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

[phhudson]

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

[phhudson]

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

[Tintype_18]

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.

[shadowsports]

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.

[ebiggs1]

"... 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!

[shadowsports]

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)

[ebiggs1]

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

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

[phhudson]

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.

[Waddizzle]

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.