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

[CyberDyneSystems]

Welcome to the photography-on-the.net Teleconverter FAQ
The single most thorough informational resource on Teleconverters in the World ©

If you can't find your answer here, you didn't read it all!

Here you will find the Extender EF 1.4x II compatibility chart , the Extender EF 2x II compatibility chart SIGMA Teleconverter charts, and much more.

Be sure and check out our Image Example thread as well found here;
Teleconverter/Lens Combination Sample Image Archive

What are Tele-converters/tele-extenders (T-cons)?

T-cons are small lens attachments that fit between the camera body and lens. They are used to increase the focal length of the lens in use.

I: CANON Teleconverters

Canon now makes four T-cons, in versions MkII and the latest MkIII

Extender EF 1.4x III
Extending a lenses focal length by a factor of 1.4x, Extender EF 1.4X III incorporates phenomenal optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration and is a perfect complement to many of Canon super telephoto lenses. It features a built-in microcomputer for seamless communication among camera body, lens and extender; features careful lens placement and coatings to minimize ghosting and flare and even has a new Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum. An integral part of many professional systems, Extender EF 1.4X III maintains high standards not only optically, but also in terms of rugged, dustproof and water resistant construction.

Extender EF 1.4x II
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. It multiplies its focal length 1.4x. Effective aperture is reduced by one f-stop; autofocus is possible on any EOS camera when combined with a lens having an f/4 or faster maximum aperture.

Extender EF 2x III
Designed to extend a lenses focal length by a factor of 2x, the redesigned Canon Extender EF 2X III delivers optical performance on par with the finest Canon super telephoto lenses. It features a built-in microcomputer for seamless communication among camera body, lens and extender, features careful lens placement and coatings to minimize ghosting, flare and chromatic aberration, and even has a new Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears, fingerprints to a minimum. Extender EF 2X III meets necessary standards in terms of rugged, dustproof and water-resistant construction, and should be in every professional's camera bag.

Extender EF 2x II
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.
The EF 2x II doubles the focal length of any lens it's mounted to, and reduces its effective aperture by two stops. With the EF 2x II, AF is possible with any EOS body if the lens has an f/2.8 or faster maximum aperture, and compatible Image Stabilization lenses maintain the IS feature when used with any current EOS camera.

Mk I Vs. MkII Vs. MkIII Versions

The current models of Canon EF T-cons are the "Mk III" versions.

Differences between the MkIII and the MkII include the following:

• Both T-Cons have had new optical designs

• The MkIII T-Cons include new Flourine coating for added protection fo the glass

• They have been redesigned to match perfectly the latest Canon MkII IS Super Telephoto line

Differences between the new MkII and the older Mk I T-cons include the following.

• Weather sealing was added to both

• The 2X had a complete overhaul of the optics

• The 1.4X remains the same design optically adding only the weather sealing and some new coatings.

• The MkII 2X T-con has been redesigned to allow "stacking" of the 1.4X behind it. This was not possible with the Mk I 2X.

It is important to understand that the use of a teleconverter is subject to a number of conditions, including the following.

• 1: The T-cons listed in these charts can not be used with all lenses. Only the lenses listed in the charts will physically "fit" Canon and SIGMA T-cons. If it's not listed. It won't "FIT". The reason they will not "fit" is because the front element of the Canon T-cons protrude forward into a recess found only on specific telephoto lenses, for a true matched optic that works only with these telephoto lenses. Other lenses do not have the space behind there rear elements to allow this protrusion to fit into.

• 2: T-cons will decrease the effective aperture of any lens to which it is attached.

• 3: In many cases, the increased f/stop will result in a loss of Autofocus.
  In some cases, the use of a T-con will result in use of only the center AF point for autofocus.

• 4. Additionally, EF Extenders reduce lens drive speed. The EF 1.4x or 1.4x II reduces lens drive speed by approximately 50~67% depending on the lens in use.
  The EF 2x or 2x II reduces lens drive speed by up to approximately 75%.
  This speed reduction gives the AF system more time to detect focus. This can be helpful since the depth of focus is reduced with the longer effective focal length and the chance of defocus increases. However, the reduced tracking speed and smaller maximum apertures caused by the use of Extenders can be a disadvantage with fast moving subjects, particularly in low light.

• 5. T-cons WILL degrade the final image quality of the lens in use.

• (the degree to which this is perceptible varies depending on the lens with which it is used)

• 6. T-cons DO effect Minimum Focus Distance. However, they do not alter the lens's optical working distance. The change in MFD, measured at the sesor/film plane is only due to the actual change in physical length of the total Optic in use as increased by the length of the T-Con itself.

Requirements for Auto Focus

• Canon makes SLRs with TWO distinct Aperture requirements for Autofocus. (AF)

• A: The 1 series can AF with apertures as small as f/8
  Models include; EOS 1D, 1Ds, 1DMkII, 1DMkIIN, 1Ds MkII, and film cameras EOS 1 and EOS 3

• B: All other EOS bodies require f/5.6 to AF
  Models include D30, D60, 10D, 300D, 350D, 20D, 30D, and 5D
  Film bodies = all of them except for the 1 and 3

Calculating Focal length and Aperture

The math is simple.

• Multiply the lenses focal Length in MM times the T-cons "X" (1.4X or 2X) to find the focal Length that will result.

The same is true of f/stop.

• Either Multiply the lenses Max Aperture times the T-cons "X",. or simply add one full stop when using the 1.4X or two full stops when using the 2X

[CyberDyneSystems]

CANON's Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III Teleconverter compatibility Chart

Telextender-III_Compatibili.jpg


CANON Extender EF 1.4x II and Extender EF 2x II Teleconverter compatibility Chart



* In the charts "xxD, 5D, 7D represents all Canon "non 1 series" cameras film or digital re AF compatibility. This includes Rebel series, xxD, D60, 10D-50D, 7D 5D etc.
"1D" is representative of all "1 series" film or digital as well as the EOS 3.

NOTE: "AF" means the combination will autofocus.
"MF" (Manual focus only) means that the combination will function,. but AF will NOT be available.

Canon EF LENS Compatibility: ------- XXD, 5D, 7D* ----- 1Dseries*
----- LENS --------------------------------------- 1.4X -- 2X ------ 1.4X -- 2X
CANON EF 135mm f2L USM ------------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM --------- AF --- MF ------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 200mm f1.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 200mm f2L IS USM -----------------AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 200mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM -------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f4L IS USM ---------------- AF --- MF-------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f4L USM ------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f2.8L IS USM --------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f4DO IS USM --------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f5.6L USM ----------------- MF --- MF -------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 500mm f4L IS USM ----------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 500mm f4.5L USM ----------------- MF --- MF -------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 600mm f4L IS USM ----------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM -------------- MF --- MF-------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 1200mm f5.6L USM ---------------- MF --- MF-------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM-------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM----------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 70-200mm f/4L USM--------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 70-200mm f/4L IS ----------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L USM-------- MF --- MF --------AF --- MF

"Other" Compatible Lenses, Discontinued, or "Not recommended"

TS-E 24MM F/3.5L Not recommended
TS-E 45MM F/2.8
TS-E 90MM F/2.8
MP-E65mm f2.8 1-5X Macro
Any EF-L Telephoto listed above, it's older brother (non IS etc.) will "fit" as well with the Exception of The 80-200mm f/2.8L T-Cons do not ift the 80-200mm!

Canon T-CON With SIGMA Lens Compatibility (a work in progress)

Below are the SIGMA lenses that we know FIRST HAND work with Canon TC's
Please add your info and any proof you might have (photos of it assembled would be nice, but we will tend to trust you too )

EX lens Compatibility w/ Canon T-Con XXD, 5D, 7D* ----- 1Dseries*

- Compatible lenses - - -------------------------- 1.4X-- 2X ------ 1.4X -- 2X
APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM ------------------------AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM ----------------------- MF --- MF ------- MF* --- MF
APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM -------------- AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX IF HSM -------------- MF --- MF ------- MF* --- MF


CONFIRMED DOES NOT FIT

Macro 180mm f/3.5 EX IF HSM --------- EF MKII Versions do not fit.
APO 70-200mm f2.8 EX HSM ------------EF MkII Versions do not fit. EF MkI 1.4x Fits with full AF
50-500mm EX (non IS) -------------------EF MkII Versions do not fit well. (would like further info)

CANON EF LIFE SIZE CONVERTER

I recently acquired the EF Life Size Converter. (Thanks to Martin AKA "Huckaback Photo", who informs us of it's flexibility)

The EF Life Size Converter is an interesting little addition to any decent lens arsenal...
Contrary to Canon's claim that it is a specific part for use only with the 50mm Macro,... it will fit ANY EF compatible lens.

It's functionality is interesting.. it is essentially a combination of a T-con and an extension tube in one unit. I will need to do some measurebaiting (something I really never do) to determine what sort of additional magnification it offers.. but I suspect it is very close to a 1.4X T-con. But unlike the T-con it also adds the spacing of somewhere between a 12mm and 25mm extension tube reducing focus distance while increasing focal length with one part.

It's front element is also slightly recessed,. so unlike Canon's dedicated Teleconverters.. the EF Life Size Converter does not protrude forward and will fit any lens.

As with extension tubes, the EF Life Size Converter will reduce focus distance, allowing more magnification, at the expense of loosing infinity focus. How much closer you can get, like and extension tube, varies with your existing lenses normal minimum focus distance.

Link to Samples

Unlike the Canon EF T-Con's, this units presence is NOT indicated in EXIF data, neither focal length or aperture info is effected by it's use. this of course means your EXIF is out the window as both Focal length and aperture are obviously being altered.

The EF Life Size Converter is About the same size as the 1.4X T-con.. it is slightly lighter in weight (has less glass than the T-con)... but it is slightly longer.. (due to the "extension tube" hollow part)

I think it would make a great addition to any Macro enthusiasts bag of tricks.

* In the charts "xxD, 5D, 7D represents all Canon "non 1 series" cameras film or digital re AF compatibility. This includes Rebel series, xxD, D60, 10D-50D, 7D 5D etc.
"1D" is representative of all "1 series" film or digital as well as the EOS 3.

[CyberDyneSystems]

II: SIGMA Teleconverters


Sigma Apo Tele-Converter EX 1.4X / 2X are dedicated Tele Converter lenses, which should be used only with lenses listed in the Tables. If you mount a Sigma Tele Converter 1.4X EX or 2x EX to a lens that is not listed in the tables it may damage the Tele Converter as well as the master lens.

SIGMA Teleconverter compatibility Charts

SIGMA Lenses:
Focusing
On the lists, the lenses marked "AF" will retain auto focus operation when used with a Tele Converter. The lenses marked "MF can only be used for manual focus.

*1 With 1.4x APO Tele Converter, AF can operate at distances more than 1.2m from the subject. If the subject is closer than 1.2m, only MF is available.

*2 When the Tele Converter is attached, the zoom range will be restricted to between 100mm to 500mm.

EX lens Compatibility ------------------ XXD, 5D, 7D* ----- 1Dseries*
- Exclusive lenses - - ---------------------------- 1.4X-- 2X ------ 1.4X -- 2X
APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM -------------- AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX IF HSM -------------- MF --- MF ------- MF* --- MF
APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM ------------------- AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM ------------------------AF --- AF ------- AF --- AF
- Usable lenses - -
APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM ----------------------- MF --- MF ------- MF* --- MF
APO 800mm F5.6 EX HSM ----------------------- MF --- MF ------- ??* --- MF
*1 APO MACRO 150mm f2.8 EX HSM ---------- AF/MF MF ------ AF/MF - ??*
*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM ------ AF/MF MF ------ AF/MF - ??*
*2 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM ---------MF --- MF ------- MF --- MF
APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM ----------------- AF --- MF ------- AF --- AF
APO 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 EX OS ---------------- MF --- MF ------- AF --- MF
APO 135-400mm f4.5-5.6 ----------------------- MF ---- MF ------ MF --- MF

*NOTE, due to repeated reports and manufacturers statements of problems with AF
on 1D MkII bodies with the 500mm & 300-800mm with a 1.4X t-con, the list states MF only
However in my original tests with a 1D 4.5MP, the 500mm & 1.4X did AF
At this time we are not sure of what other lenses may be affected.
I'd be wary of the 800mm f/5.6 prime on a 1D MkII



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.
However, the opposite is not true. The Canon MkII T-cons are slightly larger in diameter than the MkI or SIGMA T-cons, and thus a Lens that will fit a SIGMA T-Con will NOT neccesarily fit a Canon MkII T-con.
A 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.
See Canon T-Con compatibility Chart for SIGMA lenses for more info.

Canon EF LENS Compatibility: --------- XXD, 5D, 7D* ----- 1Dseries*
----- LENS --------------------------------------- 1.4X -- 2X ------ 1.4X -- 2X
CANON EF 100mm f2.8 Macro USM -----------AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF (af info unconfirmed)
CANON EF 135mm f2L USM ------------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM -------- AF --- MF ------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 200mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f4L IS USM ---------------- AF --- MF-------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 300mm f4L USM ------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f2.8L USM ----------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f4DO USM ----------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 400mm f5.6L USM ----------------- MF --- MF -------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 500mm f4L USM ------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 500mm f4.5L USM ----------------- MF --- MF -------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 600mm f4l USM -------------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 1200mm f5.6L USM ---------------- MF --- MF-------- AF --- MF
CANON EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM-------------- AF --- AF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 70-200mm f/4L USM--------------- AF --- MF -------- AF --- AF
CANON EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L USM-------- MF --- MF --------AF --- MF
CANON TS-E 24mm f3.5L----------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
CANON TS-E 45mm f2.8 ----------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
CANON TS-E 90mm f2.8 ----------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF

Discontinued SIGMA lenses:
Sigma T-Cons will physically "fit" and function on many older Sigma lens designs,.. however all AF functionality seems to be lost regardless of f/stop value and Camera's ability.

Older APO lens Compatibility: ---------- XXD, 5D, 7D* ----- 1Dseries*
----- LENS ------------------------------------------ 1.4X -- 2X ------- 1.4X -- 2X
SIGMA APO 300mm f2.8 -------------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO TELE MACRO 300mm f4 ------------ MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO TELE MACRO 300mm f4 HSM------ MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO TELE MACRO 400mm f5.6---------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO TELE MACRO 400mm f5.6 HSM --- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO 500mm f4.5-------------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO 800mm f5.6 ------------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO 1000mm f8 -------------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF
SIGMA APO 70-210mm f2.8---------------------- MF --- MF -------- MF --- MF

* In the charts "xxD, 5D, 7D represents all Canon "non 1 series" cameras film or digital re AF compatibility. This includes Rebel series, xxD, D60, 10D-50D, 7D 5D etc.
"1D" is representative of all "1 series" film or digital as well as the EOS 3.

[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

Wilt has provided us this Chart, which indicates a number of important aspects for many of the "Non OEM" T-cons available. Information included;

1. Brand
2. Exact model designation engraved on the telextender
3. Mag power (1.4x, 1.5x, 2.0x, 3.0x)
4. Whether there are any optics that protrude forward past the front (lens) side of the extender's lens mount (protruding/non-protruding)
5. If the extender 'reports' its presence to camera body --e.g. f/5.6 lens with extender is reported as f/8 (reporting/non-reporting)
6. Known to be compatible with EFS mount lens (EFScompatible/not EFS compatible)

ateleconvertor.jpg





http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...=274743&page=2

Kenko-Tokina

• Kenko has three lines of Teleconverters available. (in order of quality best first) "Pro300 AF", "Teleplus MC7" and "Teleplus MC4"

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

• Kenko has the unique 3X model also in the "Pro 300" line. This model saps three full stops of light in use.

Tamron

Generic






NON REPORTING T-Cons and the "Tape Trick"

Many third party Teleconverters do not "report" there presence to the Camera, and thus the camera does not KNOW that your aperture is smaller than f/5.6 so it will TRY to focus.

Additionally there is a thing referred to as "The Tape Trick" where one puts tape over the signal contacts that would to the reporting. (I will not show how here as I think it is a bad idea)

In both cases:

THERE IS NO GUARANTEE that trying to FORCE a camera to function out of spec will actually work to your expectations.

There is no guarantee.

In fact the odds are against it.
There are too many variables involved, having to do with the lighting at the time you try it, to your specific copy of a lens and body.
If it works for one person in one situation is no guarantee it will ever work for you with your equipment and your shooting situations.

So you get the choice:

1. Listen to what the faq says and be 100% guaranteed of results.

2. Try something different with tape or a non reporting TC used out of spec and take the gamble that you will get no AF, bad AF, or decent AF, or worst of all, if you don't pay attention to what your equipment is telling you, actually break something.

There are several TCs that will not report there presence, but NONE can guarantee AF.

[Rokkorfan]

Canon teleconverters can be mounted in tandem to an appropriate lens. For example, I have mounted the 1.4x II and the 2.0x II to my 300mm f/2.8 for an effective 840mm f/8.

On the 1 Series this combination will retain AF on the centre focus point, however it doesn't work well. This is because the canon tc's are designed to slow the lens AF down a little, but they only pass on the info about the TC next to the lens. This means that focus tends to overshoot, and jumps back and forth overshooting a little less each time til the image is focused correctly. By prefocusing manually this is eliminated, as the final AF only needs to adjust a small amount.

Note also that when stacked the lens will report an incorrect aperture to the camera (ie. it ignores the effect of the second teleconverter).

It should also be noted that the Canon tcs will work on the manual focus TS-E lens - hence if you have a 24mm TS-E, when you add the 1.4x you get a 34mm TS-E.

Cheers,

Antony

[Huckaback Photo]

Hi CDS

Just a quick shot of the list I have, this comes with the 1.4 x extender Mk 2.

as already mentioned no reason they would not work with TSE lens.

Martin (Huckaback Photo)

[jyrgen]

I bought this one today to reach the Moon:

Name: Kenko C-AF 1.5x Teleplus SHQ
Build class: the cheapest, 4 lenses, multicoated, black
Fits: any EF lens (no protruding elements)
Reports of itself: no (so no need to tape the contacts)
Retains autofocus on 100-400/4.5-5.6 lens with 10D: hell yes, even in mediocre light!
Quality: fine, actually. Comparable to other 1.4x TC-s. Withdraw my previous comment regarding soft-focus.

Other experiences I'd like to share:
- when stacking two or more TC-s, only one of them is reported to the camera, and in my case that has always been the one that sits next to the lens. E.g. if I stack Sigma 1.4x + Sigma 2x, only 2x is reported, although both are capable. If I stack Kenko 1.5x + Sigma 1.4x + Sigma 2x, again 2x is reported through, despite the Kenko is not even capable of reporting.

[Jon Foster]

I did a quick test with my new Kenko 1.5 teleconverter this afternoon with the Canon 75-300 IS on a 300D body. The auto focus was fast and perfect. It worked at f/4 (wide open at 75mm) and f/5.6 (wide open at 300mm). I'm very happy with it so far but will try it out later in the week on some subjects I would normally shoot. So far the quality between the shots using and not using the converter seem the same. If any one wants to see example shots I can put them online and post a link...

Jon.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The Kenko is not "reporting" the loss of an f/stop to the camera electronically.. thus his camera and exif will read only the lenses info.. ie: still f/5.6 wide open at 300mm.

This will not effect the actual exposure however,. as the camera will still be using TTL exposure.. so his histogram may very well be normal.

Jon,
Thanks for the info on the Kenko.. many are looking for an "off brand" T-con for just such reasons (Canon T-Cs aren't compatible with there lens, AF won't work etc...)

this is good info to have.

[Jon Foster]

Bob, CyberDyneSystems is correct about the TC not reporting to the camera. The Kenko converters (at least this one) are pretty cheap. My camera has no idea the converter is attached so there's no reporting to or from the camera (nothing in the EXIF for later reference).

Here's a quick shot with the Kenko 1.5 TC on the camera (300D with 75-300 IS):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...0Fun/Test1.jpg

Here's the same shot without the TC:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...0Fun/Test2.jpg

Jon.

[scottbergerphoto]

If you buy a Tamron 1.4X (not SP), the correct aperture is not reported back to the camera, so you can use it on a non 1 series camera. I just tested the Tamron 1.4X on my 20D and 1DM2 with a sigma 500 f/4.5. AF worked fine with no loss of image quality.

Link with Samples

[Dante King]

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

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.

[Asmodeus]

On the subject of what's compatible, It was clear last night with a bright gibbous moon, so I decided to try an experiment.


I stacked the Sigma 1.4x EX APO and Sigma 2.0 EX APO teleconverters with the "non-compatible" Sigma 135-400 Aspherical zoom. Unfortunately, once I was ready to go, clouds kept moving in and out and I'd have to move the camera and refocus (manual focus) as the focus wouldn't hold if I moved the camera. The only shot I managed to get when the clouds were out of the way is slightly out of focus; when I looked through the viefinder I was getting crisp focus; I shot this one without refoucsing after moving the camera. The effective focal length works out to 1792mm (400mm x 1.6 x 1.4 x 2.0). I'm going to try some wildlife photography next weekend and see how it does in bright sunlight.

http://www.supercharger.net/pictures/moon.jpg

Originally Posted by CyberDyneSystems

Asmodeus,
the 135-400mm? Hmm.. well something Sigma does not include in there own compatibility list.. this is intere\sting indeed. I'll add them to the lists...

Can you confirm for us that both the 1.4X and 2X will fit directly onto the 134-400mm ?
And I ssume in both cases you are left with manual focus only?

thanks for the info.. this is great.

I just checked and both will fit without touching the lens elements (though it is VERY close). Autofocus did not work in the dark; it just kept hunting. I will try the TC's individually and see if they will work in AF in daylight, though I presume with f8 or f11 at a minimum, it is unlikely.

The lens markings are 135-400mm 1:4.5-5.6 APO , just in case there is another verison of this lens floating around.

[Huckaback Photo]

Physicist
Your question about the 50mm f2.5 macro.
As this is a sticky about converters and extenders, I think its worth a mention here, there is indeed a converter specially made for that lens.

The Canon Life Size Converter EF.
A wonderful bit of kit and according to Canon only for the 50mm f 2.5 macro.
now just fit it to whichever lens you use and give it a try (not wide angles though)
It does work well with my 28mm to 70mm L ....50mm f 1.8....135mm f 2.8 sf....200mm L f 2.8 etc.
with the 28-70 just use the zoom function to focus.
at the 28mm end the lens will close focus on the subject at 3" from the front element.
at the 70mm end about 24" from subject.
Hope this is useful info.
Cheers
Martin (Huckaback Photo)

Thanks CDS
I should have mentioned that with the converter fitted the 50 mm f 2.5 macro will do Life Size.
and without is capable of 1/2 life size.
Its high quality 4 element, 3 group with aberration-correcting.

just took some sample shots with 28 mm to 70 mm f 2.8 L plus Life Size converter EF.

http://www.pbase.com/huckaback_photo...45171931/large
http://www.pbase.com/huckaback_photo/image/45171922


You may be suprised at the quality, cosidering Canon say its only for the 50 mm Macro ?

Martin (Huckaback Photo)

[DavidEB]

Comparing the cheap tamron 1.4x (about $80, non SP version) with the canon 1.4x, using the 300mm f4. Shots are tripod mounted, mirror lockup, cable release. shot raw, no post-processing other than cropping (these are all 100% crops).

I'd have to say that while David didn't knock out Goliath, he didn't do to badly. The canon t-con seems to produce a little more "pop" or contrast but similar sharpness in the center. The tamron sharpness falls off at the edges a bit (on my 20D -- 1D and 1.3 crop owners take note).

the following discussion is condensed from an earlier thread....

CurtisN posted this... Thanks for sharing your experiment, David.
Now here's something else to compare:
Do the TC shots at 100% look any sharper than the non TC shots at 140%?
I've never used a TC but I'm considering one for my Sigma 70-200 F2.8. If the TC doesn't give me a sharper image than a Non-TC shot, cropped and enlarged 40%, then it's not worth the money, nor the 1 stop aperture loss.

Curtis, in answer to your question I think it depends on the print size and how much you crop. uncropped, printed only 4x6, the 20D has enough resolution to allow flawless 1.4x enlargements. If you crop a little or print larger it must surely swing the other way. Overall I'd rather use the t-con.

posted by JRabin... So, just make sure you use these T-cons tripod mounted on more static subjects, slower birds, etc.

yes, both the canon and the tamron t-con slow down the AF, but not by much. However, when you stack them (tamron closest to the camera as they can't fit the other way around) you get AF at f8, but it's very slow and it hunts. As you say, mostly useable for static objects shooting from a tripod.