Extension Tubes for nikon 70-300 ED lense

[White_van_man]

im itching for a bit more focal length for my camera but cant afford the price tag of a 400mm lense. will the nikon Extension Tubes work with the 70-300 lense and what is the best length to go for the 1.4 1.7 or 2.

Thanks
WVM

[_dobbo_]

Think you want a teleconverter rather than extension tubes, they are very different.

1.4x will get you up to 420mm, (630 on a digital body) at the least expense in sharpness.

1.7x and 2.0x are longer but you will sacrifice some sharpness. A 2.0x on a digital body is actually 900mm...

Edited by _dobbo_ on Friday 23 March 14:56

[V6GTO]

Alex,
Extension tubes bring the focus point closer to lens...what you are after are teleconverters.

In answer to your question...I don't know

Martin.

[VxDuncan]

You will lose autofocus with most cameras and "consumer grade" 70-300 lenses due to the loss of light. A 2x teleconverter will cost you 2-stops of light, hence the problems. You may get away with a 1.4x converter with a typical F4-5.6 70-300mm but this isn't garunteed.

Also camera shake will be a serious issue with a 600mm slow lens so a monopod is a must. If it's for a safari holiday or something I'd consider renting a lens, or failing that chop in the 70-300mm for a cheap s/h 80-200mm F2.8 (ca. £250-£400) and a 2x converter that will give you 140-400mm @F5.6.

[White_van_man]

its mainly going to be for motorsport and maybe a safari holiday next year. I like the idea of the 200mm lense and the 2x teleconverter. I will have a look into it