CKrueger
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 p.1 #17 · Canon 300 2.8+1.4x Converter - SOFT? | |
I'll push what the others have said a bit further: I don't shoot with this combo much, but I shoot with a 2x a lot, and good shots are at least as sharp as this. A 1.4x shouldn't do this to a 300/2.8IS; you've got either a soft TC, some sort of technique problem, or just had dumb luck that day.
To help eliminate focusing error, try shooting multiple shots of the same subject, refocusing after each. The focus preset rocker is handy for this: set it to infinity, then when shooting, touch the rocker, focus, and fire. Repeat this a few times and you're likely to see small variations in focus distance with each shot. One will usually be sharper than the rest.
To eliminate hand shake, keep the shutter speed as fast as possible. With my 5D (similar noise to the 1Ds2) I was happy to shoot ISO800 if it meant I could keep my shutter speed above 1/1000sec. Only when I hit ISO1600 did I notice that image started becoming softer due to noise reduction... and then I'd rather machine gun a bunch of frames and hope IS saved me. That usually works for me down to 1/400sec or so with my 2x. But you should shoot some test shots to see at what shutter speed hand shake is completely eliminated for your hands, and strive to reach that shutter speed.
You might also try shooting from a tripod if you have a stable enough setup for this kit. You can get more repeatable results with a tripod than handheld. And if you've got a willing subject and access to a camera with Live View, you can absolutely NAIL focus, and see what your lens can really do.
Also keep in mind that the super short DOF at long focal lengths mean that focus/recomposing will give you back focus. With your shoulder level with the center of your monitor, reach your arm out and touch the top of your monitor. Now move your arm down so it's horizontal. Your finger would push through the monitor when your arm is horizontal. This is the problem with focus/recompose--you're putting the plane of focus behind the subject. You can mitigate this by selecting a focus point that lets you focus with little/no recomposing.
Finally, FWIW, I notice very little difference in sharpness when stopping down with a 1.4x attached. So little that it's barely worth mentioning. If shooting wide open means you can keep your shutter speed up to your target and shoot ISO400 instead of ISO800, I say shoot wide open. You'll gain more from lower noise than you'll lose from lens softness. So long as that gives you sufficient DOF, of course.
I hope you find some solution that helps your images. Shooting with long tele lenses has a steep learning curve, so experiment liberally, and don't give up!
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