RussellCrowder

I managed to purchase the original mk I Canon 1.4x and 2.0x tc's on eBay for $75.00. For my level of skill and the cameras and lenses that I use them with I don't see the image degradation I've read so much about. Have you thought about renting the tc's? After the trip you could buy the one you used most. For me it's almost always the 2x + 70-200 used with the 70D for the extra reach the 1.6x crop provided by the APS-C body.

Mark, thank you for the suggestion of renting. I thought of it, but didn't pursue it as the cost at a local shop would be half the purchase price considering the length of time we're gone - given that, I'd rather come away with something new in my camera bag. However, I just checked the national renters and they are much cheaper, so who knows.

I also appreciate you took the time to compare the two tele-converters. I've wondered if it was more hype or actually true.

Thank you!

I would do research to find out how far out bears can be expected to be. The tour people should be able to give you that info based on past encounters, unless they did not bother to note/record that fact.

Then with the distance, back into the lens magnification you would need for a bear at that distance.

Although the bear could come right up to your bus, so you would need a WIDE lens rather than a long tele :eek:

 

Your 70-200 is a 2-5.7x lens.

Put the 2x converter on it, and you go to a 4-11.4x lens.

 

You could consider renting a Canon 100-400 (2.8-11.4x) or the Sigma/Tamron 150-600 (4.3-17x)

But that would be another big or BIG lens to pack and carry, so more bulk and weight.

It would be difficult to use a LONG lens like that inside a bus, unless you can stick the lens out the window.

These lenses are already at f/5.6 or smaller, so I would not put a TC on them.

Will it be better than your 70-200/2.8 + 2x TC ? The Canon 100-400 probably, the Sigma/Tamron 150-600 I don't know.

 

A tangent alternative is to go Micro 4/3. Although this would entail buying or renting an entire new system.

A micro 4/3, 75-300 zoom is 3-12x, in a comparatively tiny package.

I put a manual focus 500mm f/8 mirror lens on mine for a compact 20x setup. On a stabilized body like the Olympus EM1, this is a hand-holdable setup :)

You do have to tell the body the focal length of the manual lens you put on, so that the IBIS will work properly.

Wow, thanks for all of the input - I've never thought of some of this. Thank you!!!!

Personally I don't get the 1.4x TC.

If I am going to multiply the focal length, 2x makes more sense, to me.

 

BTW is even 2x on a 70-200 long enough? 2 x 200 = 400, 400 / 35 = 11.4x magnification.

A wild bear is something that I do not want to be close to.

Gary, I know what you ,mean, I wish I had a longer lens, but being retired, I have to watch the $. So, I guess I'll get close to that bear. If you hear of a bear attack in Alaska next June . . .

I don't do much wildlife photography, but from what little I have done, I suspect you will find the 1.4x too short, as Gary suggested. My longest lens is 400mm, and even on a crop sensor camera, I often find that too short for birds. So I would go with the 2.0x.

 

However, if you want to save money, given that you are only going to look at these on screen or printed small, why don't you look for a version II? The version II 2.0x wasn't wonderful, but it might be enough, and you can get a used one in excellent condition, guaranteed by KEH, for less than half the cost of a new III.

Thank you for the thought, paddler!

I have a serious question for you.

I’m a 30+ year amateur photographer. My wife and I are planning a typical NCL Alaskan cruise with land excursions. I love photographing wildlife (in this case, think bears instead of the usual gators and birds). I’m thinking of buying a Canon Extender to go with my 7D MKII and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. I don’t know whether to purchase the Canon Extender EF 2x or the 1.4x. I’ve read the 1.4x produces slightly sharper photos, but, then, will I miss that .6 magnification? Given the APS-C sensor, I won’t be printing anything too large, although we usually just view the photos on the computer these days. Both Extenders sell for the same price (new). Any suggestions / input as which I should purchase (other than used or renting)?

I would sincerely appreciate any honest input / feedback. Thank you for your consideration!

<p>I've inherited a number of old family photos which I'm trying to digitize. Unfortunately those old photos with a matte finish scan terribly. Are there any Photoshop tricks to reduce the matte artifacts?<br>

Thank you for your time!</p>

<p>Russ</p>