EF Series lll 1.4x TC and Sigma Lens?

[Dave_S]

I have the EF 100-400L Mkll lens, which I use in conjunction with the EF 1.4x Mklll TC, to give me 560mm focal length with the EOS 5d lV camera.

However, there are times when a bit more 'reach' would be useful, and my question is, would the EF 1.4x Mklll TC work with the Sigma 150-600C, to give me a focal length of 840mm, whilst retaining the centre point AF.

I realise that the Sigma 150-600C is not in the same 'league' as the 100-400L in terms of image quality, but how much of a compromise would this be?

I know that the Sport version is reported as having better image quality than the Contemporary, but the weight would be an issue.

I should add that I bought an EOS 7d Mkll, to compliment the full frame camera, and take advantage of the 1.6x crop factor, but was disappointed with its High ISO noise performance, compared to the 5d4, so I sold it.

[colin C]

At F6.3 at the 600mm end, I would say no. I believe the 5D will retain auto focus up to F8 and you would be just over that.

[MartinEOS]

I would assume it's highly likely it won't physically fit, the extenders actully extend into the lens by a few millimetres, it's one of the reasons they are compatible with only selected Canon lenses - they have the appropriate space which allows it to fit, among other technical reasons.

[Dave_S]

Hi Colin. With the 100-400L ll, and the 1.4X TC, at the 400mm end, the f/5.6 lens becomes f/8 of course, but I see where you are coming from, in what would f/6.3 become. Probably f/9 or higher.

As you say, the camera will handle AF up to f/8.

I guess it really needs an input from someone that has used a Sigma 150-600 with a 1.4x TC, and 5d3 or 4.

I know that Sigma have their own 1.4x TC, but the end result is likely to be the same.

If I can't use the Sigma with a 1.4x TC, then there would be no point in buying one, as with the stand alone 600mm, I would only be gaining 40mm of focal length over my existing 100-400/1.4x TC combo.


EDIT: I think this answers the question Colin. Taken from Sigma's 1.4x TC/lens compatibility chart for the 150-600 lens:-

"When it is attached to cameras that are compatible with AF at F8,blurry images may result of subjects of low contrast or luminance."

[Dave_S]

I would assume it's highly likely it won't physically fit, the extenders actully extend into the lens by a few millimetres, it's one of the reasons they are compatible with only selected Canon lenses - they have the appropriate space which allows it to fit, among other technical reasons.

You could be correct on that Martin, but if I were to go down the Sigma route, I would take the Canon EF 1.4x TC lll, to the retailer, and try before buying.

[antoeknee]

Can't comment on the 5D4 but have tried 1.4 with my 150-600 C on my 5D3. It definitely fits no problem, however, AF was just centre point only and somewhat slow. Not really use able.

[Dave_S]

Can't comment on the 5D4 but have tried 1.4 with my 150-600 C on my 5D3. It definitely fits no problem, however, AF was just centre point only and somewhat slow. Not really use able.

The AF issue does seem to be confirmed by your good self, and other on-line research, so its pretty clear that AF with the 150-600 and a 1.4x TC is not a usable option.

As such, as I would be restricted to manual focus, as back in the 'good old days', with my AE1-P SLR, the sensible, and cheaper option, would be the EF 2x TC (f/9 to f/11).

However, only good for wildlife subjects that would sit still for long enough

The 5d4 is pretty good noise wise, up to, and including ISO12800, so I could cope with the f/11 restriction at 800mm.

A lot more thinking to do I reckon!!

[Trev B]

I use the 5D MkIV with the Sigma 150/600 Sport plus Canon 1.4 extender MkIII combo - no problems

[Dave_S]

I use the 5D MkIV with the Sigma 150/600 Sport plus Canon 1.4 extender MkIII combo - no problems

Hmm?, that's interesting Trev. I'm guessing that the combo would present an aperture of f/9 to f/9.5 at max afocal length, which in theory means the camera should struggle to autofocus. I thought that like the 5d3, the 5d4 was limited to f/8 in order to retain autofocus capability. Is the 5d4 more flexible in this respect?

[antoeknee]

Maybe the use of Sport rather than Contemporary version of the lens is a factor too.

[Dave_S]

After much thought, I think that until I can justify the purchase of a Canon EF 500mm or 600mm f/4 L series lens, both of which can be used with the 1.4x TC, then anything else would be a compromise from the results I get with my existing EF 100-400L Mkll, and EF 1.4x lll TC combo.
In the meantime, I guess I had better hone my stalking skills, and get in closer.

I guess a Ghillie Suit, would be cheaper than a 'Big' lens

[Brian Sugden]

An interesting thread. I used to own a Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens but sold it as I'm not getting any younger and it was becoming too heavy to lug around. I now use a 300mm f/2.8L IS II lens with a 1.4 III TC on a 1DX. The image size is obviously smaller but I find the quality is so good that cropping is not a problem.

[Dave_S]

An interesting thread. I used to own a Canon 500mm f/4L IS lens but sold it as I'm not getting any younger and it was becoming too heavy to lug around. I now use a 300mm f/2.8L IS II lens with a 1.4 III TC on a 1DX. The image size is obviously smaller but I find the quality is so good that cropping is not a problem.

Yep, I can see where you are coming from Brian, and even with your present set-up you are lugging some 4.75kg around. My 5D4 + 100-400L Mkll + 1.4x TC weighs in at 2.75kg, and that is heavy enough to walk around with. With something like the 500 f/4 that would be around 4.3kg, so definitely a tripod job.

BTW, at 77, I'm no Spring Chicken either, albeit still reasonably fit.

[Brian Sugden]

I also own the 100-400 Mk II though have never used it with a 1.4 III TC, though I'm thinking about trying it. The image quality with the 1DX is excellent and I often crop images using that combination with very satisfactory results.

[Dave_S]

Definitely worth giving it a go Brian, it will give you a focal length of 560mm, albeit the maximum aperture will be limited to f/8, and centre point AF only. I have never found that to be a problem, and the image quality is very good.

EDIT:-

Here's a shot taken with the 5d4 + EF 100-400L Mkll + EF 1.4x TC lll, at the full 560mm, and IS012800. Taken from a distance, and cropped.


Blue Tit by Dave, on Flickr