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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · How does Canon 1.4x II TC work with new 100-400 ii? | |
As it happens, I used this combination yesterday afternoon at dusk for the first time seriously. (If anyone saw my post in this thread from last night, I deleted it because I decided to have a closer look at the images in post before drawing final conclusions.)
I used my 1D Mk III and shot birds in trees at ISO 400 and above using the 400mm zoom setting. The body and the converter are known "good copies" that I've owned and used intensively for about 5 years. I used the centre point with AF expansion and IS turned on. Atmospheric conditions were very clear (all the smoke has gone now) and there was no wind. I have the stock "bright" focussing screen fitted to this body.
Bear in mind that my objective was not to test the equipment but to go back with more focal lengh to a place and subjects I shot a few days ago, when I didn't have quite enough. So you don't get A–B tests.
At f/8 the viewfinder is too dim. This does affect ease of use. However, at an estimated 9m range and a calculated 90mm depth of field, f/8 is not too narrow an aperture for this subject. I commented in an earlier thread on the clumsy physical handling of the combination; that is indeed a problem in actual use as among other things it positions the focus ring in just the wrong place.
The AF is also noticeably sluggish compared with the bare lens and, combined with the dim viewfinder and poor handling I found it quite hard to lock on to birds moving around in the trees. However, if I got a lock, it would track. I was even able to track a cockatoo in flight using the centre point (normally I would use all-points AF for that).
Contrast is noticeably reduced compared with the bare lens and also, on at least one frame, a small amount of chromatic aberration introduced. However, I don't think there's much resolution loss. Bear in mind the camera has only 11Mpx.
Whether this lens+extender combination is adequate depends on your use. Ducks in ponds, as seen above, is not a problem. For more active subjects, it's OK as an "emergency" measure but due to the handling and AF I certainly wouldn't purchase this combination with regular use in mind.
I may or may not post some samples later.
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