I'm using a Nikon d40x with a 55-200mm Nikkor VR 4-5.6 telephoto, and missing a lot of good Avian photography because my subjects are just out of range. I know I'd lose some f-stops going to a teleconverter, but don't want to invest in another zoom lens.
Can you suggest a 1.4-2x teleconverter that would give me decent quality photos, allow AF, in the $100-$200 range?
Bob: I'm not as familiar with Nikon equipment as I am with Canon, so if this isn't right I'm assuming a Nikon expert will jump in. If you put even a 1.4X convertor on your lens you will lose 1 stop of light making your lens have a max aperture of f/8 at the 200mm end. You will not be able to autofocus at f/8. On top of that, putting a convertor of any kind on a zoom like the one you have will show a significant degradation in image quality. I wouldn't bother. Sorry, but for more reach, you'll need a longer lens.
I'm a Nikon user who owns both a D80 and D700. Keith is correct, unless it is a real bright day I doubt that your D40x autofocus will function. Rather than a teleconverter, would recommend the 70-300mm VR instead. Sharper than your 55-200 and gives you a little bit more reach than the 1.4x teleconverter. I owned one in the past and was very happy with the performance on my D80. Certainly, this is more than the budget you stated but may be a better investment, IMHO.
Gear may not be the limiting factor here. Its doubtful that a 50% increase if focal length is going to give you meaningfully better results. In practice, there are many techniques to get you closer to your subjects, which is what is going to give you your best results. Blinds, feeders, just sitting still and becoming part of their environment are all very valuable tools to use to get you nice and close. A picture taken at a great distance even with a 500 mm lens cannot begin to compare with one taken with a shorter lens and a closer distance. just something to think about.
Bob, I'm afraid there is just no substitute for a longer lens. You'll loose SS and sharpness with adding a TC to your present lenses, and still be too far away for good shots.
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I agree that the 70-300 VR is your best and least expensive bet, if you can swing it. Nothing about photography is cheap. At least we now have the "delete" button instead of the wastebasket for all that expensive film..
KEH, Adorama, and Cameta Camera all have decent prices on good used lenses and other equipment.
Bob, Nikon does not recommend using a tele with that lens. I do not have that one but some of their lenses do not even fit together with teleconverters so I'd be careful with that. I agree that the 70-300mm would be good but I really like what Gene said about getting closer. I'm trying to learn to do that, but I will tell you it is difficult! I use the 300mm f4 with a 1.7 and cannot get close enough, so there you go.
thank you all for your advice and recommendations. I was hoping to find a solution to getting closer to my subjects in a few limited locations, but fortunately do have an electric motor which allows me to get up fairly close to many of the waterbirds. I'm fortunate to have access to a lake which is home to many loon families, and with great respect for the privacy will use my original 70 to 200 VR
Discussion
6 repliesCan you suggest a 1.4-2x teleconverter that would give me decent quality photos, allow AF, in the $100-$200 range?
I'm a Nikon user who owns both a D80 and D700. Keith is correct, unless it is a real bright day I doubt that your D40x autofocus will function. Rather than a teleconverter, would recommend the 70-300mm VR instead. Sharper than your 55-200 and gives you a little bit more reach than the 1.4x teleconverter. I owned one in the past and was very happy with the performance on my D80. Certainly, this is more than the budget you stated but may be a better investment, IMHO.
.
I agree that the 70-300 VR is your best and least expensive bet, if you can swing it. Nothing about photography is cheap. At least we now have the "delete" button instead of the wastebasket for all that expensive film..
KEH, Adorama, and Cameta Camera all have decent prices on good used lenses and other equipment.
Sandy r