p.1 #1 · Spotty focusing with a 500/4E FL and 1.4TC
I have a new to me 500/4E FL and 1.4TC that is, probably, one of the best values in the exotic prime space across any of the brands. I am using it on a Z8 with the FTZ2. Without the TC the focusing is usually quite snappy and responsive. With the TC things get iffy, particularly when focusing at nearly static objects over 50m away (e.g. large birds such as cranes) - even mid-day in bright light. Yes, f/5.6 was the limit of the AF system on dSLRs, and there aren't a great many pixels on the object I am focusing on, but it still feels like for objects that occupy similar areas of the FOV the lens focuses MUCH better without a TC than with it. I have tried most of the focusing modes - single area, dynamic small/large, wide small/large, and as a matter of last resort 3D, and auto area. Noting seems to improve my hit rate, and I have resorted to "spray and pray" - fire at 20 fps, let the focus hunt over 10-20 frames, and then cull all the garbage. Are there any secret handshakes, other than zooming in the EVF to 1x or 2x and manually focusing?
p.1 #2 · Spotty focusing with a 500/4E FL and 1.4TC
That shouldn’t be happening. Prior to owning a 400 2.8 S lens, I was using a 500FL with TC1.4III on an Z9 and that combo worked really well and much better than it did on DSLRs. Could you pls try cleaning the TC contacts? Also, is it the version III of the 1.4TC? If it doesn’t improve then I’d try another version of the TC to see if this is a problem with the specific TC copy you have.
p.1 #3 · Spotty focusing with a 500/4E FL and 1.4TC
gannis wrote:
That shouldn’t be happening. Prior to owning a 400 2.8 S lens, I was using a 500FL with TC1.4III on an Z9 and that combo worked really well and much better than it did on DSLRs. Could you pls try cleaning the TC contacts? Also, is it the version III of the 1.4TC? If it doesn’t improve then I’d try another version of the TC to see if this is a problem with the specific TC copy you have.
Yes, TC1.4III. I will clean up the contacts before trying it again. I don't have access to another TC to try, but will ask around. Thank you for the suggestions. I will also run some more careful tests with and without the TC on static subjects. My first reaction is that I see meaningful softening with the TC. Perhaps I was sold a bum TC, I bought it used.
p.1 #4 · Spotty focusing with a 500/4E FL and 1.4TC
Probably not the case but something to check on the TC.
I had one in the past where the lens barrel came loose and was a bit wobbly. I believe it was the protruding front barrel that unscrewed a bit. Check both sides that they are tight. Should be tight clockwise when looking into either end.
GroovyGeek wrote:
Yes, TC1.4III. I will clean up the contacts before trying it again. I don't have access to another TC to try, but will ask around. Thank you for the suggestions. I will also run some more careful tests with and without the TC on static subjects. My first reaction is that I see meaningful softening with the TC. Perhaps I was sold a bum TC, I bought it used.
p.1 #5 · Spotty focusing with a 500/4E FL and 1.4TC
I have the same combo with the Z9 and using the TC with the 500 gives me great results even wide open. Focus is fast and spot on. Like others have said, I would check the TC.
