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I see a lot of people use them. I want to know how effective are they. I have a Sigma 100mm - 300mm lens and does it effect the quality and focus a lot?

Hi leander09
Converters are a great invention but have their drawbacks. I use both a x1.7 and a x2 converter and use them both rarely.
One of the main problems is the loss of a couple of f stops, if you are using a lens with a low f stop (f/2. your risk is to find it difficult to take pictures with low or scarce light.
I have noticed a slight drop in focus quality and it's one of the main reasons I avoid using them.

Exactly why I sold mine Andy.
And bought myself a bigger lens. Less hassle.

Hi leander09

The tele-converters can work if used on the right lenses. Is your lens the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 APO EX IF HSM?

I use the Nikon 1.4X TC on my Nikon 200-400 f4 lens with great results - the 1.7X produced OK results and the 2X results were NOT sharp. The 2X TC works best with the expensive 300mm and 400mm f2.8 lenses.

I would therefore suggest keeping away from the 2X and use the same brand as your lens - it will be sharper than the generic brands. The TCs also work better on prime lenses and not so good with zooms.

Hi Leandro9,

I am very much an amateur and not an expert on the topic. However, I must agree with Mario. It all depends on the quality of your lens. I have the Canon 70-200mm 2.8L IS and 300mm 2.8L IS. I have used the Canon 1.4 and 2x converters with both lenses with great results. The 1.4 loses one f stop and the 2x loses 2 f stops so some of it also depends on the setting in which you wish to use the converters.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

Daron

Also dont forget that the converters only work on some canon bodies and some result in losing your AF Focus... just my two cents worth

Hi,

the Sigma 100-300/f4 works very well with the Sigma 1.4x converter.

Here you find a test of the lens with this converter.

Just another possible complication if you are using canon mount.

There are new model x1.4 and x2 converters coming soon and “nobody knows yet if they will make a difference to the sharpness etc. over the old ones, especially when used with lenses like your Sigma.

Thy will be very expensive at first, but will come down over time!

Sadly, the chances are that almost any “big” prime lens will be better than your Sigma with any converter.

Seeing as the last topic mysteriously disappeared lets carry on

A few we had the privilege to experience last week in Kruger


Selati bridge Skuks


Sunrise over transport dam


Pretoriuskop


Somewhere in the veld

Sparks, what inspiring photographs, absolutely LOVE the one of Pretoriuskop

All amazing!
But Pretoriuskop is my favorite

Sparks, nice pics Thank you for sharing.

Note, this is not "my " thread but every one that has a camera pointing at the sunrise or sunset's so post and share the beauty of nature please

Sunset dam sunset by dinkybird


Sunset dam sunset by dinkybird

Early morning buffalo near satara by dinkybird