Lets talk doublers

[Alchase]

I was wondering what you guys think of doublers?
I have heard a few different opinions pro and con but really do not have enough shutter time yet to establish my own opinion so I will steal yours, 

A buddy of mine who has every canon gadget know to man, wont touch them. His opinion is:
"it is just adding another opportunity to screw up the shot by putting more glass between you and the subject".
I see his point, but I still called him a white lens snob, 

My sister is a good photographer (not as extreme as my buddy is) used a double with a 70-200 non-IS on her trip to Tanzania. She came back with some extraordinary shots.

I used the exact same combo and soon realized the auto focus only worked about 2/3s the way out, and I suck at manually focusing. I have not had the opportunity to try my (new to me) 70-300 IS with my doubler to see how the stabilization yet.

Some of the shots I see posted here, I catch my self thinking even with the EF 300, 2.8 you would have to be pretty dang close to get those shots without a 2v or 3x?

What do you guys think?

[huntnphool]

 Just remember that when you use that 2X you will be losing 2 stops of light, might be a issue trying to stop movement when you are starting at f/5.6 with that 70-300 USM.

[huntnphool]

 Do you have the 70-300L?

[grandpawrichard]

I own and have used a 1.4X and a 2X extender for a very long time. They do come in mighty handy at times, but they also can create some problems. For a 2X you need extremely steady hands or something to prop the camera up against to steady it. You really should have a darned good tripod to use one of them. You will also need to speed up your shutter speed quite a bit to take out even the slightest amount of camera movement in order for the photos to come out crisp and clear. Plus, you loose 2 stops in your lens. So you need a lot more light to be able to get your photo.

They are a hassle to use, but at times they are money well spent if you need the extra reach to get that "once in a lifetime shot". I don't go anywhere with my camera gear that I don't have my extenders with me. You just never know when you will need them!

Dick

[huntnphool]

I was wondering what you guys think of doublers?
I have heard a few different opinions pro and con but really do not have enough shutter time yet to establish my own opinion so I will steal yours, 

A buddy of mine who has every canon gadget know to man, wont touch them. His opinion is:
"it is just adding another opportunity to screw up the shot by putting more glass between you and the subject".
I see his point, but I still called him a white lens snob, 

My sister is a good photographer (not as extreme as my buddy is) used a double with a 70-200 non-IS on her trip to Tanzania. She came back with some extraordinary shots.

I used the exact same combo and soon realized the auto focus only worked about 2/3s the way out, and I suck at manually focusing. I have not had the opportunity to try my (new to me) 70-300 IS with my doubler to see how the stabilization yet.

 Some of the shots I see posted here, I catch my self thinking even with the EF 300, 2.8 you would have to be pretty dang close to get those shots without a 2v or 3x?

Your autofocus needs a aperture of f/8 to work with a 2X, when combined with a f/4 lens it will still work because you then are shooting at f/8. If you narrow your aperture or use a lens that is at 5.6 you will lose your autofocus ability. This is why it worked with your sisters 70-200, she either has a 2.8 or f4 and never started at 5.6.

 Bottom line, unless you are starting with a very good quality L series lens (White Lens) you are going to see a degradation in sharpness and contrast, and slower or non existent autofocus.  

 

[Alchase]

Do you have the 70-300L?

I wish, no I have the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, it has been a good lens (for the price) not near the "L" though.

[boneaddict]

Use them lots, but I have the glass for it, just like Phool stated.    Most often if I am after top notch pics I'd rather just get closer.   I use them more for document pics.  I think  you also get better results with prime lens too.

[huntnphool]

Do you have the 70-300L?

I wish, no I have the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, it has been a good lens (for the price) not near the "L" though.

Well that is why you lose autofocus 2/3 of the way out. Doubled from f4 you are still shooting at f8, but when you zoom your lens it changes to the f5.6, narrowing your aperture past the point the autofocus needs, you are then shooting at f/11.

[boneaddict]

I had one that for some reason didn't Marry to my lens.   I missed some really nice sheep shots in the Swakane and of a 32+ inch buck because of that.  I sent them both back to Canon under warranty as suggested by Pope.  They sent it back to me and works fine now.   Not sure if they replaced or what.   Free of charge. (other than insurance and shipping).

[Alchase]

Huntnphool, the 70-200 I believe was 4-5.6, your explanation would explain why about 2/3 out did not work worth a crap, lol

GPR, that's good to know, I will have to set it up on the tripod with a remote when I get the chance.

Bone, I got to play with both the 300 2.8 "L" and the 400 2.8 "L", all I can say is wow! Incredible lenses that made taking great shots a whole lot easier. Thinking I was carrying 7k each scared the crap out of me, lol

Great info, put in terms I understand, thanks allot gentleman.

[huntnphool]

Huntnphool, the 70-200 I believe was 4-5.6, your explanation would explain why about 2/3 out did not work worth a crap, lol

Your 70-300 should be f4-5.6 but the 70-200L is either fixed f/2.8 or f/4.

[huntnphool]

Thinking I was carrying 7k each scared the crap out of me, lol

You should try packing this thing around.

[RaffleMule]

I did carry that thing around.....And, I actually thought you two were serious about shooting the deer.  Now, I know you just wanted a "sucker" to carry the camera around so you could get pics of it rather than actually pulling the trigger.   

[huntnphool]

I did carry that thing around.....And, I actually thought you two were serious about shooting the deer.  Now, I know you just wanted a "sucker" to carry the camera around so you could get pics of it rather than actually pulling the trigger.   

See, I shot him.

[Alchase]

Which lens is that?

Sweet pics!