{"id":4572,"date":"2011-03-12T21:35:31","date_gmt":"2011-03-13T01:35:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/?p=4572"},"modified":"2011-03-25T18:27:39","modified_gmt":"2011-03-25T22:27:39","slug":"series-iii-ef-teleconverter-misconceptions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/2011\/03\/12\/series-iii-ef-teleconverter-misconceptions\/","title":{"rendered":"Series III EF Teleconverter Misconceptions…"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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This Black-bellied Whistling Duck was photographed on the SW Florida IPT with the Canon 800mm f\/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1\/3 stop: 1\/1000 sec. at f\/8. As you can plainly see, the 1.4X III TC works just fine with my 800 lens even though it is not a Series II super-telephoto lens. <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Series III EF Teleconverter Misconceptions…<\/h3>\n

I have received several e-mails recently asking if it is true that the new Canon Series III teleconverters do not work with most of the older lenses.<\/em> To be frank, many folks have jumped to illogical conclusions. One guy even told me that I had stated that the new TCs would not work with most of the older lenses…. He has not responded to my request for a link….<\/p>\n

Here are two examples:<\/p>\n

While Canon’s web site lists many lenses as being ” compatible” with the new extenders, I am hearing that they may not work correctly with any but the very newest lenses (some of which are not actually out yet) and that they are not ” backward compatible.” Is there any truth to this? <\/em> Allan, Tacoma WA<\/p>\n

and: <\/p>\n

Your blog and your e-mail reply to my original question said the new extenders would only work with the new II lenses. However the B+H and the Canon website
\nsaid they would work with the current “L” lenses. Canon customer service also said that everything would work with the current “L” lenses. Can you double-check with Canon Professional Services to find out if the new Series III extenders will work with the current “L” lenses.<\/em> Thanks. Jerry<\/p>\n

(Note: I never said anything like that :))<\/p>\n

Here is my reply to each of the gentlemen above:<\/p>\n

Everything that I wrote in #3 here<\/a> on 16 NOV 2010 remains true to the best of my knowledge (but for the fact that the 1.4X III does not seem to be any sharper than the 1.4X II):<\/p>\n

#3: What\u2019s the real story with the two new Series III teleconverters?<\/p>\n

Though nobody knows anything for sure as the neither the 1.4X TC III or the 2X TC III have been available for testing, here is the official wording.<\/p>\n

\u201cExtenders EF 1.4X III and EF 2X III have been newly developed in conjunction with the new Series II Image Stabilizer EF super-telephoto lenses. They can also be used with all previously announced extender-compatible EF lenses, but maximum performance is achieved when they are used with the new 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm lenses. The following sections provide more detailed information.\u201d<\/p>\n

The above from the info packed article by Chuck Westfall here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I have learned that the two new TCs each have a micro-computer that will be able to communicate only with the four new super-telephoto lenses and that more accurate focus tracking (and possibly improved speed of initial focusing acquisition) will only be there with the four new lenses. There will be improvement in image quality with all of the older compatible lenses (again, see more in Chuck\u2019s article here<\/a>), but they will be marginal.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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This (baited) Brown Pelican image was created with the Canon 70-200mm f\/2.8L IS II lens, the 2X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1\/3 stop: 1\/2000 sec. at f\/5.6. As you can plainly see here, the 2X III TC works just fine with my 70-200mm f\/2.8 L IS II lens even though it is not a Series II super-telephoto lens. (Please do not be confused by the “II” in the name of the lens; it is not a super-telephoto :)) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Then I wrote the following here<\/a> on FEB 3, 2011: <\/p>\n

Series III 2X TC Gut Reaction<\/h3>\n

I got to try my brand new Series III 2X today and my gut reaction is that it is quite a bit sharper than the old 2X, the EF Extender 2X II. I have not done any formal testing and will not be able to do any for several months, but the sharp images that I created today with the new, new combo were exceptionally sharp. This Anhinga seemed about ready to jump off of the screen of my HP laptop\u2026..<\/em><\/p>\n

There is a post in the Gear Forum at BPN with some examples of test images that show that the new 2X is a bit sharper than the old 2x. Scroll down here<\/a> to see some test images. <\/p>\n

I thought that I had written more recently on the blog on the compatibility of the Series III TCs with the older lenses but I realize now that I made those comments on two BPN threads… I wrote the following on a BPN thread that I started here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Canon Series III EF Extenders (tele-converters to me :))<\/h3>\n

Below is an excerpt from Chuck Westfall’s article here<\/a>. This is Chuck’s job title: Canon USA Advisor, Technical Information.<\/p>\n

Extenders EF 1.4X III and EF 2X III<\/h3>\n

Extenders EF 1.4X III and EF 2X III have been newly developed in conjunction with the new Series II Image Stabilizer EF super-telephoto lenses. They can also be used with all previously announced extender-compatible EF lenses, but maximum performance is achieved when they are used with the new 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm lenses. The following sections provide more detailed information.<\/p>\n

Image Quality<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are two significant improvements related to image quality when using the new Series III Extenders with the new IS II super-telephoto lenses: Anomalous dispersion glass elements are used in both new extenders to effectively reduce chromatic aberration to the greatest possible extent. This results in higher resolution and contrast, especially when the new extenders are used with IS II super-telephoto lenses.<\/p>\n

Each Series III Extender features a newly developed microcomputer that increases AF precision when the extenders are used with an IS II super-telephoto lens. AF precision remains the same as the Series II Extenders when the Series III Extenders are used with earlier extender-compatible EF lenses.<\/p>\n

As a result of these improvements, users of the new IS II super-telephoto lenses can expect significantly improved image quality when using Series III Extenders.<\/p>\n

New Lens Coating<\/strong><\/p>\n

The front and rear elements of both Series III Extenders feature Canon\u2019s new Fluorine anti-smear coating. The new coating is extremely oil-and water-repellent so that the front and rear elements can be cleaned without lens cleaning solvents using a soft, dry cloth.<\/p>\n

Durability Improvements<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Series III Extenders are significantly more durable than earlier models due to the following improvements:<\/p>\n

Seven screws instead of four are used to attach the lens mount to the body of the extender.<\/p>\n

The lens lock pin and lens mount stopper pin have been improved for higher endurance.
\nThe Series III Extenders are equivalent to the Series II Extenders in terms of weather resistance, with gaskets on both the front and rear lens mounts as well as the lens mount release switch.<\/p>\n

The durability improvements of the Series III EF Extenders were made in response to feedback from professional photographers who use EF super-telephoto lenses and extenders regularly in their daily work.<\/p>\n

Lens Compatibility<\/strong><\/p>\n

A list of compatible lenses for the new Series III Extenders can be seen by following the link to Chuck’s article at the start of this thread. <\/p>\n

*AF may not focus accurately when a Series III EF Extender is combined with certain discontinued EF lenses marked with an asterisk in the table above. This problem can be resolved through AF Microadjustment on EOS cameras equipped with that feature. Manual focusing is recommended when using Series III EF Extenders with those particular lenses on compatible EOS bodies that do not have an AF Microadjustment function.<\/p>\n

Camera Compatibility<\/strong><\/p>\n

The new Series III Extenders are compatible with all EOS Digital SLRs as well as the EOS-1V 35mm SLR. However, they cannot be used with other film-based EOS cameras because their signal relay system is not compatible with those models.<\/p>\n

Other Operational Issues<\/strong><\/p>\n

The new Series III Extenders are basically the same as the Series II Extenders in terms of operation with compatible cameras. Here are a few bits of information related to usage and performance:<\/p>\n

The Series III Extenders support autofocus when used with compatible master lenses and EOS cameras, with some restrictions as follows.<\/p>\n

With most EOS cameras, the maximum aperture of the compatible EF lens\/EF extender combination must be f\/5.6 or larger to support autofocus. With EOS-1 class digital SLRs, autofocus with the center focusing point is supported for compatible EF lens\/EF extender combinations with maximum apertures of f\/8 or larger.<\/p>\n

AF may not focus accurately when a Series III EF Extender is combined with certain discontinued EF lenses marked with an asterisk in the table above. This problem can be resolved through AF Microadjustment on EOS cameras equipped with that feature. Manual focusing is recommended when using Series III EF Extenders with those particular lenses on compatible EOS bodies that do not have an AF Microadjustment function.<\/p>\n

The Extenders EF 2x III and EF 1.4X III make ideal companions to the new supertelephotos, adding up to twice the focal length of these, and many other Canon EF lenses without significant additional weight or cost.<\/p>\n

Usage of Series III EF Extenders has no effect on AE (Automatic Exposure) or IS (Image Stabilizer) functionality.<\/p>\n

Canon does not recommend stacking Series III EF Extenders because the extenders\u2019 optical performance and AF precision cannot be guaranteed in such cases. Similarly, Canon does not recommend combining a Series III EF Extender with an extension tube because the extenders\u2019 optical performance and AF precision cannot be guaranteed in such cases.<\/p>\n

As with previous EF Extenders, usage of Series III EF Extenders lowers AF drive speed to improve AF performance. When Extender EF 1.4X III is used, AF drive speed is reduced by 50%. When Extender EF 2X III is used, AF drive speed is reduced by 75%. This may seem like a drawback, but in reality subject tracking performance remains quite high when Series III Extenders are used with IS II lenses. This is due to improvements in AF precision made possible by the new microcomputer in the extenders.<\/em><\/p>\n

There are some interesting comments follow so do check out the thread thoroughly. Finally, there are lots of comments here that reflect some of the misconceptions that were present in your e-mails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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This image of a young Dalmatian Pelican was created at Lake Kerkini, Greece, with the Canon 70-200mm f\/2.8L IS II lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1 stop: 1\/320 sec. at f\/10. As you can plainly see here, the 1.4X III TC works just fine with my 70-200mm f\/2.8L IS II lens even though it is not a Series II super-telephoto. (Please do not be confused by the “II” at the end of the name of the lens; it is not a super-telephoto :)) <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Summing Up<\/h3>\n

The Series III TCs will work just fine with the 100-400 (central sensor only AF only with the pro bodies) and with the 400 DO (central sensor only AF with 2X III TC and the pro bodies) just as they work fine with my 800mm f\/5.6 L IS lens (central sensor only AF only with the pro bodies) and with my newly beloved 70-200mm f\/2.8L IS II lens. Do note that neither the 800 or the 70-200 II lens are Series II super-telephoto lenses… For the purposes of this discussion they must be classed as older compatible lenses. <\/p>\n

Thus and most importantly, the micro-computers in the Series III TCs will not be able to communicate with any of the above lenses or with the older compatible lenses (like the 500mm & 600mm f\/4L IS lenses) listed on Chuck Westfall’s chart here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To repeat for the sake of clarity, the Series III TCs will work with all older compatible lenses<\/em>. <\/p>\n

The question that remains to be answered is, “How improved will AI Servo AF tracking accuracy (and possibly the speed of initial AF Acquisition) be when the Series III TCs are used with one of the new Series II super-telephoto lenses?” (Those lenses being the EF 300 & 400mm f\/2.8L IS II lenses and the EF 500 & 600mm f\/4L IS II lenses.) <\/p>\n

Right now nobody has any clue as none of the new Series II super-telephoto lenses is yet available…<\/p>\n

Shopper’s Guide<\/h3>\n

Below is a list of the gear that I used to create the images above. Thanks a stack to all who have used the Shopper’s Guide links to purchase their gear as a thank you for all the free information that we bring you on the Blog and in the Bulletins. Before you purchase anything be sure to check out the advice in our Shopper’s Guide<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Canon 70-200mm f\/2.8L IS II lens<\/a>. Man, I am loving this lens on my shoulder with the 2X III teleconverter<\/a>. I also use it a lot–depending on the situation–with the 1.4X III TC<\/a>.
\nCanon 800mm f\/5.L IS lens.<\/a> Right now this is my all time favorite super-telephoto lens.
\nCanon EF 1.4X III TC<\/a>. This new TC is designed to work best with the new Series II super-telephoto lenses.
\nCanon EF 2XIII teleconverter<\/a>. The new 2X III TC is a bit sharper than the previous version, the EF 2X II TC.
\nCanon EOS-1D Mark IV professional digital camera body.<\/a> The very best professional digital camera body that I have ever used.<\/p>\n

And from the BAA On-line Store:<\/p>\n

Gitzo 3530 LS Tripod.<\/a> This one will last you a lifetime.
\nMongoose M3.6 Tripod Head.<\/a> Right now this is the best tripod head around for use with lenses that weigh less than 9 pounds. For heavier lenses, check out the Wimberley V2 head<\/a>.
\nDouble Bubble Leve.l<\/a> You will find one in my camera’s hot shoe whenever I am on a tripod and not using flash.
\nDelkin 32gb e-Film Pro Compact Flash Card.<\/a> Fast and dependable<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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This Black-bellied Whistling Duck was photographed on the SW Florida IPT with the Canon 800mm f\/5.6L IS lens, the 1.4X III TC, and the EOS-1D Mark IV. ISO 400. Evaluative metering +1\/3 stop: 1\/1000 sec. at f\/8. As you can plainly see, the 1.4X III TC works just fine with my 800 lens […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[90,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-90","category-photo-equipment","odd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4572","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4572"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4572\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4572"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4572"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.birdsasart-blog.com\/baa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4572"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}