How does a 2x teleconverter affect autofocus and image quality on a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II with a 5D Mark III?

Asked 3/17/2014

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I use a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM on a Canon 5D Mark III and am considering a Canon 1.4x or 2x teleconverter for aviation photography. I understand the aperture loss: the 1.4x would make the lens effectively f/4, and the 2x would make it f/5.6. Since I usually shoot aircraft at around f/7.1 or smaller, that part is less of a concern.

What I want to know is how a 2x teleconverter affects real-world use, especially autofocus performance in AI Servo when tracking aircraft, and whether sharpness in the center of the frame stays good enough to be worthwhile. Is the 2x extender a practical way to get to 400mm on this setup, or do the autofocus and image-quality tradeoffs outweigh the extra reach?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

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I have used the exact setup you are using. I found that the 2X Teleconverter iii worked wonderfully with the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II on the 5D Mark iii. I actually tested it in far harder conditions (shooting a wedding in a relatively dimly lit gymnasium) and it worked quite well. Particularly since you will be using the shorter focus distance setting, I wouldn't expect too much problem.

The focus was slower, but not significantly enough that I'd worry about it, even for your use case. Image sharpness was still pristine. It was certainly lower than without the converter, but more than usable. It was far higher quality than my 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS that I was using prior to getting my 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. The consensus here is quite correct, there is a little (but liveable) corner loss, but the center is very clear still.

That said, if you are willing to spend more, the 100-400 f/4L will beat the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II with 2x teleconverter in terms of quality and speed, but it also costs 3 times as much.

For $450 the teleconverter is a great thing to have in your bag of tricks to go with your 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, particularly for the type of shooting you are doing. In fact, the 70-200 f/2.8 II is one of the few zoom lenses I'd recommend the 2x III for because it is so clear. I have to admit I have not purchased one yet, but only because I don't shoot at ranges where I need it often enough and have more pressing upgrades for my kit. Both the 1.4x III and the 2.0x III are on my list of things to get eventually.

Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11392

12y ago

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AI Answer

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With the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, a 2x teleconverter is generally considered usable and worthwhile if you need occasional extra reach. Users with this lens report that the 2x III still delivers good center sharpness, with some corner softness and an overall drop compared to the bare lens, but still very usable.

Autofocus does slow down, and that is the main tradeoff. For predictable subjects like aircraft, several users found it acceptable; for more erratic action, the slowdown and occasional focus hunting can become a real problem. One user noted it could track well for many frames, then suddenly fail to lock for a few seconds.

So for aviation photography, a 2x on this lens/body combination should work reasonably well, especially in decent light and with less erratic subjects. If you need the highest AF reliability for fast action, a dedicated longer lens may be better. If you want a compact, flexible way to reach 400mm without buying another lens, the 2x extender is a practical option.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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