exact same gear and it won't work at all...

Most common side effect is extreme hunting and focus "chatter" .. worse case scenerio... you don't heed the warning signs of excessive hunting and keep shooting anyway,. and burn out your focus motor.

Thanks....Sounds like the 1.4x "sure thing" is the better bet

[FlashZebra]

Here is an interesting compairison of the Canon 1.4X and 2.0X teleconverters, to the Kenko Pro 300 1.4X and 2.0X on a Canon 300mm F4 L IS lens.

A Canon 20D (1.6 crop) camera was used in the testing (so you will have an idea about were the "edge" is in the cited results).

See:

http://www.eospix.com/content-20.html

Enjoy! Lon

[reewik]

I used the Quantaray 2x converter on my 1D and 400 5.6L a few days back. I had af and it worked great... here is a pic handheld

http://static.flickr.com/1/122289365_8a71e19a33_b.jpg

Camera: Canon EOS-1D
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6 (actually f11)
Focal Length: 400 mm (1040mm)
ISO Speed: 640
Exposure Bias: 1/3 EV

[CyberDyneSystems]

I guess there is no one who can answer my question of 3 days ago. I have a Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens on a 300D. Can I use a TC with this setup? If so, what will I lose? I can increase the ISO for some of the f stop loss, and I can MF with the lens if need be. So what about? Thank You. Roger

Jon answered your question.. the original post on the front page of your thread answers these questions. Based on those answers and that your second post asks nothing more specific,. I can't think of another answer to help any further?

I'll reiterate..
Canon and Sigma won't fit.
Tamron will,.
As to AF,. no one can answer this exactly. There is no direct answer other than to repeat what the specs say.. it won't work.

AF is not supposed to work with that lens and body regardless of T-con. this is stated clearly in the first post of this thread.

But it might.

However, even if I had the saem tyoe of camera and same lens and a converter that did allow full AF,. this is no guarantee that it will work with another of the same.

[BradS]

I have the Kenko 1.5x DG SHQ ($86.95 at B&H). In sufficient light, it allows my 70-300 IS to AF just fine. In shade or low light, it hunts endlessly, though.

Used it to snag quite a few pictures at the F1 race in Melbourne (though most came out poorly due to the fencing).

[runninmann]

Just ordered the - Kenko Pro300 w/o DG (7-element) for my 300D to use with the Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens. Advice received here on this forum was not too positive about this setup, but I will know soon enough. I am not worrying about AF, but hope the result will be reasonably sharp.I have the Kenko and the 70-300 IS. In medium to bright daylight, I have no problems with AF. Nothing special, but this one was done with the combination in question.

[rogernoel]

I just took several shots in my yard with the Kenko Pro300 1.4. This was with the 70-300 IS USM. Using ISO 400, 1/800 f5 with AF. Mexican Bird of Paradise.
http://************/n77r5

[FIREWALLROB]

Well I just got my Kenko 1.4x Teleplus Pro DG Teleconverter and .....

1. It's fantastic
2. It seems to enable me to focus much closer - I suppose it's because it acts like an extension tube, sitting between my camera and 100-400. It is manual focus though.

[Big Hands]

Well, I took my 20D to the camera shop to see which teleconverters would autofocus with my 400 f/5.6L. I already have the Canon MkII 1.4x and it will not AF with the 20D and 400 f/5.6L.

So I will list the ones I tried and whether or not they autofocused with a 20D and 400 f/5.6L:

Kenko Pro 300 1.4x DG: NO
Kenko Teleplus DG 1.5x: YES
Sigma 1.4x EX DG APO: NO
Tamron Tele-Converter SP AF 1.4x: NO
Tamron Tele-Converter AF 1.4x: YES

I also Have a Kenko Teleplus af 2x DG MC7 that will autofocus with this combination.

I ended up with the Kenko 1.5x for less than $90 and will be running it through it's paces to see how it performs optically and I will try to compare using it against the Canon MkII 1.4x (which I'll have to use MF) next week on vacation. I will report back here with my findings.

Regards,
Jeff

[CyberDyneSystems]

Awesome addition Big Hands! thanks for that info.

[CorruptedPhotographer]

Will a Canon 1.4x TC mkII work on non-Canon lenses?

[Jon]

Some. It's, for the most part, interchangeable with the Sigma TC. If the lens has a large enough opening for the proruding front element of the TC to get in, it'll work. IIRC suitable lenses are listed up at the top of this sticky. If you're looking for a TC and are sure you will want to use it on other than the specified Canon and Sigma lenses, get someone else's.

[CorruptedPhotographer]

Jon can you point me to the post indicating which non-Canon lenses will work with the Canon 1.4x TC II?

[Jon]

Jon can you point me to the post indicating which non-Canon lenses will work with the Canon 1.4x TC II?The very first one on this thread. If any other than Sigma or Canon will work, they've been reported individually.

[CorruptedPhotographer]

The very first one on this thread. If any other than Sigma or Canon will work, they've been reported individually.

The first post mentions which Canon lenses will work with the Canon TC. I want to know if non-Canon (sigma lenses) will work with the Canon TC 1.4x

[Jon]

Go down and read the paragraph on Canon lenses and Sigma TCs.

[CorruptedPhotographer]

Jon, thanks.


ny lens that will work with a Canon TC will also work with a Sigma TC and Vice Versa. One known exception is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro EX HSM. Thsi lens is compatible with both of Sigma's T-cns,. but reports are that it is not compatible with Canon's


Too bad, I wanted the TC specifically for this lens. No matter, the 135 L does splendid with a 2x TC, so a 1.4x TC is not asking much.

[Torquemada]

Does anyone know if the Kenko 2x AF Teleplus DG MC4 Autofocus Teleconverter will work on the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM? I'd be most appreciative if anyone can help me out!

For that matter, would the below work with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=411595&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Fureinku]

Does anyone know if the Kenko 2x AF Teleplus DG MC4 Autofocus Teleconverter will work on the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM? I'd be most appreciative if anyone can help me out!

For that matter, would the below work with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=411595&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I have the Tamron 1.4 MC4, and the Kenko 2.0 MC7

Canon EF 70-200mm 1.4 retains autofocus, 2.0 retains autofocus, stacked loses autofocus
Tamron 70-300mm 1.4 retains Autofocus, 2.0 retains autofocus if the subject is bright and definite, hunts frequently in slightly under enough light situations, stacked, loses autofocus completely
Canon EF 50mm 1.4 Retains AF, 2.0 Retains AF, stacked, loses AF

If that helps any

[genewch]

Which 1.4x convertors has the poorest effect on autofocus speed and accuracy? Canon, Sigma, Tamron, Kenko?

[Fureinku]

my tamron and kenko, separately mated to the L seems to act like they arent even on there.. the tamron lens on the other hand, hunts, im not sure it its the TC that really affects those areas, i think maybe its how the different lenses react with the TC

[fWord]

Was reading the first post and there was a mention that there was a complete haul over for the optics of the Canon 2X MKI TC to produce the current MKII version that allows the Canon 1.4X TC to be stacked onto it.

I've got a chance to lay my hands on a Canon 2X MKI TC and I already have a Sigma APO EX 1.4X TC, and I'm contemplating stacking the two onto a 300mm f/4 to see what effect I can achieve. I know this comes with problems such as loss of AF and reduced IQ, but can the TCs physically be stacked together in the first place?

Does anyone know if the 2X MKII is any better optically when compared to the MKI version? Thanks...hope someone can help on this.

[creamcorn]

First time out today shooting motorsports with the new 1D MKII N holy cow! It autofocuses the 100-400mm "L" with the 1.4x just as fast without it! Also I have the Kenko 2x MC4 DG, which autofocused amazingly as well!
QUESTION: I want to upgrade the MC4 2x to the Kenko 2x Pro300...Does the Pro, AF like the MC4?

[gubak1]

Very nice topic!

Thanks!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Was reading the first post and there was a mention that there was a complete haul over for the optics of the Canon 2X MKI TC to produce the current MKII version that allows the Canon 1.4X TC to be stacked onto it.

I've got a chance to lay my hands on a Canon 2X MKI TC and I already have a Sigma APO EX 1.4X TC, and I'm contemplating stacking the two onto a 300mm f/4 to see what effect I can achieve. I know this comes with problems such as loss of AF and reduced IQ, but can the TCs physically be stacked together in the first place?

Does anyone know if the 2X MKII is any better optically when compared to the MKI version? Thanks...hope someone can help on this.

I can answer the second part with confidence;
The MkII version of the 2X is better than the Mk1 optically. I own both, and prefer the MkII on the 500mm and 200mm f/1.8 on those lenses which will show the difference.

As for the first part, though I no longer own a Sigma 1.4X, so I can not actually test this and be 100% certain, since the Sigma and Canon 1.4X are physically very similar, I highly doubt that the Sigma 1.4X will stack with the 2X MkI.. in fact I even seem to recall trying it back when I had the Sigma. So I'm like 90% sure.

[fWord]

I can answer the second part with confidence;
The MkII version of the @X is better than the MkII optically. I own both, and prefer the MkII on the 500mm and 200mm f/1.8 on those lenses which will show the difference.

As for the first part, though I no longer own a Sigma 1.4X, so I can not actually test this and be 100% certain, since the Sigma and Canon 1.4X are physically very similar, I highly doubt that the Sigma 1.4X will stack with the 2X MkI.. in fact I even seem to recall trying it back when I had the Sigma. So I'm like 90% sure.

Thanks for the info. However I'm a bit confused about the comparison of optical quality between the MKI and MKII. In the first paragraph it seems like you're comparing like with like, but I'm assuming the MKII is better optically.

Also, I've read somewhere that the MKI was made to be mated with older versions of Canon lenses (eg. 600mm f/4 non-IS) and the MKII was made to be mated with newer Canon lenses. How true is this, according to your experience?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yep,. typing error, the Mk2 is better than the Mk1 .

As to the age of the lens it's used on, I don't think this matters.
It would make sense, as the Mk1 was made prior to the IS long teles, and thus was made to work with an older generation of lenses,. But I do have one of the older lenses (the 200mm f/1.8 ) and again, on that lens, I feel the Mk2 is better.

[Eagle6]

I hope this is the right thread to ask this question:

I am trying to choose between the Canon 70-200 F/4L USM or the 70-200 F/4L IS USM.

My challenge is that I would like a lens that I can use either the 1.4 Tcon or the 2.0 Tcon.

If I read the sticky correct, it said that "neither" one of Tcon's will work on
these lenses.

Is that correct, or did I mis-read something?

I would really like to get the 70-200 F2.8 USM but do not like the weight of the lens.

Any opinions????

Tks

[Jon]

I think you misread - the 70-200 f/4 classic works with either per that list. Te f/4 IS only just came out; the list hasn't been updated (but then Canon hasn't updated their compatibility list for the TCs either).

[Eagle6]

Tks for the clarification Jon,
Wonder if anybody has experience with the 70-200 4 IS and the 1.4 or 2.0 Tcon?
or if there would be another Tcon that would work................

I hate to go just by "trial and error"

[Eagle6]

Updated information that I just received from Canon support.

The Canon EF 1.4X II Tele extender "IS" compatible with the
Canon 20-200 F/4.0 IS USM.

AF is supposed to work with the 1.4 but they have told me that
if I get the 2.0 extender, AF will not work.

I have cancelled my order for a Tamron Tcon and have ordered
the Canon 1.4.

Will provide update after I try it out.

Thanks everyone for your information, tips and suggestions.

This is a great forrum.............

[Eagle6]

Sorry, typo in the last response,
I meant 70-200 F/4.0 IS USM.................

Cold fingers, it's snowing outside...........

[stu @ m developments]

I am on Ebay currently about to purchase a canon 1.4x teleconvertor thanks to this very informative topic, but i have just looked at my Canon lens and it is a:

Canon Zoom Lens. EF 80 – 200mm. 1: 4.5 – 5.6

Will this fit it? There is no mention of it in the listings. :(

[Jon]

If it's not listed, I wouldn't try it. It's been around long enough that if it would work it'd be listed. The lens diagram at the Canon Camera Museum doesn't look like it would, that's for sure.

[stu @ m developments]

If it's not listed, I wouldn't try it. It's been around long enough that if it would work it'd be listed. The lens diagram at the Canon Camera Museum doesn't look like it would, that's for sure.

You were right, ive bought it and it doenst fit either of my lenses. :evil:

Oh well, i guess this is the point where i decide to either:

A) Buy a lens it will fit.
B) Take it back.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[gcogger]

Any lens that will work with that teleconverter will be a lot more expensive than the lens you have now. Of course, you will need to spend a lot more on a lens anyway, if you want decent results with a teleconverter. They don't seem to work too well with cheaper lenses.

If you want to keep costs down, my suggestion would be to buy the Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG macro lens and simply replace your 80-200 with that. I'd expect that to give much better results than your 80-200 with teleconverter (even if you could get the Canon one to fit!), and it would be cheaper.

[stu @ m developments]

If you want to keep costs down, my suggestion would be to buy the Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG macro lens and simply replace your 80-200 with that. I'd expect that to give much better results than your 80-200 with teleconverter (even if you could get the Canon one to fit!), and it would be cheaper.

I will bear that advice in mind, thanks very much. :D

I am currently fighting the strong urge to keep the 1.4x and buy a canon EF 70-200 F4L USM...

I trust that would be a better decision?

[gcogger]

Yup - that would be a very good combination :)

[stu @ m developments]

Yup - that would be a very good combination :)

Thank you for all your kind help. This cock up should lead me nicely into a far better quality lens kit, so all is not lost after all. I just hope the missus doesnt check the bank statement next month... :oops: :cool:

[stu @ m developments]

Just ordered the Canon EF 70-200 F4 L USM. £395 delivered. So all in all, this 280mm plan of mine has just cost me about £590.00 :rolleyes: :~(

Still, from what i read on this forum its a pretty incredible lens for the money, so i look forward to trying it out this weekend. :D

Sorry for going off topic, but at least it may educate newbies that not all canon lenses will accept a canon teleconvertor, which in my nievity is what i assumed. :o

[wonny]

Good info on this thread. I'm thinking about getting a TCON for Christmas. I would use it mainly for my 70-200/4 until I can upgrade to a 2.8 IS. Longer term, I want to get something like a 400/5.6 for more reach.

I'm stuck between the Canon and the Kenko pro 1.4x. Seems that both are good, but is the Canon worth the extra $100?

[photo newby]

I've read the excellent piece put together on teleconverters and through the long thread of discussion. But nothing seemed to hit on a question I posted on one of the other forums, so I'm hoping to find help here.

I have a Canon EF 2X II extender and have been happy with its performance w/ a friend's compatible Canon lenses. I am considering purchasing a Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens to use on my Digital Rebel (alone and with the extender).

Any thoughts on how (if) this Sigma lens works with the Canon EF 2X II extender??
Any charts or other documentation that shows Sigma lenses compatibility with this Canon extender??
Looking forward to here what the experts out there have to say.

[hawk911]

I would like to know which of the TCs (1.4 or 1.5) work best with the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS usm; seems like they work but there are no comparisons side by side.

[poah]

I've read the excellent piece put together on teleconverters and through the long thread of discussion. But nothing seemed to hit on a question I posted on one of the other forums, so I'm hoping to find help here.

I have a Canon EF 2X II extender and have been happy with its performance w/ a friend's compatible Canon lenses. I am considering purchasing a Sigma APO 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM Lens to use on my Digital Rebel (alone and with the extender).

Any thoughts on how (if) this Sigma lens works with the Canon EF 2X II extender??
Any charts or other documentation that shows Sigma lenses compatibility with this Canon extender??
Looking forward to here what the experts out there have to say.


canon's TC won't fit the sigma 70-200

[camerapainter]

Hi

I am just beginning to look into getting a DSLR-budget is tight, but stretching for a 30D and CanonEF 70-300 IS USM (non-DO). Just wondering if the Kenko might work with that lens as well, since they are pretty similar. I take a lot of wildlife pictures...from a kayak, often. I think I read somewhere that this works, but can't find the post. Anyone know?

Thanks!

Newbie

C.crawford

Kenko 1.4X Teleplus DG Pro 300 TC with Canon 70-300 DO IS USM:

I had read on this forum that this combo would work. It works beautifully with no AV problems at all. The lens and TC fit together nicely and there is no play btw the two parts.

Aperture communication works like the TC is not even on the lens. I have had no errors or problems with anything AV related with this combo.

Focus works well in every situation I have tested. The only time this combo has had problems focusing was at 300mm trying to lock on a soaring hawk. The DO alone would not have to hunt. Other than this one issue, which was worked around by zooming out a few mm, this combo has worked flawlessly.

Link with Samples (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=75496)

I have found no compromise in contrast or color rendition by using this set up. Only downside is that this combo is a bit soft at 300mm. This was a nice purchase to increase the range of this lens and others to come.

[rogernoel]

Somewhere in this lengthy discussion, I believe I posted, one of my few in years, that I have the Canon 70-300 USM IS, non DO and I have the Kenko 1.4 TC. No problems with it except you need good light. OC the TC cuts down an f stop, but with the IS there is some compensation there if you are hand holding the camera. Good Luck. BTW, I would have bought a Canon TC, but it won't work with this setup.

[pete-c]

I have recently purchased a Kenko 1.4 pro 300 T con to use with my 20D and 75-300 4-5.6 USM mk3 lens. To my surprise i still get 4-5.6 and also auto focus. I am very pleased with the sharpness of this lens and would reccomend it .

Regards

Peter

PS Its nice to be called a junior member at 64 years of age.

[chalkie]

I've just got the Kenko 2x MC4 to use on my 350D. It works fine with my Canon 75-300 (no USM though), gives me manual focus with my 17-70mm Sigma, but gives me error code 01 when I mate it with my 600mm Sigma Mirror lens. Is there any way to "con" them into playing with each other? I only really bought it to use with the mirror (although it gives me a light travel option to give longer telephoto rather than carrying the mirror), especially to take moon pics. The moon looks great (and full frame) with the Kenko on, but the camera just won't take a pic....any ideas?

Graham

[aladyforty]

This quote from the first page has me interested

"5. T-cons WILL degrade the final image quality f the lens in use."

Ok I have the canon 70-200 F4 L and i like to photograph birds. The 200 is just not enough reach. I was using a Ef 100-300 usm lens with good results but switched to the L lens for quality images in other areas. My question is how much do the TCs degrade the image? should I go with the 1x4 TC which would bring me up to almost the 300mm reach i had before. Or do I search Ebay for a reasonable quality 300mm reach lens for birds only?

[ClickClick]

Does the Canon 70-300 IS USM accept any kind of TC?

[tekkie]

Does the Canon 70-300 IS USM accept any kind of TC?

it will fit and work but I know for the 2x you can only use autofocus very limited, which is where it normally operates at 4.5, which is 70-100 I believe, after that its manual

[camerapainter]

I asked this question a while age. here are 2 answers:

My question:
Hi

I am just beginning to look into getting a DSLR-budget is tight, but stretching for a 30D and CanonEF 70-300 IS USM (non-DO). Just wondering if the Kenko might work with that lens as well, since they are pretty similar. I take a lot of wildlife pictures...from a kayak, often. I think I read somewhere that this works, but can't find the post. Anyone know?

Thanks!

Newbie

C.crawford

Answer:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dante King http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=568559#post568559)
Kenko 1.4X Teleplus DG Pro 300 TC with Canon 70-300 DO IS USM:

I had read on this forum that this combo would work. It works beautifully with no AV problems at all. The lens and TC fit together nicely and there is no play btw the two parts.

Aperture communication works like the TC is not even on the lens. I have had no errors or problems with anything AV related with this combo.

Focus works well in every situation I have tested. The only time this combo has had problems focusing was at 300mm trying to lock on a soaring hawk. The DO alone would not have to hunt. Other than this one issue, which was worked around by zooming out a few mm, this combo has worked flawlessly.

Link with Samples (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=75496)

I have found no compromise in contrast or color rendition by using this set up. Only downside is that this combo is a bit soft at 300mm. This was a nice purchase to increase the range of this lens and others to come.


Does the Canon 70-300 IS USM accept any kind of TC?

ME:
Although this lens is a DO, I believe the results might be similar.

Here's the other quote:

Somewhere in this lengthy discussion, I believe I posted, one of my few in years, that I have the Canon 70-300 USM IS, non DO and I have the Kenko 1.4 TC. No problems with it except you need good light. OC the TC cuts down an f stop, but with the IS there is some compensation there if you are hand holding the camera. Good Luck. BTW, I would have bought a Canon TC, but it won't work with this setup.

END QUOTE

ME:

I'll probably get the Kenko 1.4 some day- just invested in a 30D, 17-85 and 70-300, so that's all i can afford for now! It's been absolutely freezing here since I got the camera, so not much in the way of results yet! :(

Good luck

Cindy

[CliffT]

2x Tamron-F AF MC7 (looks suspiciously the same as the Kenko Teleplus MC7) works with Canon 75-300 (non-IS, non USM) except in low light, at the end range it hunts (mind you it does that without the TC!).



Tamron with 70-300 IS DO can only get MF.

Anyone know any 2x that will AF with the DO?

[Wilt]

CyberDyneSystems,
Here is the updated chart on teleconvertors. It seems that no one has anything to offer about any of these teleconvertors, apart from what I had gotten from one or two contributions and what the manufacturer web pages had about them! :( Feel free to post this to your sticky on teleconvertors.


http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/wiltonw/ateleconvertor.jpg

[_aravena]

After scanning through a few pages, I get the Kenko and Sigma make a nice TC for a better price than the Canon. I have Sigma lenses and I love them. I'm planning on purchasing a 70-200 F2.8L here in the somewhat near future and of course I want a decent TC for it.

Straight up without too much specs, 'cause I just read a lot, is a Kenko or Sigma as good as a Canon? Also, being mainly used with the 70-200, is the AF still good? I just want someone to tell me straight up ya know because something this close is hard to decide. I finally decided after a couple of months that, ah what's $500 more for a 2.8 instead of the 4.

[bettyn]

Most of these converters will evidently work with the Canon EF 400mm 5.6L lens I plan to purchase this week. However, what teleconverter will give me the BEST images with this lens? Will it also work with my EF 100mm 2.8 macro lens ?

Can't wait to get my hands on an L lens AT LAST!

[JohnnyG]

I'm confused.

I have the Canon 100-400 and want an extender. The Kenko 1.5 shows on the chart it's a reporting lens but an earlier response in this thread says it isn't. Why I care is AF. Seems to me, since the 1.4 Kenko says no reporting that it will work fine but the 1.5 indicates it won't.

I like the price of the Kenko as opposed to the Canon and Canon says AF won't work on a 20D. That and the price makes me want the Kenko.

Any experiences out there with the Kenko and the 100-400?

[chalkie]

If it helps any, my Kenko 2x and Canon 75-300 USM does allow AF, however it seems to hunt a lot more and is worse with darker subjects. I've found letting the AF do its thing and if it starts hunting knock it off is the best way to deal with it. I guess its down to what you actually want to shoot, ultimately. If it's action shots then you really do need the full AF treatment, anything else you can get away with the AF/MF trick.

Graham

I'm confused.

I have the Canon 100-400 and want an extender. The Kenko 1.5 shows on the chart it's a reporting lens but an earlier response in this thread says it isn't. Why I care is AF. Seems to me, since the 1.4 Kenko says no reporting that it will work fine but the 1.5 indicates it won't.

I like the price of the Kenko as opposed to the Canon and Canon says AF won't work on a 20D. That and the price makes me want the Kenko.

Any experiences out there with the Kenko and the 100-400?

[Wilt]

I'm confused.

I have the Canon 100-400 and want an extender. The Kenko 1.5 shows on the chart it's a reporting lens but an earlier response in this thread says it isn't. Why I care is AF. Seems to me, since the 1.4 Kenko says no reporting that it will work fine but the 1.5 indicates it won't.

The Kenko web site has this description for ALL (MC7, Pro, 1.5x) of its teleconvertors (except for MC4, which is not current)...

"The (MODEL) converter has genuine Gate Array IC (Integrated Circuitry). It means the converter’s unique circuitry maintains signal integrity between the camera body and lens. "

About the 1.5x specifically, it says...
"The 5-element design is made with high quality multicoated optical glass supplied by Hoya Corporation, the worlds largest manufacturer of optical glass...Full AF operation with the Teleplus K1.5 is possible using camera lenses with open apertures of F4 or brighter. Please be aware that AF will work properly only if there is enough light and contrast on the subject to activate the camera’s AF sensors. (Manual focusing is recommended when using lenses with smaller open f-stop values than those given above.)"[/SIZE]

I just ran across a message thread that had these comments from one contributor...

"When I connect the kenko to the bigma before connecting it to 350D, the camera reads the adjusted aperture (f5.6 – f8.0). When I connect the kenko to the camera and then the Bigma to the kenko, the camera reads the aperture from (f4 – f5.6). This is interesting because you don’t have to do the tape trick. I tested the same process with my Canon 300mm f4 and it did NOT do the same. It reads a max aperture of f5.6 no matter which way I connect it. I’ve read about someone else having the same result with another Sigma lens. I don’t know if it’s a trait of Sigma lenses or small aperture lenses or what. Maybe someone else has more insight to it."

That explains the inconsistency in replies you are reading!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Wow Wilt, I wonder of this oddity could explain a lot of the other inconsistencies we see?

Liek the fact that some of us have had the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 working with full AF on some 1 series camera, then mysteriously it stops working.

If the order in which the T-con is attached has some effect, it could explain it all. Pity I don't have a Sigma 500mm to test this on any more.

[Bimmerfest]

Hey gang, newbie here with a question about TC's. Last Friday I went to the camera store ready to buy the Kenko 1.4 to go with my Canon 300 mm f4 IS (based on feedback I've read here). The sales guy convinced me to go with the Tamron 1.4x SPAF saying it was better than Kenko (only cost $10 more). Inside the warehouse it seemed like (from the butt-dyno) that the Tamron was faster. Both TCs looked identical, only one was black and the other white. Prior to this I had not considered Tamron. When I came home I searched the net and even found a site stating that Kenko and Tamron (at least Pro models) were the identical product. Anyway, I bought the Tamron and shot some pictures on Saturday. See http://surf.jonshafer.com. Reflecting on this experience, I am not overwhelmed by the quality of the images. Not exactly "tack sharp". My question is this:

Are the Tamron and Kenko not comparable products? Should I return the Tamron and exchange it for the Kenko?

Note the Tamron PRO converters are identical to the Kenko Pro 300 converters. They are the same product, with a different label. These new converters can be identified by the markings SPAF (Tamron) or "Pro"(Kenko) on the case. All comments here about the Tamron converter, will apply equally to the corresponding Kenko item.

Source: http://www.nikonlinks.com/articles_teleconverter_review.htm

WTF?

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/images/smilies/iono.gif

[CyberDyneSystems]

People have said they are the same for years,
They certainly look the same..
The only thing I find Odd about it, is that Kenko is a division of THK.. the "T" stands for Tokina, a direct competitor of Tamron.. the "H" stands for Hoya, the largest single manufacturere of optical glass in the world..
So why would the Kenko product have anything to do with Tamron?

It would mean that without a doubt, Tamron is buying the T-Con from THK.. and NOT the other way around, but again, why?

I'm not saying they aren't the same product, I just can't quite understand why they would be.

[Bimmerfest]

People have said they are the same for years,
They certainly look the same..
The only thing I find Odd about it, is that Kenko is a division of THK.. the "T" stands for Tokina, a direct competitor of Tamron.. the "H" stands for Hoya, the largest single manufacturere of optical glass in the world..
So why would the Kenko product have anything to do with Tamron?

It would mean that without a doubt, Tamron is buying the T-Con from THK.. and NOT the other way around, but again, why?

I'm not saying they aren't the same product, I just can't quite understand why they would be.

Which is considered to be superior, or are they for all intents and purposes comparable?

[j8kkb]

Hello good people I need your advice...I have a canon EF 90-300 Zoom f4.5-5.6 usm.
Is there a tele-converter that will fit this lens, as I cannot seem to find any reference to this lens on this forum.
Many thanks in advance Jack

[richwood]

It'll probably work with the Kenko ones, but you'll almost certainly lose AF.

[Longwatcher]

Reference the Kenko 3x teleconverter:

First I note this tele extender is not on the consolidated list yet.

It has fit all of the lens I have tried it on so far which includes
50/1.4
85/1.2 MkI
28-70/2.8L
70-200/2.8L
70-300 DO IS
24MM TSE
I have yet to try it on my 16-35, 75-300 IS, 28-135 IS, or 100-400L only because it takes a lot of light for those last three to work in the first place and I just haven't yet for the 16-35. However, I have little doubt that it will work fine on those as well.

It passes the info of what lens type to the camera, however the camera does not seem to recognize the extender is on there, including in setting aperture.

Although three stop loss, I can still use AF with all of my f2.8 or faster lenses, although some patience is required. The 70-300 DO IS will attempt to focus and then give up.

Lastly I am rather impressed at how little IQ loss there is for the 3x gain. I hope to finally do a test this Thursday or Friday if the weather cooperates to compare it against my Canon 2x extender on my 70-200/2.8L IS

[tampaphotogal]

Does the Sigma 2x teleconverter fit the canon 70-200 2.8 IS ? I'm afraid to just try it after investing so much money on the lens.

[PhotosGuy]

It would mean that without a doubt, Tamron is buying the T-Con from THK.. and NOT the other way around, but again, why?
I'm not saying they aren't the same product, I just can't quite understand why they would be. One thing comes to mind. Every one made isn't perfect, so what happens to the rejects? ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Reference the Kenko 3x teleconverter:



Though I have hesitated for years now, I've consider this one, with the particular interest in seeing what it's like on a fast prime.

Many big prime shooters regularly stack teh 1.4x behind a 2X on teh long f/4 and f/2.8 Superteles..
I'd be VERY interested to see how this stacks up against that combo on say a 500mm f/4 or 300mm/400mm f/2.8. (the 2.8s would still be pretty much within the 1D f/8 AF limitations..

[CyberDyneSystems]

Does the Sigma 2x teleconverter fit the canon 70-200 2.8 IS ? I'm afraid to just try it after investing so much money on the lens.

The Sigma definitely fits the Canon.. this info is in the charts on the first page of the thread.

[jacobsen1]

I can also confirm both sigma EX DG telcons (the 1.4 and 2.0) both work on the 45mm TS-E and the 90mm TS-E. I haven't done any IQ tests yet, but they will allow full tilts/shifts and they will allow you to take a picture w/o an ERR code (I did get one, but I didn't turn the camera off when adding the TC, turned it off and back on and everything was all set).

Ben

[CyberDyneSystems]

Thanks Ben, will add to the list/chart!

[cbr929rrerion]

Information overload...

I want a 1.4 t-con that will work with my L-glass, primaryly my 70-200 and maybe a 100-400 if I get it, I will need it to work on a 20D, 30D and 1DmkIIN

I want to lose as little IQ as possiable if any.. What is the best for this application?

Thanks guys/gals

[Wilt]

Information overload...

I want a 1.4 t-con that will work with my L-glass, primaryly my 70-200 and maybe a 100-400 if I get it, I will need it to work on a 20D, 30D and 1DmkIIN

I want to lose as little IQ as possiable if any.. What is the best for this application?

Thanks guys/gals

read this (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=3001927&postcount=28)

[cbr929rrerion]

Kenko pro looks awesome

[mrfourcows]

The only thing I find Odd about it, is that Kenko is a division of THK.. the "T" stands for Tokina, a direct competitor of Tamron.. the "H" stands for Hoya, the largest single manufacturere of optical glass in the world..
So why would the Kenko product have anything to do with Tamron?

It would mean that without a doubt, Tamron is buying the T-Con from THK.. and NOT the other way around, but again, why?

I'm not saying they aren't the same product, I just can't quite understand why they would be.

i know why! hehe

THK is acutally:
Tokina
Hoya
Kenko

get it?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Ah no?
I know what THK is, I mention the saem info you posted in the very post you quoted.. this does not answer why the Kenko product would be the same as the Tamron one, which is, as mentioned above, a direct competitor of THK.

[2005GLI]

cyberdynesystems, i was just looking over the compatability chart with the sigma 2x. How come the 55-500 with the 2x is only 100-500? I was thinking about renting this lens or the canon 400 f/5.6 but if the sigma wont go past 500mm with a 2x then im not going to rent it. But now if i rent the canon 400 i have to use MF?

[CyberDyneSystems]

The 50-500mm "Bigma"

This is an odd one,.. the Bigma when zoomed to 50mm moves the rear element so far back that it will strike the front protruding element of either Sigma T-Cons..
As soon as you zoom to 100mm or more, then there is room in the back of the lens to allow the protruding element of the T-con to "nest" into the lens tube,...
The Bigma has a limit switch that will prevent the lens from zooming below 100mm..

The last part of your question I'm not sure I understand?
if the sigma wont go past 500mm with a 2x then im not going to rent it.
It's a 500mm zoom,. so it can't go past 500mm?

With the 2X you will get 200-1000mm

[2005GLI]

The 50-500mm "Bigma"

This is an odd one,.. the Bigma when zoomed to 50mm moves the rear element so far back that it will strike the front protruding element of either Sigma T-Cons..
As soon as you zoom to 100mm or more, then there is room in the back of the lens to allow the protruding element of the T-con to "nest" into the lens tube,...
The Bigma has a limit switch that will prevent the lens from zooming below 100mm..

The last part of your question I'm not sure I understand?

It's a 500mm zoom,. so it can't go past 500mm?

With the 2X you will get 200-1000mm


cds, in the chart this is what is listed. *2 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM ---------MF --- MF ------- MF --- MF
and this is what is written for #2
*2 When the Tele Converter is attached, the zoom range will be restricted to between 100mm to 500mm.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yes, I'm not sure still what your missing.
With either T-con attached the result will be manual focus.

With either T-con attached you will not be able to let the zoom go lower than 100mm without risking damage to the lens and T-con.

You can find it here on Sigma's website as well;
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_tele.asp

Note next to the 50-500mm in Canon AF.. "*3"

*3 When the Tele Converter is attached, the zoom range will be restricted to between 100mm to 500mm.
This is exactly what it was like when I used this lens.

[2005GLI]

See now Sigma on there website has contradicting statements, unless im just reading things wrong which i tend to do. But this is on sigma's site for the 50-500 in the lens section.

APO Tele-Converter EX (optional)
By adding an APO teleconverter (sold separately), you can use this lens as a 140-700ÇçÇç Çe7.3-8.8 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 1.4X EX teleconverter, or as a 200-1000mm F10.4-12.6 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 2X teleconverter.(Teleconverters can be used in 100mm – 500mm focal length range)

So if i use my 2x and this lens can I use the 500mm x2 and be at 1000mm? This is where i get confused reading the lens will only goto 500mm focal length. If not i'll rent the canon 400 f/5.6 again.

[JohnnyG]

See now Sigma on there website has contradicting statements, unless im just reading things wrong which i tend to do. But this is on sigma's site for the 50-500 in the lens section.



So if i use my 2x and this lens can I use the 500mm x2 and be at 1000mm? This is where i get confused reading the lens will only goto 500mm focal length. If not i'll rent the canon 400 f/5.6 again.

The lens can only operate at it's limits. In this case, 50-500. But, with a 2X extender, the effective focal length doubles. So, 50 becomes the same as 100 and all others double too. 500 becomes effectively 1000mm.

The extender just magnifies the lens and doubles it. That's all there is to it.

Another note: You also lose 2 f stops with the 2X extender so keep that in mind.

I hope I haven't confused you further.:oops:

[CyberDyneSystems]

See now Sigma on there website has contradicting statements, unless im just reading things wrong which i tend to do. But this is on sigma's site for the 50-500 in the lens section.



So if i use my 2x and this lens can I use the 500mm x2 and be at 1000mm? This is where i get confused reading the lens will only goto 500mm focal length. If not i'll rent the canon 400 f/5.6 again.

Now I finally understand what your asking..

No contradiction.. the 2X works on the 50-500 only when the LENS is set to the the zoom positions between 100-500mm
The resulting focal lengths are 200-1000mm
They are the same thing, but the lens can;t be set to 1000mm zoom,... as the lens only goes to 500mm.

[2005GLI]

thanks guys. sorry if i made it confusing. hoping this lens comes in first for rental. as for the fstop, not really worried unless it's overcast.

[Jeff Watson]

I hope this is the place for this post. I recently purchased a Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x TC to use with my 100-400L 5.6. I know that it will not auto focus with any Canon bodies other than the 1D MII series without the tape trick. I have tried the tape trick with my 30D and it did fool the camera, but I really don't want to have to use it this way. I want to use it on my 1D Mark II N and know that it should auto focus up to f/8. When hooked up with my IIN I only get the center focus point. Is this what I should expect? I was told that I should have all 48 focus points up to f/8. I realize that this is not the best combination, but until I can afford a 500 f/4 I was hoping that this would get me some more reach. I have seen some very fine images taken with this TC/Lens combo. I just wondering if I am getting bad info on the 1D focus capabilities.

Thanks
Jeff

[SaSi]

I hope this is the place for this post. I recently purchased a Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x TC to use with my 100-400L 5.6. I know that it will not auto focus with any Canon bodies other than the 1D MII series without the tape trick. I have tried the tape trick with my 30D and it did fool the camera, but I really don't want to have to use it this way. I want to use it on my 1D Mark II N and know that it should auto focus up to f/8. When hooked up with my IIN I only get the center focus point. Is this what I should expect? I was told that I should have all 48 focus points up to f/8. I realize that this is not the best combination, but until I can afford a 500 f/4 I was hoping that this would get me some more reach. I have seen some very fine images taken with this TC/Lens combo. I just wondering if I am getting bad info on the 1D focus capabilities.

Thanks
Jeff
There has been no response to your question here for one week, so in case you are still wondering, the 1D series will be able to use AF with the central focus point only with lenses having a max apperture of f/8.

Therefore, the 100-400 will be able to be used in AF mode with an 1.4xTC on your camera without a need to fool the camera and the combination is within the camera specifications for AF operation (with a single AF point).

[SaSi]

Just a thought about TCs in general.

Most TCs are designed individually with specific glass elements exhibiting individual properties.

Once a TC is mounted on a lens, the TC becomes part of the lens system working in tandem with the optical properties of the lens.

Therefore, for a lens - TC combination to provide excellent results, it's not enough for the TC to be optically excellent (good quality multicoated elements) but also be designed for a particular lens.

All this seems obvious from a practical point of view and is endorsed by multiple references that TCs work best with specific prime lenses and work bad with zooms, however the practical experience seems to only prove that prime lenses are better lenses than zooms.

I should think that a lens designer could design a lens + TC system where specific lenses and TCs would be designed to become a system with minimum loss in quality.

There is heresay that the Canon long primes (300/2.8, 400/2.8, 500/4, 600/4) and the Canon 1.4xTC and 2xTC show excellent results because they were designed to work together as a system.

Also, I have read that the Sigma 2xTC was specifically designed for the 300/2.8 and 120-300/2.8 and these combinations work best.

The new Sigma 200-500/2.8 ships (might someday ship??) with it's own dedicated Sigma 2xTC.

If the above combinations have been designed to work well, there are numerous other combinations that have either not been designed as systems or we know nothing about.

For example, the Sigma 1.4xTC might work best with some lenses while the Canon 1.4xTC might work best with different lenses.

I have seen some TC tests by Lightrules, but these tests use a single lens to test two TCs. The test between the 1.4xTCs from Kenko and Tamron, show the Kenko to be better when used with the Canon 100-400 lens.

What would be the result if a Sigma 120-300 was used? What would be the result if a Canon 300/4 was used?

Are my thoughts valid? Is there a point in testing these TCs against several lenses and produce a list of matching combinations?

[Roy C]

Been playing around with my 400mm f5.6 and teleconverters. Shots below were with a 15 year old Teleplus 2x and a Canon 1.4x stacked. This gives a focal length of 1120mm (inc the crop factor a FOV of 1792mm). Must say I was suprised at the IQ.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p267/RoyC_photo/green2stacked.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p267/RoyC_photo/sparrow1stacked.jpg

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p267/RoyC_photo/robin1stacked.jpg

[shakyhand]

Hi,

I'm thinking of extending the reach of my Sigma 150mm macro and Canon 70-200/2.8 IS.... While I know that the Sigma 1.4x TC will work for both, will the Canon 1.4x work for both too?

Is the Canon better than the Sigma optically?

Thanks

[hairybobby]

Has anyone tried the kenko pro 300 with a sigma 170-500mm camera. Will it autofocus properly i want the camera to take pictures of surfers and cannot mess about with manual focus

[prime80]

Has anyone tried the kenko pro 300 with a sigma 170-500mm camera. Will it autofocus properly i want the camera to take pictures of surfers and cannot mess about with manual focus

If you have a 1 series, and the max aperture on that lens is f/5.6, it should autofocus with center point AF. If you have a lesser camera, the lens has to have a max aperture of f/4. (This is assuming the 1.4x Tcon. With the 2x, max apertures have to be f/4 & f/2.8 respectively.)

FYI, I just ordered the Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x to use with my 70-200 f/4L. I'm excited to try it out. Anyone looking for one, I got mine on Ebay for $125 shipped. It's significantly cheaper than B&H.

[hairybobby]

well my camera is a 400d so I suspect from what you say that the kenko will not work on autofocus.

[Wilt]

III: "Other" Third Party T-cons

The "Pro 300" line is the highest grade with three models available. The 1.4X and 2X models should mirror the Canon as far as AF functionality and lens compatibility

Not quite true...the Kenko will be compatible with some Canon lenses, that are incompatible with the Canon convertor, if the reason for the incompatibility is that the Canon lens has rear elements too close to the lens mount.

[narlus]

didn't see this mentioned anywhere, and apologies if it's been covered and i missed it: are kenko TC's compatible w/ canon's IS system? i am thinking about getting the kenko 1.4x TC and matching it w/ the canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens. anyone use this combo?

[SaSi]

I did some tests over the weekend with the EF500/4 and two 2xTCs. The first TC is a Sigma 2x EX APO DG, and the second one is a Bower (?) branded TC.

The Sigma is reported to the camera, so my 350D/XT doesn't autofocus with it. The Bower doesn't report to the camera, so it will try to AF and it does well with this lens. (However, it doesn't AF almost at all with my Sigma 80-400, AF is bad with the EF100/2.8 USM and pretty good with the EF50/1.8 ).

I tood pictures of the same chimney with the bare lens, lens with each TC and stacked TCs.

The center 100% crops are posted here: http://www.pbase.com/sidiropoulos/image/78840242

The bare lens + lens with Bower TC shots were taken with AF. The tests with the Sigma TC were focused manually using a 2.5x angle finder.

The results were a big surprise to me. The Sigma appears to perform visibly worse than the Bower. The stacked TC shots appear worse than the Bower only shots, and I attribute this to the Sigma TC. I have placed an order in ebay for an additional Bower TC to check stacked Bower TCs on the lens. I am also waiting for my Canon 1.4xTC to compare.

Notes on the crops.

Each column shows shots taken from wide open to fully stopped down in a single combination. The first column, with the bare lens, has the crops resized to 2x and the last column has the crops resized to 0,5x. The idea behind resizing the bare lens crops is that if the TCs do any good, their pictures should deliver more detail. The stacked TC shots were reduced to give comparable sizes.

Finally, the chimney must have been more than 100 meters away.

Any comments?

[pwm2]

Soligor 2,0x PRO Digital AF

Tested with Canon 100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM and Canon 350D.

The tape trick is needed. Without tape, it reports correct information up to about 200mm. Then it suddenly starts to report fantasy figures. It starts to report about 6 full stops too much light, making the camera switch to either 1/4000 or aperture 81... Tested with two different Soligor 2x. Does not happen with Soligor 1.4x.

With tape, good light is needed to get AF at highest focal length (EOS 350D). At shorter lengths, there is a bit of hunting, but it will normally AF.

Quick test: AF seems to work well with all other lenses in my sig. Neither of these lenses supports the 3 extra pins, so camera will not know about existence of T-Con. Hence, no tape trick is needed.

Question: I don't have any other TC to compare with (will pick up a Soligor 1.4x tomorrow). The reason for my purchase of the Soligor generic 2x TC was that I liked the ability to use it with other lenses too. Are there any better generic TC I should buy instead, or should I go for a Canon EF 2x MK II for the 100-400 L IS, and keep the Soligor for the other lenses? I'm more interested in quality, than in availability of AF.

[pwm2]

The center 100% crops are posted here: http://www.pbase.com/sidiropoulos/image/78840242


A quick comment: The image you linked to is showing a lot of jpeg artefacts, making it very hard to see actual lens/TC performances. A non-lossy PNG image would be preferable.

[SaSi]

Try this link.
http://k43.pbase.com/o6/88/594088/1/78840242.VbUGwtFx.EF500TCComparisonChart640x480Cro ps.jpg
This is the original size I uploaded with minimal compression.

[pwm2]

Thanks.

[SaSi]

Try this link.
http://k43.pbase.com/o6/88/594088/1/78840242.VbUGwtFx.EF500TCComparisonChart640x480Cro ps.jpg
This is the original size I uploaded with minimal compression.
Also, have a look at this gallery: http://www.pbase.com/sidiropoulos/ef_5004l_is_sample_pictures

The last five pictures are with the Bower 2xTC attached and the lens wide open.

I can say I was impressed with both the IQ and focus speed of the lens+TC

[Rudy M.]

I have a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and both Sigma teleconverters. I can stack the t-cons on my 20D and still get autofocus with a constant f/5.6 aperture. The 1.4x has to be closest to the camera. The image quality is not that great but still usable. It's a pretty inexpensive f/5.6 313-896mm lens! Great spotting scope at the shooting range. I have to put this thing on a tripod and take some photos. The thing that surprised me was I got autofocus. At first I thought something was wrong as it hunted a lot then would stip out of focus. I then realized I was trying to focus on things too close to me! If I aimed at targets over 25' away or so, no problems, but focusing is a lot slower than with just the lens or the lens and the 1.4x. The lens with the 1.4x seems to focus a bit faster than the lens with the 2x. The bare lens seems to focus really fast. None of my stuff is "DG".

[Canon Bob]

Hi,
Having read all this, I wonder if someone could tell me why the 35-350 3.5L
cannot be used with the EF 2XII. The lens looks to have the same rear end as my 70-200 f2.8L.
Bob

[AdamJL]

Not quite true...the Kenko will be compatible with some Canon lenses, that are incompatible with the Canon convertor, if the reason for the incompatibility is that the Canon lens has rear elements too close to the lens mount.

Which lenses exactly will the Kenko not work with?
I'm going to purchase a 100-400, and would like to use my Kenko Pro 300 TC with it. Not fussed about Auto Focus as some of the wildlife I'll be snapping won't be very quick (grizzlies), but I hope I can use this combination on my 5D?

[Wilt]

Which lenses exactly will the Kenko not work with?
I'm going to purchase a 100-400, and would like to use my Kenko Pro 300 TC with it. Not fussed about Auto Focus as some of the wildlife I'll be snapping won't be very quick (grizzlies), but I hope I can use this combination on my 5D?

You misunderstood...I said, "Kenko will be compatible with some Canon lenses, that are incompatible with the Canon convertor"

[mohammed]

Hey guys,

I'm new to photography and I'm planning on getting a Sigma 70 - 300mm DG Macro for Canon Rebel 2000 (Canon EOS 300). I was wondering would a Tamron or Sigma TC 2x work with this lens. I don't really need AF, because I mainly do landscape shots. Since, I don't actually have the lens, I can't exactly take it to the photo shop and ask them either.

So, since most of you guys have way more experience them me, any info would be greatly appreciated.

[farrukh]

Sigma TC won't work on that lens. Only Kenko TC's will work but IQ will be very poor. If you still want to use a TC, then get the Kenko 1.4x PRO 300 DG for it.

[AcuraFan]

anyone tried stacking a kenko 1.4x and a canon 1.4x II on a 500 F4 and 5D?? does it preserve the AF feature?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Yes, it will TRY to preserve AF as the Camera will only see one of the T-cons..

Whether or not the Camera will actually be any good at focusing "out of spec" is always a crap shoot.

[hairybobby]

I have a

400d canon
170-500mm sigma apo lens

I take pictures of surfers and was wondering if I could get a 1.4 convertor that would work on auto focus with this camera and lens . Is it possible and which exact cnvertors would I need. Also some example photos maybe helpful

[pwm2]

You would need a 1D to get autofocus with that combination, without taping the contacts. For feedback how well it works with a taped TC, you have to wait for an answer from someone who have tested the combo.

[joshandlauri]

My Kenko 1.4x experiances

70-300mm sigma non apo, great in bright sunlight, low light searches, does not report, auto focus slow, no good for birds or planes, but ok

70-300mm canon IS, does not report, auto focus seem just as fast as without,

70-200mm f/4 L , Does report, automatically makes min aperature 5.6 on the screen, auto focus fast.

On all these I did tc and no tc test, IQ seems the same.

Also FYI it works and autofocuses on my 17-70 and 50mm 1.8, why someone would put on a tc on sigma or the 50 I don't know but it works.

[TenaCJed]

Quick question. I have the sigma 100-300 F4. I know the sigma 2x will work with it, will the canon 2x II work with it? I am guessing it will, just want to make sure.

[Woolburr]

Quick question. I have the sigma 100-300 F4. I know the sigma 2x will work with it, will the canon 2x II work with it? I am guessing it will, just want to make sure.

The Canon 2x II has a protruding front element...and will only work with a limited number of Canon lenses.

[JohnnyG]

Quick question. I have the sigma 100-300 F4. I know the sigma 2x will work with it, will the canon 2x II work with it? I am guessing it will, just want to make sure.
All I know about teleconverters is contained primarily in this thread. Click HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41922)

I wish I knew the answer without referring you but I don't!

[TenaCJed]

Looks like I may have found my answer, I missed this from the beginning of this thread.

"Canon Lenses:
Sigma T-cons for Canon lenses are designed very closely to the EF/EOS Canon models. They share the same elements that would prevent there use on certain lenses. In essence the designs are so similar,. that compatibility seems to be identical. EI: any lens that will work with a Canon TC will also work with a Sigma TC and Vice Versa. One known exception is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro EX HSM. This lens is compatible with both of Sigma's T-cons,. but reports are that it is not compatible with Canon's"

[FloridaCamera]

I have a Sigma 50-500mm due to arrive on Tuesday. I have a Vivitar Series 1 2X 7-element Teleconverter which I have been using with my 70-200L. I understand some converters may have a problem with <100m range crunching the optics. I also have not seen any reference to the Vivitar TCs mentioned here. My Vivitar seems to be really well made and I wonder why no one talks about them? Anyone else using them? Any thoughts on the safety of this with my new Bigma? Thanks all!

[samsen]

Even with Sigma's own TC, you start to double your 50-500 from its original 100mm focal length. This is because the TC will protrude into the lumen of telelens, necessitating that adjustment.
I am not familiar with the vivitar 2x7 but would think a similar scenario. So make sure you don't force or get disappointed at the first sight of apparent incompatibility, thinking it won't fit. Just keep the zooming to above 100mm and then add the TC. On the other hand, some TCs like Canon's L 2x won't physically fit into bore of the 50-500 so can't be used.
Hope this helps.

[FloridaCamera]

Thanks Samsen. Sounds like trial & error to be sure. I guess with some of the off brand stuff it's a crap shoot. I am going to get a 1.4x Tamron anyway since I understand there are no issues and it will still give me some impressive closeups without sacrificing too much speed.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Looks like I may have found my answer, I missed this from the beginning of this thread.

"Canon Lenses:
Sigma T-cons for Canon lenses are designed very closely to the EF/EOS Canon models. They share the same elements that would prevent there use on certain lenses. In essence the designs are so similar,. that compatibility seems to be identical. EI: any lens that will work with a Canon TC will also work with a Sigma TC and Vice Versa. One known exception is the Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro EX HSM. This lens is compatible with both of Sigma's T-cons,. but reports are that it is not compatible with Canon's"

Please note yhe Canon T-Con on SIGMA lens chart (work in progress) located above that section you quote.
In the charts we list Sigma lenses that we KNOW work with Canon T-cons,. and some we know Don't.
Your 100-300mm f/4 is not listed yet, as no one has tried it and reported in to us.
No guarantee the Canon will fit.
(any one with data on this please post and I will add it to the charts)

I need to amend that text you quoted, as "vice versa" is not true. Any lens that will fit a Canon T-con will accept a Sigma t-con. This is true, but any lens that will take a Sigma t-con will NOT necessarily take a Canon T-con since the MkII versions.

[Potus5]

Does anyone have experience or knowledge on the use of either a Kenyo Teleplus DG 2x MC7 or a Sigma 2x EX DG teleconverter with a Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, on a Canon 20D?

I have the 75-300 lens and in preparation for a trip to Kenya on a safari I was considering purchasing a teleconverter. In research, such as the July 2007 Photography Monthly, the recommeded TC seems to be the Sigma for quality performance optics and value, followed by the Kenko with the Canon Extenders in last place due to "softness" in optics and price - "compared with its independent rivals ... its not the best value 2x converter - and it will only work with a limited selection of lens."

However on their respective websites I can't seem to find out whether either the Sigma or the Kenyo is compatiable for use with the EF 75-300. Even Canon's site does not seem clear whether its Extender EX 2x II is compatible with the lens.

If the 2x is not workabe on this lens, what about their 1.4x versions?

Would appreciate any advice.

[pwm2]

Nothing soft about the Canon TC prices...

To my knowledge, the Canon TC can only be used on the Canon lenses that have the 3 extra pins, i.e. that are specially "prepared" for TC usage.

[TenaCJed]

Please note yhe Canon T-Con on SIGMA lens chart (work in progress) located above that section you quote.
In the charts we list Sigma lenses that we KNOW work with Canon T-cons,. and some we know Don't.
Your 100-300mm f/4 is not listed yet, as no one has tried it and reported in to us.
No guarantee the Canon will fit.
(any one with data on this please post and I will add it to the charts)

I need to amend that text you quoted, as "vice versa" is not true. Any lens that will fit a Canon T-con will accept a Sigma t-con. This is true, but any lens that will take a Sigma t-con will NOT necessarily take a Canon T-con since the MkII versions.

Thanks for the info CyberDyne. I still have not purchased anything, just thinking about it and wanted to get some info in advance. I will keep an eye out to see if there is an update. If I find out an answer I will post the results.

[Helrain]

Maybe a silly question...but.....why does AF sometimes not work when TC's or TCE's are used?

[pwm2]

Two reasons.

Reason 1: The TC magnifies the image by only picking up some of the projected image from the lens. Because of this, only some of the light from the lens will reach the camera sensor.

Reason 2: The camera performs it's focusing with the lens wide open, where it receives most light and it has max precision because of depth-of-field. The AF sensors has a limit to amount of light they need - and range of DoF they can handle. Canon have put a hard-coded limit at f/5.6 for most camera bodies. For the 1-series bodies, the limit is f/8.

The AF may either fail because the firmware in the camera detects that the aperture is too small, or because of light/contrast/DoF. If you have a TC with only 5 signal pins (or you tape the 3 extra pins) the camera will not know about the use of a TC, so it will not know about the aperture change. It will then try to AF even if the combination isn't supported by Canon. In some situation it manages. In some, it doesn't. However, if the lens constantly hunts when trying to AF, it may be damaged.

[Helrain]

Reason 2: The camera performs it's focusing with the lens wide open, where it receives most light and it has max precision because of depth-of-field.
Canon have put a hard-coded limit at f/5.6 for most camera bodies. For the 1-series bodies, the limit is f/8.


That was the part I was having trouble getting my mind around, and the way you explained it was excellent - thanks.

[StuBeck]

Does any of the converters work with the 70-200 F4 IS? I am thinking of getting the Canon 1.4 and a Kenko 2.0.

[Roy C]

Does any of the converters work with the 70-200 F4 IS? I am thinking of getting the Canon 1.4 and a Kenko 2.0.
Both should work ok with the 70-200. with the 1.4 tc you will retain AF but with the 2x tc you will only get AF on a 1 series Camera if it is the Kenko Pro tc.