Enlarging a Sigma 400

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Shedman4744

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Hello, my first post so I hope it contains enough details to set the question I have.

I use a Pentax K100D and sometimes use A Sigma 400 Auto focus with it. This is good enough for Motor Sport and some Railway shoots but no good out on the local nature reserve for bird shoots. It seems I have a choice of buying a 30' step ladder, a boat or an improvement in the lens department. Boats and ladders are not practicable and lens' like an Apollo rocket and as wide as a dustbin lid are not in my price world. I've read a number of articles on the Samyang (and its other names) 650-1300 which leave me thinking it is probably not a good buy as its images sound poor. I dont want to spend £300 on something that is going to disappoint. So I have to compromise. I'm thinking along the lines of a Teleconverter for the Sigma. I am not sure if they are available in a form that retains the automatic functions of this lens. Manual operation would not be the end of the world if it had to be so. I realise I would loose F stops (I'm used to that from film days so understand that side).

As I see it I have two options 1) spend X pounds on a decent quality converter rather than the same on a poor quality under performing super flop or 2) give up the idea and copy quality pics off the internet!!!

regards
 
Teleconvertor would easily be the best of those options.

Consider location though as a 400mm should be capable of getting you great shots in the right setting with patience and persistence.
 
Almost enough info - what's the lens's maximum aperture?
I think the problem will be finding a teleconverter for your Pentax that's worth using. I can't see anything from Sigma or Kenko so you'll be looking at Pentax's own offerings. A quick google turned up this article which may help.
 
welcome to TP.
Looks as if you are finding on of the problems with a less popular(but still good) camera. Its when you want to start adding to it the range of accessories are limited compared to say a Canon or Nikon range.

If I were in your position I would be thinking along the lines of changing over to one of the makes I mentioned before spending too much money on existing equipment. Those in the Canon "camp" would say get a Canon and those in the Nikon "camp" would recommend Nikon. At the end of the day if your happy with what you already have and can find everything you feel you need for photography then stay with it

Anyway thats my advice for what its worth
 
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Thank you for those replies.
a1ex2001 has got me thinking that I should forget hides and take a portable bird feeder with me and go a little off piste and stake things out!
Snapsh0t, that article was very helpful, oh yes The Big Sig (I don't know if it has a name) is a fixed 400mm, 1:5.6 with a 72mm front bit and an aperture ring that I'm not sure what to do with yet as the camera manual is a little confusing. There are days when its light enough to use it and I've even surprised myself with good hand held shots at Snetterton race track last year.
realspeed, I agree with you in that I'm probably at the point where I'm finding the limits. I bought the Pentax on a limited budget, but I got a good deal and I am quite happy with it.
I'll have a think and practise and if I can produce anything I'll post it.
 
Teleconverters for Pentax certainly exist and would be the cheapest way of getting a closer shot with your existing lens, while accepting the loss of a stop or two and an impact on IQ. However, whether you stick with Pentax or move to another brand, lenses above 400mm are not going to be cheap.

If you have a garden you could try honing your skills on the garden birds.

Dave
 
Hi Dave, I have decided to go down the road of a TC and shall seek out a good quality one some time. Tried the garden last year but at that time hadnt got any suitable places where 'the' bird would go that also had light!!! We have places nearby though and I might get lucky and get more than a speck.
 
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