DragonFlys with 100-400mm and Life Size converter.

Tried my hand at some dragonflies today..
I was chasing a Green Heron with the 100-400mm on the 1D MkII .. but never got close enough.. or enough light for a decent shot.

But I did play around with some dragon flys.. and the Canon "EF Life Size Converter"

The EF Life Size Converter is an interesting little addition to any decent lens arsenal...
Contrary to Canon's claim that it is a specific part for use only with the 50mm Macro,... it will fit ANY EF compatible lens..

It's functionality is interesting.. it is essentially a combination of a T-con and an extension tube in one unit. I will need to do some measurebaiting (something I really never do) to determine what sort of additional magnification it offers.. but I suspect it is very close to a 1.4X T-con. But unlike the T-con it also adds the spacing of a 25mm extension tube (approximately) reducing focus distance while boosting magnification with one part.

It's front element is also slightly recessed,. so unlike Canon's dedicated Teleconverters.. the EF Life Size Converter does not protrude forward and will fit any lens.

Using it with the 100-400mm @ 400mm, manual exposure 1/125th f/10 with 580EX flash I was stunned to see how the EF Life Size Converter seems to impart ZERO image degradation.

Here's a sample...

IMAGE LINK: http://jakehegnauer.ze​nfolio.com/p393380236/​e741b4e3

IMAGE LINK: http://jakehegnauer.ze​nfolio.com/p393380236/​e13130cd0

IMAGE LINK: http://jakehegnauer.ze​nfolio.com/p393380236/​e6f7f928

WOW, Extremely fantastic shots. Very impressive Converter as well. Its going on my list, right now. Perfect shots. thanks for sharing this bit of info. very much, as well as sharing the photos.

Very nice information. I appreciate you sharing and insight. Is this new to the Canon lineup? I ask only because I've never heard it mentioned before, at least never here on POTN that I know of.

What a great addition to the 100-400 setup. It's going on my wishlist too!

--gmaize

Incredible pics CDS. Could you post a picture of what the rig looks like? I've never seen the Life Size Converter.

Thanks guys,

This is from Canon's site;

http://consumer.usa.ca​non.com …tegoryid=155&mo​delid=8121

It was Martin (AKA Huckaback Photo) that mentions in the -=T-Con=- FAQ that this unit is in fact NOT slimited to the 50MM Macro in functionality.. So when I found one used I grabbed it!

Tubes definitely have there advantages.. the only advantage the Life size converter has over a tube alone.. is increased working distance to get the same magnification .. (just like adding a T-con would offer)

FYI here's a size comparison;

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Great shots, CDS. Thanks for sharing the information. I thought the life converter is only good for the EF50mm as advertised. How far were you from the dragonfly with and without the life converter?

Nice shots and great info, thanks!

Cyber very sharp images here, and I have always wondered about that TC for the 50mm macro, I have to say though I seem to get some pretty good results with ex tubes and I have less loss of light in the process and any Tc will amplify any problems with any lens whether it be prime or zoom but most zooms fare less well as normal zoom optics are not as sharp as a prime would be.

Great shots CDS. Canon might sell a few more of these with your marketing

Amazing shots.

Did you get model releases signed?

Wow CDS, those are some super captures, GJ. Dang the sharpness is good.

.. nah.. he just gave me his address so I could mail him prints...

Thanks CDS ...

Looks like possibly another item for my B&H wishlist

WOW CDS! These shots are amazing! That cropped photo STILL shows how sharp it is. So you find that the life size converter from Canon works well with ALL their EF lenses? I wonder what I should expect to pay for one of these? Thanks for sharing this.
-Bruce

It's a pretty pricey option if you get it new (I think $250.00?) .. I was lucky to find one about half that price

I have not tested it to see how well it works with all my lenses.. in fact I've only dione that with the 100-400mm and the 100mm Macro..

But it does FIT on all of them...

I have to say.. I did not expect the results to be this good on the big clunky zoom..

***************

Eric.. you do lose infinity focus with it.. essentially the effect is about the same as adding a 14X t-con (roughly) and a 24mm extension tube (roughly).. all in one unit.