70-200 f/2.8 & 2X TC combination "Test"

This is not about the 70-200 Mk II.

EDIT: What I mean is that it's already pretty well known that the Mk2 and the 2Xiii are good, and there are plenty of posts about that. This thread is specifically about the Mk1. Opinions very often lean toward "Unacceptable loss of IQ."

IQ is something that everyone has to decide for themselves depending on how their TC combination works, & what subjects they will shoot the most, which is why I said in the first post, "I can live with this combination when the light is good."

Things like the link in post #29 is where I'd use it the most, so I think it's worth a couple hundred bucks. Now, if I was still shooting for a living, I'd probably spring for a 400mm.

I'm still a bit undecided on buying it. If I can crop and get pretty much the same thing, then why spend? Yes there is a slight detail advantage at f/11 but $200 worth?

What might be an intangible advantage is the framing. Seeing the subject better, although it could be a disadvantage if I can't cover as much of the view if needed. Maybe I need to borrow it for a longer time. There is a race weekend coming up at Summit Point.

Renting is also an option.
Where Can I rent Lenses