23.2.2012

A starting consideration:It stands to reason that an extender at a few hundred pounds cannot possibly do anything like the job of a longer lens costing thousands of pounds.If it did then Canon would soon be out of business!So exactly what is on offer here and what is not?A considered and truthful opinion from a professional photographer and his supplier.Not everyone will be bothered by these professional provisos but everyone should understand the issues before considering purchase as follows:........................Firstly the hard facts:1. This extender loses one stop of light which means that only 1/2 of the normal light from the lens will reach the sensor2.Only series 1 cameras will only give auto focus at basic f8.0 or wider which means that the slowest lens possible for auto focus will be f5.63. Non-series 1 cameras will only give auto focus at basic f5.6 or wider which means that the slowest lens possible for auto focus will be f4.04. Both the f4.0 or f5.6 basic apertures with the extender fitted will increasingly be relatively slow to latch on to focus in less than good lightthe-digital-picture.com gives in-depth reviews of all lenses and full explanations of the above facts................................................My professional experienceThis extender was bought primarily to extend the use of the 300mm F2.8 and the 70-200mm F.8 lenses. I had previously owned the original version of this extender and then the Mark 2. This Mark 3 continues the improvement although it must be said that differences are slight and you need large images to fully see any real change. All three extenders have real matters of compromise to consider and these apply to this latest model too.The real issue concerns the loss of image quality and performance compared to full-length lenses and whether such losses are acceptable enough for the purchaser's purposes. I am not so sure that the difference between the mark 2 and this mark 3 will be readily apparent except under the most demanding circumstances coupled with cropping. Simply upgrading may not be worthwhile compared to buying this extender for the first time.The intended advantage of using this extender with lenses constructed with wide enough open apertures is that you get greater magnification with full automatic features but at a much lower total weight (and cost) of buying another lens. The performance, flexibility and ease of use thus gained is supposed to be such that this works out as a useful piece of kit. The losses to consider are lower shutter speed, image searching and potential loss of image quality in large prints.Most effective use is rather limited to bright conditions for reasons of speed and focus. Conditions in the USA may therefore be more suitable than in the UK for example and safari holidays may also be suitable uses for the same reason.As a result I have found that I use it only very rarely and only then in particularly favourable lighting conditions and as a last option. I have never found the final image to be of sufficient quality to be useful professionally. In reality it really only works well enough to be considered professionally with fast F 2.8 lenses. However, professionals would nearly always choose to use a longer lens because the loss of performance with the extender makes images too doubtful for commercial use.A longer lens will always out-perform this extender coupled with a shorter lens, quite markedly in poor light conditions, and will always be the choice of professionals and very keen amateurs. However longer lenses cost more, are heavier and simply more to carry about so this extender is useful as a fall-back option for occasional extra reach but at some cost of quality and operating performance. It should be noted that this short extender is far more effective than the 2 x extender which is very much more compromised in all the same ways............................................My professional supplier's opinionI discussed this extender with my professional supplier on behalf of an enquirer not using my equipment and this was his considered advice:1. The loss of a stop makes this a slower lens so an 100-400 f4.0-5.6 lens becomes f5.6 - 8.0 for example2. Autofocus loss or prolonged searching can become an issue with lenses slower than f2.8 especially in low light3. This loss means that good light becomes very important and a futher limiting factor4. Cropping will exaggerate loss of sharpness. Large crops do more damage than small crops5. Large images, especially in print form, will exaggerate loss of sharpness6. Older camera models with older processors are less able to handle the increase of digital noise7. Cameras with less than full frame imaging will exaggerate loss of sharpness8. Lenses without image stabilising will exaggerate loss of sharpness...............................................Essential considerations:In the supplier's view the best chance of success with this extender therefore would be to have a new model full-frame camera coupled with a USM lens with image stabilising and as fast an F stop as possible (F2.8 is ideal). Avoid cropping and large prints as much as possible and always work in good lighting.Conclusion:This extender is therefore cautiously recommended as a good quick fix where an alternative lens without extender is not possible. However it would be wise to consider the pros and cons carefully before purchasing. You may be disappointed otherwise.........................................Some dialogue from the comments section that may offer further help:A very thoughtful review. Thank you (U.S. review)Amazing detail for an Amazon review thank you so much :]Your review says it all no need to spend hours reading more, I spent about an hour online reading before seeing yours and again great work!!! (U.S. review)Excellent Review, in three ways, (1)for the those among us with unlimited funds it makes for an informative read, (2) for that small group that only needs to take on 2 more side jobs and put the better half to work and not send the kid to a 'real' school. They can use this review to justify the cost of a 'Prime Lens' large enough so as not to need this peice of glass/paper weight. As for the rest of us now we will know what we are missing and why, and just maybe if we are VERY good Santa may bring us an 1.4 extender or maybe we could check your trash can and fish it out so that we can take low quality non professional photographs and hope that some day we can show them off to the unwashed masses.So in parting, Great Review on all countsKevin (U.S. review)This is a comprehensive review and very useful. It helps me make up my mind that this can be useful for my exact purpose which is to take sports pictures outdoors for a high school yearbook. The good lenses that I would love to have all cost far too much and their purchase is in the distant future. At least I can make an informed decision on this product knowing it has limitations. (U.S. review)I appreciate the truthful and credible review. Often times, one cannot really know what to expect from expensive products as many reviewers tend to inflate their praise so as not to feel bad about their purchases. It's a human thing. But many of us with limited funds need to hear the real deal truth. (U.S. review)Loving this review and the one for the 2x extender mkiii. ..... Cheers. (U.S. review)Dear Ian,Thank you so much for taking the time to offer this wonderful review and the follow-ups to comments. I can tell you truly enjoy your art. I am not a professional photographer, but I am a professional graphic artist and like to think that I'm an above average amateur photographer with hope that someday I can make use of the images that I am getting at this point. Obviously I was considering one of these types of devices or I wouldn't have read your review : ). Although I had a grasp of all the pitfalls that go with digital imagery presentation, printed versus computer screen, it just didn't dawn on me as a photographer until you brought it up in this review. I can see the alure of these extenders, but I have much more to consider now. Once again, thank you very much and I hope this comment finds you well. (U.S. review)i found this review very helpful indeed as I was thinking of purchasing a converter for my canon 100-400mm but now am thinking to buy it more for my 100mm 2.8 macro as it will work better with that lens. so it was very helpful, shame about it not working so well with the 100-400mm though . (U.S. review)Thank you for your excellent review. It has assisted me with my decision and I feel sure that many others appreciate your efforts. (U.K. review)Your reviews are excellent thank you..... Thanks very much. (U.K. review)Hi Ian,I'm new to high end photography and have appreciated your in depth reviews and considered advice. Please keep the reviews coming.Richard E. (U.K. review)This reviewer has provided clear and concise guidance including ALL the pros and cons. It's refreshing to hear someone speak from real-world experience and to give a real-world review (warts and all) as opposed to being gushingly over-enthusiastic! I have definately decided to give the 2 x extender a miss and to go with the Canon 1.4. Good job I. Giles. (U.K. review)...........................................A note to the anonymous negative voters:The voting system is specifically only about reviews being 'helpful' or 'unhelpful'Goodness only knows what you find to be `unhelpful' about this review.A negative vote without reason is not helpful to anyone. It does not contribute in any useful way to discussion so no-one can learn from you.If you have a different view or find the review 'unhelpful' then explain, giving your reasons, and share your views in the comment option as intended.Your opinion might then add to the total useful advice.

9.10.2018

ENCLOSED :- Image taken with Canon 80D + Canon 70 - 200 F2.8 IS L Mk2 + Canon Extender EF 2x III ( F5.6 / ISO 320 )Right before we begin:-I see a lot of negative feedback on this Canon Extender EF 2x III... You can’t give negative feedback on items delivered broken, that’s NOT canons fault.I also see a few people buying this Extender EF 2x III then finding out it ONY fits a few high end lens, DO YOUR HOME WORK 1st FFS.The people that believe the end images are poor need to read this for sure !!!!OK rant over…..The Canon Extender EF 2x III, I believe a little over priced however it is what it is, if you want one that’s the price.I have taken many images with the combination listed above NONE of them poor /

28.5.2013

I debated long and hard on when and if to get one of these,mainly due to the negative wrap on the net I have read about them.Some I have read have gone along the lines of"I used this once,saw the appalling image quality and it resided in my draw untiled i sold it".When you as a potential purchaser read things like this,it can be very off putting,thus the reason why I have dug around further to find"Real Photographers" reviews.In the end I buckled and just bought one,because I came to the conclusion,if these destroyed image quality"that much" surely Canon would not still be making them,and indeed succeeded in taking them through into their III generation.Right from when you open the box,this

31.5.2011

I've had this extender now for a month or so and have been using it on various walks and visits to the zoo so thought it was about time someone put up a review of the Mark iii.I'd already read up on the extender mark ii and wasn't overly impressed, as there was too much lost in picture quality and functionally with the majority of cameras.I personally use this on my Canon 550D to extend my 70-200mm f2.8 II L lens. (Another amazing lens from Canon, recommend to everyone!) I specifically brought the extender for this lens so I could get the extra reach of up to 400mm.First impressions of the extender were, it is a little heavy. Not overly noticeable on its own, until you couple it on the camera and add the lens,

23.9.2017

WARNING Before you buy, check the list of EF lenses on the Canon website to make sure it will fit and work with your lens. It is NOT be compatible with ALL EF lenses. Stupidly, I bought this extender for the my EF 70-300 4-5.6 L USM telephoto lens without checking.However, although my lens is not on the list, it dose work, but with limitations. The f-stop information is incorrect (due to my camera - EOS 6D Mk II - firmware not recognising the combination of lens & extender - although the EOS 1D X dose recognise it!), plus, due to the rubber lens mount in the extender preventing the retraction of the internal element workings of the EF lens,

22.4.2017

I have successfully used this Extender on My 7Dmkii with a 70x200 2.8 IS ii Lens.IMHO I believe many are giving a poor review because they are expecting too much from the extender perhaps thinking it simply should just double the reach of the lens, and are forgetting not only will it reduce the Fstop of say of a 2.8 lens to 5.6 but more importantly it will magnify camera shake as well. Therefore in poor to average light (hand held) you will struggled to achieve high enough shutter speeds that will eliminate camera shake.Up your ISO setting so you can increase your shutter speed to 1/1000 and above and you should find a marked improvement in your images.The photo I have attached was shot at 1/8000 sec at F5.6,

25.2.2018

I bought this 1.4 extender to add a bit of extra reach on my DSLR and 100 - 400 Canon lens. It is permanently attached now! As others have mentioned it does knock the aperture down 2 stops. On a clear sunny day at full zoom and ISO auto set between 100 - 800 I get shutter speeds in the 500 - 640 area with the appropriate aperture in the f8 and smaller region. The exif data it is showing a focal length with my 100 - 400 on full zoom in the 525mm region. On a crop frame camera you may get better results. Shop around on Amazon - the price varies a great deal but make sure of which model you are buying as there are several versions out there

16.1.2015

My experience is that this extender, and its predecessor the mark II, work extremely well when used in conjunction with a Canon 5D mk III. With this camera automatic focus is preserved and the excellent high ISO performance are a great help. The extender is likely to be used mainly for wildlife and does add a more than useful extra reach. Obviously, the more the frame can be filled with the subject the better.I do not have any of the very expensive 'super' L lenses but when attached to the Canon 400mm f5.6L or 70-200 f4L lenses the results are superb. Mostly I use it in conjunction with the 400mm lens with at least some support.

5.2.2014

Plenty has been written about the matchless quality of Canon's 'white' L series lenses, and I chose the awesome 300mm 2.8 IS USM II for it's relatively light weight. It left me wanting more 'length' though, so after much thought i invested in the EF Mk III 1.4 Extender. Purists argue that any extender is anathema, but for me it's given me a 420mm F4 stabilised lens which produces results which are startlingly sharp even handheld.It's expensive of course, but a mediocre extender on a top-notch lens really would be anathema!

6.1.2016

A superb addition to my kit. Paired with the 500f4L you can hardly tell the difference, very little loss in quality.One stop of light is OK to lose in good light but I do tend to remove it when it's getting darker photographing birds. Worth newbies remembering that you lose a stop of light with this extender so autofocus will only work on lenses with F4 or brighter, f5.6 lenses will only work with some of the top bodies but now including the 7Dmkii which with AF at f8.

30.12.2012

This the latest version has slightly better glass and better enviro seals, I use mine with the 70-200 f2.8 is ii lens to increase my reach, with this adapter my fast glass stays fast (F4)distortion isn't worth mentioning as its so slight.One thing to check before you buy is the lens compatibility information on the Canon website as the adapter isn't compatible with all L series lenses.I find that I use the adapter more than I ever thought I would.Hope this helps.

25.10.2013

This arrived eventually delivered into next doors garden, and all packaging damaged in the rain.However, the extender was still protected and well packaged, so did not suffer.It is a very expensive extender for what it is, and at first could not get my long tele zoomto autofocus with it. This was fixed by updating the firmware on my Canon 5dmark3.Quality still good, would recommend to anyone wanting more reach on their lenses.Will only work with L lenses though

9.2.2015

Does what it is intended for. I'm a little disappointed that besides doubling the focal length, it doubles the aperture too. However, if you can live with that then it's sharp, clear and I haven't noticed any degradation of picture quality. With the 70-200 f2.8 L zoom lens attached, the whole setup. i.e. camera, extender and lens is pretty heavy and soon gives you shoulder ache. But I guess if you want the best quality pictures you have to suffer for your art!

5.8.2013

I use this with a 400mm f5.6L, but have also tested it with a 70-200mm f2.8L IS (see battery picture in the customer images). The 400mm f5.6 becomes 800mm f11 with no autofocus, and is therefore quite challenging to use even in good light.On the other hand, the image quality is superb - far better than I expected. Of course, you'd never expect it to be as good as the 800mm f5.6L lens, but that costs £10,000 and weighs 4.5kg!

4.5.2017

A quantum leap up from the previous version this has extended my reach with no significant loss of autofocus speed or image quality. Yes it's pricey but give one of the cheaper alternatives out there a quick go and you'll see why you need Canons own extender in between your L series glass and the sensor. Very quick to arrive and the lowest price I could find other than a little shop in the northeastern province of China!

Canon EF 2x III - Reviews

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