Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM V1 with 1.4x TC III or 2x TC III?

Finally going to get my 300mm but still debating on which TC to get. I've heard mixed reviews on the 2x TC and don't want to make the mistake of returning it to exchange for the 1.4x TC. I will be shooting a lot of High School Sports like Football and two seasons of Rugby here locally with of course a lot of Wildlife action too. I know the 1.4x TC will probably be all I need for Sports but it would be nice to have the 2x TC for Wildlife too. Getting both is out of my budget currently so I need to pull the trigger only on one for now. So my question is how is the AF performance with the 2x TC and 300 f2.8L IS V1 Combo and have you tested it on the 1DX Mark II? Found this image on flickr and it has pretty damn good sharpness for a 2x TC on a 6D but nobody talks about AF speed and will the 1DX Mark II drive the AF faster than previous cameras.

https://flic.kr/p/HLn7​ZD

Do you see any humor at all in shooting a 1DX2, buying a 300 2.8 IS, and can't afford a TC?

Anyway, my understanding of big tele lenses and TCs is that the version II TCs are sharper in the center, version IIIs are sharper to the corners, AND (big AND here) focus more quickly and accurately. Double-check me, I could be regurgitating internet garbage. I think the trick is to use the III TCs with newer II lenses.

Bassat wrote in post #18213436
Do you see any humor at all in shooting a 1DX2, buying a 300 2.8 IS, and can't afford a TC?

I am self employed and my income varies so no not really, Also I'm not about to spend $900 on two TC's when I only need one realistically.

Bassat wrote in post #18213436
Anyway, my understanding of big tele lenses and TCs is that the version II TCs are sharper in the center, version IIIs are sharper to the corners, AND (big AND here) focus more quickly and accurately. Double-check me, I could be regurgitating internet garbage. I think the trick is to use the III TCs with newer II lenses.

Yeah I hear Version III TC's work really good with Version 2 White Lenses. I might just play it safe and get 1.4x TC.

The 2X is currently in stock refurbished for $344. https://shop.usa.canon​.com …der-ef-2x-iii-refurbished

From Arthur Morris, the mark iii TC are able to focus faster with the mark ii big white telephotos only.


No matter which one you want, 1.4x or 2x, make sure you take the time to micro adjust it. And from everything I've read on the 2x, practice with the combo before just throwing in the 'it's not sharp' towel. Personally, I've only used the 1.4x ii(I own one), on my 135L and on the 300f4IS & 400f5.6, both I took an eval loan from Canon. I used it mostly on the 400f5.6 and I realized real quick that I needed to pay even more attention to my technique for sharp images. And that was with birds standing, not sports moving quickly.


Just throwing in my 2 cents.

For what it's worth,

- I did not find the Version III T-Cs to show ANY improvement either in performance (af speed acquisition) or IQ when mated to a version I IS super tele (in my case the 500mm f/4L IS, and the 200mm f/2L IS)

- I did see the performance increase when the MkIII were paired with BOTH a VII tele lens (500mm F/4L IS VII) , AND a fully modern AF system such as 1Dx, 1Dx2 and 5D4.

- I saw no performance boost vs. VI and MkII combo on 1D4 or 7D2!

- Always get the 1.4x first. You will love how the lens works with that T-Con.

- 2X is better saved for a "when you need it" vs. an "always on"

Were it me, I'd save $ and get the MkII T-Cons. A pair would cost about what one MkIII cost.

Another advantage to the MkII, the 2X "stacks" behind a 1.4x. I have on occasion needed that ability!

got my 1.4x used on ebay for $165

ma11rats wrote in post #18213543
From Arthur Morris, the mark iii TC are able to focus faster with the mark ii big white telephotos only.

This is true, and yet, it still does not tell the whole story. Most people that are reporting the dramatic speed increase are also shooting the most up to date bodies. they fail to realize that you also get no speed boost with an older body like the 1D4 etc.. maybe not a concern for the OP, it certainly had me scratching my head for over a year wondering what the heck the hype was about.

All good advice and input!

runninmann wrote in post #18213506
The 2X is currently in stock refurbished for $344. https://shop.usa.canon​.com …der-ef-2x-iii-refurbished

With tax and shipping you are not saving that much. Ill most likely just get it off Amazon or B&H.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #18213544
For what it's worth,

- I did not find the Version III T-Cs to show ANY improvement either in performance (af speed acquisition) or IQ when mated to a version I IS super tele (in my case the 500mm f/4L IS, and the 200mm f/2L IS)

- I did see the performance increase when the MkIII were paired with BOTH a VII tele lens (500mm F/4L IS VII) , AND a fully modern AF system such as 1Dx, 1Dx2 and 5D4.

- I saw no performance boost vs. VI and MkII combo on 1D4 or 7D2!

- Always get the 1.4x first. You will love how the lens works with that T-Con.

- 2X is better saved for a "when you need it" vs. an "always on"

Were it me, I'd save $ and get the MkII T-Cons. A pair would cost about what one MkIII cost.

Another advantage to the MkII, the 2X "stacks" behind a 1.4x. I have on occasion needed that ability!

Ok so here is a question, Does that apply to the 70-200 IS II? Meaning a 2x TC would perform better in terms of AF speed verses a Version 1 300mm f2.8 IS? Or is this strictly with the big whites.

you're supposed to link to pictures that aren't yours instead of posting...also do you even know what TC was used in that shot? there are third party alternatives that you can look at...

DreDaze wrote in post #18213582
you're supposed to link to pictures that aren't yours instead of posting...also do you even know what TC was used in that shot? there are third party alternatives that you can look at...

I'm not the OP, but EXIF says 300mm f/2.8 IS @ 600mm. That strongly suggests 2X TC.

Bassat wrote in post #18213585
I'm not the OP, but EXIF says 300mm f/2.8 IS @ 600mm. That strongly suggests 2X TC.

yes...there are more than one 2X TC though...

is it a kenko 2X a tamron 2X a sigma 2X a canon 2X I a canon 2X II a canon 2X III...

exif doesn't tell you that...

DreDaze wrote in post #18213582
you're supposed to link to pictures that aren't yours instead of posting...also do you even know what TC was used in that shot? there are third party alternatives that you can look at...

Fixed, I will stick with Canon brand and assume it's a Canon 2x TC but who knows. My take is the 3rd Party brands are not going to give you sharpness like that.

DJHaze596 wrote in post #18213606
Fixed, I will stick with Canon brand and assume it's a Canon 2x TC but who knows. My take is the 3rd Party brands are not going to give you sharpness like that.

You may want to look at this:

http://www.traumfliege​r.de …r/overview.php#​kenko14dgx

It is written in German, but the numbers are easy to read. I believe it reviews IQ, without reference to any affect on auto-focus. Thank you, Levina.

DJHaze596 wrote in post #18213556
With tax and shipping you are not saving that much. Ill most likely just get it off Amazon or B&H.

Ok so here is a question, Does that apply to the 70-200 IS II? Meaning a 2x TC would perform better in terms of AF speed verses a Version 1 300mm f2.8 IS? Or is this strictly with the big whites.

I do not have first hand experience with the new 70-200mm II, but I think you are correct that it too would benefit from the MkIII T-Cons.