Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

There has been mention in my household of heading off to the Cairngorms for a couple of days R&R.  Searching websites about the place there is the possibility of sitting in a hide and photographing Red Squirrels, it was advised that the minimum lens length you need is 300mm.  Mmmm thought I, this would be a good excuse to get a 500mm lens.............................just picking myself up from the floor after seeing the prices  :yikes:.

So the next option to give me some extra length I thought was a teleconverter, but these do not seem to be the cheapest things and I wouldn't want to spend the money if they do not give the required results.

Does anybody have any experience of using them?

Used both Canon and Kenko 1.4x TCs and got rid of the Canon as no better than the Kenko and it would only attach to my L lenses (and sold the Canon for 3 x what I paid for the Kenko!). I'd recommend only going to 1.4x as you only lose 1 stop of light and a slight drop in IQ - 2x is two stops and a noticeable IQ hit (though I do occasionally use 2 x Kenko 1.4x when I need to). Worth noting that Canon prevent AF when you attach a TC to a lens which'll only open to f/5.6 or less - there is a workaround

I'll also mention that when we last went Red Squizzer hunting a couple of weeks ago I took my 150-500 and my 300 - both stabilised. I'd forgotten just how dark it can be under the trees and ended up mainly using the 300. Here's one of my better shots - and it was 1/80, f/4, ISO400
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/Markulous/Wild%20Mammals/_MG_3607_zps11b1fc49.jpg)

I've used both the 1.4 and 2x nikon converters on my 70-200mm F2.8 VR, 300mm F4, 400mm F2.8 and my 105mm F2.8 VR macro with great results. I've also used a Sigma 1.4 on my Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 but manual focus only.  ;D

Not sure what lenses you have that can use a converter, as some can't. You could hire a lense for a couple of days but it's not cheap or if you know someone who will lend you a bigger lens. Not sure how much money you have to spend, but the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 OS can be brought for £1,650. Using with a 1.4 converter give you a 420mm F4 or a 2x converter 600mm F5.6.  ;D

Quote from: Oldboy on January 30, 2013, 05:47:42 PM
Not sure what lenses you have that can use a converter, as some can't.

Most can! Providing you don't have anything projecting back from the mount, the Kenko will fit. The Canon ones have a projecting lens!. Only lenses my Kenko won't attach are my WAs 15-85 and 10-20

I've AF'd with 2 x 1.4x Kenkos on my Sigma 150-500 @ f/6.3. Needs good contrasty light but it can be done successfully!

Thanks for the info, I'll investigate to see if a teleconverter will fit my camera/lens (sony).

Cracking shot Mark.