kenko 1.4 converter vs Sigma 150 - 500
Dec 1, 2013 21:34:17 #
antlertwo
Loc: Ballston Spa, New York
Hello all! Here it goes! I have a Nikon d300s and often use a Nikon 300 af f4 lens (its the old slow af year 2000 model). I need a bit more reach for wildlife photography and was considering a Kenko 1.4 converter or the Sigma 150 500. What would you do? The Kenko would slow my focus down even more but I would end up with 5.6 f-stop versus Sigma 6.3. Read a lot of post regarding the Sigma lens but not to much info on the Kenko teleconverter. Everyone seems to be happy with the Sigma. Can I expect similar results between the two options with regards to sharpness and image quality?
Dec 1, 2013 21:44:23 #
I'd go with the sigma 150-500mm and the matching sigma 2x tc not a aftermarket one, I have both and love them.
Be aware with the tc you will lose auto focus most likely ( it works with some cameras) and 2 f stops with the tc.
If you go with a tc be sure to get one that will work with the sigma 150-500mm if you plan on buy one later.
Pete
Be aware with the tc you will lose auto focus most likely ( it works with some cameras) and 2 f stops with the tc.
If you go with a tc be sure to get one that will work with the sigma 150-500mm if you plan on buy one later.
Pete
Dec 1, 2013 21:49:36 #
antlertwo
Loc: Ballston Spa, New York
Thanks dooragdragon. That is what I was thinking. I am a bit nervous buying Sigma. Always had Nikon. It might be time to retire my old Nikon lens.
Dec 1, 2013 21:53:03 #
I would ask to see full size photos taken with the Sigma 150-500mm if I was in the market to buy one. Opinions are just opinions, photos are photos..
antlertwo wrote:
Hello all! Here it goes! I have a Nikon d300s and ... (show quote)
Dec 1, 2013 22:08:15 #
fstop22 wrote:
I would ask to see full size photos taken with the Sigma 150-500mm if I was in the market to buy one. Opinions are just opinions, photos are photos..
Ok this was taken tonite with the sigma 150-500mm from appox 500+ feet away
over 800 feet away
Dec 2, 2013 08:31:44 #
I use the Kenko 1.4X with a Tamron 70 - 300 f4.5 - f5.6 on a D90 and a D7000 with no problems. . .and I still have all of the lens/camera functionality . . auto focus being one of them.
BUT, I'm speaking of the expensive $275 Kenko Pro 300 unit. not their cheaper offerings.
It is my understanding that Kenko or thier supplier make these very same units for other "name" brand suppliers.
BUT, I'm speaking of the expensive $275 Kenko Pro 300 unit. not their cheaper offerings.
It is my understanding that Kenko or thier supplier make these very same units for other "name" brand suppliers.
Dec 2, 2013 08:56:41 #
Dec 2, 2013 11:49:54 #
Dec 2, 2013 11:55:00 #
I use the Kenko Pro 300 1.4 on my Sigma 18-250 and hardly notice a difference in f-stops on my D-90. I use it on my Nikkor 55-300 as well. All things considered, it is a good addition to my kit.
Dec 2, 2013 13:08:36 #
antlertwo wrote:
Hello all! Here it goes! I have a Nikon d300s and ... (show quote)
I don't know your budget, but it sounds like you want to get more reach in either case. The 300 lens you have is a good lens. Buy the 1.4 Nikon converter for it. It will save you money over the Sigma lens and will provide you with matched optics.
If you just want to have the extra focal length, just buy the Sigma 150-500 and forget the teleconverter. 500mm is plenty long enough.
Here is a piece of advice for using longer lenses. Practice with them. When you have practiced, practice some more. The second thing to be aware of when shooting wildlife is to get in closer and don't rely on focal length to do everything for you. There are inherent disadvantages to long lens captures when you try to shoot from far away. I don't have anything over 400mm, but if you look up previous posts of mine, you will see the images are sharp and close. It is the quality of the stalking that can get you great images. Learn something about the subject you are shooting. It will get you a long way towards better image captures.
Dec 2, 2013 13:50:29 #
Just as Bozsik says get to know the birds of interest . . that's the best way to double your focal length!
I'd add one more tool to your kit . . that of Back Button Focusing.
This where you set one of your programmable buttons to take dedicated control of the focusing function. This upped my image capture success better than anything else I tried.
If you think about it, having the image taking function and focusing all on one button isn't all that swift.
If you try it, don't despair when first tried you will find it strange. Stick with it and I'll bet you get many more keepers.
I'd add one more tool to your kit . . that of Back Button Focusing.
This where you set one of your programmable buttons to take dedicated control of the focusing function. This upped my image capture success better than anything else I tried.
If you think about it, having the image taking function and focusing all on one button isn't all that swift.
If you try it, don't despair when first tried you will find it strange. Stick with it and I'll bet you get many more keepers.
Dec 2, 2013 18:35:12 #
antlertwo wrote:
Hello all! Here it goes! I have a Nikon d300s and ... (show quote)
IMHO the quality of focusing ie F5.6 verses F6.3, would be enought to sway my thinking on this - especially if you need FAST focus. There is nothing wrong with the Kenko- especially if money matters. Otherwise, Nikon's TC is probably the ultimate TC for that lens - only because it is a prime ....which it is optimized for.
Dec 2, 2013 18:41:38 #
Just a thought for consideration. Not all Nikon TC work on all Nikor lens. I found out the hard way and then purchased the Kenco Pro 300 which works on both my Nikor and Sigma lens. Try before you buy.
Dec 2, 2013 19:10:14 #
antlertwo
Loc: Ballston Spa, New York
Great ideas! Thanks to all! I like the idea of learning more about what you are photographing so you can get closer. I use the button next to the viewfinder for focusing and you are, right it make a huge difference. As far as the Nikon teleconverters go, I can use them but I loose autofocus. Thats one reason I considered the Kenko. I would much rather keep all my optics Nikon. Thanks for all the input!
Dec 2, 2013 19:36:33 #
I think you would be very happy with the Sigma 150-500mm. I use the Canon 7D. I love the Sigma lens.
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