Sigma 150-500 APO DG OS and TC recomendations please (1 Viewer)

[thornlv]

Can anybody suggest or recomend a 1.4 TC for this lens, should I go for the Nikon, or Kenko's or Sigmas own. Not too bothered about auto focus but would be nice.

 

[stevo]

To be honest my friend yes you could use a TC but the results will be poor the AF won`t work properly & contrast/IQ will be down.

Steve.

 

[john-henry]

The Kenco 1.5x (non-reporting) TC will autofocus with the 150-500 but you need good light.

 

[thornlv]

John-Henry - Have you tried thiss combination. thought they were available as 1.4, 1.7 and 2X.

 

[john-henry]

John-Henry - Have you tried thiss combination. thought they were available as 1.4, 1.7 and 2X.

Yes I have, I've got one and used it on the 150-500, the results weren't too bad, but obviously not great above 400mm on the lens.

KENKO 1.5x TELEPLUS MC DG is the one I'm talking about.

I've just realised you haven't said what camera you're using, I was using a Canon 50D it might be different on another make. Best bet, if possible, is to visit a shop that has one and try it.

 

[Jonwil]

From experience I can say the Sigma 1.4 works very well. I have used it with both Sigma and Nikon lenses. Just bare in mind you are stopping down the lens with the addition of a teleconverter (making it slower to record light by about 1.5 stops).

 

[Roy C]

Just bare in mind you are stopping down the lens with the addition of a teleconverter (making it slower to record light by about 1.5 stops).

Surely you only lose 1 stop of light with a 1.4tc? (and 2 stops with a 2x).

 

[thornlv]

I have a X2 which loses 2 full stops and always thought a 1.4 would be 1 stop.

 

[john-henry]

Hi Vic,
here's a couple of shots taken with the 150-500 plus Kenco 1.5 TC.

I've writen the focal length used on the pics.

Regards

John

 

[Markulous]

I use the 150-500mm OS with the Kenko pro300 1.4x and find it produces pretty good results - losing AF isn't an issue for me as I prefer MF anyway (oh, and only lose one stop)

 

[thornlv]

Have started using the Kenko 1.5 DG today with my 150-500mm, D90. Light was pretty poor today but got a couple of shots. Will post when had time to work on them.

Markulous, could you post a couple of shots you've had with yours ?

 

[mdb2]

I am new to photography (DSLR) and have the canon 50D and the sigma I must say I havent got a converter yet, however the canon 1.4 doesnt seem to fit? which I find weird. the sparrow shots are great and i would be happy with them. mike

 

[Markulous]

Markulous, could you post a couple of shots you've had with yours ?

Here's a couple from when I specifically went out to try the combo. Same time, deliberately different subjects - all Canon 30D @ 500mm + 1.4x (700mm), ISO400, handheld and typically 1/100

 

[mdb2]

I have heard say that the AF on the camera can be fooled by placing a little tape over the terminals. does this apply to the converter as well? any one tried this? mike

 

[Markulous]

I have heard say that the AF on the camera can be fooled by placing a little tape over the terminals. does this apply to the converter as well? any one tried this? mike

There's a workaround using tape for the Canon 100-400mm (tape just the specific contacts on the lens) - not aware of one for the Sigma (and at f/9 don't think it would work as that's just getting too dark)