• Please use real names.

    Greetings to all who have registered to OPF and those guests taking a look around. Please use real names. Registrations with fictitious names will not be processed. REAL NAMES ONLY will be processed

    Firstname Lastname

    Register

    We are a courteous and supportive community. No need to hide behind an alia. If you have a genuine need for privacy/secrecy then let me know!
  • Welcome to the new site. Here's a thread about the update where you can post your feedback, ask questions or spot those nasty bugs!

Using a 2xTc

Richard Rickard

New member
I have a 20D and I purchased a Mark II to use My 2x Tc on a trip I took. Sold the Mark II because of the weight.
Only using the Mark series can you AUTO focus a lens using a 2 X TC.
My question is, will we be able to use a 2X Tc and auto a lens using the new 5d Mark II.
It is a bad thing and I do not like the way Canon has it that we can not use a 2 X TC with a 20D , 30D, 40D, 50D or a rebel, we can ONLY us our 2 XTC on a MARK SERIES.
I have a 2 X TC sitting in my bag and can not us it( BAD Canon)

Richard Rickard
 

Doug Kerr

Well-known member
Hi, Richard,

I have a 20D and I purchased a Mark II to use My 2x Tc on a trip I took. Sold the Mark II because of the weight.
Only using the Mark series can you AUTO focus a lens using a 2 X TC.
Well, I wouldn't say that. It depends on the maximum aperture of the composite lens (basic lens plus the focal length converter) and the minimum aperture that is workable for the various type of AF point detectors in the body.

Many EOS bodies (not just the 1 series) offer AF detectors that will work at apertures of f/5.6, and so long as the basic lens has an aperture of at least f/2.8, then operation with a 2x focal length converter should be practical.
 
Last edited:

Nill Toulme

New member
You can also use it even with lenses slower than f/2.8 by taping over certain contacts on the lens mount, but the AF performance tends to be shaky when used that way (i.e., Canon disables it for a reason).

Nill
 

Richard Rickard

New member
Hi Doug

Canon does not make 2.8 in a 500 or 600. And how would you handle a truck like that.
Using a 2 Xtc to get extra length with a 300mm 4/0 can not be done. Only short lens like a 70-200 2.8
makes sense or a 300 2.8, but then you have to spend a lot of money to do this.
 
I feel your pain, Richard, but I don't think it's fair to blame Canon. It doesn't hide the requirements as far as which lenses their teleconverters can be used with, or what maximum aperture is required for autofocus.

True, it does require a 1-series body to be able to have autofocus at f/8, whereas all the others need f/5.6. That's just the nature of the beast, and one of the things you get for the price (and weight!) of these bodies. Everything is a trade-off.

You can always consider ebay-ing it, going with the 1.4x, or using a non-Canon brand 2x, which can sometimes allow autofocus on a non 1-series body (although you'll need to check this out, and how well it would work may also be an issue).

Good luck with your photography!
 

Nill Toulme

New member
You'll get better results with the 1.4x anyway. The 2x usually has a fairly noticeable effect on image quality. It should only be used when absolutely necessary.

Nill
 

Doug Kerr

Well-known member
Hi, Richard,

Canon does not make 2.8 in a 500 or 600. And how would you handle a truck like that.
Using a 2 Xtc to get extra length with a 300mm 4/0 can not be done. Only short lens like a 70-200 2.8
makes sense or a 300 2.8, but then you have to spend a lot of money to do this.

"War is hell"
-Sherman

Best regards,

Doug
 
Top