I am shopping for a 1.4x TC. My EOS 3 and 200 f/2.8 are the only body / lens combination that I will use the TC with in the forseeable future. My options are: Canon 1.4x EF Extender ($330), Canon 1.4x EF Extender II ($380), and Kenko Pro 300 1.4x ($172). My #1 concern is sharpness. I'm pretty sure there are no compatibility issues with any of them. For the price I like the Kenko, but I know very little about comparative quality between the three. What are the real differences (construction, durability, optics, etc.)?

Derrick

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), September 18, 2001

Answers

I should add: I am open to input about other third party TCs. I only mention the Kenko because someone suggested I consider it.

Derrick

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), September 19, 2001.

For the same reason that the Canon TCs are incompatible (physically) with most EF lenses, they are better optically. Because the elements project into the lens, they are picking up the light earlier.

I have a Canon 1.4X TC, and I am very happy with the results it gives with my 70-200 F4L and my 300 F4L IS. I would not consider the Kenko, as you have Canon L series and an excellent Canon body, so why compromise the TC?

As for Canon mk I and mk II...The only differences with the 1.4X is the mk II has the weather-sealing and a new light-absorbant material on the inside of the barrel. That's it. No optical differences. The mkII is slightly heavier due to it's bigger diameter (to incorporate the weather sealing), and both are the same length.

Given the lens and camera (ie they don't have weather sealing), you might as well save a few $ and get the mk I, unless you can see yourself getting an EOS 1V and a weather-sealed lens. However, you do say "My EOS 3 and 200 f/2.8 are the only body / lens combination that I will use the TC with in the forseeable future", so I think the mk I will be fine.

-- Isaac Sibson (Isibson@hotmail.com), September 19, 2001.

Thanks Isaac. Makes sence. For what I shoot, I really don't see a 1V & big white monsters coming my way. The MK I is probably the best choice. But what about AF? The AF (and MF for that matter) on the 200 f/2.8L blows my other USMs away. Will I lose quickness / responsiveness with the TC attached?

Derrick

-- Derrick Morin (dmorin@oasisol.com), September 19, 2001.

AF is purposefully slowed down when using TCs, because the focusing becomes more "sensitive" (due to the higher magnification), so it is slowed. However, I found that my 300mm F4L IS + 1.4X TC mk I on my EOS 5 was capable of tracking Caspian terns in flight. The EOS 3 would be able to do it faster with any given combo.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), September 19, 2001.