1.4 x Converters, are worth it.

[kevin63]

Was thinking of getting a 1.4x converter or possibly a 2x are they worth getting, didn't want to spend much, it is for a Nikon D50 with a 70-300mm sigma lens(auto focus)and would be used for motorsport. OH and i am an amatuer (very much so)

[monkeyhanger]

Unless you have a top quality lens to put the TC on it's really not worth the bother.

[RobDickinson]

Its not quality but speed (as in maximum aparture) convertors slow the lens down at the same time they extend its focal length.

[byker28i]

I bought one for my 70-200 canon lens. Works a treat but does add stops, but it does then give me the option of effectively a 100-300 lens.

[Marc W]

I've got a 2x one for my Canon and I've been quite pleased with it. It does seem to increase the number of reject shots a bit, but the ones I do get wouldn't have been possible without it. (Other than spending a lot of cash on a huge lens!)

[monkeyhanger]

A couple of examples of the Sigma 120-300 with a 2x TC...

@600mm...



And something a little bigger as web-sized images don't really do the lens justice...



Click!!

As for my previous comment about quality, i've seen a lot of stunning shots with the Canon 400mm f5.6 and a 1.4xTC. As long as it's used on a body that retains AF @ F5.6 or greater (i.e. a 1 series) then speed isn't always vital.

Edited by monkeyhanger on Sunday 21st January 14:44

[tr7v8]

I use a 2x Sigma with a Minolta 70-210 on a Minolta 5d. I'm more than happy with the results & it's a lot better than using a smaller lens then digitally zooming in.
Try

This is 210mm + x2 so 420mm

Edited by tr7v8 on Sunday 21st January 16:09

[kevin63]

Seems as though quality does not suffer much at all, looking at those photo's, looks like i may have to spend some monney.

[RobDickinson]

Your camera wil have a minimum effective autofocus apature, cnon 350d is f5.6, anything smaller it wont autofocus, if your sigma is close to your cameras minimum then a teleconvertor wont help the AF.

[kevin63]

Great advice, Thanks.