2x converters...worth having?
Discussion
I recently bought myself a 28-300 f3.5 Nikon lense for around £650 which does a nice job. I would have loved a good quality longer lense but cost was prohibitive, so now thinking that a 2x converter in the bag might be useful. I do recognise it will affect my f stops, but at my photographic level, probably not too tragic. So the questions are: Are they worth having for the odd occasion? Which make to look for? And, what do I need to know if I want one to fit my D7100? Thank you in advance.
I assume you have the Nikon 28-300 f3.5-5.6?
With a 2x converter this will be a 600mm f11 at the long end. Your D7100 (or any other DSLR) will not autofocus with that combination.
I believe the central focus point of the D7100 AF will work up to f8 so you would need an f4 lens or faster for it to work with a 2x and that would be pushing it.
I think TCs are best saved for the pro-glass.
With a 2x converter this will be a 600mm f11 at the long end. Your D7100 (or any other DSLR) will not autofocus with that combination.
I believe the central focus point of the D7100 AF will work up to f8 so you would need an f4 lens or faster for it to work with a 2x and that would be pushing it.
I think TCs are best saved for the pro-glass.
I didn't realise they had such effects apart from losing some f stops! I don't mind focusing manually to be honest as long as I can see through the lense o.k. Just looked up the price of a 1.4 and they are not cheap, so that leaves me thinking 'is it worth the expense for small benefits?'.
Simpo Two said:
Focusing manually is also harder as the viewfinder is darker. Unless you're in full sun I don't think f11 is really a usable aperture on a 600m lens.
Agreed! It was a stupid idea...lol. Looks like I just need to save the pennies for a while for a longer lense if I want one.
bernhund said:
Agreed! It was a stupid idea...lol. Looks like I just need to save the pennies for a while for a longer lense if I want one.
I don't know what you are trying to shoot but the cheaper and better answer is to get closer to what you are shooting. Granted this isn't always possible.24MP also leaves plenty of scope for cropping.
Why is it you want a longer lens?
ManFromDelmonte said:
bernhund said:
Agreed! It was a stupid idea...lol. Looks like I just need to save the pennies for a while for a longer lense if I want one.
I don't know what you are trying to shoot but the cheaper and better answer is to get closer to what you are shooting. Granted this isn't always possible.24MP also leaves plenty of scope for cropping.
Why is it you want a longer lens?
If you have enough Mp, I think cropping is the simplest answer. If you're taking birds on a bird table, you could move the camera closer and set up some kind of 'trap' release.
NB 30 years ago you'd have found the Young Simpo strapping a 70-210mm f3.5, a 2x AND a 3x onto his SLR. It was no use for photography but it looked impressive
NB 30 years ago you'd have found the Young Simpo strapping a 70-210mm f3.5, a 2x AND a 3x onto his SLR. It was no use for photography but it looked impressive
Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 9th October 20:13
Simpo Two said:
If you have enough Mp, I think cropping is the simplest answer. If you're taking birds on a bird table, you could move the camera closer and set up some kind of 'trap' release.
NB 30 years ago you'd have found the Young Simpo strapping a 70-210mm f3.5, a 2x AND a 3x onto his SLR. It was no use for photography but it looked impressive
Typical bloke 'bigger is better' approach. Then you find in time that something smaller works better if you know how to use it! Well that's my excuse anyway!!!NB 30 years ago you'd have found the Young Simpo strapping a 70-210mm f3.5, a 2x AND a 3x onto his SLR. It was no use for photography but it looked impressive
Edited by Simpo Two on Thursday 9th October 20:13
ManFromDelmonte said:
I assume you have the Nikon 28-300 f3.5-5.6?
With a 2x converter this will be a 600mm f11 at the long end. Your D7100 (or any other DSLR) will not autofocus with that combination.
I believe the central focus point of the D7100 AF will work up to f8 so you would need an f4 lens or faster for it to work with a 2x and that would be pushing it.
I think TCs are best saved for the pro-glass.
Might not even be compatible. Not even all the pro lenses are. My 24-70 F2.8 isn't for example. With a 2x converter this will be a 600mm f11 at the long end. Your D7100 (or any other DSLR) will not autofocus with that combination.
I believe the central focus point of the D7100 AF will work up to f8 so you would need an f4 lens or faster for it to work with a 2x and that would be pushing it.
I think TCs are best saved for the pro-glass.
ManFromDelmonte said:
Cheib said:
Might not even be compatible. Not even all the pro lenses are. My 24-70 F2.8 isn't for example.
Another good point. I believe there is a matrix of TCs and lenses somewhere that clears that up.Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff