Sigma 2x converter help please.

Dawn B

Dawn B

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Well Dawn of course!
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Hello folks, Im after your expert advice again! :D

I have a Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM, and wondered if anyone had used a 2x converter with it? Reasons being, I cannot afford a 100-400mm Canon lens (ideally) but would love extra length on the Sigma. I know the f stop goes to 5.6, but then on the Canon at full zoom it would too. So, does anyone know what the quality of the pics would be at this length? Is a monopd sufficiently "still" to get decent shots, or is handheld possible at all?

I appreciate the quality wont be that of the "L" but honest replies (I know you always do) would be helpful.

Thanks.

Dawn.
 
Dawn,

Look at this link to get an idea of what a 1.4x T/C will do to your lens and then assume that the 2x will be much worse.

With your cursor off the image you're looking at the lens alone at 200mm. Putting your cursor on the image will show what it's like with the 1.4x

Bob
 
Pics are always better.

I swapped my x2TC on that same lens for the x1.4 and the x1.4 is alot better. Focus's faster and is sharper.

this is with the x2TC @ 400mm
DSC_0089800px.jpg


this is with the x1.4TC @ 280mm
3452577693_0dc7c245e3_o.jpg
 
Thanks very much guys. The link is very useful. The Deer image looks good to me?

If I have the 1.4x, would the images be any better than the 70-300mm 4.5-5.6 Canon lens I already have?

Sorry for all the questions, I appreciate all the help.
 
I have both the 1.4x and 2x converters for my Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 and find the 1.4x is useable in most situations but the 2x is ok on large items such as cars, aeroplanes and suchlike but not for small fine detail shots like birds
 
right this might not be entirely proper, but imagine 2xTC or any TC for that matter, ok, don't imagine, find a nice large window in your house and shot through it, then take the same shot with the window open ie no glass in front of the lens, see what happens. this is what is likely happen to a lens with TC but obviously not as bad. :D

1.4TC are generally considered to be decent and retains most of the functions of the original lens but having to be 1-stop slower. i have seen a site with a chart of all types of TC that is compatible with a lot of lenses...here is the table.
 
I was using the 70-200 with the x2 T/C this weekend here are a couple of the captures.

111564089&exif=N.jpg


111568195&exif=N.jpg


111568197.jpg


The images are a little soft when you are the extreme of the range, but it is still usable.

Hope this helps...

Nigel
 
ricky1980 said:
right this might not be entirely proper, but imagine 2xTC or any TC for that matter, ok, don't imagine, find a nice large window in your house and shot through it, then take the same shot with the window open ie no glass in front of the lens, see what happens. this is what is likely happen to a lens with TC but obviously not as bad. :D
Click to expand...

This was taken with my Pentax A* 300mm f2.8 and matched 2x-L teleconverter.
It was a quick test shot, handheld, manual focus, uncropped and downsized for Flickr.

I must have a very good window cleaner.



Just saying that not EVERY 2x teleconverter is bad. :)
 
Mike.P said:
This was taken with my Pentax A* 300mm f2.8 and matched 2x-L teleconverter.
It was a quick test shot, handheld, manual focus, uncropped and downsized for Flickr.

I must have a very good window cleaner.

Just saying that not EVERY 2x teleconverter is bad. :)
Click to expand...
It's not about the teleconverter. It's about the lens.

The 300mm f/2.8 primes from all the manufacturers are designed to take teleconverters, even 2x teleconverters, very well. But designing a zoom to take a 2x teleconverter well is just too difficult.
 
I found results very ok with my Sigma 2x and 70-200 as i have said three or four times now

not a huge drop in AF speed either tbh, for the money its a decent combination
 
Thank you all for your help, I appreciate it very much. Im leaning towards the 1.4x, but may I ask again, would the pics with the 1.4x be better than my 70-300mm Canon lens I already have?
 
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