TC's and Primes

[jaypie77]

Any thoughts on using a 2x TC with a 200 f/2.8 as compared to the 100-400? I can't afford to get what I want just yet, but within the year I want to be using a 500 or 600 with 1.4x and 2x TC's for wildlife and even stacked for astrophotography. In the meantime, I was wondering if the prime loses enough quality to be worse than the 100-400 at the 400 end.

Regarding questions that might arise concerning my need for zoom capabilities, I don't need to zoom around. I need 200, I want 400. I have the 200 now. Thanks.

[Longwatcher]

You really need to do a search on the forum before asking a question. This question was asked very recently.
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=50617

However the answer is,
A 100-400 lens will be better then a 2x extender (especially a 2x) on any other lens, even a prime. It is not so bad with a 1.4x extender, but even then the 100-400 will almost always provide better pictures at longer ranges then a 200 with an extender mounted.

The one exception is with some camera/lens combinations you may retain autofocus and this may be a desired capability (such as a 70-200/2.8L IS) as the IS is better thus in some situations the 70-200/2.8L IS may be better then the 100-400. However in the majority of cases go with the 100-400 and then get the extenders for that as the cost of a 500+ is significantly more.

Stacking both extenders can be done, but you will lose at least 3 stops of light and a lot of quality, although detail will be slightly higher in bright light conditions.

Just my experience and opinion,

[jaypie77]

I did search and I did see that post, but that post does not concern my question. My questions is about a 200mm prime, not a zoom. All of the posts that I found through searches deal with zooms and the commentary usually concludes that 2x TC's and zooms don't mix.

I have seen good results with other primes and 2x TC's; even with primes and stacked TC's, but it is difficult to compare the quality of a 600mm lens with stacked 1.4 and 2x TC's because nobody makes a lens of similar effective range in a prime that is commonly owned whereas many people own primes, zooms, and TC's in the lower ranges.

[Longwatcher]

The one place you might also try is www.luminous-landscapes.com, he has some longer lenses and I know he has discussed the extenders, I just don't remember if he discussed both together, but if it is anywhere (other then a forum) it is there.

I am still of the opinion that the 2x adds to much even for a prime. At 400, the 100-400 beats a 200mm prime with a 2x TC., but again with the 1.4x it is much closer and debateable.

[jaypie77]

At 400, the 100-400 beats a 200mm prime with a 2x TC

That's what I wanted to know - are you absolutely sure on this (is there any debate)?

[KennyG]

The only primes (according to Canon) that were actually designed from the ground up to take account of a TC in the optical path are the 300,400,500 and 600. Even though others will accomodate them, when you use a x2 you can see a drop off in sharpness, whereas with the bigger primes the drop off is somewhat less. With a 1.4 the effect isn't really noticeable as long as you start of with a decent lens in the first place.

Certainly, my experience is that my 300 2.8IS with a x2 is very, very close to my 500 4IS with a 1.4 for sharpness and detail. The Canon MKII x2 TC is the best of the x2 bunch by quite a way.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The 2X really hurts image quality on any lens I have tried it on.. including some of the sharpest telephoto primes made.

It is a stop gap "better than nothing" solution..

it is not a "better than 100-400mm L IS" solution though :mrgreen:

[kfong]

Any thoughts on using a 2x TC with a 200 f/2.8 as compared to the 100-400? I can't afford to get what I want just yet, but within the year I want to be using a 500 or 600 with 1.4x and 2x TC's for wildlife and even stacked for astrophotography.

Tried taking some quick and dirty pictures of M42 with a 200 f/2.8 + 2x TC the other day. Look ok on the preview screen, but when viewed on the monitor they were all out of focus. Found an old 72mm lens cap and made a Hartmann mask. Then the clouds rolled in and it's been snowing since.

Ken

[jaypie77]

Thanks Ken, do you mind PMing me when/if you end up taking those test shots?