Teleconverter recommendations?

[MikeHoyer]

I'm thinking of expanding the reach of my Nikon 300mm f4, unfortunately there's no way I can afford anything longer... so I was thinking of getting a teleconverter instead. I know it compromises the aperture and the autofocus, but I think I could get away with it in decent light, and prefocusing?

So what recommendations, I'm thinking a 2x might be a bit overkill, perhaps a 1.4 or 1.7 though. So, Nikon or Sigma (or other!), and where's a good place to get one from?

[Happy Snapper]

The Nikon ones are expesive new or second hand, try the sigma they are a fair price and work well, I use a X2 with the 80-200 when I dont travel with the 500.

[gungadan]

Originally Posted by MikeHoyer

I'm thinking of expanding the reach of my Nikon 300mm f4, unfortunately there's no way I can afford anything longer... so I was thinking of getting a teleconverter instead. I know it compromises the aperture and the autofocus, but I think I could get away with it in decent light, and prefocusing?

So what recommendations, I'm thinking a 2x might be a bit overkill, perhaps a 1.4 or 1.7 though. So, Nikon or Sigma (or other!), and where's a good place to get one from?

I've got a Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 DG (1.4) and am very happy with it. It came highly recommended by folks on the dpreview.com forums. I think you can also buy the same thing branded as Tamron but not sure of the model name.

[MikeHoyer]

Going to do a bit more research, but I think I'll get the one you've mentioned. I've seen the Nikon equivalent for £179 in town, and that's second hand! Kenko one is £99 on microglobe.

[Joe T]

I bought a Sigma 1.4 DG TC this morning. Seems to work ok on my 120-300 2.8.

[Dex]

digging up an old thread...

after a mate showed me the shots he's getting with a teleplus 2x on his canon 70-200 F4 L i had to get one myself. It's now on my Sigma 70-200 F2.8 and i love it.

[gungadan]

Originally Posted by MikeHoyer

I'm thinking of expanding the reach of my Nikon 300mm f4, unfortunately there's no way I can afford anything longer... so I was thinking of getting a teleconverter instead. I know it compromises the aperture and the autofocus, but I think I could get away with it in decent light, and prefocusing?

So what recommendations, I'm thinking a 2x might be a bit overkill, perhaps a 1.4 or 1.7 though. So, Nikon or Sigma (or other!), and where's a good place to get one from?

I use a Kenko 1.4 DG AF Pro 300 TC and am very pleased with it. I believe the same model is sold under the Tamron brand too but not sure of the model number.

HTH

[Pigit]

Mike Before you buy one you can try mine if your at Brands on Sunday i have the 1.4 and 2x sigma..

[gungadan]

Originally Posted by gungadan

I use a Kenko 1.4 DG AF Pro 300 TC and am very pleased with it. I believe the same model is sold under the Tamron brand too but not sure of the model number.

HTH

Gosh I'm thick.

[hemicuda]

If you are using Nikon products I wouldn't opt for anything else but genuine Nikon. Years ago I tried to cut corners and spent money foolishly. I'm using a 300mm 2.8 Nikon and am using the 1.4 converter. a 1.7 will work just as well. The 2.0 will really cut your light down so I don't recommend it for a variety of light conditions.

[James North]

My Sigma 2x works quite well on my sigma 70-200 f2.8.

Mind you, it doesn't even fit on the "Bigma" 50-500mm, and supposedly it should. So I'm not sure whats going on there.

I'm currently seriously considering (basically decided) that I will be upgrading my lenses over due to course to Canon spec L. First up will be gaining a Canon 100-400m IS L, to replace the Sigma 50-500mm. The canon I gather works better overall in lower light conditions, and L glass is overall a better glass to have. My question is, is it worth getting a 1.4 TC to use with it to re-claim that lost 100mm. I've heard negative things about the 100-400 and TC.

[Hubble]

What you need to consider very seriously is that with the 1.4x on at max focal length, your maximum aperture will be f8......the 20D will not even AF at that (even the 1DmkIIN struggles at f8) not so good. Personally I don't rate the 100-400 as a lens, and know of several people who have had problems with it. James, I think you would be better off investing in a Sigma 120-300 f2.8 and a suitable teleconverter to up your focal length (1.4 or 1.7). Pigit picked one up earlier this year for a very reasonable price - ping him a PM, see what he thinks of it....I'm sure several other people here can testify to it's quality. Also it gives you the option of adding a 2x, taking you up to 600mm, still with a f5.6 max aperture. Better option IMHO

[James North]

That's certianly food for thought.

Though the sigma 120-300 f2.8 at £1650 is way out of my price range. (although i did find it on ebay for £1150). I like the sound of 600mm at 5.6, and I i get on well with my 70-200 with the ex 2x whacked on, there shouldn't be any reason why it shouldn't work as well on the 120-300mm.

Mind you that's what I thought about the 50-500 f4-6.3, which according to the specs, and tables http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_tele.asp is compatible although in MF only with the 2x, but for the life of me, I can't manage to connect the two :S, Maybe I'm missing a trick somewhere. Mind you it doesn't really matter since a max aperture of 12.6 isn't what I want anyway.

I will be having to sell the 50-500, simply to help raise some cash for the next lens. I best keep hold of my 70-200 and 2x to retain some focal length, if in the meantime i'm left with out a major lens.

[Pigit]

Jame i've got the 2x and use it on a 120-300 there is a loss of quality with it but it could be due to the af on a D70 the 1.4 on the other hand is perfect no image lost what so ever.

[James North]

7dayshop.com sell the sigma 120-300 f2.8 for £1299

[neil_davidson2]

Originally Posted by Hubble

Personally I don't rate the 100-400 as a lens, and know of several people who have had problems with it.

For what it's worth I use the 100-400 and while it works pretty well most of the time by itself I found it unusable with the Canon 1.4 TC.