Anyone tried a Canon 100-400L with 2x extender

[PhilipHowe]

Hi, does anyone have a Canon 100-400L and have they tried it with a 2x extender?
I'm looking to buy an extender for some photography I've got coming up for my 70-200L, but, having a full frame camera, I may need to look at a 100-400 instead.

I know the extender robs two stops of light, but I'll have plenty of light anyway.
I'm not interested in lenses from any other manufacturer, just Canon.

[John]

I can only make the generalised comment that teleconverters (extenders) magnify both the image and the defects in a given lens. Cheap converters give abysmal results, good ones are likely made by Canon for your lens and will be excellent but could be as expensive as a new lens.

The 100-400mm lens could be the best option, why not check out any any reviews on www.photodo.com

[PhilipHowe]

John, thanks, I have read quite a few reviews. (My next question if someone answers is, can I have a go, but don't tell anyone).
The lens I'd be using a converter on is the Canon 70-200L IS f2.8. The 100-400 is heavier and would obviously take up more space in an already full bag.

[GeoffWard]

Hello Phillip,
Only just seen your question on the forum, not been able to come to the club for 4 weeks as my Dad has been poorly in hospital, plan to be there this week though. On your question I can confirm my 100 to 400 will not auto focus with a 2x converter.I only have a Kenko mid range model but a colleague at work let me try his Kenko pro 300 1.4 x and that would only autofocus in very good light up to around 300mm focal length. I believe the Canon mk 111 converters will not work either, apparently the camera will not autofocus if the maximum aperture it recognises is f8 or greater, unless it is a 1D and that will autofocus centre point only.
You mention you have a Canon 70 to 200 F2.8 and a converter will work well with one of these I believe. I was at Pennington Flash yesterday and a chap there was using a 7d like mine with a Canon 300 F2.8 and 2x converter the combination was still blisteringly fast, but of course that lens is over £5,000

Regards

Geoff

[PhilipHowe]

Geoff, thanks for the reply. I am only looking at the canon version, and will get one to go with my 70-200LIS f2.8 as I usually shoot at 2.8 with this lens. Thank you.

[Tony Lee]

Hi Phil
I have the Canon 5D Mk2 and the 70-200 lens and have used the 2x converter Mk2 to very good effect. Yes they do now have a 2x Mk3 so my advice would be to go to Calumet Ardwick and hire one for the weekend for about £25 to see if you like the results
Tony

[PhilipHowe]

Tony, thanks for the reply, I'm looking to buy a second one at the moment and think I've found one.