Zoom Lense Converters and Lense/Camera Compatability

Joe again here.... What are the things to look for when purchasing a zoom lens teleconverter in relation to the lens you are using?

Secondly, are all or most lenses compatible with camera bodies. I am mostly interested in Nikon bodies with other than Nikon lenses.

Lastly, should I mainly look for lenses with VR or IS?

Just trying to learn more as I proceed with the lens process before I go for the body, as I have been instructed by several of you.

Thanks "My Friends"

Most of them won't work (Canon on Nikon, Minolta on Nikon etc.). The lens mounts (where you attach the lens to the camera) differ from brand to brand. Exception are lenses from 3rd party manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina that make lenses that fit Nikon bodies (however, they also make lenses that fit Canon and Minolta, so make sure you get the right lens mount!).

Basil

An issue you should consider when picking a teleconverter is whether enough light can pass through the combination to allow autofocus to work well. The combination should maintain at least f/5.6. For example if you have an f/4 lens the teleconverter shouldn't be any more than 1.4 (4 x 1.4 = 5.6). If you have an f/2.8 lens you can use a 2x. On the other hand if you have a zoom that only opens up to f/5.6 at the long end adding a teleconverter may limit you to manual focus.

Also, with a typical zoom lens, you'll get vignetting (darkening of the corners) when using a teleconverter.

You are asking excellent questions, but answering in detail is difficult because the subject is so broad. Consider getting a good basic book on the subject. You might want to start a thread asking for suggestions. Years ago I read Nature Photography Field Guide by John Shaw and found it very helpful.

Joe,

I would only advise teleconverters with the very best zooms. They are mostly used with good prime lenses. IS and VR are stabilisation systems used by Canon and Nikon. If you get Nikon you would be getting VR.

Only consider a teleconverter with a high quality lens. They will NOT do well with a cheap lens such as the 70-300mm type. Money down the toilet. Mostly, a teleconverter is used with the really expensive lenses that have an f-stop faster than f5.6. I'm talking about $2,000+ lenses here. You can use a 1.4x teleconverter on the Nikon 80-400mm VR and I assume the Canon 100-400mm. However, you lose autofocus and will have to manually focus, if that's a big deal to you. Also, speaking from personal experience, you definitely need a tripod even with a VR lens when using a 1.4x. The Sigma 50-500mm f6.3 lens will likely not work well with a converter, but I am guessing. I think it will be too dark to focus. Really though, I think you will find that a Sigma 500mm on a Nikon D50 will give you all the magnification you will want 90% of the time. When you start getting over 500mm, you quickly find out you need a state of art tripod and head. On my other post I suggested a very balanced system that is a good value. I honestly think you would be happy with it:

Nikon D50
used Sigma 50-500mm
used Bogen 3021
AcraTech Ultimate ballhead
Nikon 18-70mm
QR plates (2)


Kent in SD

Generally speaking I have never been satisfied using a TC on a zoom lens. However the 1.4X is great on a good prime telephoto. Also I wouldn't recommend a TC on a macro lens: As you focus more closely the f/2.8 approaches f/5 with the Micro Nikkors. This equates to f/7 when using a 1.4X TC, and f/10 with a 2X TC. The image gets pretty dim and AF isn't possible even if you wanted to use it.

I tryed to use a TC on my Minolta 4.5-5.6 100-300mm APO Zomm and got horrible results. On my Tamron 180mm macro the results are much better but not as good as without TC. I used a stable tripod for all test and nonmoving objects in bright light. That means for real nature photographie I anticipate lower quality.