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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> To extend, or not to extend...
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02/23/2011 07:42:57 PM · #1
Never mind the pricing on either, but which would you pick and why? Keep in mind, the camera body used would be a 7D.

Canon Extender EF 2x II and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

or

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
02/23/2011 08:33:10 PM · #2
If you are looking only for the 300mm range, i'd say the 70-300. If you were going to use the 200 on its own with occasional use as a 280, then that would be my choice. The extender is going to make the 2.8 softer and less contrast.
02/23/2011 08:34:50 PM · #3
My guess is that this is a question a customer asked you???....
02/23/2011 08:35:06 PM · #4
Mathematically, if you're okay with an f5.6 for the 140-400mm range when doubled, the former would be a good solution - though your depth of focus will not be as tight caused by the reduction of light at the near end when the extender is used.
02/23/2011 11:01:42 PM · #5
Personally I would go with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, but that is a personal preference. I do not have a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, but I do have a Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, which currently acts as a great paperweight.

As for the extender, I have one of those also and do believe that I have used it maybe twice...finding it a bit of a hassle when I do need it.

Ray

02/24/2011 12:09:48 AM · #6
Edit: Oops... Missed it's the L zoom. Still vote for #1.

Message edited by author 2011-02-24 00:12:25.
02/24/2011 01:29:46 AM · #7
I'd vote the first combo. The 70-200 is such a classic lens.
02/24/2011 05:26:35 AM · #8
As you're not mentioning the 400 lenses, I assume that wildlife/bird photography isn't your no 1 priority. Then the combo is the way to go.
02/24/2011 08:59:19 AM · #9
IMO, this is a really tough choice. I personally own the 70-200/2.8 IS and the 2.0x II. the combination is only good in *very* good light. Add the extender and your maximum aperture becomes f/5.6; not bad, you say, no slower than the 70-300L, and more reach to boot! Yes but, the combination will be soft, and you will especially see this with the very high-density sensor on the 7D (18Mpx packed into an APS-C sensor). In order to get back most of your sharpness you will wind up stopping down two stops, which takes you to f/11. Not a prescription for versatility.
Now, all that discussion relates to the original version of the 70-200, not the "II" version recently released. And It relates to the 2.0x II, not the 2.0x III version recently released. I can't comment on how the combination of the latest 70-200 and latest converter would perform.
02/24/2011 11:41:05 AM · #10
I should have clarified in my original post, that I was actually asking for a good friend who isn't on DPC. Currently he has the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
but he wants some more reach. He is thinking of selling it and buying the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM. I suggested that I would ask here before he went ahead and did anything.

Thanks for all the replies everyone :)
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