Lens extension question
Jul 15, 2013 11:34:53 #
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
Jul 15, 2013 11:37:47 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
can you explain how it is not working well at 400? It's hard to answer this without knowing what the issue is.
Jul 15, 2013 11:40:01 #
Most likely it would get worse, because with the 2x, there will be a quite noticeable degradation of image quality. If you already experiencing this, the problem will be multiplied as well.
Jul 15, 2013 11:40:20 #
If the lens isn't very sharp at 400mm to begin with, the adding more magnification will not only magnify your subject, but it will magnify the flaws of the lens. e.g if your images a a tad soft at 400mm, then they will be even more soft with the extender.
Jul 15, 2013 11:50:00 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
Although I do not have that combination I do not think you will get "better" results. Obviously you will extend your reach but an extender will not improve your IQ (Image Quality). I use a 1.4III extender with my 70 - 200 on a 7D. I do know that any problems that occur whilst using the lens by itself will be exaggerated whilst using the lens and extender combination. Be aware that with the extender you will lose a couple of stops of light and another thing to check is whether or not the lens will be able to auto focus with the extender. Cheers
Jul 15, 2013 13:14:49 #
I would never use anything over 1.4 even then I would rather buy a longer lens if needed
Jul 15, 2013 13:26:29 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
IBE, first let me say that there are those on this site that say that NO sigma can be used successfully on a canon camera without first sending both the camera and lens to sigma to be "paired" so to say. though it does not make sense to me that they work fine untill you get to The long end.
My experience is with Canon 1.4x's only on Canon lenses. I've had very good results with the 1.4 and very minimal degradation.
My opinion only, is that an extender would help you to achieve getting the better 300mm length to over 400 with minimal degeneration. And if the need arises, the last 100mm is still there to be used. I don't think you will actuall know untill you actually try it for yourself.
I would start by giving sigma a call about a no cost pairing.
Good luck. SS
Jul 15, 2013 13:29:01 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
Short answer, No. Would be better to shoot at 300 and crop your photo.
Jul 16, 2013 08:23:30 #
Jul 16, 2013 10:46:55 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
Not better! It will multiply any defects you are already seeing. 2X TC's are not know for giving the best quality photos to start with. As for the quality of photos from 300-400mm, zoom lens often do not give the best quality photos when fully extended. Most of us that use a zoom lens extend it all the way out then back it off a little. In other words go to 400mm then back off to 380mm to shoot.
This is true with many zooms. I own two that I do not have to do this with, a Canon 100-400mm and a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8 lens (not an inexpensive lens!).
Jim D
Jul 16, 2013 12:35:35 #
I had a similar problem with my Tamron 200-500mm lens. I tried everything I could do to get sharper images at the 400-500mm end of the lens. I ended up sending it back to Tamron for a cleaning and adjustment. I only owned a Canon 50D at the time, and tried to mico adjust the lens to no avail. I did send the lens back to Tamron with some test photos for them to look at, and identify the problem. The lens came back, and after my evaluation it was much much better. The repair sheet noted cleaning of debris, alignment of the elements, calibrating to the Canon 50D specs. I checked the lens through the zoom range, and it was a lot better than before I sent it in. Granted, not "L" quality, but acceptable.
Jul 16, 2013 13:00:32 #
Bill Emmett wrote:
I had a similar problem with my Tamron 200-500mm l... (show quote)
Bill,
Did you send the camera in with the lens, or did they work with just the specs?
Jim D
Jul 16, 2013 14:32:29 #
oldtool2 wrote:
Bill,
Did you send the camera in with the lens, or did they work with just the specs?
Jim D
Did you send the camera in with the lens, or did they work with just the specs?
Jim D
Hello Jim, and all, I called and talked to a rep for Tamron. I did not send them the camera. I had to fill out a form, I found on their website. Tamron calibrated the lens to the Canon specs. for the 50D. Since I purchased a Canon EOS 7D, and called them back and found that the actual calibration was for a cropped sensor camera, vs full frame. They also cleaned and fixed any internal alignment issues at a fixed price of $228.00.
I know this is a little more than you asked for, but added information is better than just what you asked.
Jul 16, 2013 19:31:40 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
A 2x defintely will not do it - BUT - a 1.4X Tamron might ...... especially if you stop down a bit - you may even retain AF.
Jul 16, 2013 19:39:20 #
IBE wrote:
Just bought a Sigma 120-400 for my T1i. Works great at 250-300 but not so much at 400. If I used a 2x extender and the lens at 250-300 would I get better results?
I would also caution you that you just can't pickup and put a 400mm lens on a APS-C camera and expect to get good results. I once sold a really great lens because I did not understand how to best use it. I would suggest that you try pushing your ISO a little bit and increase your shutter speed up to 1/1000 or even faster and shoot at f/8 or close to it before making any judgments about your lens.
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