Archive 2009 · teleconverter for tamron 70-200 2.8

Geoff Ash
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · teleconverter for tamron 70-200 2.8

Hey folks, I've been looking at picking up a long lens. Most likely a sigma, as they have a few options in the 400-500mm long end at half the price of a Canon L. I realize I'm not going to get top-notch sharpness but I'm not shooting for National Geographic either.

However, I just bought the new Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 and I'm wondering if it would be a better choice to just get a good teleconverter for it. So here are my questions for those of you with experience using different brands/lengths of teleconverters, as well as long lenses.

1. What is the best converter to match to this(or tamron lenses in general) in terms of compatibility/quality. I'm assuming Tamron SP, but I've heard a lot of people using Kenko Pros

2. Is there generally a noticeable difference in loss of quality going from a 1.4 to a 2X? If so, what is the best 2X you have ever used?

3. Would this setup yield as good results as going with one of the lower priced long lenses (apart from the extra reach with a 500mm)? ie. Sigma 50-500, 170-500, 135-400, etc. ( I would probably have about $500 to drop on the lens, so whatever I could get in that range)

4. This is a tech question that has nothing do do with my decision........just curious.
How does crop factor affect teleconverters? Essentially with my 70-200 I'm getting an effective focal range of 112-320mm. So logically, a 2X converter makes my 70-200 a 140-400, then applying the crop factor essentially gives me a 224-640mm focal range.....
Is that right or am I way off?

Thanks

Jan 22, 2009 at 02:32 PM

mawz
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · teleconverter for tamron 70-200 2.8

Kenko Pro = Tamron SP. Same TC, different branding.

Jan 22, 2009 at 05:09 PM

ShaneEngelking
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · teleconverter for tamron 70-200 2.8

Don't even think about a 2x teleconverter for that lens. The image quality will be terrible. A 1.4x will give you okay results if you stop down a little.

Jan 22, 2009 at 05:12 PM

Kingfishphoto
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · teleconverter for tamron 70-200 2.8

I purchased that lens in EOS mount. It did not want to A/F with either of my Tamron, APO, 7 elements converters, even midday, bright sunshine. Days later my lens was returned for a refund, as it locked up both my EOS bodies. I of course, did get a bad copy. My converter images, MF , were only fair.
Cheers
Harry

Jan 23, 2009 at 07:35 AM

brentandeck
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · teleconverter for tamron 70-200 2.8

Ok - I never post in these forums. But this information was so hard to find on my own, had to post my findings. I can CONFIRM the Kenko 2x Pro 300 DGX works with autofocus and VC on the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC on Canon 6D. Shot in lower light indoors at 12,800 ISO handheld at 1/60th a second. Did not notice a big difference on AF speed from normal use. Yes is it not as perfect as the 70-200 by itself, but that is expected. Image Quality is great for very acceptable with the tammy close to 400mm and for what it is. Steps taken: attach Kenko to lens first. Attach lens to camera body that is turned off. Turn camera body on. Will automatically go to 5.6 if using 2.8. This is what I shot with. I turned dial to f/22 and also shot at that aperture. You will get some hunting at the long end in lower light, but searching for contrast and using the center point I was fine. I don't expect to have any issues in bright light. Looks like exif data recorded ok reviewing images on 6D. I haven't loaded card on my iMac yet to see what information displays. Hope that helps anyone considering buying the converter. Cheers!

Oct 28, 2014 at 10:00 PM


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