2X converter... is it really worth it?

[Jaedon]

I am contemplating purchasing a 2x Teleconverter just released by Olympus late in 2007. I know a lot of you guys use them on your lenses and I am wondering if the extra lens length is worth the light loss in the end.

It would make my 50 to 500 F4 - 6.3 a 100 - 1000 F6.3 - 8 effectively and with the 2x crop factor in my camera would make it a 200 - 2000 35 MM equivalent. (not bad for a $500 investment)

How much of a learning curve would I be expecting to maintain sharpness in the shots? Especially since I am just getting of the level of sharpness that I am proud of?

All you Canon shooters who use the 2x converters - Was the addition simple or did you have to relearn your camera + lens combination to find the level of sharpness that you like in your shots?

[SmartWombat]

2x converter, if it's the only way to get the shot, use it.
Better to have a soft shot than nothing at all.
However I will buy a 1.4x today to replace my 2x as the quality losss, for rme, was too much.

[Loupey]

That's a tough, highly subjective question, Jaedon.

As you know, I use mine all the time (I would say 75%+ of my telephotos are with it). For me, it is worth the cost several times over. I'm sure that I have a great copy as it tested sharper than the 1.4x version that I bought and subsequently returned.

No, the combo doesn't measure up to a 600mm prime but I didn't buy a 600mm prime. It is lighter and obviously cheaper. They have their uses and one must consider how he/she would be using it to determine if it will be "worth it" for him/her.

The best possible main lens must be used. This generally means that a prime will deliver much better results than most any zooms. As for your 50-500mm f/4~6.3, you are incorrect because the loss of TWO f/stops means that your lens will now be an f/8~13 - much too slow for N/W work. I can tell you now that you will NOT be happy.

If you had a 200mm or 300mm prime, the 2x would work nicely. If you had a 400mm prime, then a 1.4x would be preferred. So if possible, I would say first save up for a good prime (either all the way with a 500mm to 600mm prime) or the 200mm/300mm/400mm route with a teleconverter now.

JMHO

[Canon_Bob]

Honestly, I think it depends on the lens you're using it on. With my 600mm f/4 and my 300mm f/4, I don't hesitate to use the 2x. On my 100-400, I don't even consider it. The image quality loss is minimal on the 600 and 300, but significant on the zooms.

[scott-devon]

I'll echo Loupey and Bob here, I've got a 2x converter and my long lens is a Pentax 80-320 zoom. The converter works great on my 50mm prime (but I don't need it for that), and on the zoom lens I get images that are far too soft and out of focus to be usable so it pretty much sits unused in my camera bag. My personal lens lust at the moment is focused (excuse the pun) on Sigma's 50-500 zoom....But..I wonder if I wouldn't be better off with a good long prime since most of my shots are zoomed to the max. anyway.

[Jaedon]

This is where I fall into the lens trap.

To get a longer lens combo I am looking at a small mortgage for a prime lens ($3500 for a 300mm Prime F4) or even to get a longer zoom (300 - 800 = $7000) VS a teleconverter. I see what you are saying though about quality loss and unless I am shooting in high sunlight F8 - 13 is far beyond where I want to be shooting. Now for shooting Racecars and such which race motly during the daylight hours anyway then it souldn't be that bad. But for NW F13 at max length would be a problem shooting during the golden hours in the lower light.

I definitely thank you all for your opinions. That's the kind of information I was looking for. It doesn't make my decision any easier... just a lot more informed than I was yesterday.

Thanks again guys.

[WTP07]

Jay,

Just to chime in with my $0.02 worth:

I use the 2x converter regularly, depeding on light conditions of course. I do find myself using the monopod more with it, as I can reliably hand-held the 400mm prime, but with the TC, it gets a bit dicey unless I am shooting in brilliant sunlight.

I've extended the invitation before, but if you want to take a trip down the 401 and come shoot some hawks with me, you are welcome to take mine for a test fly to see what it's like. I know it won't be exactly the same as your system, but it might give you an idea of what it's going to be like.

Besides, the harriers are back, there's still a ton of red-tails around and there are a couple of good BE spots near my place!

Cheers,

Randy.

[Jaedon]

I just have to find the time Randy. But I definitely want to come out there ans shoot with ya bro.

It will most likely be in the new year now but we'll have to look at our schedules and find a time when we're both free. Do you work on weekends?

[Loupey]

This is where I fall into the lens trap.

To get a longer lens combo I am looking at a small mortgage for a prime lens ($3500 for a 300mm Prime F4) or even to get a longer zoom (300 - 800 = $7000) VS a teleconverter...

I see what you mean. I did a quick search through B&H's site and there isn't a lot of options for you in terms of Olympus mounts.

It's almost better (and certainly cheaper) if you had just one dedicated Canon or Nikon body + telephoto set just for this purpose.