Anyone ever try Canon 400mm 5.6 with a TC on a crop body?

[David Kenny]

Hi all,

Was just wondering if anyone has tried the canon 400mm 5.6 with either a 1.4x or 2x TC on a crop body. I know it would be on the slow side and would be manual focus but I was wondering how IQ is and if the combo is even worth trying. Of course it would be used on a tripod in good light. Was trying to consider a cheaper option for shooting shorebird chicks next season. The 100-400 fell short for trying to photograph the chicks the other day.

[Kerry Perkins]

I've used the 400mm f/5.6 lens with 1.4x converter for years. It works fine and will autofocus with the 1D (pro body) series. I still use this combo with my 1D4, which is a 1.3 crop factor body. The autofocus is slow but it does work. Here's an image I shot a couple of days ago with the 1D4, 400mm f/5.6 and 1.4x TC - handheld. I have also used this with the 50D and 7D with manual focus.

[BobbyPerkins]

It would make no difference, if you fell short with the 100-400 you will fall short with the 400 5.6.

[Ian Cassell]

This is an older one with the 400/5.6, Sigma 2X TC on my 7D. I'm hoping the 7D2 will AF at f/8.

I don't do it often because I have no AF and now I have the 500/4.

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[David Kenny]

Thanks Ian and Kerry

With the 1.4 it seems very acceptable and with the 2x it seems surprisingly ok.

[James Prudente]

The 7D MK II with the 1.4 X III on the 400 f5.6 will af at f8.

[Jim Neiger]

It can make sharp images with the 1.4x, but not really with the 2x. I used to tape the pins on the 1.4x and use it with the Canon 100-400mm. The AF was very slow, but it did AF with the pins taped. I was using 10D and 20D bodies for this.

[Marina Scarr]

Agree it makes sharp images with a crop camera and the 1.4 and I use this combo quite often.