Canon 2x TC vs. 2x TC II - Is The 2nd Generation's IQ Better?

I've been searching, finding and reading different threads about how the 2x TC used on a 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens yields a "soft" IQ. I have even found threads with side-by-side pics demonstrating this softness in IQ. I have not, however, been able to find a comparison between the first-generation 2x TC and the 2x TC II on this lens. Can anyone point me in the right direction? If there isn't such a thread yet, can someone with both 2x TC's and this lens please do the honors? Since the second-generation 2x TC supposedly had its optics completely overhauled, as compared to the first-generation, I'm wondering if the overall IQ has improved.

Thank you!

I could be wrong, but I think the main difference is weather sealing.

Regards,
Jeff

They improved the anti-reflective coatings and added weathersealing. The 2x was redesigned.

Check it... http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/​c-ext.shtml

I use the 2x TC II with my 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and I've been pretty happy with the results so far. Sure, you lose two stops of light and some IQ... But it's easier to carry the 2x than another lens.

The MkII 2X is a whole new design and offers noticeably better IQ on my 500mm and 200mm L lenses.

PicSniper wrote in post #2781161
I've been searching, finding and reading different threads about how the 2x TC used on a 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens yields a "soft" IQ. I have even found threads with side-by-side pics demonstrating this softness in IQ. I have not, however, been able to find a comparison between the first-generation 2x TC and the 2x TC II on this lens. Can anyone point me in the right direction? If there isn't such a thread yet, can someone with both 2x TC's and this lens please do the honors? Since the second-generation 2x TC supposedly had its optics completely overhauled, as compared to the first-generation, I'm wondering if the overall IQ has improved.

Thank you!

Apparantly yes, the V2 2X has a new optical design + weather sealing. The V2 1.4X only has the weather sealing. However I don't know that this has been tested, just Canon's word.

Thank you for your replies, guys. I read about the redesign, but I haven't been able to find a side-by-side pic comparison to look at in order to judge for myself. I agree that the first-generation TC's yielded a softer image, based on what I've seen, but I guess my curiosity just wanted to know if the second version yielded better results. I need one for distant shots, so I'll order one of the new ones and be happy with whatever results I get.

Thanks again for your input on this!

Didn't you read that link? Side-by-side comparisons...

Double Negative wrote in post #2784619
Didn't you read that link? Side-by-side comparisons...

LOL! I apologize, but I must've just glanced over the link without noticing it. By the way, that's what I was looking for. Even though it's not the same lens, I imagine that the results will probably turn out the same.

Once again, thank you for your post!

Hehehe. It's all good. Glad it helped.

Looking at the Luminous Landscape site, I agree with the tester and don't see any significant difference between the two.
I've used the 2XTC II on a 70-200 f2.8L IS and was disappointed by the CA and the lack of contrast. I think if you stop down a bit more to f8 or so, it may help.

But as for the original question, I don't think you'll see any difference between the two generations of TC's according to Luminous Landscapes test.