Canon EF 2X II Extender Telephoto Accessory

by Canon

• Telephoto extender designed to double Canon EF lens focal length
• Ideal for shooting close-ups from a distance at sporting events
• Weather-resistant and anti-reflective internal construction
• Maintains autofocus with any EOD body with f/2.8 or faster aperture
• Measures 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches long; weighs 9.3 ounces

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 3.8 x 3.5 inches ; 9.3 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00009XVBY
• Item model number: 6864A004
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (81 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com

Designed to double the focal length of any compatible Canon EF lens, the Canon EF 2x II extender telephoto accessory is ideal for sporting events and nature photography. The lens boasts a new seven-element design, along with the same weather-resistant and anti-reflective internal construction as the companion EF 1.4x II extender. More significantly, the extender supports autofocus with any EOS body provided the lens has an f/2.8 or faster maximum aperture (the EF 2x II reduces effective aperture by two stops). The EF 2x II--which also maintains an EOS camera's Image Stabilization technology--carries a one-year warranty.

• Magnification: 2.0x
• Lens construction: 7 elements in 5 groups
• Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches long
• Weight: 9.3 ounces

Product Description

The new EF 2.0x II extender replaces the previous highly regarded EF 2.0x extender. When combined with the EOS-1V & the EF supertelephoto lenses with image stabilization, near imperviousness to weather extremes is acheived thanks to the new rubber gasket seals. Improved antireflective internal coatings also increase transmissivity & performance in backlit conditions. The new II teleconverters are fully compatible with the following EF lenses: 135mm f/2L, EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro*, 200mm f/1.8L, 200mm f/2.8 I & II, 400mm f/5.6, 1200mm f/5.6, EF 70-200 f/4L*, EF 70-200 f/4L IS*, 70-200m f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS*, and all varitions of the following; 300mm f/2.8, EF 300mm f/4L IS*, EF 300mm f/4L*, 400mm f/2.8, EF 400mm f/5.6L*, 500mm f/4.5, EF 500mm f/4L IS*, 600mm f/4.0 & EF 400mm f/4.0 DO IS*. NOTE: When used with the EOS 5/A2/A2e camera, exposure compensation must be set to - 0.5 EV with the 1.4x II or - 1.0 EV with the 2.0x II. Autofocus will work on...

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

344 of 355 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic add-on February 20, 2008

By Richard C. Drew TOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

It should be obvious - this extender really needs to be used with a tripod. That alone will increase your image quality. It's also designed for the higher quality Canon lenses - the EF series. 90% of the complaints about this accessory ignore those two facts. The next biggest complaint - autofocus. Again, Canon is clear that you need a lens with an aperture of 2.8 or faster in order for autofocus to work. Basically, so what! If I'm on a tripod shooting my subject, I'm going to pre-focus . The depth of field is in such a compact area and you're zoomed in so much, autofocus is really not that important. What did people do before autofocus? Skip the photo?

So if you understand what you are purchasing and know how to use it - well, like with any great tool - you'll produce fantastic results. If you don't know how to use it, try and do a hand-held 400mm zoom, or attempt to catch that bird as it swoops past, forget it. This is not a $5,000 lens. It's a $300 add on that extends your current lens.

If you could afford that 10 lb, 800mm telephoto lens - at $12,000 - you would not be looking at this accessory. I'm not trading in my car for a lens any time soon - and this little accessory does the job just fine. I've tried it on action shots freehand - even though I knew better. Forget it. Handheld when it's added on to my 200mm? Almost as bad. On a tripod? Fantastic. Even better if you have the remote trigger.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for an affordable alternative, know how to use it, and are willing to spend the half hour it takes to master this multiplier, you will get great results. If you expect to point and shoot, then buy a point and shoot camera.

112 of 115 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for sports and nature shooters. October 18, 2005

By Papa Swamp

Amazon Verified Purchase

If you have the big lenses (400mm f/2.8L IS USM or even the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM) this is totally worth the addition. The 2x does NOT kill the autofocus on the f/2.8 and effectively doubles your lens with very little distortion around the edges. Check compatability on Canon's website. You won't be disappointed!

185 of 201 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Twice the reach at what price? July 15, 2006

By L. T. Beasimer TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

This extender is limited to which lenses it will work with, most of them L lenses. The II model features a new seven-element weather-resistant design, and improved anti-reflection internal construction. Auto-focus is possible with any EOS body if an f/2.8 or faster maximum aperture lens is used. Image Stabilization lenses maintain the IS feature when used with current EOS cameras. Using this extender with any lens will eliminate one or two f stops and decrease sharpness to some degree.

I rented this extender to use with the Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom lens. This lens while sharp and high in quality, is not the sharpest L lens out there. I found adding this extender with the 100-400mm caused the sharpness to suffer too much for my tastes outweighing the benefit of having extra reach. The minimum 7.6 f-stop limits creative abilities with this combination too.

I would imagine that using with an extremely sharp lens like the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM telephoto zoom lens would be able to handle the reduction in sharpness with minimal effect. I didn't own this lens when I used the extender, so I cannot say for sure.

I would suggest renting or taking your camera and lens to the store and trying this extender out before buying. I can see where certain combinations may benefit the photographer. In my case, it didn't work out for me.

PROS:
Provides extra reach

CONS:
Eliminates one or two f-stops
Decreases sharpness of the lens