Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Pros & Cons of buying long lens or using a converter/extender?

  • 22-04-2011 9:03pm
    #1
    foamcutter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 317 ✭✭


    Thinking of getting a longer lens to get closer to the action at race circuits.
    I'm wondering if I'm better with, for example a 150-500 f5-6.3 or use a 2x converter with a 70-200 f2.8.
    I'd get more use out of the 70-200 and it would be handy using converter if there are no drawbacks (image quality-auto focus etc issues).
    I'm wondering if I'm better sticking with a dedicated lens?


Comments

  • #2
    pixbyjohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,250 ✭✭✭pixbyjohn


    When you use a X2 converter with a 70-200 f2.8 your aperture then becomes f5.6 So at 400mm you will have f5.6 , weigh that up with your other option.
    I also think the X2 converter does soften the picture a little. Only my opinion.


  • #3
    Paulw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,381 ✭✭✭✭Paulw


    1.4x TC adds one one stop to your aperture. (f/4)
    2x TC adds two stops (f/5.6).

    I use my 1.4x TC a lot, but rarely use my 2x TC. I believe that the newer models are better, but the 2x TC still somewhat softens the image. I find the 2x TC softens the image a good bit.

    Also, the converters only work on certain lenses, so make sure they are compatible before you buy.


  • #4
    foamcutter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 317 ✭✭foamcutter


    @pixbyjohn @Paulw Thanks for the info.
    It would to true to say that the performance would be quite similar except for the image softening and a longer range with the 500mm?
    The lenses are a similar price excluding the converter.
    I did read some posts about compatibility/fit issues and being unable to autofocus when using the converter (posts were 3-4 years old).


  • #5
    Borderfox
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,263 ✭✭✭✭Borderfox


    Dont bother with a 2x, unbearable softness. You can live with a 1.4x on good glass. Converter will slow your autofocus speed too


  • #6
    CabanSail
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Entertainment Moderators Posts: 9,047 CMod ✭✭✭✭CabanSail


    I have a 70-200 f2.8 and use it with a 1.7x TC on occasions. This rig works quite well. Cheap TC's will often be soft.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    pixbyjohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,250 ✭✭✭pixbyjohn


    I have the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR and the nikon X2 converter, I very seldom use the X2 converter but its handy at times for the extra reach but as I and others have said it does soften the image a bit. Lens does autofocus with the converter.


  • #8
    foamcutter
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 317 ✭✭foamcutter


    Thanks for the info Borderfox, CabanSail and pixbyjohn. A little wiser now Cheers.


Advertisement