With the instant ability to crop and enlarge etc is it worth having a multiplier(extender)? My theory is hazy here and it is a long long time since I used one (B&W steam photography days). I am dumping my zooms and re-arming with primes 50mm 1.8, 5mm 1.8 and 200mm 2.8. Thinking about the 1.4 extender (Canon) but then thought of the loss of light and slower focusing. What real advantage then can this bit of kit provide? Won' it be the same as croping and enlarging for example?

Any clarification would be welcomed please.

The Canon extenders only fit certain lenses (no EFS, and mine won't fit my 24-105 f4 L) so be careful. It's a handy and lightweight way to make the 70-200mm more versatile and I don't see any drawbacks except the 1 stop penalty.

Wyndham - thanks for your thoughts. Your point about lens compatability is well taken. I might have to look at a Kenko or Sigma but then I am also in uncharted waters. In a way I would prefer to stay with Canon as although they are expensive you seem to get your money back if you sell.

I have just sold my 24-105 after afew years use. I had the potential problem with extender and actually found the lens a bit soft and slow for what I seemed to be moving into - candid street and low light shots. I am going to try a few primes out for a change. At the moment I have the "plastic fantastic" 50mm 1.8 and have the use of a 100mm 2.8 macro. I have just purchased the 85mm 1.8 and the 200mm 2.8 is next on the list. I am using a Canon 60D and have the use of a 7D and 5D11 if I need them. (borrowed from a pal).

get delivery of the 85mm 1.8 on Tuesday so I am quite keen to give it a go. Should be fast focusing and I hope sharp at f2.8 or f4 at least. I look forward to getting nice Bokeh which I have also missed.