70-200mm 2.8 IS II

I was thinking about buying this lens as a relatively lightweight walkabout (compared to my recently sold 300/2.8 anyway). Has anyone used it for occasional bird shots with a 2x tc - opinions seem to vary as to just how good it is at 400mm. BTW the main use would not be with a 2x tc but it would be nice to have that option.
Another possible use would be for the likes of Butterflies, with a MFD of 1.5 metres it could be handy, especially with a 1.4x tc attached, anyone used it for this sort of thing?
Thanks in advance for your feedback.

See here

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1049820

MattD wrote in post #12533913
See here

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1049820

Thanks for that Matt, one thing that it is not mentioned is whether a 2xtc MkIII performs better than a 2x MkII on the 70-200/2.8.
I must say that from some of the samples shown I am far from convinced that the 70-200/2.8 MkII is of much use with a 2x ( but I am coming from a 300/2.8 which was superb with a 2x.).
On the other hand Art Morris raves about the combo (with the 2x Mk3 tc) and has shelved his 100-400 as he reckons the 70-200 beats the pants off it.

hi there.

I already have the 2x III, however without a lens to use it on. I was always planning on getting the 100-400, but am now aiming towards the 70-200 II 2.8.

From what I have read on this forum, this appears to be a better combo. This will also give me the opportunity to determine if I need the 100-400 (ie 800mm is juicy, but would I use it?)

The 70-200 is my next purchase.....which may be in 1-2 years!

Roy C wrote in post #12534120
On the other hand Art Morris raves about the combo (with the 2x Mk3 tc) and has shelved his 100-400 as he reckons the 70-200 beats the pants off it.

Roy, since you had the stellar 300/f2.8 i suggest you purchase an extender from a reputable vendor where the TC can be returned if it dont meet your expectations.

I have NO idea which camera body Art Morris used but i can definitely tell you using 3 different crop bodys + several different 3rd party 2X extenders the results did not support his claims when i tested the 70-200MKII against the bare 100-400L at 400mm/ f8.0

I have seen some captures using the 5D MKII + Canon 2x III + 70-200MKII that appear to be equal to the 100-400L bare at 400 but not with any Canon crop body sensors for sure.

I also have yet to see anyone post 100% back to back crops on the exact same subject using the Canon 2X III extender against the Kenko 2X MC4 extender used below on a 7D + 100-400L, center focus point, MF, and handheld by Sharon with a FOV of 1280mm:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=983021

If i had the Canon 2X III i would gladly run and post these back to back comparison tests with 100% crops using the 5D MKII + 70-200MKII but i have yet seen any justification to spend $500 on a III TC that was according to Canon specifically designed for the new Version II super Telephoto lenses.

I surely dont expect anyone to rely on my individual testing but i do fully support and encourage folks to perform there own since every Body + Lens + Extender combos reacts differently.

Regards & Good Luck !

Silverfox has some very good suggestions. I compared my copy on a tripod 100-400L vs 7-2 with 2xII. on a tripod, the 1-4 is a bit better at 5.6, and as SF said, this is especially seen on a high density sensor at full resolution. on my 5d2, not so much, and the IS on the 7-2 is better, and honestly I have not found a focus advantage to the 1-4. If you are birding with anything with pixel density less than 5d2 (all 1d's except for 1d4, 40d and bellow) I would say you the image quality is good. dont compare it with you 300 2.8IS. you wont get that quality.
The digital pictures comparison shows a slight edge to 2xIII over 2xII on the 70-200, at least at f 5.6.

Bluedogs wrote in post #12534153
hi there.

I already have the 2x III, however without a lens to use it on. I was always planning on getting the 100-400, but am now aiming towards the 70-200 II 2.8.

From what I have read on this forum, this appears to be a better combo. This will also give me the opportunity to determine if I need the 100-400 (ie 800mm is juicy, but would I use it?)

The 70-200 is my next purchase.....which may be in 1-2 years!

OK, I've gotta ask, did you buy that TC 2x MkIII or got it as a gift? Cuz I can't see paying for a TC of that cost without a lens to use it with.

70-200 V2 +2X works for me!

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Here are my very first shots with the lens. Perversely, I started out with the 2XTC3 on.

http://www.flickr.com …n/sets/72157627​133432536/

Rich Dykmans wrote in post #12534916
70-200 V2 +2X works for me!

Those are superb Rich, the samples I've seen seem to prove that it's a very useful combo. I'm definitely looking to pick one up myself.