Sigma aggravates me, 1.4X TC's: This past week I had a discussion with one of Sigma's technicians about the 1.4 X TC. Sigmas TC's are not inexpensive and I already own one that I use...

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

This past week I had a discussion with one of Sigma's technicians about the 1.4 X TC. Sigmas TC's are not inexpensive and I already own one that I use on occasion. I was told that the 1.4x will work well on the Sigma 150 600 mm sport lens. When I checked into it what I found out was the older 1.4x will not work on the sport lens, I had to buy a different one. This tele-converter costs me $349. It didn't make me a very happy camper!

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/teleconverter-tc-1401

I did find though the new TC will also work with my other lenses that I use the older TC on. At least this is what the technician has told me. I will find out and if it doesn't it will get returned.

The main reason I am writing this is so that anybody buying one of the new series lenses such as sport or contemporary knows that the order Sigma 1.4 X TC's will not work on it. If you want to use the TC plan on making an additional investment.

Jim D

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

oldtool2 wrote:

This past week I had a discussion with one of Sigm... (show quote)

This is also true with some Nikon's TCs: The older ones are not compatible with all lenses. Check with the manufacturer before buying; it will save you $s & disappointment.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

This is also true with some Nikon's TCs: The older ones are not compatible with all lenses. Check with the manufacturer before buying; it will save you $s & disappointment.

You are right to a certain extent. Even if I had known this in advance I still would have bought the lens because that's what I wanted. It just aggravates me that they do this and they know they have you over a barrel if you want the TC. Your other option is to go with the third party. I did find out that the Tamron 1.4 X will work with these lenses. I did find out a long time ago though you are always better off to go with the manufacturers TC if it is available for the lens you are using.

Jim D

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

oldtool2 wrote:

You are right to a certain extent. Even if I had ... (show quote)

This lens is the result of newer technology, which could not have been envisioned when the earlier teleconverters were designed.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

oldtool2 wrote:

This past week I had a discussion with one of Sigm... (show quote)

Matching a TC to a lens can be tricky. You'd think that what fits one lens would fit another - of the same type mount.

Tom Kelley Loc: Roanoke, Virginia

RWR wrote:

This lens is the result of newer technology, which could not have been envisioned when the earlier teleconverters were designed.

:thumbup: :thumbup: It's not surprising to me, it's called 'Change'. You either buy it or you don't. To me, if you're going to spend close to $2000.00 on a lens, you don't complain about another $349.00.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Look at it this way. The extra $350.00 gets you a 840 mm lens on a full sensor and a 1260 mm lens on a cropped sensor. Not a bad deal for the money.
I have always never assumed when I buy a new lens, I call Nikon and check ahead of time to see what will work and what won't. I am sure if you did your homework ahead of time you would have found that out.
Let the buyer be ware. Or, as Ronald would say, Trust But Verify.

gambo1953 Loc: Bowie, MD

Ran into the same thing. Had a Sigma 2.0 TC but could not use it on the new lens. I didn't like it but got it anyway to extend my reach as far as possible. Also picked up the USB dock for future firnware upgrades and calibration, if needed. Purchased the 150-600mmm and the new TC1401. Be advised that the combination needs a lot of light and the longer the reach the more contrast you need for auto-focus. Still testing my setup (7Dm2, 150-600mm Sport and the TC 1.4) and birds in a bush with a vegetation background are a challenge while birds in a tree with a brighter sky as background are OK. I must say that the sharpness and focusing with the 7Dm2 and 150-600mm is phenominal and with the TC added is also excellent, IF there is enough light/contrast to allow auto-focus. Manual focus works well enough but that can be a challenge if eyesight is a factor. As soon as the weather clears up a little, I will get out in the kayak and see about capturing some eagles...That will be the real test. Have fun with the lens

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

One of the many things I like about Sony is that they have 1.4 x and 2x tc in the camera. It will with with any lens on the camera.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

chapjohn wrote:

One of the many things I like about Sony is that they have 1.4 x and 2x tc in the camera. It will with with any lens on the camera.

Yes, :thumbup: ....The in camera 1.1-2X Clear Image Zoom is a game changer ! - AND, you do not loose light or DOF ! This IS the future .....

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Tom Kelley wrote:

:thumbup: :thumbup: It's not surprising to me, it's called 'Change'. You either buy it or you don't. To me, if you're going to spend close to $2000.00 on a lens, you don't complain about another $349.00.

This is the first time Sigma has done this. The original TC's are not usable with the new series lenses. Canon has 3 different series of TC's but the older TC's are usable with the new lenses if you want. Not so with Sigma. I just think it would have been nice if they had told us this in advance.

I can afford the $350.00 but to some it would be a deal breaker.

Jim D

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

gambo1953 wrote:

Ran into the same thing. Had a Sigma 2.0 TC but c... (show quote)

I have been using 1.4 X TC's for quite a while now so pretty much know what to expect with it. My concern is how is the IQ want to be with it? Hopefully the detail remains pretty good, if not then I will return it. There's only one way to find out and that's get it and use it. I also have the USB docking connector coming. I'm looking forward to that and seeing what I can do with it. It sounds like an interesting contraption.

Like you I will be using it on a 7D2 as well as a 5D3. It should be a lot of fun!

Jim D

fdoyle3 Loc: Glenolden Pa.

I have an 80 400 Nikon lens which I tried to use a Nikon 2 extender on It wont work. From this point on before I buy a lens I check to see what I can use with it. Live and learn!

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

fdoyle3 wrote:

I have an 80 400 Nikon lens which I tried to use a Nikon 2 extender on It wont work. From this point on before I buy a lens I check to see what I can use with it. Live and learn!

The new TC would not have been a dealbreaker because I really wanted to try this lens. It has a few things I really like about it so I will sell the Tamron. Probably be posting it here in the next few days.

One good thing about the new TC is that it will work with any the lenses the older one worked with. This will allow me to sell that TC if I decide to.

Jim D

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

oldtool2 wrote:

This is the first time Sigma has done this. The original TC's are not usable with the new series lenses. Canon has 3 different series of TC's but the older TC's are usable with the new lenses if you want. Not so with Sigma. I just think it would have been nice if they had told us this in advance.

I can afford the $350.00 but to some it would be a deal breaker.

Jim D

Perhaps when Canon catches up with this technology, their older teleconverters may not be useable with all new lenses.