Teleconverter

[michaelb104]

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  .

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?

[Markulous]

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

[Oldboy]

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. 

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. 

[Markulous]

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!

[michaelb104]

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

Cracking shot Mark.