Autofocus speed of EF 100-400mm with EF TC 2x III on M6 Mark II

XN_Stein wrote:

R2D2 wrote:

XN_Stein wrote:

Hi,

I had used the EF 100-400mm with EF TC 1.4x III before and I found it to be a excellent combo as the reduction of autofocus speed with the TC1.4X III is almost negligible.

Are you talking about the original “Mark I” lens?.

Hi R2, i am referring to the 100-400mm II lens. It is a good lens and I like it alot. 😀

And was that on the M6 Mark II?

Yes, I used the EF 100-400 II on the M6 Mark II.

Thanks. I just wanted to make sure we were talking about the same equipment.

I’ve used the 100-400ii +/- 1.4x iii on the M6ii with great success (sharp, fast-focusing). However I haven’t tried the 2x (due to the reasons mentioned previously).

I totally relate with your experience with the 1.4x III TC. Is it better off to crop the photo from 100-400II + 1.4x III TC as compared to using the 2x III TC then?

With a TC, your technique has to be perfect in order to gain anything over the bare 100-400ii (which is darn good on its own). The 2x is particularly demanding, esp on crop. Plus you give up some performance (as Marco mentioned), though on mirrorless it’s not nearly as bad as on a DSLR.

Would like to ask about your experience for the autofocus speed of EF 100-400mm with EF TC 2x III on M6 Mark II instead? Is the slowdown of autofocus speed very noticeable?

Thank you.

Are you thinking BIFs?

Yes, i intend to try BIFs. But as the EF 100-400mm II lens is quite bulky after holding for prolong time, I prefer shooting birds that are jumping around on the tall tree instead. My current use cases in mind are:

• To extend the reach to be able to capture further object such as building, mountain, tower etc... with much more details

As long as atmospherics don’t get in the way. Get out the tripod and remote for best sharpness.

• Wildlife photography (mostly birds)

I’ve gotten great results, both with and without a TC. The 1.4x was my practical maximum though (900mm equiv on crop). The M6ii’s AF is very good (and fast) with the 1.4x combo. I haven’t tried the 2x.

• BIFs (not have much success with it yet)

Yup. (IME) darn tough with the M6ii due to the “slideshow effect” in the EVF. Very difficult to track. A huge challenge even without a TC.

• Airshow

Planes (even jets) are definitely easier than birds. 1280mm equiv though? I’d rather crop in order to make tracking easier.

• Astronomy (Moon photography)

For greatest definition, cold clear nights with the moon at zenith. Avoid full moons (you want that high-contrast terminator in the picture). Stack all the TC’s you want!

Bottom line. Adding a 1.4x will provide some benefits in the right conditions. Adding a 2x cuts that down even further. Depends on how much you shoot at those fringes! Best of luck!

R2