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2x converter vs Longer Lens
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Tempted (just a little) by the 100-400 lens for sale on the forum, I then began to wonder would a 2X converter not be just as good.
I have a Canon 70-200mm f2.8 so would have an f2.8 aperture up to 200 and then lose 2 stops (f5.6) from 200-400 (with converter).
A 100-400 lens is usually f4-f5.6.Therefore, for about ?200 I effectively get the same, or better, performance as having 2 lenses, but at a much lower cost and
a lot less weight to carry. The quality is supposed to be on a par with the original lens.Only disadvantage I can see is that it wouldn’t be much use if I had a 2nd camera body and wanted to use both lenses.
Am I missing something else – does anyone disagree with the above reasoning ?
Well although it goes against my interests as the person selling the 100-400 (!) I would say that the size and weight of the 100-400 is the reason it has stayed in my cupboard. AS you lose a couple of stops with the converter this can be a problem, but as your 70-200 is 2.8, I would go down that route. I have no experience of compared results.
Yup – have to say weight and convenience were factors (as well as cost, of course).
However, having had a look through the converter reviews on fredmiranda, I am not so convinced it’s a good idea from a quality point of view.
Lots of praise for the 1.4 converter, but a few comments that it might be better to get the 1.4x and upres rather than a 2x.Best of all being to get an actual lens (without converter).
Agreed, it makes sense to stick with your 70-200, ahhh :) but wouldn’t it be possible to put a 1.4x or 2x converter on the 100-400 too for the real zoom zoom factor, really only any good in good light and on a tripod but hey, still a handy tool, beware if you’re using it with a 20D though cos you’ll have to manually focus, its fine on the 1D cameras, don’t know about the 5D or 30D.
I am really tempted by the 100-400. I have a very sharp Sigma 70-200 and a 2x converter. A friend got a 100-400 recently and there is no comparison between the 100-400 400 and the Sigma with the converter. The former is way way better. The converter shots are very soft. PS can give them a semblence of sharpness but it is not the same. The IS is a big factor for me too as the ol’ hands aren’t as steady as they used to be.
I will PM you Ross but I fear that the offer may be a bit too low. That is no reflection on the lens, more on my circumstances with Christmas coming up, a very expensive daughter in college etc but sure You’d never know.
Danny
Converters will always always degrade the image and where possible a longer lens without a converter is to be preferred over an equivalent focal length gained by using a converter. Many of the marque or top-end converters are matched for use with specific lenses.
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