Another TC experiment

[clutchkiller]

This is just a quick experiment I did with my Canon 30D, Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens, Canon EF 1.4X II converter, and Canon EF 2X II converter. I wanted just a little more reach so I ordered the 2X. I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about the 2X so I wasn’t sure about buying it (I’ll keep my fingers crossed and see how it does).

All of the pictures were taken from a tripod indoors. The distance from the camera to the arrow nock in the pictures was approximately 20 feet. For all of the images the shutter speed was 1/100th and ISO speed was @ 500. All images were taken using manual focus and there has been no editing done to any of them.

First image using only the 300mm lens Exif data and image

File size: 17731 bytes
File date: 2006:11:07 16:23:34
Camera make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 30D
Date/Time: 2006:11:07 17:30:00
Resolution: 640 x 426
Flash used: No
Focal length: 300.0mm (35mm equivalent: 480mm)
CCD width: 22.48mm
Exposure time: 0.0100 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/4.0
ISO equiv.: 500
Whitebalance: Auto

Second image using 300mm lens in combination with the 1.4X converter Exif data and image

File size: 15866 bytes
File date: 2006:11:07 16:23:35
Camera make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 30D
Date/Time: 2006:11:07 17:35:08
Resolution: 640 x 426
Flash used: No
Focal length: 420.0mm (35mm equivalent: 673mm)
CCD width: 22.48mm
Exposure time: 0.0100 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO equiv.: 500
Whitebalance: Auto

Third image using the 300mm lens in combination with the 2X converter Exif data and image

File size: 13668 bytes
File date: 2006:11:07 16:23:36
Camera make: Canon
Camera model: Canon EOS 30D
Date/Time: 2006:11:07 17:37:15
Resolution: 640 x 426
Flash used: No
Focal length: 600.0mm (35mm equivalent: 961mm)
CCD width: 22.48mm
Exposure time: 0.0100 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO equiv.: 500
Whitebalance: Auto

I’ve read on a few different photography boards that the two converters can be used together by stacking the 2X in front of the 1.4X converter. Canon does not recommend doing this because of image derogation and the image data cannot be recorded, it comes up as if you were only using the 2X… just for kicks (and I was very curious)… Trust me, there is an arrow nock in there some where….

Maybe if I ever get desperate on a bright sunny day I might try it.

And a BTW, both converters cost the same.

 

[foulshot]

Paul, I'm not sure but you may be able to tape the pins on the 2x converter and keep AF. You'll have to do some research, but it may be worth while. I'd search the forums at FM or DPReview.

 

[clutchkiller]

Thanks Zach, I remember reading something about taping the pins in the review section of FM before I ordered the converter. I'll have to go back and try to find it again.

 

[clutchkiller]

Here are a couple of comparison pictures that I took yesterday (they are pretty bad, this is just to show the difference in magnification). The only editing that has been done was a compensation for light, equally to both images. Both images were taken from the same distance.

The first image was taken with my Canon 300mm f/4 (prime) coupled with my Canon 2X converter.

Another bird watcher asked me if I would like to snap a couple of pictures with his Canon 500mm f/4 (prime), which had a Canon 2X converter attached. I turned down his offer the first time, but when he asked again... I couldn't resist.

The extra reach was nice, but I'm not so sure it's worth an extra $3,500+. I do want the Canon 600mm f/4 now, maybe I'll learn to take some decent pics by the time I can afford it.

I think if I was looking for my first wildlife lens, I would have to think long and hard about the Canon 400mm f/5.6 knowing what I know now. It is within a $100 difference with the Canon 300mm f/4, add the 1.4X converter to the 300mm and you have spent about an extra $400 for almost the same lens. You give up image stablisation with the 400mm, but you will have faster auto focus and less parts to deal with (keep clean).