600mm PF with 1.4x TC versus 800mm PF

[Lance B]

I have encountered a "bad" copy of two lenses over the last 15 years but I did not expect this possibility to apply to the much less complex TCs. Now I am not so sure. I have both TC14 and TC20. I used them to look at 800 mm using the TC20 compared to stacked TCs. The reviews indicate the TC20 should a better choice. I took several RAW photos taken at 80 to 100 meters using a Z9 + 400 TC 2.8 on a Gitzo series 3 tripod. Examining the photos on a 27 inch UHD monitor at 200% there was certainly some softening, particularly in the corners. I could not see any difference between the TC20 and stacked TCs. Maybe my TC20 is not as good as some others.

Side note - I changed the camera and external TC without moving the lens and tripod. I could not see any difference in FOV. I suspect that 1.4 is just rounded off from the square root of 2 or the difference between 784 mm and 800 mm is pretty small.

Yes, a 1.4x TC is really a 1.414x TC. It is really the square root of 2 = 1.414. Thus 1.414 x 1.414 x 400mm = 800mm.

 

[macwalter]

I thought a 1.4tc would make a 400mm lens a 560mm

 

[ricardo00]

I thought a 1.4tc would make a 400mm lens a 560mm

He is talking about stacking two 1.4TCs, an internal and external one.

 

[ajrmd]

Again, I think the issue comes down to size and FL. Can you take and hold the larger 800 when traveling? Do you shoot at longer FL's. For my local WL, the 800 is a must have though when I travel, I rely more on the 186.

 

[maxxus46]

Same as Matthew.

In my testing, the 600PF + 1.4x were almost indistinguishable from the 800PF, other than that one stop loss of light. If you can make due with F9, it's a great option.

RE: how slow of a shutter you can use, I've done 1/6s multiple times handheld with the 600PF no extender. I would think you'd easily be able to do 1/25s with the 1.4x attached.

My experience with the 600pf+1.4tc mirrors yours as well. This 600pf is unusually good with the 1.4tc attached, provided you can work with f9 @840mm.

 

[macwalter]

Handholding I was able to shoot at 1/40 sec at 600mm at times with good result. I could probably go lower but avoid doing so. Firing bursts and culling is necessary for me in this setting.

 

[wotan1]

I have used the 800 handheld. It works for short periods but you don't want to hold it up all day.

I use a Holdfast strap, leave it dangling until I need to shoot. I can go that way for hours.

 

[Marcepan]

What is the AF effectiveness/accuracy in the case of very dynamically moving objects?
I'm asking because 99% of my photos are taken in situations like this.

I am writing about the 600 PF + TC 1.4 combo.
Of course, in the conditions for which this set is intended - daytime photos.
I'm asking because unfortunately I don't have access to TC 1.4 Z at the moment.

 

[macwalter]

I handhold exclusively almost. The 800pf is simply too big for me and I would venture to say for most of us to handhold for any length of time. The 180-600 can be handheld but for me would get uncomfortable on a long outing. I use the 600pf for action no problem assuming you have enough light for fast shutter speeds. The lens is very fast to AF as is the 400f4.5 with or without the 1.4tc. The 600pf with a 1.4tc will work for BIF but it is harder with f9 and a lot of lens length to control. I prefer the bare 600mm unless the subject is far away and in many cases I just pass on the shot. I consider myself to be pretty good at BIF but I’m no Steve Perry.