Extenders question for BM

Greylag, I just think that's a modern version of the old saying  " Much Wants More " The drop in quality is so much less with modern digital cameras since they give high quality any way.  Its not quite the problem now that it was when I was using  Kodachrome 25 slide film I can assure you.

 {From a rather Different cameraman  ABM !!  not BlueMalaga !! }

I have a canon 1.4 extender which I use with my 150-400 lens.  There is a slight drop in quality.  I generally use it when in a hide cos I can’t hand hold it steady

Hi GL

Yes is the quick answer, but it needs clarification. Firstly, not all lenses can accept the use of a converter due to fit as the rear elements need to be recessed to accept the protruding front element of the converter.

I have both a 1.4 and 2x converters used over many years with differing results, although both give very good results when used within capability. It depends entirely on the quality of the lens being used and the the converter.

Firstly the 2x converter is ok when used with fast prime lenses (300/500 F2.8)where the loss of 2 stops still gives a max aperture of F5.6 the viewfinder is much less bright and the auto focus is noticeably slower. The quality is still good, Several years ago I had a double page magazine spread from a surfing shot that was heavily cropped from a 10megapixel camera. I have not had a great deal of success using zoom lenses with the 2x

The 1.4 I use almost permanently on my 500 F4 giving a giving a 700mm F5.6 effectively, quality is excellent but again the auto focus is marginally slower. The converter also works well with my 80-400mm but needs good light as the focus is much slower. 
I am now using Nikon, but the same applies to my previous Canon kit.

Hope this is helpful, but if not ask further.

Hi GL

I recall you posting previously that you preferred not to look at others work, but I find it very informative and challenging to check images posted on Flickr. I aspire to do my best to learn and if possible to emulate the standard set by better photographers.

With this in mind, may I suggest you visit Flickr and by searching for SEO’s you may find some taken at the same spot and time to yours.

You will also be able to see what camera lens and converter were used. My guess is that you will find a very high percentage will be taken with a converter. 
Long F4 lenses will be with a 1.4 while 300 F2.8 will be used with 2x converters.

We are hoping to make our east coast trip again this year starting in May at Minsmere then meandering up to Bempton.

 Thanks for the replies.......

I went to see the owls, only to discover they might have gone, will check again later this week.  People stood there for 5 hours and not a bird to be seen.

Got chatting to a man with a lens the length of a football pitch and he said he used an extender, but only on bright days, which made sense.

BM....I will check out flickr later today.  Always helpful.

OP did you have a look?

I had a look after I posted yesterday and mainly owls on a post came that must have been close to the camera. I posted a link to my page previously on page 2 of this thread. The info on camera is at the bottom of the comments, it shows lens camera exposure settings and if the lens shows 700 it is with a 1.4 converter. I used it a Slimbridge yesterday in really bad light and high iso but still had good result considering conditions

Go 

the jackdaw was a long way off and heavily cropped with fairly low shutter speed and high iso so wings are moving to fast to freeze, but there is pretty good detail on claws and head. Good light would have improved things considerably, but as I was stir crazy, needed to get out.

Following our discussion, I re-viewed a utube post called “all about TC’s” by a guy called Steve Perry.

google “Steve Perry photography u-tube”

a bit long winded, but should answer all your questions.

BM

Steve Perry really clear and understood.   Thanks

You are welcome GL. Steve's videos are pretty good I think and although Nikon biased, can be applied generally.

I have attached 3 pics taken today with a 1.4 converter in good light. I am pretty happy that they show that the converter does deliver good results.