Tele-Converter: will it work?

[Cathus]

what, on a 50-500? (worth the trouble)

[Markulous]

Can't really answer for either you or a Bigma but here's a shot taken with the Sigma 500mm F/4.5 and Kenko 1.4x TC (taped to allow AF). This shot taken in the garden (out the open window!) - I've others from further afield but I don't display them on the internet!



Canon 7D, Sigma 500mm F/4.5, Kenko Pro300 1.4x TC, tripod

[MattUK]

Originally Posted by Markulous

Can't really answer for either you or a Bigma but here's a shot taken with the Sigma 500mm F/4.5 and Kenko 1.4x TC (taped to allow AF). This shot taken in the garden (out the open window!) - I've others from further afield but I don't display them on the internet!

So it's you in the tree opposite my bedroom window huh?

[philc]

Markulous, many thanks for the link on the tape trick.

Having read it I had decided to go ahead and buy the Kenko 1.4x Pro300 DGX for my Sony Alpha 550, only to find that Kenko do not make the Pro 300 series for Sony mount [don't know why].

However they have an MC4 AF 1.4x DGX for Sony. Presumably this is in some way an 'older' model? Does anyone have a view on the quality results with this one?

One other question on these. I understand I have to specify the camera body it will be mounted on. I assume there is no need to specify whether the lenses are Sony or Sigma?

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by Markulous

As stated above (twice!), they can be made to "work" (by which I assume you mean AF as shutter/aperture's fine and obviously they do magnify by 1.4x!)

The Nikon converters won't attach to the Nikon 70-300mm F4.5.6.

Originally Posted by Markulous

As stated above (twice!), they are definitely worth the trouble (personally, never found they've not been worth the trouble, and worked well - even stacked!)

You need a semi-pro or pro camera and a good lens before using a converter in full auto focus. I have used a Sigma 1.4 converter on the Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 at 700mm on a D3, and it's not easy to get a great shot.

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by MattUK

So it's you in the tree opposite my bedroom window huh?

Tree? I stay at home and shoot through the window - much cosier but not too sure about your bedtime habits.......... you sure that's legal?

Originally Posted by philc

Having read it I had decided to go ahead and buy the Kenko 1.4x Pro300 DGX for my Sony Alpha 550, only to find that Kenko do not make the Pro 300 series for Sony mount [don't know why].

However they have an MC4 AF 1.4x DGX for Sony. Presumably this is in some way an 'older' model? Does anyone have a view on the quality results with this one?

One other question on these. I understand I have to specify the camera body it will be mounted on. I assume there is no need to specify whether the lenses are Sony or Sigma?

Please excuse my ignorance on lack of knowledge on Sony cameras but I thought they all used an A-mount and it was just the NEX that used the new E-mount.

Originally Posted by OldBoy

The Nikon converters won't attach to the Nikon 70-300mm F4.5.6.

And I'm betting neither will the Sigmas! But the Kenkos will!

Originally Posted by OldBoy

You need a semi-pro or pro camera and a good lens before using a converter in full auto focus. I have used a Sigma 1.4 converter on the Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 at 700mm on a D3, and it's not easy to get a great shot.

I've seen lesser cameras use a TC with AF - just that the less sensitive the focus system the more contrast/light you need

I never said it was easy, just possible!

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by Markulous

Canon 7D, Sigma 500mm F/4.5, Kenko Pro300 1.4x TC, tripod

Can't understand why you need to tape the Kenko converter with the 7D to obtain auto focus with that lens? I've used the Nikon 300 F4 with the Nikon D200 plus 2x converter in full auto focus at F8.

I'm trying to point out to the original poster that he may be very disappointed when trying to use a teleconverter with the 70-300mm F4-5.6 lens and the Sony Alpha 550 camera. Some lenses that are rated as F5.6 are really F6.3 but to get auto-focus have to tell the camera they are F5.6.

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by OldBoy

Can't understand why you need to tape the Kenko converter with the 7D to obtain auto focus with that lens? I've used the Nikon 300 F4 with the Nikon D200 plus 2x converter in full auto focus at F8.

Nor can I! It's a manufacturer thing (as in Canon) - concensus is that they deliberately prevent AF so that it cuts down on focus "hunting" which could, in theory, stress the AF motor and/or lead to people complaining about poor focus and AF

Originally Posted by OldBoy

I'm trying to point out to the original poster that he may be very disappointed when trying to use a teleconverter with the 70-300mm F4-5.6 lens and the Sony Alpha 550 camera. Some lenses that are rated as F5.6 are really F6.3 but to get auto-focus have to tell the camera they are F5.6.

Disappointed maybe but you actually said that it was impossible! State the problems by all means (and let people make up their own minds) but it's somewhat patronising to make the decision for them by giving misleading info

[OldBoy]

Originally Posted by Markulous

Disappointed maybe but you actually said that it was impossible! State the problems by all means (and let people make up their own minds) but it's somewhat patronising to make the decision for them by giving misleading info

It is impossible to use the Sigma converter with that Sigma lens, so I was correct.

[philc]

Hello Markulous

My last request for any views on the quality of results from the Kenko MC4 AF 1.4x DGX teleconverter - being the only Kenko TC available for a Sony mount - seems to have been lost in a lot of other exchanges around this subject!

Should I buy this TC or not for use with my Sony Alpha 550? I am prepared to use the "tape trick" to get autofocus, which I want. Will it work [a] with my Sigma APO DG 70-300 mm F4 - 5.6 lens and [b] with my Sigma APO 170-500 f5 - 6.3 lens?

I am going to view whales and birds in the Sea of Cortez in February when I will be taking the 70-300 lens. Yhe light in general should be good.

I would like to be able to use it on the 170-500 lens for bird photography at home and elsewhere.

Your final view to help me on this will be much appreciated