Help on Lenses for Alaska trip

[bob_r]

Tom,

Unless you shoot with a pro camera, you will lose AF when your aperture is smaller than f/5.6. The 100-400 is at f/5.6 when extended to 400mm.

Bob R

[Walczak Photo]

I don't know how much of an issue this is with the matched Canon gear but I know my 1.7x converter, usually regardless of lens or aperture, will only work with manual everything on my Rebel XT. Now granted...it -is- a cheap converter...it's a "ProMaster" I think (it's like my Tamron lenses...sharp, but a little flaky sometimes)...I'm sure the Canon's do work better in regards to this issue, but as Bob said, it could have something to do with the camera as well. You may need something like a 5D or a 1D to get everything to work correctly in auto. The Rebels are what they are....affordable.

Here's a silly thought for you too... Since you said you're looking to get this stuff specifically for this trip to Alaska, have you considered just renting it? I know that here in Cleveland I can rent a 5D -and- a Canon 100-400mm for around $150 for an entire week. Maybe even see if you can just rent the lens and a teleconverter for a day and see how well the combo works on your XTi. Just another option for you to consider!

For that matter, here's another thought...take your camera with you into a local camera store and give it a try! Most sales people are really accommodating if they think you're interested in buying a $1000 lens...even if you buy it elsewhere later. This way you'll know if and how well it will work for you!

Okies...just some food for thought,
Peace,
Jim

[dculp]

HI,

If I understand correctly, if you add the 1.4x converter to a Canon 100-400 - you lose the AF feature? I thought the loss of AF came if you utilized the 2x converter...In one week from today, I will do my part to keep the economy moving by purchasing a Canon 100-400 and a 1.4x converter as I did not want to lose the autofocus ability. If, in fact, I have misunderstood the info I have gathered, I have to rethink my purchase intent...Clarification anyone? (I use a Canon TXI)

Thanks!

Tom B.

Tom,
There seems to be a lot of conflicting information on the internet about this, so I just asked Canon. Here is their response...
Dear Mr. Culp:

Thank you for your inquiry about the use of the Extender EF 1.4x II. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

When used with the EOS Digital Rebel XT or XSi the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens will not be able to autofocus. A lens will need a maximum aperture of at least f/4 in order for autofocus to be possible.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your EOS Digital Rebel XT.

Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Renee
Technical Support Representative

The way I read it, regardless of the body type, if the lens is not fast than an f4, you do not have autofocus.

Hope this helps. It didn't make me happy, but at least I know.

[dculp]

I don't know how much of an issue this is with the matched Canon gear but I know my 1.7x converter, usually regardless of lens or aperture, will only work with manual everything on my Rebel XT. Now granted...it -is- a cheap converter...it's a "ProMaster" I think (it's like my Tamron lenses...sharp, but a little flaky sometimes)...I'm sure the Canon's do work better in regards to this issue, but as Bob said, it could have something to do with the camera as well. You may need something like a 5D or a 1D to get everything to work correctly in auto. The Rebels are what they are....affordable.

Here's a silly thought for you too... Since you said you're looking to get this stuff specifically for this trip to Alaska, have you considered just renting it? I know that here in Cleveland I can rent a 5D -and- a Canon 100-400mm for around $150 for an entire week. Maybe even see if you can just rent the lens and a teleconverter for a day and see how well the combo works on your XTi. Just another option for you to consider!

For that matter, here's another thought...take your camera with you into a local camera store and give it a try! Most sales people are really accommodating if they think you're interested in buying a $1000 lens...even if you buy it elsewhere later. This way you'll know if and how well it will work for you!

Okies...just some food for thought,
Peace,
Jim

Jim,
Thanks for the idea. I feel sure I am going to give renting a lens a shot on one of the wide angle lenses. As for the zoom, I am going to use this trip as an excuse to buy some new gear. My wife does not know you can rent and I plan on keeping it that way until after my new toys arrive. Ha!

Trips in July, guess I better get some decisons made.

Any suggestions where to rent?

Thanks.

[bob_r]

HI,

If I understand correctly, if you add the 1.4x converter to a Canon 100-400 - you lose the AF feature? I thought the loss of AF came if you utilized the 2x converter...In one week from today, I will do my part to keep the economy moving by purchasing a Canon 100-400 and a 1.4x converter as I did not want to lose the autofocus ability. If, in fact, I have misunderstood the info I have gathered, I have to rethink my purchase intent...Clarification anyone? (I use a Canon TXI)

Thanks!

Tom B.

Tom,
There seems to be a lot of conflicting information on the internet about this, so I just asked Canon. Here is their response...
Dear Mr. Culp:

Thank you for your inquiry about the use of the Extender EF 1.4x II. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

When used with the EOS Digital Rebel XT or XSi the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens will not be able to autofocus. A lens will need a maximum aperture of at least f/4 in order for autofocus to be possible.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your EOS Digital Rebel XT.

Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Renee
Technical Support Representative

The way I read it, regardless of the body type, if the lens is not fast than an f4, you do not have autofocus.

Hope this helps. It didn't make me happy, but at least I know.

This info is not correct. The 1 series cameras will AF with converters up to f/8. All the other cameras AF up to f/5.6. When you add a 1.4x TC to an f/4 you get f/5.6 and all Canon cameras will AF. When you add a 1.4x TC to an f/5.6 it results in an aperture opening of f/8 and only the 1 series cameras will AF. This is also true when you add a 2x TC to an f/4 lens.

Here's a link to all the info you ever wanted to know (and more) about teleconverters: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/sho ... hp?t=41922

Pretty bad situation when you can't even get the correct information from the manufacturer's tech support.

Bob R

*** I missed this part. sorry ***
"When used with the EOS Digital Rebel XT or XSi" - the tech rep is correct. A 1 series will still AF with the 100-400 and a 1.4x.
*****

[Tom B.]

Thanks Everyone....All very much appreciated! I will take my camera with me next week and go through all of the scenarios with the sales guy -then I will make a decision....

Tom B.

[dculp]

OK, I finally decided on what to purchase. As suggested by a few, I ended up going with the Canon 100 - 400 IS lens. I originally purchaed the 1.4x multiplier as well, but have since returned it for a 2x which has not arrived. The second day out of the box, I got the photo below shooting from my driveway handheld at about 50 yards in very dark cloudy conditions with no multiplier. Not sure exactly how to insert the image, but take a look at the link.



Against a few recommendations, I also preordered the new Canan Xls. It came in after this image, but I can not tell you how big of a difference it makes over the XT I previously owned. The chip really gives images that 3D look that I could never achieve in the past with the XT. I am also able to crop substantially more than I could with the XT while keeping a nice image.

No photos posted from this camera yet, but some will come soon. Thanks again for all who assisted me with this. The lens recommendation was outstanding and I do not think I could have made a better decision for my needs. I plan on renting a wide angle for the Alaska trip and will post a few of these photos once I return.

Thanks again.

[dculp]

Sorry about that. The camera is the Xsi just released.

[totalyfrozen]

GREAT!!!!! THANKS ALOT!!!!!!!!! now I want to sell my XTi... LOL

[superhand]

If you are interested in wildlife photography, a lens that is a must and you cannot simply do without is the Canon 100-400 L IS. Excellent quality and for its price of about $1300 you are below your spending limit and go home with an amazing piece of glass that all pro wildlife photographers have (and I know a few). Couple that with a 1.4X converter and you have a 140-560mm effective (add to that the 1.6 crop factor of your XT and you have an actual 224-900mm) without losing the autofocus.
You could add the 2X (which I have an love) but with that lens you'd lose the autofocus.

Hope this helps!

You will lose autofocus on a crop camera with a TC. They won't AF beyond f/5.6 and the 100-400 is already at f/5.6 at 400mm. The lens is still fantastic with a 1.4X even though you will have to MF. Here's a 100% crop of a shot of a hummer taken with the 100-400 and a 1.4X with no post processing except cropping and resizing the file.

Like Luca, I highly recommend this lens.

Bob R

Thank you I like it
It very beautyfull

[elkhornsun]

For Alaska I would take the Canon 100-400mm lens and a wide angle zoom. Lots of places to rent the lens for your trip or buy a used copy.