55-250 STM with extender?

I just bought the 55-250 stm (it is my only lens that has reach). I was wondering if an extender would work to get more reach out of it?

thanks

Theoretically yes, practically... not really.

Extenders are for primes and top class zooms. The Canon extenders aren't listed as compatible with the 55-250, and I suspect the quality loss would be too high (assuming the AF even worked at all with one fitted).

mamaof2 wrote in post #17467105
I just bought the 55-250 stm (it is my only lens that has reach). I was wondering if an extender would work to get more reach out of it?

thanks

Hi Jessi - I understand the urge to try to extend the reach...been there, done that . Although I don't own that lens the physical compatibility issue is the main obstacle to this working unfortunately. The lens simply won't couple to the device. Here is one compatibility chart you may find helpful:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …arts/canon2xExt​ender.html

Then there is the issue of "slowing" down the lens. At maximum zoom the largest aperture on your lens is f/5.6. Adding the 1.4 X Tele extender will cost you a stop, reducing that to f/8. If I'm doing my math correctly the 2x would cost you two stops, leaving you at f/8. While that is a great value lens you would need strong bright sun and good contrast to successfully get it to autofocus with all that extra glass. Other than that good luck with your shooting.

typo: two stops = f/11

sapearl wrote in post #17467150
leaving you at f/8. While that is a great value lens you would need strong bright sun and good contrast to successfully get it to autofocus with all that extra glass. Other than that good luck with your shooting.

Not to mention a camera body that autofocuses on f8 glass.

Looks like you've got this question out there a few times Jessi: https://photography-on-the.net …showthread.php?​p=17467124

mamaof2 wrote in post #17467105
I just bought the 55-250 stm (it is my only lens that has reach). I was wondering if an extender would work to get more reach out of it?

thanks

Jessi - the extender won't work unless you try something weird (like putting an extension tube between the lens and extender). Even then, image quality is likely to be bad. In my opinion, an excellent inexpensive solution for more reach is a refurbished SX50HS for $230 from Canon. It's equivalent reach is 1200mm. Check out this thread for lots of examples of what that camera can do:

https://photography-on-the.net …read.php?t=1237​317&page=1

These new Kenko teleconverters are EF-S compatible but as said you'll lose autofocus and some IQ.
http://www.kenkoglobal​.com …lus_hd_dgx_14x_​canon.html

GeoKras1989 wrote in post #17467153
typo: two stops = f/11

Thanks very much for that correction - math was never my strong suit . So basically the results would be even worse if the combination was mechanically possible.

Thank you all for your posts!

Enjoy your sleeping gem of a lens.. I would not add an extender

taking just a few steps closer to your subject can work wonders...assuming you can physically do it

LJ3Jim wrote in post #17467300
Jessi - the extender won't work unless you try something weird (like putting an extension tube between the lens and extender). Even then, image quality is likely to be bad. In my opinion, an excellent inexpensive solution for more reach is a refurbished SX50HS for $230 from Canon. It's equivalent reach is 1200mm. Check out this thread for lots of examples of what that camera can do:

https://photography-on-the.net …read.php?t=1237​317&page=1

I've tried putting an extension tube between my Canon 1.4x and 100mm f2.8 macro, but I get an error about the camera being unable to communicate with the lens. Is there a workaround for that that anyone knows of?

BTW, Jessi, I'm glad you're enjoying the lens! I've already started to miss it and I'm happy to hear it's getting good use!

i have wondered stuff like this too... as I use the 55mm side on my crop and i also use the 250mm side.. and have to crop in... Travel Soccer.
I have thought of purchasing the 50-500 sigma as it would get me the reach I need but that is something for me later down the road.

chexjc wrote in post #17470138
I've tried putting an extension tube between my Canon 1.4x and 100mm f2.8 macro, but I get an error about the camera being unable to communicate with the lens. Is there a workaround for that that anyone knows of?

BTW, Jessi, I'm glad you're enjoying the lens! I've already started to miss it and I'm happy to hear it's getting good use!

Are you using an extension tube with contacts? I've done that with my kenko 1.4, and it worked fine...at the very least you can tape the pins on the TC to avoid the error

DreDaze wrote in post #17470225
Are you using an extension tube with contacts? I've done that with my kenko 1.4, and it worked fine...at the very least you can tape the pins on the TC to avoid the error

No, I'm not. I'm using $12 fotodiox tubes. That makes sense. I'll have to try taping the contacts! Thanks!