Need input from those who shoot Canon gear w/ TC

[Shutter]

are you using the 1.4? what are your thoughts?

trying to rig up the poor mans big glass and trim down the sticker shock.

[ShawnV]

I have a 1.4L .....what's "w/ TC"?

[Shutter]

sorry, that post skimped on some of the details. TC = teleconverter. do you (or anyone else) use a teleconverter with any existing zooms or primes to get more power?

so a 1.4x teleconverter would turn a 300mm prime into a 420mm.. my main concern is how big is the drop in light? a show stopper for low light shots? or can bumping the ISO compensate?

[ShawnV]

Without a doubt you'll get a better image from getting a larger lens...the 1.4 will be ok if you have ideal lighting. If you are looking are taking top-end pictures, get the 400 or 600mm lens. However, the 1.4 is much more affordable.

I shoot the Cannon 20D which alrady has a 1.6 conversion and might get the 1.4, If I do, I'll have a lot lower expectation on the results.

I would pose this question here for more responses:

dpreview

[billkay]

The 1.4 will cost you 1 stop in light. Bumping the iso wil compensate but at the expense of increased noise and contrast. It is in my opinion however that it is a worth while investment provided the lense you are using are top rate. The 1.4 I have for my Nikon will ony fit certain, late mdel lenses, starting at the 80-200 2.8. It also fits the 300 2.8 and the 400 2.8. The design is such that a portion of the tc extends into the lens. Not all lenses will work. For example, my 28-70 2.8 macro wil not acomodate the tc.

[Shutter]

appreciate the insight bill, was hoping you would chime in. I just can't pull the trigger on that big gla$$ yet but really need a little extra power.

[billkay]

If I were you, I'd be looking to spend my money on speed. If you want some big glass, look at a 500mm mirror lenses. Very inexpensive, but can take some awesome pix. What it does to highlights, you won't believe! The slow unadjustable spped of them, normally f-8, can be dealt with.

[LifeNRA]

Yeah I miss my 500mm for my Nikon! I should have never gotten rid of it!