New and Improved?

Once again, I tried Topaz Labs. They have come out with "New and improved" versions of their AI software. I coughed up the money, and 'renewed' my yearly plan (not going to renew it again, for reasons that will follow.) But I was willing to give it another shot.

I loaded an Olympus ORF file into Topaz DeNoise. It did ok, but left the image kind of dull and flat. So, I closed that, and opened Topaz Sharpen AI, opened the same ORF file. It does have a rudimentary denoise function. But the finished results again were lacking.

To use the Topaz software, you need to open them in another program, adjust exposure, then use one Topaz plugin after another. And although you can get good results, the Sharpen AI takes a long time (6 minutes).   

On1 NoNoise 23: opened the same Olympus ORF file in NoNoise. Not only was I able to remove the noise, but I could also sharpen the image at the same time. And it was finished in about 30 seconds.  If I want to have even more editing, I could open file in On1PhotoRaw, get it all done in about a minute.

On1 for the win, again

I've been doing some reading on photography forums

And it seems that with the exception of hard core professional photogs that use a lot of tools that come in Photoshop, the main reason people keep subscribing/renting it is because of Adobe Camera Raw, which Adobe makes sure will only work up to a certain version of Photoshop (ie 6.7 with CS5, 9.1 with CS6. IMO, Adobe *could* have but didn't make ACR usable with other versions, and not for the reasons they claimed.)

There are ways around getting stuck with renting Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, and to keep using your older version of Photoshop.

1: Don't fall for the often misunderstood phrase "No Longer Supported" if you update your computer's OS.  All that means is you will have to make GOOGLE search your friend if you  have a problem using CS5 with Windows 10. Or ask a tech savvy friend. If that tech savvy friend says "Subscribe to Abobe" they aren't as tech savvy as they claim.

2:  Use the Adobe DNG converter. This will take your proprietary raw files and turn them into 'open source' digital negatives. I've done this when I had CS5 and got new camera.  Guess what? Exact same result editing the DNG in CS5 as I got when I edited Canon's proprietary CR2 and Olympus' ORF file in CS6.

3: Find a different program to use as your camera raw editor. Yes, people keep chanting "Adobe is the industry standard", not realizing or caring that it was Adobe company itself that branded itself the industry standard.  There are many other camera raw editors you can use, and then 'punt' the resulting JPG into whatever 'old' version of Photoshop you have. I do suggest, do you due diligence when looking for raw editor.  There are many that are way over priced for what they do.  A few are so slow and clunky.

My PERSONAL experiences are thus so far, in no particular order:

1: CaptureOne - no denying it is a great photo editor, but for the average hobbyist, or learning photographer, it's way over loaded in features. It is also THE most expensive editing program out there.  Their 2020 version runs at $515.00 AUD for a single user license, or $35AUD to 'rent' it.

2: DxO Labs - Their latest version is fantastic. I have nothing negative to say about it. It has the best lens correction catalog, and if your particular camera/lens combo isn't on your hard drive, DxO will search and have it available for download if possible.  It has not only adjustment brushes/gradients, but it also incorporates the U-Point tech of Nik. DxO has solved issues with certain photos for me. Definitely not overpriced for everything you get. Currently, you can get it for $ 189, no subscription.

3:On1PhotoRaw - Camera raw editor on steroids is how I described it to a friend. Not only do you get everything that is in the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw, it comes with tools found in Photoshop, too.  You can use On1 as a standalone editor, not just as RAW editor, or as a plug in for Photoshop (caveat being if you can open the raw image in Photoshop). Pricing varies to $99 to buy it, or an extra $50 to subscribe to On1Plus. On1Plus isn't software, it's priority support, webinars, workshops, and other goodies thrown into the mix. It does have a few shortfalls (they removed Focal Point (creating a focus region bokeh effect), which is what keeps me running Windows 7 on another hdd (dual boot system) because I have their older software on that computer, which does have Focal Point.

4: Exposure X5 (the software previously known as Alienskin Exposure) - This is a great all-in-one camera raw editor.  And if it  had come out with this prior to my deciding to use On1, it would have given On1 a run for my money.  It has many of the same tools, features and functions as On1, but it also has some that are no longer available in On1 (creating a focal point/region focus). I've also found it less of a system resource hog than On1. I have been getting reacquainted with how to use Exposure.  Yeah, it's that good.  Pricing varies (I suggest if you can, get the bundle. Well worth the $149)

There are others, Affinity (great software for it's pricing). I've imported finished JPGs into Affinity to use some of the features and tools they have, that none of the others do.

Skylum Luminar, Windows version: earlier versions work better than their latest release.  If you have 2018, stick with it. I swear it was as if they released buggy beta versions on the general public. I typically use it only as a plug in for Photoshop because of this.

So, there it is. And remember, this is just my opinion and experiences. Depending on your computer, your experiences may be different.

Ok, but some will have no need to bother.

Skylum has come out with Luminar Flex, which as far as I can tell, is Luminar 3 but without the system crashing 'cataloging' feature.

It claims to support Lightroom (classic) and Photoshop, but the plugin didn't install in Photoshop CS6, even though there was nothing about what VERSION of Photoshop as in it had to be "Creative Cloud" (aka Rent me Forever)  As I have typed before, I have an older version of CC on my computer, and it just sits there for issues like this. I installed Luminar Flex, then went into Programs\Common Files\Adobe\PhotoshopCC\ and copied it over to the Photoshop CS6 (and CS5)directory, and it works without a problem.

Skylum claimed it was a freebie for those who purchased that disaterous Luminar 3, but I had to use one of my Luminar 3 license activations to use it (I will be emailing them regarding that).  As for Flex's functionality, it's much better than Luminar 3. As I am old school, and make my own catalogs of photos, and events, the cataloging feature was of no use to me, so having Flex as a straight up plugin works much better for my work flow.  I still use On1PhotoRaw for developing and the majority of the 'heavy lifting', but sometimes, I have to add a little something from other photo processing programs that On1 lacks.  (Sorry, On1, you know I'm a big fan, but even well known On1 photographers use Lightroom for other tweaks).

If your system can handle Luminar 3 (mine is no slouch, but even with this beast, Luminar 3 would grind things to a glacial crawl) there's no real need for Flex.  But for me, personally, Flex is a much better fit than Luminar 3 in my Photoshop workflow.

Back in the day I didn’t have a RAW processor

Nor did I know how to use it, I shot all my photos as high res JPGs. Now, everyone knows that now there are raw editors, and I alos know how to use them now, but what to do with the old JPGs? Are they to be relegated to the "Meh" category? Enter Topaz Labs to the rescue with Topaz JPEG to RAW AI. Now this doesn't just convert the image to a DNG, but carefully, with what AI they use, convert it into a RAW editable image.

I chose one image, applied the same edits, with the exception of lens corrections which is not available in JPG editing.

Here is the jpg, edited with camera raw.

 

Here’s the same one, but pre-processed with Topaz JPEG to RAW AI:

 

The difference in the full sized images are amazing.   Now, I have a lot more work to get done, going through older images, that I liked, but just could not get them edited the way they should be.

Luminar 3

Proof that the previous version is more versatile for me. Now I know so many people whined about Luminar having no Digital Asset Management, but that was never an issue with me.  I would always make folders on the day, by category etc etc. 

Don't get me wrong, Luminar 3 is a powerful editing tool, but I find it's layout, slow and clunky. The DAM slows the program down to a crawl.  I guess you could point where your images are to an empty directory so there’s no gallery to build, navigate to the photos you want to edit,  THEN do your edits.  I'd rather know where my raw file is, and open it that way, than wait to slog through Luminar 3, or wait 5 minutes for it to be re-indexing the gallery! 

However,  using Luminar 3 as a plugin in either Photoshop or Lightroom is a a lot quicker than trying to use Luminar 3 FROM Luminar three, but it seems to take an unduly long time for the splash screen to go away.

I haven't seen any real difference between Luminar 2018 and Luminar 3 when being used as a plugin, so if you're happy with Luminar 2018, stay with it, because the cobbled together DAM built into Luminar 3 is more a pain in ass, than as asset.

Lens ‘test’

A few weeks ago, I got a Sigma 150-600 Sports.  Unfortunately, circumstances kept me from giving this lens the test run I wanted.  Well, today, I got to mount it on my 7DmkII.

First off; the Sigma 150-600 is a beast of a lens. It’s heavy. And unless you’re used to curling 20lb dumbbells on a daily basis, you will need to use a monopod when using it it to photograph birds or anything else you will be walking around to do.  If you’re going to be standing in one spot, you will need a tripod.

Onto image quality.  Wow… just wow.

 

 

The lens is very quick to focus, and the images are sharp, without any distortion, even when shooting multiple subjects.

This Sigma is a great piece of glass. I wouldn’t use it every day, but for specific birding or sporting events, it’s a winner.

DxO has Released a 'New' version of NIK

I got an email from DxO about how they've re-released a "New and Improved" version of NIK software.  Well, I downloaded the demo and tried it out.

If you already have the free version that Google put out, or even the older paid version before Google appropriated it,  and it's working, don't bother paying for this one.  I installed it to Adobe products, and even installed in in Corel PaintShop Pro.  I saw NO difference between this new one (which says it's $49 USD but when you add it to your 'cart', it goes to $69 USD) . 

Now I have read that certain Mac systems, after an OS update, NIK no longer functioned, and this new version has rectified that, but if you're running a Windows PC, this isn't an issue.

Unless they make all the NIK tools work in other than just Adobe, if yours is working, you can skip this one.

Oh well

Skylum Luminar 2018 is a great photo editing software and also great to use as a plugin with Adobe. There is slight boo hiss on this.

I've tried to use Luminar as a plugin with Corel PaintShop Pro X9 and 2018. No joy. Luminar starts but doesn't load up anything. Won't open the image, filter windows are blank/black with nothing in them.

The good news is, Luminar does work with Affinity for Windows.  Yeah yeah, Affinity doesn't have "Digital Asset Managing", but go old school, and make your own folders, with names and dates or what the subject is about. Ta da! Manual Digital Asset Managing.

I do wish that other photo editing software makers, especially those who make plugins for editors, would get it through their heads there is MORE than just Adobe products out there. 

I remember exchanging emails with NIK before they sold out to Google (I still have the emails to prove it) about developing their plugins to be 100% compatible with Corel (and other) products, that I would be glad to be a tester. They kept saying Oh Sure! Great idea! Then sold it to Google, who gave me same song and dance.  And we know how that ended, don't we? Given away for free, no further development.

Yet another great software tanks itself

But in a very underhanded and sneaky way.

Siber Systems AI RoboForm password manager.  I have been using it for years, and it has saved logins, generated passwords, without fail. 

The latest update; to say it's a disappointment is an understatement.  Although the new interface is 'prettier', and it saves passwords, too, they sneaked something into it.  I have been using two licenses for two different computers (a laptop and a desktop) for what was the latest version of RoboForm Desktop Pro, v7x.  When you get the notice there's an update, what they don't inform you is that there is no longer a standalone Pro user, but subscription only, for the convenience of 'syncing' your data between more than one computer.

But what if you don't want, or have any use for this feature?  Sure, you can keep using Roboform, but you will get constant nag screens that your 'trial' has expired and to upgrade.  They claim it's only once in a while, but so far, I get the nag twice a day. Once when I logon to the computer, and at some random time throughout the day.  If I leave my system running overnight (full system scan for malware or other problems) the nag screen to upgrade will show up.

This continual nagging is nothing short of bullying. I have read in forums that Roboform's nag screen has gotten to be such an annoyance, that people pay the $20 ransom just to make it stop!  Shades of "Gimme your lunch money and I'll stop picking on you."  How so very grade school of their company.

So, unless you enjoy having software that bullies/nags you to update to get a feature you don't want or need, stick with your version 7x of AI Roboform.

Another Alternative to Adobe Rentals

Now that even Adobe Lightroom has gone to subscription only, even more people are looking for alternatives for RAW processing and photo editing.

Skylum Luminar - The latest program I tried.  I downloaded and installed the 14 day, fully functional, trial version. 4 days into using it, I was sold!  Luminar makes Adobe Lightroom in all its' incarnations look clunky and sluggish.  The "Categories" (or presets if you prefer) are eminently adjustable to the look you want. For those accustomed to Adobes' "Transform" tools, there is a bit of new language learning, but nothing overly difficult to do.

I took this lackluster photo

 

and turned it into something I would have printed and framed.

A lot of people complain that it doesn't have "Digital assets management", but for me that isn't an issue, as I always make descriptive and dated folders for my photo shoots.

Luminar works on both my low end laptop (Sony Vaio 16gb ram) and on my custom built box.

Again, some will find the lack of Digital asset management a problem, but as I typed above, not an issue with me. The only things I had to do after developing and editing was export the image as a high res JPG, open it in Photoshop, and use a "Purple Fringe Remover" action, as Luminars' lens correction doesn't have that option.  After I did that, I put my watermark on it, and saved it.  Another good thing about Luminar, like the others above; you buy, it's yours. And it's not that expensive. For less than what it would cost you to rent Lightroom, you can own Luminar.

Beware of Aurora BluRay Media player

I had posted that I had been looking for an alternative to ArcSoft TotalMedia Theater because of Windows Rollup screwed the pooch.

Enter Aurora Blu-Ray Player

Now, Aurora claims to be "Try before buy", but you really can't tell if blu-ray playback is good as their HUGE frigging watermark covers the playback, giving you no clue as to whether it works well or not.  Only option is to fork over $39 to see.

Now, what it does is play the BluRay MTS file, not really the entire disc, just the movie file.  It makes a rudimentary ‘menu’ that allows you to select language and scenes. That would be fine by me, HOWEVER...

Even though it does work, this program keeps making Windows system changes. I have AutoPlay for all media set to TAKE NO ACTION. But every time I start Aurora, it changes that to auto open BluRay/DVD/Video Discs.  I have gone into the autoplay menu, and have manually selected TAKE NO ACTION, then saved. Launch Aurora, and it overwrites those settings.

There is nothing in the Aurora preferences that prevent it from being chosen as default, and it keeps changing Windows settings.

Any program that makes unwanted system changes is malware.  I have been sending messages to them about this, but have yet to get even one reply.  I think they know of this, but can't or won't do anything about it, so their program has earned the label of Malware. And I’ve uninstalled it using YourUninstaller to remove all traces.

Timelapse Software

I have used three different programs to compile timelapse sequences

1: Adobe Premiere CS6

2 LRTimelapse to use with Adobe LightRoom

3 Panolapse by Patrick Shyu

The first time I ever compiled a series of images was with Premiere. I did this after editing the images in Photoshop CS6 E. It was a bit confusing at first, but once I got the hang of it, the process was fairly smooth and the end result was good. Select sequence, and Premiere will export the video. Drawbacks: You have to own CS6 (or CC now) Photoshop and Premiere.  You can use other photo editors to edit your CR2/NEF/ORF/RAW files, though, but you would still need to own or rent Premiere.

LRTimelapse is a program to use with Lightroom. You have to run them both at the same time. I found it more than a little fiddly. Edit images, import them, select all then click on Metadata in Light room, while in LRTimelapse you load the images, select the options you want. Go BACK to Lightroom, Select All images, click on EXPORT, select LRTimelapse plugin. It will then open a menu in LRTimelapse, click on RENDER VIDEO. 

See what I mean by fiddly? 

With the price take of 249 Euros for the full version and 99Euros for the low end version, it's a heftly price tag, especially along with having to have Lightroom, Standalone (if you were lucky enough to have gotten it) or Creative Cloud.

Panolapse 1.25. "Freemium" software. Edit your images, save as JPGs. Select images, click on deflicker, choose what format to export and let it go. It will sequence you photos numerically, then de-flicker, AND auto adjust brightness for changes of shutter speed and ISO. The free version is limited to 1280x720 HD. The full version is $103AUD (it's on sale for 20% off right now.)

I just bought Panolapse.

On1 2018 Beta

Yes, I know it's beta, and there will be bugs.  And we have been asked to submit the bugs.

The stand alone loads noticeably faster than v2017.  It now can do Panorama stitching.  It does line up the images perfectly, and does stitch/merge them.  However, it doesn't blend the edges. Even on photos that were taken on a tripod specifically to be stitched together.  (Submitted this issue as a bug).  When you click to make the pano, 7 images doesn't take a long time, but when I made a 360 degree pano, it took a long time for it to finish.  (submitted this as a concern)

An old problem has reared it's ugly head again.  Even though during the installation of 2018 it asks if you want to keep older versions, you really cant.  You will get "Could not complete the Browse in Bridge command because Photoshop was unable to find the Javascript plugin."  It also happens with other commands/scripts.  I have found the only way to get rid of this error is to remove previous version. 

Also, I still use Phototools Professional v2.6.  Yes, it's older, but it has tools and overlays/textures I can't duplicate or replace in newer On1 products.  In CS6 it will start to launch, but then close down.  The only way to fix this is to remove ANY On1 Resizing plugin. Remove the resizing plugin, and it works.  Since I can resize with Photoshop itself, or with Alien Skin Blow Up, this poses no great hardship.

Another way to keep your earlier versions of Photoshop functional

without having to convert everything to DNGs.

DXO Optics.

It has the most precise lens correction catalog of any program I have tried so far. Not only lens correction, but in relation to specific camera bodies. (caveat: I have a seriously outmoded Canon 17-35mm f/2.8 that was superseded 10+ years ago. BUT DXO Optics found a similar lens, the Sigma 17-35mm f/2.8 and the correction is spot on.)

After you do all your Camera RAW edits in DXO, you then can export the edited image as a high res/high quality JPG into photo editor of your choice (Tested export on Corel PSP 6, 7, 8,and 9x, Zoner Photo Studio 16, 17, 18 and 19, Photoshop CS 5, 6, CC,  Lightroom 5x, 6x, and Affinity for PC)

You can let DXO do it automatically, or you can customize your editing.

Before After

 

But you don't have to wait until your photo editing software is outmoded before installing and using DXO, as the RAW editing is above and beyond with Adobe Camera Raw is capable of doing regardless of what version you're currently using.

Pricing.. well, it's less than what it costs to 'Rent" Adobe Photoshop Creative cloud for the year. There are two versions. Essential Edition, and Elite Edition.  And, you can try before you buy

What I have discovered using Affinity for PC Software

Registax, Helicon or other focus stacking software isn't a needed 'extra'. I just did a 10 JPG image focus stack of the moon, and unlike many different versions of Photoshop that kept complaining not enough overlap, Affinity lined up each image, stacked them perfectly.

 

 

And the good news is that since Affinity is 64bit, you aren't restricted to image size like in Registax, which is 32bit (it's Freeware, and works wonderfully, but that 32bit limit can cause stacking failure) It imported and stacked 50 RAW files flawlessly. I watched as it stacked the image, bit by bit. No ghosts, no mis-aligned areas.

On1 Photo Raw Pre-Release

Because Wing misunderstood, I feel I should clear this up, regarding On1 Photo Raw. (I'm using the Pre-Release, as I pre ordered. The 'real' version will be out soon) Even though you can do many edits/adjustments/processing with On1 Raw, you will want to use (still need to use) a photo editor. What On1 Raw allows you to do is use other versions of editing software. Example, Adobe Photoshop. You can do all you processing/adjustments/On1 Plugins in On1 Raw, then punt the processed JPG into earlier version of Photoshop. No more will you get the dreaded "Camera Raw Not supported" message.

You can now edit the images with all the RAW editing power of ACR and much more, and then finish it in the photo editor of your choice.

I tried sending them directly to Nik plugins via On1 Raw, but it Nik can't save the changes so you need to use Photoshop or other program. I have sent On1 Raw edited image to Photoshop CS5, CS6, CC 32 and 64bit versions to use Photoshop plugins like NIK or Alienskin. Also sent images to Affinity for Windows, Corel PSP 6, 7, 8 and 9, and Zoner Photo Studio to finish edits testing other "Photoshop compatible" plugins. Some work, some don't. Yes, there will a learning curve as there is using any new photo editing program. And Bonus, it works in earlier versions of Lightroom too. I have sent the On1 Photo Raw edited JPG into Lightroom 5x and 6x. No problem, so no need to 'subscribe' with Adobe to keep your photo raw editor up to date.

Imported to Lightroom 5x

Import as usual.

So, if you still have Photoshop CS2/3/4/5/6 (these are the ones I had to test), and earlier versions of Lightroom, and have a new camera that you get the PHOTOSHOP CANNOT OPEN THE FILE and don't want to have to double up on storage space by having to use a DNG converter, or having to rent Photoshop, this is for you. Or if you want a Raw editor that is above and beyond Adobe Camera raw in functionality and editing power. As it's still the pre-release, I haven't tested if or how it does panoramas, yet, but you can apply On1 Raw adjustments over a group of photos you want to make into a panorama.

Canon 5DmkIV

And for the most part, I will have to say it's passed with flying colors.

It isn't made for sports or fast action photography, or wildlife photography, but you know something?  I was able to track and photograph birds flying overhead, with amazing accuracy.  With the high speed continuous shutter not being as loud as its' predecessor, it can be used for wildlife photography without scaring away your subjects, most of the time (there are always some that are camera shy). 

Over the weekend, I used the 5D4 at the Perth Zoo (not many moving subjects) and at Herdsman Lake, in Selby, where there were a lot of moving subjects.

Perth Zoo:

Silver Gull doing a flyby - The AF tracking kept the gull in focus

AF focusing, AI Servo mode, kept the dragonfly, in flight, in focus.

Auto ISO works a treat, and the new sensor; even in shady conditions, you don't get excessive noise.

Details, sharpness and better dynamic resolution.

Herdsman Lake:

AI Servo Auto Focus Tracking keeps the running Purple Swamphen in focus.

Tracking a Kite overhead, the 5D4 kept the subject in focus.

Nankeen Night Heron coming in for a landing.

Straight from camera, the dynamic range is heads and shoulder above the 5D4's previous incarnations.

To sum up: it's not just a few extra tweaks or a new coat of paint. Many of the above shots I would not have been able to do with the 5D3. Not saying the 5D3 is a bad camera, but it's successor is just that much better.

On1 Photo RAW 2017–First Impressions

No longer will you be saddled with Adobe Camera Raw popup telling your version of Photoshop that the file format is unknown. 

To use it as a plugin for photoshop you do need version C6 and above.

That being typed, make sure you already have your earlier version of photoshop up and running CS5 (which I did) then On1 Raw 2017 stand alone, do all your edits/adjustments in On1, right click on image and "Send to Photoshop" and it will open as a 16bit PSD with all your edits and adjustments.  Not sure if this worked because I have CS6 and Trial CC installed.  If so, leave the trial CC installed, and keep using CS5. :D  Or just scroll down and select “Send to other application” and select your version of Photoshop, or other photo editing software.

This was just a quick On1 Raw edit, with some tweaks to dynamic contrast, and a bit of sky enhancing.

Remember, one of the biggest reasons people started ‘renting’ Creative Cloud was because of no Camera Raw support for new cameras except for CC.  With On1Raw you don't have to worry about having to convert everything over to DNGs, doubling your storage needs (unless you delete the CR2/ORF/RAW etc etc files after converting)

Canon 5DmkIV, first impression

First off, even with the new features and buttons, the Canon 5DmkIV is familiar enough to use straight out of the box. Got things set up, and then read some (not all) of the manual.

4 images, BIRDS ON A STICK! lens correction done, cropped down to main subject for close viewing, no other editing.

 

The Good

1: Handles higher ISOs wonderfully.  I shot these photos at ISO 800, one in direct sunlight, one in partial shading and two in full shade.  I didn't run any noise reduction, either in camera or in post. No noise worth mentioning at all.

The Good part II.

2: Sensor is MAD with details!  Even in shots #2 and 3 which are in shadow, the fine details in the feathers and on the twigs is clearly visible. Dynamic range is much better than its predecessor.

The good thing this is good because the other is just ok.

3: The high speed continuous shutter speed is a helluva lot quieter in the 5D4 compared to the 5D3 or the 7D2, and faster than the 5D3. This is a good thing, because the low speed silent continuous is slow. And I mean s..l..o..w.  That being typed, with the high speed continuous nowhere near as noisy as in previous or different Canon models, it can be used if you need a faster frame rate, but still want to remain rather quiet.

Now, I have only had it for a few hours, reading the manual, setting it up and will have a more detailed review after some serious use.

Kipon Mount Adapter for Canon EF

I put a crow bar into one of my savings accounts and purchased a Kipon Mount Adapater, so I could use the most excellent Canon L glass with the Olympus EM1 body.

I did notice that it is slower to focus than it would be on the Canon Body. I expected that, the same things happens when you use the Olympus 4/3 adapter on the MFT body.  What I didn't expect that unlike when I use the 1.4x L adapter with the 100-400 mkII L, with the Kipon, there was no difference in the focus speed. IOWs it wasn't any slower than using just the Kipon adapter. And unlike when you use the 7D2 with the 1.4x adapter, you don't lose all the focus points, being 'stuck' with the center one ony.

What really surprised me is you don't lose the autofocus when using the Canon 2xmkIII adapter, although it does become a bit 'nose heavy'. I would suggest using a monopod when using the 100-400 with the 2x extender.

Image quality:  So far so good! I took many photos of the bees in the blossoming agave. The images are just as good, if not better, than when I used the Lumix 100-300 (Sorry, Panasonic), but I am using L Glass. 

Zooming in, clear sharp image.