RF extender experiences with RF 100-500 1.4x vs 2.0? Locked

frostybe3r wrote:

I'm just going to say, don't bother with an extender on a non prime lens like this, especially as the cost of the extenders are ridiculous, you're new from what it seems and despite the 1.4X not necessarily losing much clarity in general, it will due to your using a zoom and don't forget that you're going down to f10 or so at 700mm, which just by basic physics will already lessen your quality a small bit, f10 just isn't ideal for light nor shutter speed or bokeh.

This isn't a professional lens and it does focus breath so bare in mind with your 1.4X extender, it's still not 700mm.

Read my posts about experience with the lens, comparison to the 200-400 f4 L IS, and some other thoughts. Basically, the 100-500 is a professional zoom lens with performance at least as good or better than the EF 100-400 II - which many consider one of the best professional zooms available. While I wouldn't shoot the 100-500 with a 2x extender (or lenses other than a big white or f2.8 zooms), the 100-500 + 1.4x can deliver stellar results. I have shot all of the Big Whites primes and the f2.8 & f4 zooms. I also know several top professionals that would not hesitate to use the 100-500 as their "go to" lens for wildlife in the field. That doesn't mean they would give up their BW primes, but the lens is another tool in their bag that delivers outstanding results.

Look at all the charts you want, but the truth is in the photos. Since you are new and have not updated your gear list, it is difficult to get a sense of your real life experience with photography.

David