Canon Extender EF 2x II (Tele Extender) - U.S.A.

2012-05-10T21:00:00

Doubles the magnification at the cost of two F stops. Must have a fast lens for autofocus to work.

Ahvaio

2012-04-24T21:00:00

It takes a bit longer to move from my 24-105 to my 70-200+the 2x extender than it might to go to a 100-300 BUT I get more flexibility (70-400) this way. Auto-focus has not been significantly impacted and the ability to manually focus hasn't changed at all. Try as I might, I can think of no negatives. My 5 star rating is made on the assumption that the 2x extender performs as well on other lenses as it does on my 70-200 (non IS). The buying experience from Adorama was as usual terrific, my only complaint being that I'm forced to take a day off work to be here and sign for the box. There should be an option at checkout to forgo the security of a signature.

MICHAEL G.

2012-01-15T19:00:00

I thought I would use this more than I did. It works perfectly, so no complaints there. Just remember that it will double your aperture. Attached to my 70-200 f/2.8 on my 5D ... it became a f/5.6 but did a FANTASTIC job gettin pic's of a full moon. For stills or someplace that lens 'speed' is not an issue, it's a great way to get a 140-400 out of a 70-200. For fast action ... I'd pass.

LEILANI A.

2012-01-01T19:00:00

I shoot mostly wildlife and birds. I keep the 2.0X and 70-200F2.8L lens mounted on my Canon 50D so it is ready for a target of opportunity in the backyard. One of my wildlife photographer friends uses a 500MM zoom and is continually surprised at the sharpness and detail I get with distant subjects. This combination of camera, lens and extender has exceeded my expectations. The only downside is slow autofocus for birds in flight. I do 99.9% of my work handheld (propped against a tree, fence, wall, etc when possible). Yes, I will purchase a 500MM or 600MM when the budget permits.

nature p.

2011-12-18T19:00:00

Many reviews have stated that the 2x extender degrades image quality, but with my prime Canon 400mm 5.6f USM lens, one can hardly see any degradation at all. However, the prime lens is super sharp and clear to begin with, which probably makes the difference. It really pulls things in close at the fraction of the cost of buying a bigger lens. You do lose autofocus when using bigger lenses with the extender though. I had also read that one should expect a dark viewfinder when using a 400mm lens and a 2x extender, but I have had no problem with that. I would however recommend using a monopod or a tripod. I used to be able to hand-hold the 400mm lens, but adding the 2x extender makes it a little tricky to do so. Overall, I would definately recommend this product, especially for those who are on a budget.

the p.

2011-10-26T21:00:00

I got this 2X extender for use with my Canon 70-200/f2.8 zoom lens (on a Canon 5D body) and tested it with the zoom at the 200mm setting. I photographed a Photo Lab Index resolution test chart, with the chart filling the viewfinder at the 200 and 400mm focal lengths. After eliminating the image shake at 400mm by using a tripod and high shutter speeds, I found that the resolution was about 70 lines per millimeter, both with and without the extender on the zoom lens. The resolution was tested one stop down from wide open and was constant across the image from corner to corner. I found only the slightest reduction in contrast with the extender attached to the lens. This result was much better than I was expecting. Some other brands of extender that I've tested have been so incredibly bad that I never bothered to use them.

BOB T.

2011-10-23T21:00:00

I got the 2X extender for use with my Canon 70-200/f2.8 zoom lens and tested it with the zoom at the 200mm setting. I photographed a Photo Lab Index resolution test chart, with the chart filling the viewfinder at the 200 and 400mm focal lengths. After eliminating the increased image movement at 400mm by using a tripod and high shutter speeds, I found that the resolution was about 70 lines per millimeter, both with and without the extender on the zoom lens. The resolution was tested one stop down from wide open and was constant from corner to corner. I found only the slightest reduction in contrast with the extender attached. This result was much better that I was expecting. Some other brands have tested os bad that I never bothered to use them.

Shutterbugger

2011-09-29T21:00:00

I use this with my 70-200 F2.8 is L series lens. 7d Canon camera. I was debating back and forth between the 1.4 vs 2. In the end I went for the 2 as I felt I needed distance most. Aside from the 2f stops I notice a slower focus especially when adding it to the 2.8 lens. It's also adds weight especially to the IS L series lens. For the price it's a nice add on as well as the ease of carrying. I've not tried the 1.4 maybe in the future for another option.

Sandi

2011-09-03T21:00:00

I mount this on my Canon 50D and 70-200 f2.8L lens. The EF 2X Extender was my low cost alternative to a longer lens. I shoot all my wildlife and birds handheld, bracing against a tree, fence, wall, etc when possible. One of my camera buddies who shoots with a 500mm is impressed with the results I get. I do plan on eventually purchasing a longer lens. My only complaint is the slow and searching autofocus, especially for birds in flight. I frequently have to manually focus, which is why I gave it a 4 star rating instead of 5 star. Photograph quality is excellent through the entire range. I donate many photographs to charity fundraisers and they have been very popular and sold well.

GEORGE M.

2011-06-28T21:00:00

For the sake of helpfulness, I will be covering 3 important sections in this review: 1) How I use it: - I use this extender with my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens, mounted onto my Canon EOS 5D Mark II. - I have used this to extend my range for events such as graduations and sports, as well as for nature/wildlife photography. 2) What's great about it: - It's solidly built, lightwieght, and easy to carry. - It doubles your focal length for an extremely lengthy range. - It's a cheaper alternative than investing in an expensive supertelephoto lens. 3) What's not so great about it: - You have to sacrifice reducing your maximum aperture from f/2.8 to f/5.6 in order to double your focal length with this extender. (assuming you're also using a f/2.8 lens) Overall, when you're not too worried about light or about shooting at f/5.6 or higher and you want a super telephoto range - this is an amazing solution.

Jaime C.

2011-03-19T21:00:00

The Canon Extender adds a whopping 2X multiplication to my Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens so I can really reach far. What I was not aware of, the lens becomes a manual focus lens when the extender is added. I was aware of the loss of 2 f-stops and the limited applicability. The Extender can only be added to a few lenses so be aware this extender does Not work with all lenses. Even with these stated drawbacks, it sure beats spending $10,000+ on an 800mm lens. I shot some awesome shots out here in Hawaii using the extender. I used it to shoot the big wave surfers of North Shore, whales breaching the south shores of Honolulu, and some close shots of the beautiful Hawaiian landscape. I am an amateur photographer so I feel this is the best affordable option for the average photographer. I added a photo I shot using the extender (reduced size).

STEPHEN E.

2011-03-05T19:00:00

I was disappointed in the image quality using the 2x tele extender even though the reviews I have read claim the new optics of version 2 significantly improved the adapter. With my 400 f/5.6 it is, of course, this lens rendered a manual focus lens. I find the image is definitely not sharp compared to the sharpness of the 400 mm f/5.6 lens without the extender. I found similar results with a Canon 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens. For the cost I certainly expected better performance. I would have see more data from other users to be persuaded to keep the adapter or recommend it. Perhaps, the performance found is the best that one can expect. If that is the case then I certainly do not recommend 2x converters. .

photo p.

2011-01-22T19:00:00

The 2.0x tele-extender was a lousy product. I know others who like it. Every test shot I took with it (using top quality 500mm f4.0 and 70-200 F2.8 lenses) was slow to focus and the results were either out of focus or noisy images. I would never buy one again. I returned it and exchanged it for the Canon 1.4x which I rate 5 stars.

BERNARD K.

2011-01-15T19:00:00

I reviewed a lot of doublers and this is a solid performer. The limitation on autofocus and compatibility with other lense manufacturers may be a problem as I use it more.

ASKILL

2010-11-21T19:00:00

This extender is made by Canon and it complements certain Canon lenses. it is important to check to see if it can be used on whatever lens you plan to extend. If it is compatible, it can double your range. However, it is important to note that the light that reaches your sensor is now diminished so your F stop range will have decreased. But with these notations taken into account, you will surely be pleased by the performance of the extender.

ELISABETH N.

2010-09-04T21:00:00

Use with the Canon 300 mm f/2.8 IS USM - cost effective way to achieve 600 mm at reasonable speed without the $8000+ cost - the 300 mm f/2.8 is a super sharp lens so there is little loss in image quality by adding the extender - auto focus slows down enough to notice but not enough to be a problem, I'm happy with my purchase.

Dave

2010-08-21T21:00:00

I use this whenever my 70-200mm f2.8L II just isn't long enough. Autofocus does hunt a bit sometimes but given enough light it's never that big of an issue.

KANG N.

2010-02-21T19:00:00

I used this with my 70-200mm f2.8L IS lens to photograph Eagles and Hawks in the Carson Valley, plus the Reno Air Show. The 2X extender gives me a light weight alternative to a big lens with excellent optical quality. I am very happy with gaining 2X reach for the birds (feathered and jet powered). I used it with Canon 5D and 40D. (Note, the reviewer with limited Depth of Field complaint needs to learn that LESS depth of field is ALWAYS the case with LONGER focal length, not the fault of the 2X.) A friend shooting indoors had trouble with the 2 stops loss, it is harder to focus in a low light condition. But outdoors I have no troubles. I find the auto-focus and image stabilization work fine on the IS 70-200 f2.8 'L' lens. Auto-Focus (with AI-servo) follows the big birds in flight also.

Steve B.

2010-02-20T19:00:00

I use the 2x extender with my 500mm f4 Canon and the 1Dmk IV to reach out and capture images of shy birds. Image quality is still great with this combo. It enables me to get usable pics that I would never get without it.

WAYNE T.

2010-01-24T19:00:00

Used with the Canon 300mm IS f2.8 lens gives me great results!

magpie

2009-09-21T21:00:00

If I only had one lens that I could shoot with it would be the Canon 70-200 L with OS lens. If I could add one component to the equation, it would have to be this one. When it says the Canon Extender EF 2x II will double the output with only one F stop loss, it means it. I have been able to shoot much further with this devise than I thought I would be able to.

Mystic L.

2009-09-19T21:00:00

I have used the 2x behind both my 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM and 300mm f/2.8 IS USM for daytime high school football on both my 5DmkII and 20D. It gives the added reach for the 70-200 to make it useful in that scenario from the sidelines. On the 300mm, players less than 30 yards away are too close. Giving up two full stops (f/5.6 min) means at ISO 200 in Av at f/5.6, most of the frames snap off at 1/1250+ during the day. Great addition to the bag - a must-have.

Jerry

2009-08-09T21:00:00

The depth of field is so shallow it is next to impossible to make sharp pictures. After working with it for about 2 weeks I returned it.

JIM G.

2009-05-06T21:00:00

I use the extender to increase my telephoto range for a 70 - 200 mm lense. My lense does not allow me to use the auto focus with the extender so I am slower with it than without. However, manual focus works well with the extender. I'll have to upgrade to a faster lense sometime from a f4 to a 2.8 so I can use auto focus.

Wane

2009-05-03T21:00:00

Only fits a few lenses. No where in the literature did this extender say it only fits a couple of lenses in the Canon arsenal. Bad marketing on Canon's part. Check carefully with Canon's web site prior to purchase to make sure you have a lens that will fit it. So this product is unrated as I was not able to use it.

Font

2009-02-05T19:00:00

Zero complaints. Worth every penny

Velodrone

2009-01-20T19:00:00

Don't but the generic extenders. Pay the price now or you'll just be wasting your $.

David W.

2009-01-04T19:00:00

We use it primarily for wildlife - it brings them close for greater detail.

PATRICIA D.

2009-01-01T19:00:00

Cheaper and lighter than having multiple lenses to cover the same focal length. Dosen't work with many lenses so be sure and check the applicable list before you purchase.

JJ

2008-12-28T19:00:00

I use this extender with Canon 5d and 70mm-200mm L IS 2.8 and a tripod to get 400mm at f5.6. The extender barely degrades the sharpness of this otherwise terrific lens, and is great for getting details at up to thousands of yards.

Lightfiend