Canon 500/f4 IS

[Dave Leroy]

I am in the process of buying this lens and associated bits and pieces.

I was wondering what 1.4 TC others are using with this lens and a xxD camera. I have a Tamron now and am hoping it is adequate.

I may also buy an extension tube at the same time. I have seen comments on Canon versus others and think I will stay with Canon. Do you suggest I get one or the other of the two extension tubes available?

Tks, Dave

[Joe Milmoe]

The 3rd party teleconverters provide great image quality. The thing to watch out for is their ability to connect (and stay connected) between the body and camera. The same is true for 3rd party extension tubes.

Example: when hand-holding the lens, the forces exerted on the tc's/ext tube's can be far greater than controlled tripod use. I've had the tamron TC and kenko tubes disconnect during use.

There is obviously no guarantee it won't happen with the Canon brand, but with a $5000+ lens and body, it's (IMO) worth the extra $100 or so to ensure the most solid connection possible.

[Doug Brown]

There is no way I would use anything but a Canon TC with a roughly $6,000 lens. Why skimp? The Canon TCs are optically excellent and very sturdy. On the other hand, I do use Kenko extension tubes on the rare occasion that I need them with my big Canon glass. I've not had any disconnects or other problems.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I use a Canon 1.4x TC II which is weather-sealed and the image quality is very good. I wouldn't try to save a few dollars on a TC after spending so much on this great lens.

[Joe Milmoe]

I've done my own comparisons with the Canon, Tamron, Kenko and Sigma teleconverters. No "scientific" (brick wall / dollar bill) testing, but side-by-side comparo's in the field. I found that the Kenko 1.4x Teleplus Pro 300 DG converter actually held up as good or better than the Canon 1.4x with the 100mm, 180mm, & 300/4IS closeup/macro lenses. Additionally, the kenko tc provided the ability to align with the 100mm macro, which most folks discredit as being unable to work with tc's.

Don't get me wrong, I mostly use the Canon 1.4 & 2x, but I wouldnt discredit (at least the Kenko), based on merits of optical quality. Thinking back to my 500 purchase, every dollar counted. So, IMO, using the tamron tc to hold you over (given necessary precaustions) is totally "adequate". Upgrade to the Canon when you can.

[Dave Leroy]

Thanks for the prompt replys. If I go with the Canon does the 50D recognize the combination at any aperture setting?
Intersting comment about the 100 macro, because I do have that lens.
Dave

[John Chardine]

I'm with Doug and Axel.

50D AF etc will work with the 500/4 x 1.4 = 700/5.6 (limit is f8 for the xxD bodies so f5.6 will work fine).

[Dave Leroy]

Thanks John.
I think I will go for the Canon 1.4 and Kenko extension tubes. The tubes are more for the smaller lenses anyway.
I am also going with the Mongoose. I had noted from one of your earlier posts a comment about getting the clamps tight. If I need a bit of advice I hope you don't mind an e-mail.
Dave

[John Chardine]

Thanks John.
I think I will go for the Canon 1.4 and Kenko extension tubes. The tubes are more for the smaller lenses anyway.
I am also going with the Mongoose. I had noted from one of your earlier posts a comment about getting the clamps tight. If I need a bit of advice I hope you don't mind an e-mail.
Dave

No problem Dave. I felt the need to tune-up my Mongoose when I received it. Once you have it apart and see how the tighteners work it's pretty simple.

[Ed Cordes]

I use the Canon 1.4 X and 2 X TCs on my 500 f4. On the 40D the 1.4 AF very well. On my 1DMK2 the 2 X also works fine. The difference in cost for the Canon is not that much considering the life time of use they will get.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

I am seriously shocked the question was asked in the first place. :D

[Roger Clark]

Dave,
A friend had a Canon 300 f2/8 IS on a trip we did to Tanzania in January. He also had a Canon 2c TC and a Tamron 1.4x TC. After a few days he concluded the Tamron 1.4x was producing soft images compared to eith the 2X or no TC. He stopped using it.

I have both Canon and Kenko Pro 300 1.4x and 2X TCs (that's 4 TCs). Both work well, especially the 1.4x.

Roger

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Dave,
Good advice has already been given. Better to stick to Canon TCs. Extension tubes doesn't have any optics. So it doesn't matter which brand you use.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

[Dave Leroy]

Thank you all for the helpful advice. It is a popular lens; it is on back order.
Tks, Dave

[Dug Threewitt]

I'm with Doug and Axel.

50D AF etc will work with the 500/4 x 1.4 = 700/5.6 (limit is f8 for the xxD bodies so f5.6 will work fine).

f5.6 is the limit on xxD, f8 is on the 1 series.