Canon Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x First Impressions

July 9, 2020 | Mark Goldstein | Lenses | Comment |

We've spent a little time with the new Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x for Canon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, so ahead of our full review, check out our first impressions now...

Key Specifications

Advanced high-refraction low-dispersion glass
Lens coatings and a three-layer combined lens to reduce ghosting
Heat shield coating
Vibrational shock resistance, dust and water resistance

Key Details

The Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x offer high image quality and precision AF
Drip-proof and dust-proof
When used in combination with compatible lenses, they can dramatically increase capture range

Canon Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x

Canon have released 1.4x and 2x Extenders for the RF lens system, and as you'd expect, they're high-quality products that match the high-end nature of the RF lens range.

Both Extenders use advanced high-refraction, low-dispersion glass to control curvature of field and chromatic aberration of magnification for the highest possible image quality.

They also feature a 4d lens coating and a three-layer combined lens to reduce ghosting.

A heat shield coating prevents performance deterioration in high temperatures and offers weather sealing when used with a compatible L-series RF lens.

There are a few caveats to take note of though. When used with the new RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM, for example, the zoom range is limited to 300 to 500mm when either Extender is connected to prevent the lens’s rear elements from hitting those of the Extender.

And the new Extenders aren't actually compatible with all of the RF lenses - actually, only the new RF 100-500mm, 600mm and 800mm.

Controversially they won't work with the existing the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM, which simply doesn't have enough space to accomodate the Extenders - an incompatibility that is sure to annoy quite a lot of users.