I'm thinking about getting one of the Sigma TC's for my 150mm Macro lens. I haven't decided which one, but I'm wondering if using the TC will affect the lenses minimum focusing distance. Also, any insights on the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters? Thanks.
I have a Nikon 105mm and use it with a 1.7X TC for a 180mm. Having a 2X would make a very handy 300mm for when unexpected things pop up or for getting sweet detail on things like birds that are a little further away.
As for the minimum focusing distance.. can't tell you anything scientific, but in the limited time I've used them I haven't noticed a difference in minimum focusing distance, and if there is one, it's minor. But someone with more experience can give you a much better answer I'm sure.
If you are using autofocus with the teleconverter, you'll probably notice that autofocus will get a bit flaky or even stop functioning, depending on the camera body. This is especially true of any 2x converter. You are asking a lot of the autofocus system when you do this: less light, extra electrical connections, some technical stuff in the AF system doesn't like the narrower aperature, and macro lenses are notoriously slow to focus even on a good day. Be prepared to use the lens manually, if you aren't doing so already.
I'm not real familar with the Sigma converters but if you use a Nikon 1.4x (or Canon, if that is your system) you'll be hard pressed to see any loss of image quality. Even the 2x's you'll need to look hard, but it is there.
Thanks guys for the good info as usual.
Sounds like solid advice Dan. AF is useful at times but MF is my preferred mode especially when shooting macro.
I use my Nikon 1.4 teleconverter often on my Nikon 105mm macro and on my 300mm, both manual focus AIS lenses. I think that it works great and allows me to get a larger image without any noticeable quality loss. My biggest gripe would be the loss of a whole f-stop worth of light. I am sure that a 2x teleconverter would even rob more light and strain the optics that much further.
Discussion
5 repliesAs for the minimum focusing distance.. can't tell you anything scientific, but in the limited time I've used them I haven't noticed a difference in minimum focusing distance, and if there is one, it's minor. But someone with more experience can give you a much better answer I'm sure.
- Luke
I'm not real familar with the Sigma converters but if you use a Nikon 1.4x (or Canon, if that is your system) you'll be hard pressed to see any loss of image quality. Even the 2x's you'll need to look hard, but it is there.
Sounds like solid advice Dan. AF is useful at times but MF is my preferred mode especially when shooting macro.
Jeff Seldomridge
Curtis, WA