The effective aperture of the lens is increased by one or two stops respectively. Autofocusing does not operate if the effective maximum aperture is greater than f/5.6 (greater than f/8 on the EOS 1V and EOS 3).
The EF 2x II doubles the focal length of any lens it's mounted to, and reduces its effective aperture by two stops
Successors to the EF2x this model offers valuable improvements for further enhanced image quality. This extender allows users to combine practicality and functionality with a new optical system allowing them to extend the master lens focal length by 2x, with minimal loss of lens performance or image quality. With a dust- and moisture-resistant construction this extender has been designed to reinforce the EOS system. Specially designed to work in conjunction with the EOS-1V and IS super telephoto L-series lenses, it makes a highly dust- and water-resistant combination. The EF2x II features improved anti-reflection materials inside the lens-barrel as well as improved Coating around the outer edges of the lenses to reduce flare. All of these improvements will allow professional photographers to capture higher quality images than ever before.
The Canon EF 2X II Extender I used on my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens to give me a 140-400mm f/5.6L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens. Of course it's slower with the F stop, but for now it saves me, till I can buy the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Super Telephoto Lens.
Well worth the purchase if you understand the trad, Wednesday, 07 July 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I've used the EF 2X II Extender for 9 months now and can say it has met my needs admirably. I say this having researched, knowing the benefits and short comings of using it before I made my purchase.
I use it primarily in combination with my EF 100-400mm IS lens for use on birds and outdoor events. I have shots of birds I couldn't have captured had I been required to close in on the subject. It's also been key in closing the gap where I would not be able to cross because of an area being otherwise inaccessible - not worth losing gear or limbs to get a closer vantage point.
Now the downside with using the EF 2X II are no Auto Focus and added softness in some shots and of course the increase in F stops. Even in shots with high Contrast lighting and a stationary subject, softness in image quality can be an issue. When using it on a mobile subject, I end up with quite a number of shots that I will not use. Between adjusting for focus and the inherent soft IQ, you'll definitely need to weigh its use.
A work around for not having Auto Focus through the viewfinder is to use a Hoodman or other device to shield the LCD and shoot in Live View. Using my 7D, I can get AF confirmation and take the shot.
If you are good at post processing your images, one could argue not using the extender and simply enlarge an image matching the IQ softness the extender adds. My preference is to go with the optics vs. the software algorithm.
great tool to reach out and get that shot, Monday, 24 May 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
3.0
great tool to add to L series lenses. Softens edges a Bit and has some trouble focusing. Used mine on my canon 70-200 is 2.8 lens. Nice addition that is not too expensive.
You'll get your money's worth!!, Saturday, 01 May 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I bought this 2x TC for some extra reach on my 300 f/4 IS and was very happy with the results from a recent vacation. I practiced with it for a bit before using it for the first time where it would count and I am glad that I did - 600 mm is very different than 300mm. I still had about a 60% keeper rate even with IS at f/8 or better on a 1DmkIII - but I got the shots I wanted. I was hesitant to buy this since I had read so many things about how it really didn't hold up well (specifically, that it was far worse than the Canon 1.4x TC) but I was pleased with the shots where I did what I was supposed to!! All my shots were handheld so if there was an OOF image - it was my fault.
I walked away with some very clean, and very sharp images, so I give this a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Quality way to double your focal length, Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
The Canon EF 2X II telephoto extender is a reasonably inexpensive way to double the focal length of some of the Canon lenses. There are a few pro's and con's when considering going this route. The image quality of this extender is extremely good and maintains the image quality of the lens that is attached to. I found it to be far better than other lessor cost extenders.
There are a couple of caveats to be aware of before purchasing this extender. First, it is NOT compatible with ALL Canon lenses. Check the Canon site for the specs on this extender and the list of compatible lenses. It is mainly a physical problem of the front element of the extender lens sticking out too far to physically connect with some lenses because their rear element is too far back and it clashes (or crashes) with the extender. Secondly, be aware that a 2x extender will cause a 4x light loss through the optical system (i.e. 2 f-stops slower). This is true of any extender - it's the law of optical physics. Unless your main lens is better than F5.6, the camera will not have enough light to autofocus, so be prepared to manually focus your camera when using a 2x extender.
That being said and all of these conditions being understood, the Canon EF 2X II extender is a great way to double the power of your telephoto lens.
what don't you want from Canon ?, Friday, 02 April 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
light yet rugged construction. its a better alternative extending my ef 70-200mm f/2.8 is usm focal length to 400mm rather than lugging a heavier full 400mm lens, though of course there should be an image issue, the latter being better. i can't wait to hook it to an ef 100-400 is usm.
An option worth considering, Sunday, 28 March 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I bought this to go with my Canon 70-200 f2.8 L series lens. I can put this on and get a 400 zoom but I lose two stops. The Canon 400 f4 lens is a little faster but not by much. consider this: You have two lenses in one with this doubler. When it's on it's almost as fast as the Canon 400 f4, but with it off I have a 200 at f2.8 which is great for weddings or other low light indoor shooting. It's all about your needs. If you are going to shoot wildlife only than the 400 f4 might be for you, but if you ever shoot under any other low light conditions than this item makes a lot of sense. It's a great option worth considering.
Does the job, but at a price, Saturday, 13 March 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
3.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
I have to say, the extender does do the job...it will get you closer to the thing you want to capture, but the quality just isn't so great. It turned my 70-200mm 2.8L IS into a much much lower quality lens. The price is right, so if you don't care too much about the quality loss, this is the way to go. For me, I'm returning the extender to get the Canon 100-400 4.5-5.6L IS. Lots more money, but I think it's worth it.
As the other reviewers have said, it is a nice option to have in your bag. It is not meant for everyday use to get that incredibly sharp, close-up of birds, animals or people. It is very helpful when the shot is very difficult to make without it.
If you examine the sample pictures in Amazon under the Canon EF 2X II Extender Telephoto Accessory, you will see the Shuttle Discovery taken with a Canon XT1, Canon 100-400mm, and the 2X at about 4 miles. This was without a tripod, through the shimmering heat of the Florida day, and with the salt air from a windy day causing a lot of haze.
I could have just relied on the 100-400 at maximum and enlarged and cropped later. It was easier to frame the shot and know what you are getting through the view finder using the 2X.
Yes, I use it with a Canon 100-400 and yes, you do have to manually focus the lens. I do not see this as a major problem.
The Canon EF 2X II Extender Telephoto Accessory works exactly as described by Canon!
Nice, but autofocus needs to work with more lenses, Monday, 25 January 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I just received it this weekend, so I don't have much experiece with it. My only complaint is in the features, not the performance. It would be better if the autofocus worked with more lenses. More specifically, the Canon 100-400 L Series (4.5-5.6). Otherwise it works great. I'm able to shoot much closer without spending $12,000 for an 800mm lens.
Fantastic for the money. Amazing results., Monday, 25 January 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I might have taken the best shot in my life with the help of the 2x extender. I was able to get a close-up eagle in action. See images. It takes a little practice manually focusing, but it's something you can get used to. It would be better if the autofocus worked with more lenses. More specifically, the Canon 100-400 L Series (4.5-5.6) which I use. With this extender you can get you a great shot without spending $12,000 for an 800mm lens.
Acceptable for my needs, Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I use this with my 70-200mm 2.8 IS lens. I get "acceptable" results, because I lose a little in sharpness and a couple of stops, but it is a much cheaper solution than buying a 400mm dedicated. For the price this is a good value.
I used it exclusively on my 1DsmkII with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS for my month in Jerusalem - originally it was joined to a 5DmkII with the Canon 180 mm f/3.5 L macro lens - also superb image quality. I was very happy about that.
Only two problems actually (and they are not problems, just restrictions) and that is the loss of stops (on the 2.8 70-200 lens the widest I could open the aperture was 5.6 and on the 3.5 it was a bit smaller) - tough when shooting churches and darker situations, which I do. The other restriction is I could only use it with those two lenses out of my collection. It does not fit with any glass that is flush on the back end, such as the 85mm L 1.2 or the 35mm L 1.4 or the 24-70mm L 2.8, or the 14mm, or the 24mm.... etc. Mainly made for telephotos so no getting creative with it with the medium and short lenses.
I think I would have given it 5 stars if Canon could make it so as to keep the lens f/stop speed at the widest of the lens being used (in my case, 2.8 and 3.5 respectively).
With that said, I thought many times on this trip, that it was a great purchase and I am glad for having made it - loved the extra extension and shooting with a smaller lens at a max 400mm length. I am leaving it configured with my 1DsmkII and the 70-200 zoom. I like the results that much.
Is it less contrasty? less sharp? Well, not pixel peeping here, I am only asking - did I get the shot or not. And with that I can say YES! (many times in an area sensitive to picture taking). I am glad to have it in my lens case.
