topic Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

phhudson — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:10:57 GMT

I have a Canon EOS Rebel T7 which I am very happy with. I bought at the beginning of the year a Sigma C 150 - 600 mm lens for photographing birds.

I have been thinking of getting a teleconverter (1.4 x vs 2 x) to go with the current set up that I have mentioned for greater reach. From research I have read that there are problems with using a teleconverter in that they slow down the autofocus or you have to use manual focus.

I am looking for input from those in the Canon Community that have used them and their thoughts on this subject, the good and the bad experinces that you might have.

Thank you so much for your time in getting back to me.

Paul

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

kvbarkley — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 14:14:47 GMT

I have one, but find that it is not worth the trouble with my 600mm. The quality - especially hand held - is not that much better than a crop.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

wq9nsc — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:42:09 GMT

A teleconverter will always reduce the image quality of a lens (sharpness, contrast, etc.) and the 2X is particularly bad. With that lens, I seriously doubt if you will be happy with the results. And even the 1 series bodies won't autofocus with a lens where the combined teleconverter plus base lens aperture is narrower than f8 and with your T7 you will lose a lot of AF range with the 1.4X.

I have Canon 1.4X and 2X converters and several of their top telephoto primes. The 1.4X does a very decent job with the primes and my EF 70-200 f2.8 but even with the best glass, I find the 2X results aren't great. I would try to borrow a 1.4X for a test before buying one for that lens because I don't think you are going to find it to be a useful combination with the reduction in quality and the problems with the focusing system.

Rodger

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

shadowsports — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:57:19 GMT

Greetings,

While I have a different camera (6D2), I have the 150~600 C with the TC-1401 (1.4x) teleconverter.

One thing you'll definitely want to do is update the lenses FW to v2.0.0 or later.

1.0.3 brougt significant improvements to operating noise of the apeture blades. (honestly it never bothered me)

But v2.0.0 and later brings improvements to AF speed and enhancements to image stabilization modes.

Current FW is 2.0.2

If you don't have a Sigma USB dock, $59.. order one right away. FYI, they are mount specific.

While you can shoot with this lens handheld, I recommend a tripod. The moment you put a teleconverter on it, a micron of movement can cause blur. Not to mention your subject no longer being centered. Even a monopod is better than nothing.

You can only use AF to f8. I don't feel you need anything more than 1.4x. If you do, you need to get closer.

One thing to consider. You only have 9AF point on the T7. You may find yourself using manual focus quite a bit.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

ebiggs1 — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:13:17 GMT

"Thank you so much for your time in getting back to me."

Paul,

I have done about as much experimenting with tele converters as anyone. In a word they are not worth it, so no don't buy one. As mentioned above a much better and far easier approach is to simply crop the photo in post edit. The second and even better approach is to get closer to your subject. The closer the better.

If you still have the hots to get one get the Sigma TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter for Sigma SA for use on the big "C" super zoom.

I will doubt AF on your camera will work but Sigma has a way to fool the camera to make it think it has a faster lens than it does.

Now for some explanation of why this is going to be a bad idea even if AF works satisfactorily. On a Rebel T7 and a 600mm lens you are looking at an equivalent FL of 960mm. Conventional wisdom says you should never go below the reciprocal of the lens in SS. That would be 1/1000 as your slowest possible SS. In reality, 1/2000 is probably the actual limit. Keep in mind this is the slowest SS which means your ISO has to be in the upper range and perhaps limits of the T7. Or, just use it on very bright sunny days.

Now the additional problem with the equivalent FL. You are starting at 960mm but now adding a 1.4x tel-con you are approaching a FL of 1350mm. Man, this is some serious FL. Almost no one can handhold a lens in that FL range and get a decent IQ picture. So you add a tripod to the mix along with the bright sunny day and high ISO numbers.. Are you beginning to see why I don't recommend a tel-con? However, to find out for yourself get the Sigma TC-1401 1.4x Teleconverter for Sigma SA and give it a go.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

phhudson — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:38:32 GMT

Thanks so much, I greatly appreciate and value your input

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

phhudson — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:41:20 GMT

Thank you, it has been quite evident to me everything that you have stated, The 9 point focus is great, however using the single point focus on a subject has it's limitation as I have found out. Thank you

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

phhudson — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:44:30 GMT

Thanks for the input and you have covered a lot of ground. I appreciate it greatly. I think what needs to happen is "ME" getting a little bit better with what I am doing. The single focus point of the T7 has it's limits but I have been able to get some good shots with it.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

ebiggs1 — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:49:03 GMT

"The single focus point of the T7 has it's limits but I have been able to get some good shots with it."

I have a 1DX and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens. I almost always use just the center focus point for birds. Although my 1DX will use more I prefer just the single center focus point.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

wq9nsc — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 17:07:20 GMT

The majority of the time I use a single focus point with my 1DX series bodies, either the center or the one above or below depending upon the sport I am shooting.

For sports, the only time I have run into an issue with a single point is with the very rare uniform that is so plain that it doesn't have any contrast for the AF to work with and then I will go with single plus expansion to four diagonal points. For wildlife, it is very rare when I come off of a single point to avoid the camera grabbing focus where I don't want it. But no matter which AF setup you use, it won't be perfect for every rapidly changing situation so you select based upon the most probable and accept that you aren't going to perfectly capture every opportunity.

Ernie's points on focal length are perfectly on target. Even with image stabilization, it is very tough to hand hold a really long focal length on target. I have shot a VERY FEW handheld photos with my EF 800 f5.6 plus 1.4x converter for a total focal length of 1,120 mm and although the length and weight of this combination makes things difficult, the greatest difficulty is keeping the target within the very small field of view. Once you get past 600mm, you are in the territory where 90% (or more) of the time you really need to be using a tripod.

Rodger

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

phhudson — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:18:28 GMT

Thanks Rodger, Tripod with the setup is what I normally do. I appreciate the follow up info. Still learning

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

Tintype_18 — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 21:49:54 GMT

Thanks to all for their input! I am looking at purchasing the Sigma 150-600mm lens at B&H. There are some things "in the box" one of which is the USB for updating. As for the teleconverter, I've crossed it off the list based on experiences listed here. Want to get it in time for the sandhill crane migration around the first of the year.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

shadowsports — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 03:44:42 GMT

I purchased mine (lens and teleconverter) from the Sigma Outlet Store. Its out of stock now. The current B&H price is what I paid for both. You're getting the dock which helps. It transforms the lens.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

ebiggs1 — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:11:14 GMT

"... one of which is the USB for updating."

I will urge you to learn how to use the big super zoom first before you go messing with the USB dock. The way the lens ships from Sigma it is set up perfectly for general use. Once you learn how some "tweaks" might help you then it is time to go to the dock and alter some settings. Not before!

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

shadowsports — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Ernie,

Updating the FW with Sigma's general "fixes" and compatibility enhancements does not change any of the lens's factory calibration settings.

As long as you stay out of the "Customization" module. The inherent characteristics of the lens is not changed. You can also reset any Customization changes to "factory" with a press of a button. I agree don't make any changes (initially), but updating the FW is perfectly fine.

Focus Setting
To set the AF focusing position.

Full-time MF Setting
It is possible to select Full-time MF function (Manual Override) to ON or OFF, and adjust the timing to operate

Full-time MF function.

It is possible to select the Full-time MF function to ON or OFF. (When the shutter button is half-pressed while
auto focusing is in operation, Full-time MF is activated by rotating the focus ring.

AF Function button Setting
It is possible to customize the functionality of the AF Function button (Customization is possible for SIGMA and
Nikon mount lenses which do not include an AF Function Button Switch. Canon mount lenses can be
customized via the camera).

Customization Mode Setting
It is possible to save 2 sets of the customization status in [C1] and [C2]

SOP_help_EN (sigma-global.com)

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

ebiggs1 — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:12:10 GMT

"... but updating the FW is perfectly fine."

You are correct, sir. But at that, it is a fairly rare occurrence.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

phhudson — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:48:10 GMT

Based on all the responses and after doing some soul searching I realized several things:
1) I have a lot to learn
2) I need to master the equipment that I have.
3) Better equipment is not in the budget

So thank you for the input, your suggestions, and the time everyone took to help out. Some where lengthy responses from those that took a lot of time.

Re: Teleconverters, Looking for input from those that have one the pros and cons

Waddizzle — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 18:32:19 GMT

It is true that a lens leaves the factory with the latest updates, the "proble" is that you do not know when the lens was manufactured, or how long it has been sitting on a shelf. Just because the lens is new, does not automatically mean that it has the latest firmware updates.