To 2X or not to 2X

[Brian Rutter]

Owning the Nikon Z 400mm 2.8 + TC, I have been getting some really good results with the 1.4 'external' AND the 'internal' 1.4 engaged (and additionally, DX engaged).
With Christmas rapidly approaching, I am considering asking the good wife for a 2X converter.

If anyone has this combo, I would greatly appreciate their thoughts on it.

 

[Robert S]

I use a Canon R7 with a Canon 100-400 Mk II. Normally I leave the 1.4 extender on, but occasionally use a 2x extender.
I would get the 2x extender you mention. Only a pixel peeper would know you used it and even then I wouldn't care too much.
Following photo was taken with my set up using the 2x, hand held, original was 18.5 Meg

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[arbitrage]

Unless you are planning to use the 2xTC and the internal 1.4TC to reach out to 1120mm f/8, I would just stick with the external 1.4 to reach 800 (784). People say the 2x is a little bit sharper than the stacked 1.4TCs but not by much.
I would still prefer to have the versatility of going back and forth between 560/4 and 784/5.6 when the external 1.4 is mounted rather than locking myself into 800/5.6 with the 2xTC. I don't feel I'd use 1120mm much at all and find using 1.4 and 2.0 stacked pushing it.

 

[flashpixx]

I borrowed the 2xTC from NPS for the Z 400 f2.8.
In terms of image quality between the 2xTC and stacked 1.4TC there isnt much or anything at all between them.
What I did like tho is the ability to go between 560mm f4 and 784mm f5.6 by engaging the internal TC.
Going out to 1120mm f8 is of no interest to me, YMMV of course.
I sent the 2xTC back and very happy with the 1.4xTC.

 

[JAJohnson]

I have a 400 f/2.8 TC. I’ve found that the two 1.4x TC’s didn’t provide images with the acuity I prefer. For me, the 2.0x without using the internal TC performs much better. I have little need for more focal length beyond 800mm, so I’m happy with it.

 

[DHL]

I have a 400 f/2.8 TC. I’ve found that the two 1.4x TC’s didn’t provide images with the acuity I prefer. For me, the 2.0x without using the internal TC performs much better. I have little need for more focal length beyond 800mm, so I’m happy with it.

I too prefer to use the the 2x TC with the 400mm f2.8 TC S. I’m happy with the image quality.

 

[Robert S]

I decided to try to get about 1800mm ff equivalent. I need the Canon extension tube to allow stacking of the Sigma 1.4 and 2x extenders. I can still take photos at several km. The photo of the Cocky was at 4.5m 1/125 ISO 1600 f22 hand held
The original Cocky photo was 24MB. I did a bit of PP in LRC.

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Crop of eye

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It says 800mm. No idea why. It should be 1120mm

 

[nmerc_photos]

I've used it extensively. I think the 400TC + 2x is slightly better than the 400TC + 1.4x + 1.4x, but you'd never know unless you compared images right next to eachother to see both.

If it works for you, go for it.