Latest version i.e., Series 111 Canon TCs

[Jonathan Ashton]

Artie,
I sense that as the new TCs are direct replacements for the Mk1 and MK11 they will be compatible with the Canon 500 f4 L IS I already own, I wonder if I am correct in this assumption because a part of me says these are designed to be especially compatible with the new lenses. Do you know what the situation is please?

Thanks for considering this request.

[John Chardine]

I'm definitely interested in the answer as I'm planning to buy the 2x III to run with my existing 500/4. My hunch is they will work perfectly with the older lenses.

[Doug Brown]

They are compatible with the old glass but have enhanced functionality with the new glass, if I'm not mistaken.

[James Prudente]

I believe that I read somewhere that the enhanced features of the teleconverters and the new super tele lenses will assist in the use of these products with video features on newer DSLRs and Cinematic Video Cameras and are backward compatible with existing long lenses and cameras but new features will not greatly enhance IQ of the cameras prior to the 5D Mk II and 1D Mk IV.

I'll see if I can find a link.

Jim

[Jonathan Ashton]

The main reason I am asking is because I have a series 1 x1.4TC and a series 11 x2 TC, would a series 111 x1.4TC perform better with my 500mmf4 L IS than my series 1 x1.4TC, I have no intention of changing my 500mm it performs perfectly well.

[John Chardine]

Interesting Peter. But I wonder if the new processors in the III series TCs talk to the "older style" lenses (i.e., the current 500/4 and 600/4)?

[Joerg Rockenberger]

From the press release:

"These new extenders have been designed to provide faster autofocusing and improved autofocus precision with compatible EF lenses."

And

"Each extender also features a newly developed microcomputer that increases AF precision when the extenders are used with a IS Series II EF super-telephoto lens."

So, it seems that just as Peter says only the new Series II superteles will benefit from the new TCs regarding better/faster autofocusing. Bummer.

JR

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

I am looking seriously at the new 600 f/4 MKII but not until I have had feedback from new buyers.