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11/22/2007 12:48:02 AM · #1 |
I'm looking at investing in one of these (2x) for my Sigma 70-200 to use in Kenya next year...
Firstly... are they worth it? I've read a little and just get mixed opinions...
Secondly... Will I need it? (I guess so shooting wildlife)
Thirdly... Sigma or Kenko? The Kenko is much cheaper, but how's the quality?
**Edit** Forgot to ask... how about the 3x converters... anyone have experience with them?
Cheers in advance :).
Message edited by author 2007-11-22 05:49:57. |
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11/22/2007 01:16:03 AM · #2 |
Bear in mind that a 2x TC doubles EVERYTHING, whilst effective doubling your focal length, also doubles the minimum aperture (so a 2.8 becomes a 5.6) it will also amplify any flaws in your current lens, and also introduces extra glass between your subject and your sensor so be aware you will experience a drop in quality.. I am currently borrowing a friends 1.4x TC (Canon) and there isnt a noticable difference, however I have heard the Canon 2x I am getting shortly does degrade the image somewhat.
Can you borrow you to try it out beforehand? |
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11/22/2007 02:02:48 AM · #3 |
I have the same lens and the 2X and 1.4X. I think the 1.4X is better as I think you lose a little resolution on the 2X. If you have a nice bright day, you might be able to stop down to F8 or F11 to recover some of that, but overall, they are OK. If I need extra reach, I use my 100-300 F4 or my Sigma 50-500mm which I have taken to Kenya before and used it at the game parks. By far and away it is the best lens of all for these situations.
Sigma would be the choice, steer away from the 3X. |
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11/22/2007 02:53:38 AM · #4 |
I use the Sigma 70-200mm APO and also have the Sigma 2x TC.
Definitely a noticeable degradation loss in quality when used together. Images are much softer. If you can afford the telephotos go for it. If not I would recommend the 100-300mm for the extra reach.
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11/22/2007 03:32:13 AM · #5 |
| I have the sigma 1.4x I am doing a lousy job of trying to sell. I've used it 3 or 4 times, absolutely perfect condition, original box and all trimmings. If you decide on the 1.4x pm me some time. Used it with canon 70-200 and friends sigma 100-300 that's it. |
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11/22/2007 06:13:44 AM · #6 |
The Kenko Pro and Tamron SP TC's are quite good, nearly as good as the Nikon ones, but much cheaper. The Kenko and Tamron are supposed to be the same, just with different labels. I haven't heard anything about the non-Pro tc's. I have the 1.4x and 2x versions of the Kenko Pro, and have given them both good workouts with my Nikon 80-200 f/2.8. I don't really see any degradation in quality with the 1.4x, and I have to go to the pixel level to see some very minor problems with the 2x.
As to whether a tc is what you want...they have two downsides. They magnify any flaws in your lens (or in the tc itself), and they reduce the max aperture. The 1.4x reduces the aperture by one stop, the 2x by two. The 2.8 becomes 5.6, as someone said. I don't know if you'll be able to autofocus with a 3x tc. I tried stacking my 1.4x and 2x once, and my D70 wouldn't autofocus. I don't know what a D200 would do. My understanding of African safaris, though, is that it would be unusual to miss a shot because you didn't have a 600mm lens. Most of the animals let the trucks get closer than that.
Because of the longer focal length, you also will be penalized proportionally more for sloppy technique, but this is a focal length problem, not a tc problem. You're taking a tripod, right? |
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11/22/2007 06:15:11 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by routerguy666:
I have the sigma 1.4x I am doing a lousy job of trying to sell. I've used it 3 or 4 times, absolutely perfect condition, original box and all trimmings. If you decide on the 1.4x pm me some time. Used it with canon 70-200 and friends sigma 100-300 that's it. |
The guy has a Nikon. I don't think your tc would work on it. |
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11/22/2007 08:48:45 AM · #8 |
I use a Tamron Pro 1.4x TC with my Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR and do not see much loss in quality. However, I also use a Nikon 1.7x TC with it and sharpness declines. When light is good (as it should be in Africa) you would likely get by with a 2x TC as long as you buy a pro level. However, if it was my one big trip to Africa I think I might invest in a longer lens, you could always sell it when you return and probably do alright. Look at something in the 80-400 range with VR (IS).
Good luck.
P.S. - don't forget that the TC will also double your short end of the lens making the 70 go to 140. That can be a problem at times and it is a pain to keep switching it out with the dust on a safari.
Message edited by author 2007-11-22 13:52:38.
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01/06/2008 09:16:47 PM · #9 |
Sorry to revamp an old thread but just curious.
Am looking for a converter for my canon 70-200f4 IS L. A 1.4 I prefer. Have looked (on the web) at the major brands (canon - too dear; Tamron; Kenko and Sigma). What I don't understand about the Sigma's - they say APO but it doesn't indicate whether it is suitable for the canon lens (even on their website). Anyone know ?
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01/25/2008 11:07:32 AM · #10 |
Any Australians know where I can get a Kenko Pro 1.4 ? Prefer an Australian supplier if anyone knows of one.
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01/26/2008 10:51:02 AM · #11 |
//cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kenko-Pro-300-2x-WHITE-Teleconverter-for-Canon-NEW-GR_W0QQitemZ200188116135QQihZ010QQcategoryZ4687QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem
i bought one of these last year after reading that the sharpness is comparable with Canon's 2X
i mostly shoot Helo's with it on my 70-200, but i have shot an Airsoft weekend and had great results with it.. |
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