Macro lens with a teleconvertor ?

[g4gxl]

I have seen a few people are using a macro lens with a 1.4x or 2x teleconvertor.

Am I right in thinking that for macro work the only advantage of this set up is that the subject to lens distance would be increased (for a given magnification) ?

I have a Sigma 150mm Macro and would like to go better than 1:1 so guess tubes or Raynox is the way to go ?

 

[Davec223]

I have seen a few people are using a macro lens with a 1.4x or 2x teleconvertor.

Am I right in thinking that for macro work the only advantage of this set up is that the subject to lens distance would be increased (for a given magnification) ?

I have a Sigma 150mm Macro and would like to go better than 1:1 so guess tubes or Raynox is the way to go ?

From my experience it does improve magnification as well just to show you.

Both photos taken with Nikon 105mm vr with full set of extension tubes. Image 2 has the sigma 1.4 tc added as well.

1

2

Hope that helps.

 

[Dogfish_magnet]

a teleconverter will also increase magnification - a 1.4 on a 1:1 lens will give 1.4:1 without altering the min focus distance. Tubes work better on a shorter focal length lens, to get another 1X on your lens youd need around 150mm of extension

 

[g4gxl]

So a 2x Sigma teleconvertor would be a sensible (cost effective and good quality) accessory for my Sigma 150mm Macro ?

Better/worse than a Raynox ??
Or just different ?

I suppose I get a reasonable 300mm telephoto too (as the lens is f/2.8).

 

[micloi]

Note:
The Sigma 150mm WILL NOT autofocus with the Sigma 2x TC
IT WILL autofocus with the Kenko 2x TC

It is not a matter of aperture (I know that it only becomes f5.6 with the 2x TC).
It is a matter of the chip on the Sigma teleconverter removing the AF capabilities of the 150mm lens for some strange reason.

Here is Sigma's table confirming this:
http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/support/faq/condaitr.htm

And before anyone asks, yes, I had the Sigma 150mm macro and both the Sigma and Kenko TC's and I tested this myself.

The Raynox will increase magnification but not the working distance and will also make the DOF thinner so I prefer using the 2x TC for insects and Raynox (or even better AF macro tubes) for flowers and other non-moving subjects

 

[g4gxl]

The Sigma 150mm WILL NOT autofocus with the Sigma 2x TC
IT WILL autofocus with the Kenko 2x TC

Thanks for the tip.

I suppose for macro the AF is not so important, but it might be missed when used as a telephoto.

A new Kenko DGX 2x is about the same price as the used Sigma 2x that I am looking at. I think the Sigma should be better optics - could you see much difference ?

 

[g4gxl]

From my experience it does improve magnification as well just to show you.

Both photos taken with Nikon 105mm vr with full set of extension tubes. Image 2 has the sigma 1.4 tc added as well.

Thanks Dave.

They're great shots - I've got a long way to go

I think I may just go for a TC and see how I get on.

 

[Canon Bob]

..... without altering the min focus distance.

Not quite true....the minimum focus distance will be increased by the physical length of the T/C. The working distance will remain the same.

Bob

 

[Dogfish_magnet]

Not quite true....the minimum focus distance will be increased by the physical length of the T/C. The working distance will remain the same.

Bob

i knew it it was one of them Bob.