sigma 150mm with converter ?

[Naturenutz]

Has anybody tried a converter on the sigma 150mm lens .I know i wouldnt gain much but it may just be enough to get me where i want to be with some small garden birds ? I have never used a converter so if you can use one on this lens,what one would you recommend .I have a nikon d300s camera.
Thanks for any replies
vic

[pressld2]

Hi Vic,

Yes, I've used a Kenko Pro 300 1.4x converter with teh Sigma 150mm on a Nikon D300. Not for birds though, only for macro shots. I even once used the converter and a full set of extension tubes at the same time but that was pushing it a bit too far!

The Kenko is a pretty good TC - probably not quite a match for the Nikon ones (I've never used them so can't be certain) but significantly cheaper. It retains metering and autofocus which would be useful for the birds.

Dave P.

[Naturenutz]

Thanks Dave,i have just looked them both up.The nikon converter costs approx double the kenko.I intend to get a long lens next year (funds allowing) so it will be useful addition to my kit .Now kenko or nikon converter ? decisions

[Tobyh]

Hi,

I've occasionally used a converter on my Sigma 180 for birds, more often that I was shooting macro and an opportunity for a bird shot arose. I used a Sigma converter which was fine (manual focus though).

If you are considering a longer lens next year then perhaps base your choice around what would suit the bigger lens better. For instance my sigma 1.4 doesn't work well with the Sigma 500mm and I've been advised that the Kenko Pro 300 DGX will work better.

Just a thought.

TobyH

[MJM]

Hi Vic
I regularly use the Kenko Pro 300 1.4x with my Sigma 150 and I am very happy with it. It gives that extra bit of working distance when photographing timid subjects. However, when coupled with my long Nikon lenses, autofocus tends to hunt a lot so I invested in Nikon teleconverters as well.
Don't forget, Nikon teleconverters only work with Nikon telephotos and will not physically fit the Sigma 150 without some engineering, which I wouldn't recommend on such expensive items.
Here is picture taken with the 150 + Kenko 1.4x


Martin

[pressld2]

Originally Posted by MJM

However, when coupled with my long Nikon lenses, autofocus tends to hunt a lot

Yes, that's been my experience too. The TC turns my 80-400mm into an f8 lens (at 400mm) so I guess it's to be expected. Interesting to note that it's not such a problem with the Nikon converters, although...

Originally Posted by MJM

Don't forget, Nikon teleconverters only work with Nikon telephotos and will not physically fit the Sigma 150 without some engineering, which I wouldn't recommend on such expensive items.

The current Nikon TCE range can't be used with the Nikon 80-400 either. Glass strikes glass if you try and mount the lens on the TC. There is an older Nikon TC which is compatible with this lens but it's very hard to find, very expensive and doesn't have the contacts to maintain AF.

Dave P.

[Lacerta]

Hi Vic

Personally I wouldn't recommend this option for capturing small birds. I have had the Sigma 150 and used both the 1.4 and 2x teleconverters, the image quality was fine, but I was using this primarily for close up. I did experiment with small birds but if the autofocus is still enabled, it would hunt and you would often miss the moment. In addition converting your 150 with a 1.4 will give you a 210, I doubt that unless you are a few feet away from the subject, whether you would get a decent size image.

Also the Sigma macro lenses are image optimised for around F8-f16, wide open the image quality can be a bit soft, which you would probably need to capture a sharp image, since the birds are always on the move.

Since teleconverters are not that cheap anyway, I would recommend just investing in a telezoom, which is what you are planning anyway.

Hope this helps

[Naturenutz]

Just the kind of information i was after ,thanks for all your replies,i will look at the options with far more understanding now..