Teleconverters for non "L" lenses?

[kkraczek]

I am interested in purchasing a Canon 135mm 2.8 lens, as well as a 2x teleconverter. I am a little confused about this. Are the Canon brand teleconverters only made for "L" lenses, therefore I have to buy third party? Or is there a Canon teleconverter for non-L lenses? Thanks!

[Lemming51]

Right. The Canon Extenders EF 1.4x (I and II) and EF 2x (I and II) have front elements that extend beyond the mount, so they can only be mounted to a select list of L-series primes (plus the 400 DO) and some "L" zooms. See http://www.usa.canon.com/eflenses/ , click on the extenders in the drop down menu, then "Extender Data." It is physically impossible to mate them directly to other lenses.

Aside: It can be done using a 12mm extension tube between the lens and extender. Fine for macro, but you lose infinity focus.

Sigma's APO teleconverters are similar, intended only for use with a small number of their EX lenses and certain others by Canon, Nikon, etc. See http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/page...ComptChart.htm .

Kenko's Pro 300 series of teleconverters are well regarded and can be mated to most any lens. They also make a lower line of TCs (2x MC-7, 1.5x Teleplus SHQ) that will also work.

[kkraczek]

Right. The Canon Extenders EF 1.4x (I and II) and EF 2x (I and II) have front elements that extend beyond the mount, so they can only be mounted to a select list of L-series primes (plus the 400 DO) and some "L" zooms. See http://www.usa.canon.com/eflenses/ , click on the extenders in the drop down menu, then "Extender Data." It is physically impossible to mate them directly to other lenses.

Aside: It can be done using a 12mm extension tube between the lens and extender. Fine for macro, but you lose infinity focus.

Sigma's APO teleconverters are similar, intended only for use with a small number of their EX lenses and certain others by Canon, Nikon, etc. See http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/page...ComptChart.htm .

Kenko's Pro 300 series of teleconverters are well regarded and can be mated to most any lens. They also make a lower line of TCs (2x MC-7, 1.5x Teleplus SHQ) that will also work.

Thanks... what confused me was this line directly from Canon's website description. " With the EF 2x II, AF is possible with any EOS body if the lens has an f/2.8 or faster maximum aperture". Yet, when you look at the compatibility chart, only "L" lenses are listed. They might want to re-word that description, IMO. I will check Kenko's site. Thanks again!

[paulnj]

" With the EF 2x II, AF is possible with any EOS body if the lens has an f/2.8 or faster maximum aperture".

THAT'S RIGHT(besides 1V, 1D,1Ds.. ).. a 2x TC will make your effective aperture go up 2stops(f1.4, f2,f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8, f11.......). so a 300f2.8 with a 2X becomes a 600f5.6.

as a rule you loose AF with a TC if the effective aperture is ABOVE F5.6(above F8 on 1V based bodies) confusingly worded, but true

kenko PRO300 !!!!