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

foamcutter · 22-04-2011 09:03PM #1

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?

pixbyjohn · 22-04-2011 09:08PM

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.

Paulw · 22-04-2011 09:14PM

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.

foamcutter · 22-04-2011 09:33PM

@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).

Borderfox · 23-04-2011 12:11AM

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

CabanSail · 23-04-2011 03:05AM

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.

pixbyjohn · 23-04-2011 08:27AM

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.

foamcutter · 23-04-2011 05:46PM

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

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

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