Extenders 2x TC question with RF 100-500mm

[lostnomore]

I realize that the RF 2x teleconverter can be only used on this lens from 300-500mm. What is the max. (widest) aperture at 300mm and also at 500mm when this TC is attached?

 

[freddijay]

My feeling is that using a 600-1000mm zoom for BIF is definitely challenging. Especially for me. I find that the combination can be made to work if Iit is zoomed out to 600mm to find the bird and then zoomed in carefully to 1000mm. The shutter speed then must always be set very high. When the shutter speed is high, the f/14 aperture makes for high ISO especially when adding EC while shooting against the sky. The bare RF 100-500 is actually quite nice for BIF if the animal is close enough. The zooms all have worked well for me with the Sandhill Cranes in Bosque del Apache because they don't always fly in the same direction. At times, they will veer directly at us. They're also large enough to use less focal length.

 

[Only RF]

Yeah, me too! It is tempting! Oh well, it's only money!

They don't have medicines for this type of GAS.

 

[ChRiSiS]

I have tried BIF using the R5 and the RF800 F11 as well as the RF 100-500, and also with those two + the 2X TC. It is fine with then 100-500, manageable but challenging with the RF 800, and, for me, very difficult when using either of those lenses and the 2X TC. If you really want a challenge, try using the RF800 plus the 2X TC on a R7! It works pretty well for shots of the moon, but is hopeless (at least in my hands) for any moving object.

By the way, the IQ of the TC plus RF800 is also quite good, considering the extreme focal length and small aperture.

 

[Harry]

I use the R5 with the RF 2X on an RF 100-500 quite frequently and that combination can provide some quite acceptable images if you are careful about it. Of course, less magnification with the RF 1.4X is a bit better if you aren't in need of the extra reach. It all comes down to balance, IMHO. If you need the shot and the subject is too far away, the RF 2X is a definite option. If you can shoot with a prime lens and no extenders, that's great. Different tools for different situations is the rule. These full-frame images were shot in our backyard with the R5, RF 2X, RF 100-500. For my purposes, they are very usable. If I want to get out the EF 500 f/4 II and mount it on a tripod, I might do better, especially with the EF 2X III extender which is quite sharp with the EF lens.

I have both the 1.4x and the 2.0x and use on the 100-500mm on my r5. I find the 2.0X disappointing and am thinking of selling it--too much degradation of the photos with the 2.0x. I rarely use it.

 

[AKVet]

I have tried BIF using the R5 and the RF800 F11 as well as the RF 100-500, and also with those two + the 2X TC. It is fine with then 100-500, manageable but challenging with the RF 800, and, for me, very difficult when using either of those lenses and the 2X TC. If you really want a challenge, try using the RF800 plus the 2X TC on a R7! It works pretty well for shots of the moon, but is hopeless (at least in my hands) for any moving object.

By the way, the IQ of the TC plus RF800 is also quite good, considering the extreme focal length and small aperture.

Okay, I am not that smart. I have seen the abbreviation "IQ" on this site before. What does it mean?

 

[Only RF]

I have tried BIF using the R5 and the RF800 F11 as well as the RF 100-500, and also with those two + the 2X TC. It is fine with then 100-500, manageable but challenging with the RF 800, and, for me, very difficult when using either of those lenses and the 2X TC. If you really want a challenge, try using the RF800 plus the 2X TC on a R7! It works pretty well for shots of the moon, but is hopeless (at least in my hands) for any moving object.

By the way, the IQ of the TC plus RF800 is also quite good, considering the extreme focal length and small aperture.

Challenging with the TC on or off the 800?

 

[Only RF]

Okay, I am not that smart. I have seen the abbreviation "IQ" on this site before. What does it mean?

Image Quality.

 

[AKVet]

Image Quality.

Ha...of course! Thanks!

 

[Only RF]

Ha...of course! Thanks!

I have brain farts every day.

 

[ChRiSiS]

Challenging with the TC on or off the 800?

I find it challenging with just the RF800. I find it next to impossible using the RF 800 and the 2X TC on the R5. The RF 800 on the R7 is extremely challenging, and it’s absolutely impossible on the R7 with the 2X TC. Frankly, the RF 800 and the 2X converter is, at least in my hands, for static subjects only (plus a good tripod or solid rest).