1.4x Tele For 70-200 f/4L????

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

Hey everyone, I love my 70-200 f/4L, but often times it doesn't have enough reach and I would love to have just a little more. So, I figure a 1.4x t-con would fix this problem. Thing is, I don't feel like dropping nearly 300 bucks on a t-con... aren't there two versions of the Canon 1.4x t-con? One with weather sealing, one without or something? Does the image quality differ between the two? Are there any other less expensive alternatives? Just a few Q's to start with.:lol:

Thanks!

[blue_max]

The canon one is in mkII guise (I think this added the weather sealing).

There are a few third party alternatives. The Kenko one is considered a good one.

As the 70-200 is such a good lens, the results can still be very good. You do lose one stop of light and focussing may be slower and less precise.

They are quite a popular accessory, so they don't really go too cheap.

Graham

[rent]

RbrtPtikLeoSeny: mark II adds the weather seal as well as anti-reflective surfaces inside the barrel. i highly recommand you stick with the canon TC's. i have both the 70-200/f4 and the 1.4x mk II, let me know if you want me to take some test shots for ya (i have not yet used the TC on the 70-200, only on my 300/f4 so far, and it works great).

-alex

[tommykjensen]

My advise is to get the Canon version.

Here is a photo shot with this combination.

http://photo.klein-jensen.dk/photohtml.php?n=zootest14x2.jpg

[kram]

The more you read the forum, the more you get convinced that good doesnt come cheap http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif Now to get my wife to read this forum so that it helps the decision process....

This is my next big purchase - lens+ TC : keenly awaiting the final verdict on this one...:cry:

[condyk]

I used the Kenko Pro 300 1.4x with this lens and it is a very good TCon. at a very decent price. The colour also matches the beige/white L lens, which is the most important thing :lol: :lol:

I also used the Kenko Pro 300 2.0x but you really need to MF and it is a bit of a pain. With the 1.4x the AF remains fast. There is some minor drop off in output quality but then I always think a 90% shot of something you wouldn't otherwise get is better than nothing!

I use a Sigma 1.4x on my Sigma 100-300mm f4 and very little lost in performance, if anything. Well recommended, but a more expensive option. The more I use this combo the more I like it.

The Kenko's are more flexible too as they don't have the protruding front lens of the Canon and Sigma. Kenko Pro's score as good as both Canon and Sigma in user review sites. The 2.0x Kenko Pro scores better than the Canon version. The Canon 1.4x II is probably best if you can afford it and don't need the flexibility.

The main problem you will have is in lower light situations with the F4 ... AF will tend to hunt and maybe just not work too well. But you can work around this if you know in advance the light will be less than decently bright and so take the TCon off.

[Cadwell]

TCs are OK in a pinch but to be avoided if possible. Consequences of adding a 1.4x TC to the 70-200 f/4L. @10% drop in image quality, loss of 1 stop of light and 50-67% reduction in AF speed.

I use them from time to time, but they're not really a substitute for having a lens of the right focal length in the first place.