Canon 1.4x extender

[David Cowling]

I have updated the 7D and 100-400 to the Mk 2 versions and was wondering whether there would be any advantage in a step up from the 1.4x ii extender to the 1.4x iii version. I know that the latest version has a built in chip but not sure whether this makes any difference to the focusing speed of the 7D Mk ii. I have been trying to capture BIF with the extender mounted but found that it is slow to focus and also that the focus is a bit hit and miss. It is fine with stationary birds. Any advice most welcome.

[Karl Egressy]

The best advice would be; not to use the extender for BIF on the 100-400 Mark II.
I have both extenders, by the way, Mark II and Mark III and the same camera and lens as you but
I don't know the difference.
When I shoot with the 7D Mark II, I don't use extenders neither on the 100-400 nor on the 500.
Others might have a different approach so wait what others have to say.

[arash_hazeghi]

Hi David,

To answer your question, the chip in the MK III extenders can only talk to the CPU in the 300,400, 500 and 600 MKII super-telephoto lenses , and it's most effective with the 1DX. They have been matched together. It is not going to make a difference with 100-400 II and the 7D2 in terms of AF.

best

[Joe Subolefsky]

Interesting to know Arash. I just got the new 1-400 and shot it this weekend with my 7DII and a 1.4II and was pretty happy with it, pic here. I was just about ready to order the 1.4III. I knew it would not matter with my 500v1 but figured it would make a difference with the 1-400II on my 7DII or the 5DIII.

[arash_hazeghi]

Interesting to know Arash. I just got the new 1-400 and shot it this weekend with my 7DII and a 1.4II and was pretty happy with it, pic here. I was just about ready to order the 1.4III. I knew it would not matter with my 500v1 but figured it would make a difference with the 1-400II on my 7DII or the 5DIII.

Hi Joe, it wouldn't make a difference with that lens and the 7D2 or the 5D3. For long focal lengths you would get much better results with your 500 rather than 100-400 II + TC. it is not only sharper but it will also focus a lot faster with your bodies.

hope this helps

[Joe Subolefsky]

Ari totally agree on the prime being faster. My main reason for getting the 1-400II was an upcoming trip to Africa this August, my thinking was to put it on the 5DII and keep the 500 prime on the 7DII.