Extenders - Canon EF1.4X II & EF2X II

[TerryPhillips]

My camera is a 7D with a 70-200m f2.8L IS USM.
I am looking at buying one of the above two extenders and have found mixed reviews on line. My main interest will be sport with some bird photography.
Has anyone any experience / comments on the results when using any of the Canon extenders.
Thanks in advance,
Terry

[neptuno]

My 1.4x is used extensively both on my 70-200 f2.8 and 300 f4 for wildlife and sport without any noticeable image degrading or slowing down of the AF. I also use a 2 X on the 70-200 on occasion but to get the quality you do need good light

[TerryPhillips]

Thanks for the quick reply Stan.
Maybe the 1.4x would be more versatile than the 2x considering your comment on "Good light"
Terry

[Lez S]

Yep, echo Stans advice - the 1.4x is always worth having in the bag.

[TerryPhillips]

Thanks Lez

[baz]

Yes agree with above the 1.4 is the way to go .I have both but only use 1.4.

Baz

[TerryPhillips]

Much appreciated Baz
Regards
Terry

[Nog]

If I can offer an alternative view for balance, I have the 1.4 on my 70-200 L and I must say I'm not sure if its worth the money.

The IQ etc is brilliant, dont get me wrong, but the gain in focal length with a 200ml lens isn't very mind blowing. It'll give you a little extra reach, but if you're having trouble getting birds without it, you wont be that better off with it.
My missus has a 55-250 EF-S, and the difference between my L lens with converter to her 250ml was very minimal which was pretty disappointing considering the cost difference of an L lens with converter.

If it had been around £100 I would have loved it, but at the price they are I was a little disappointed. That said, whack it on a 300ml or bigger and the improvement will be more noticeable.

If you really need the reach, then I would go for the 2x. The IQ isn't reputed to be quite as good as the 1.4, but I've seen shots with it that are more than acceptable and on the 200ml it will give you a massive 400ml instead of a mere 280ml.

[mstphoto]

I can't believe the price of the new extenders - quite extortionate if you ask me.

Another vote for the 1.4 although I've never used a 2x. I use my one on my 300 f4 & 100-400 with great results.

Mike

[RayL]

i have both the 1.4 and X2, there is a lot written about poor image quality with the x2 but in my view if used at f8 or better it is fine, if wide open then.....
Ray

[TerryPhillips]

Thanks Nog just the sort of alternative info I need to help me make up my mind.
Terry

[TerryPhillips]

Thank you Ray