topic RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender in EF & RF Lenses

RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

waldojess — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 15:51:33 GMT

Wondering to get either a 1.4 or a 2X extender with the Rf 100-500 lens. Two concerns, one is a lot of wildlife photography is in lower lighting conditions and the 2X drops it to 11/14. Also, was surprised to see that the extender only works 300-500mm (not 1-299mm). Anyone have any experience with this lens and extenders?

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

ebiggs1 — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:32:19 GMT

I wouldn't do it. It's already a slow lens and the tele-con will only make it slower f9 to f14 in the case of the 2x. Very slow starting apertures!

Since I wouldn't do it, I don't know if they work or not personally. Canon tel-cons do not work on all Canon lenses. Make sure the Rf 100-500 is listed before you buy one.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

shadowsports — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 16:50:59 GMT

Greetings,

We have two users with a good amount of experience with this lens and extenders.

@Tintype_18

@Tronhard

I'm still holding out (hopeful) for an RF in this range that can be used with a 1.4x TC below 300mm. Maybe a mkII if it happens. Before going all in, I want to see if canon makes a lens in this FL with something lower than f7.1 and that doesn't have a limit when used with a TC. Its basically the last RF lens I will need to complete my "L" catalog. I don't need it until summer next year, so I'm going to wait on it. I purchased the 100~400 to get me through the wait. Canon is continuing to fill out their RF line, and I've got some time. I'll let the guys know you are looking for info.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

shadowsports — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:21:12 GMT

TC's work on the 100~500 but only at 300mm+. This in conjunction with the f7.1 is what's got me holding out. My Sigma 600c does better at f6.3, but the lens is unwieldy in comparison.

The RF 100~500 is a full pound lighter than the 600c and 1.63 lbs lighter that the 600s which I know Ernie owns.

I wouldn't recommend the 2.0x as it would really limit use to anything but bright, bright light. At that point, you have to bite the bullet and get a prime. (Cha-Ching$)

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

waldojess — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:41:08 GMT

Thank you

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

waldojess — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:45:38 GMT

With my EF lenses I really like my 70-200 2.8. And a 300 F4. Both handle extenders very well in lower light. I prefer zoom vs prime because it gives you much more flexibility for wildlife.

if seems the best advice is to push the ISO.

I am also awaiting more Conor rf lenses. I’d like to see a 150-600 to compete with Tamron.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

waldojess — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 18:48:12 GMT

The problem with the prime is the enormous price delta. I saw a video where they pushed the ISO to 6,400 and 12,800 with good results using the 1.4 and 2.0. Wish o could afford both.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 19:42:49 GMT

" surprised to see that the extender only works 300-500mm (not 1-299mm)"

Telextenders are a compromise. As a rule they slow down autofocus and decrease image quality. They really should only be used to extend the maximum focal length of the lens.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

ebiggs1 — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 20:56:59 GMT

Two lenses I do confess work well with the 1.4 tele-con is the 70-200mm f2.8L and the 300mm f4L.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

Waddizzle — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 21:02:14 GMT

I think you would be better off with the RF 800mm prime compared to the 100-500 with a teleconverter. The prime would focus faster and more accurately. For that price I would take the f/11 fixed aperture..

With either setup, your available AF points will no longer cover edge to edge. You will probably be limited to a center AF Zone comparable in size to what you might see in a high performance DSLR.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

waldojess — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:06:55 GMT

I would agree, but if your budget is limited, long prime lenses are out of the question.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:12:28 GMT

I’m not saying buy a prime lens. I can’t afford them either. I am saying don’t add the telextender until the zoom reaches 500mm and you still need reach. Then it doesn’t matter that it only works >300mm.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

waldojess — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:16:06 GMT

It becomes the prime vs zoom debate. When shooting wildlife, your "zoom" is moving your feet with. prime vs zoom on the camera. Many times you are too close or the subject moves. That being said, you make great points about the AF. And the price of that 800mm seems reasonable. The 2X extender is $599 and the RF800 is $899. Thinking to carry both lenses. Thank you!

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

ebiggs1 — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:29:58 GMT

"Then it doesn’t matter that it only works >300mm."

Most zoom teles like the 100-500mil or the 150-600mm lenses are at max FL probably 75%-80% of the time anyway. If you have a program like Lightroom this can easily be checked and confirmed

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

Guyster — Sat, 06 May 2023 16:34:20 GMT

I have a Sigma 150-600 C hanging on an R5, and am considering the Canon RF100-500mm with a 1.4x TC for military aircraft. I live near a training route, and distance to subject varies a lot, so a prime lens would likely result in a lot of missed shots. Looks like this would be about $3,200 U.S. all in. Not sure what the used market is for the Sigma. (I could sell it to soften the blow a little). I wonder if there's an appreciable improvement in IQ or performance over the Sigma. I don't have buyer's remorse over that lens, but it does seem to make somewhat soft images - often Topaz Labs makes a very noticeable improvement. Still it's hard to parse how much is lens and how much me struggling to keep that much reach on a fast moving target. Also, how do you keep from retracting the lens too far when using the TC? Is it possible to have an element collide with the TC?

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

shadowsports — Sat, 06 May 2023 19:10:59 GMT

Greetings,

I own both lenses + the Sigma and Canon 1.4x TC's. The Sigma 150-600c is a special lens. I bought the lens and TC as a package.

The RF 100-500 is also exceptional. I purchased the RF 1.4x TC refurb about a month ago. I haven't used it yet. Like Ernie said >300mm only. Which is what you'd want anyway.

Subject tracking using the sigma on a MILC body works pretty well adapted. I have not tried adapted and extended. I wouldn't bother. Adapted is one thing, adding an extender to an adapted lens and trying to track aircraft would be more challenging. Even on MILC.

For this, I would recommend the RF 100-500. First choice would be without the TC. Try getting closer. If it's not possible, then add the 1.4x and know you'll be challenging the lens. I purchased the TC for stationary photos (mostly). I'm sure others will chime in.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

Guyster — Sat, 06 May 2023 22:30:33 GMT

Hey Rick, thank you for the input. I also bought the extender, dock and lens as a package. I tried the extender a couple of times, but as I recall, the images were really soft (on an EOS R) so I shelved it. What's a MILC? Going from the R to the R5 made a huge difference in the number of keepers compared to the R. I just wonder given that hefty price tag, if the RF100-500 would offer a significant improvement over the Sigma. I'm reasonably happy with it on the R5 (adapted).

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

shadowsports — Sun, 07 May 2023 01:11:35 GMT

Guyster,

The center to corner sharpness on the RF100-500 is consistently better than the Sigma 150-600c. The Sigma does offer fine detail. In comparison, the RF 100-500 produces a razor sharp focus and level of detail slightly above the Sigma, nearly 100% of the time. There are always going to be shooting conditions that affect IQ, lighting, distance to the subject, etc. You can see the difference when you zoom in on the corner of an image. The sharpness is consistent across the entire frame.

I would recommend the 100-500 over the Sigma in your case for its tracking ability. Flying birds and aircraft specifically. Tracking wise, the EF protocols are not quite as good for moving subjects on an adapted body. That said, I have years of happy memories with my sigma lenses. By the way, MILC is mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

Another compelling reason for your upgrade. The R5 should be getting a firmware update this summer that adds enhanced AF and subject tracking similar to the algorithms in the R62. Pre-shooting buffer is also possible, and lens breathing correction for video. Probably more. It's not confirmed but I believe it's very likely. Everyone expected it with the last update when R5 users got pixel shift.

The RF 100-500 is a perfect mate for the R5, it's ibis and lens IS. It's existing functionality is already better than the Sigma. I have not parted with my 150-600c or my EF 70-300 USM II. (yet). But I will. I don't do much BIF or planes.

The Canon 100-500 is lighter, slightly shorter and doesn't require an adapter. I've also fully embraced the RF mount. Canon on Canon. It was worth the additional cost for me.

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

Guyster — Sun, 07 May 2023 04:24:26 GMT

Hey Rick, thanks for the information. I was hoping that 1.8.1 would get the M6 MKII tracking, but I've read a few places that it may be coming next month or at least sometime this year. I recently attended an airshow at March AFB and tried the tracking and it was pretty darn good...much better at holding a focus than I managed without it. Still, in a series of shots in a single pass, some would be really good and others just a little off - like the focus was shifting just a bit...or it could be motion blur. The RF lens sounds really good so I may try and sell my Sigma and EOS R to offset the cost. I have a birthday in July, I'll have to start dropping hints for my wife. 😃 Thanks again, and have a great weekend!

Re: RF 100-500 Lens with 1.4 or 2X Extender

shadowsports — Sun, 07 May 2023 13:56:00 GMT

I just re-read the entire thread and realized I missed one your questions. You can't attach the TC to the 100-500 until the zoom is set to 300 or >. When you zoom out, the zoom stops at 300mm. Like any zoom when you reach the start or end of its range. 300-500mm when mounted. The zoom behaves like the Sigma. No extender - when you go from 100 > 500 its a 2 grip twist. From 300-500 its a single grip, twist. Short throw. Just something I noticed when I test fitted. These are the zoom ranges you'll be at anyway when using the extender.