Included in my camera bag are the 100 1.4 USM and 200 2.8 L USM. I am strongly considering the 1.4X MK II for a sharp 280 f4. Has anyone used this TC on the 100? Will it give me a usable 140, or would I be better off saving up $8XX for the 135 L? I assume there would be a difference in quality, but would it be significant enough to spend the extra $$?

Derrick

-- Derrick L. Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), September 04, 2001

Answers

I assume you have the 100 2.0 (don't know of a 100/1.4).

The Canon 1.4 TCs don't work with the 100 or any other Canon lenses that have a flush rear element, because the EF teleconverters have a protruding front element. If you want to use a 1.4x with the 100/2.0 you have to look to Tamron, Sigma, etc.

The 135/2.0 is an exceptional lens; note, though, that it weighs almost exactly as much as the 200/2.8 and is almost as big. There's a significant jump in size from the 100/2.0 to the 135/2.0.

.......

-- John (WhitmanDesign@aol.com), September 04, 2001.

John,

You are correct, the 100 is the 2.0. I got it confused with my 50.

Thanks for the info. It will be worth just having a good 280. I guess I'll start saving for the 135. I know it's big and heavy, but it is a terrific portrait lens. Thanks again.

Derrick

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), September 04, 2001.

Note that the 135 F2 and 200 F2.8 are the only non-white lenses which are Canon teleconverter compatible (actually, I think that the TSE lenses are also, but not many people use them). The 135 F2L is reputed to be an absolutely excellent lens, and will easily surpass the 100 F2, let alone a 100 F2 with a teleconverter.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), September 05, 2001.

Just an addendum to my previous post. I mentioned the only non-white lenses to be able to take the TCs...but I didn't mention that not all white lenses can take them. I believe the only one which can't is the 35-350L USM. There's one other lens which you'd expect to be able to take them, which can't, and that's the original 80-200 F2.8L (ie the predecessor to the white 70-200 F2.8L we all know). Although not a white lens, a lot of people assume it is TC compatible because all of the 3 L series 70-200s are, but it is not.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), September 12, 2001.

Indeed, you are a font of knowledge (or is that fount?) -- thanks for the additional info!

-- Hung James Wasson (HJWasson@aol.com), September 12, 2001.

No...I only think I am. ;-).

-- Isaac Sibson (Isibson@hotmail.com), September 14, 2001.