teleconverter lens

[2Hog]

I live in the country and every evening there are just lots of opportunities to photograph wildlife. Everything from red fox, deer, bear, etc not to mention birds. I can generally get to within 50 feet or so. Is there a teleconverter available larger than the Canon 1.75 and smaller than the 8x CKC power I have seen discussed here lately? I would love to try a 4x teleconverter if one was available. The 1.75 at full zoom doesn't get me quite close enough and I think the 8x might be too much. If there isn't I must just save my money for that 10d although I'm pretty happy with my g3.

Thanks 2hog

[Sheri]

It would be nice to have a longer reach for wildlife but between lens weight and vignetting, it isn't practical for hand held G3 use. When using a 1.7 or 2X teleconverter you can pretty much forget about birds (unless you manage to catch them at close range). But with a little luck you should be able to get some decent shots of larger animals within the range you mentioned. Contrary to popular opinion, it helps to add digital zoom. Otherwise it can be difficult to even find the animal for post process cropping. :/

I recently read about using a teleconverter with closeup elements for macros. I just got a step ring that allows me to attach my 55mm teleconverter after the stacked 52mm closeup elements. Works well; I get a little more working distance now for focusing insects, etc.

Regards,
Sheri
http://sherisg3.fotopic.net

[Genevra]

Sheri, does adding filters between the adapter and the teleconverter increase the vignetting at all? I was considering this option for adding a polorizer with telephoto work.

[Sheri]

All I've tried so far is the stacked closeup elements with the new step ring and teleconverter. At full zoom and a little less than, there was no vignetting. With no elements, I have a bit more available zoom without vignetting. If all I had in there was a single filter, it probably wouldn't have as much impact (i.e., should have more zoom range without vignetting). I'll try to check it out tomorrow. I just got a linear polarizer too, which I haven't opened yet.

Regards,
Sheri

[Sheri]

As predicted a single filter on the lens adapter before the teleconverter has very little impact on the non-vignetted zoom range. I liked the addition of the linear polarizer to the teleconverter. Of course it is more convenient to use the teleconverter when it lives on its own lens adapter without filters, or closeup elemets.

Here are 800x600 versions of three test shots. There is commentary on each page.

http://sherisg3.fotopic.net/photo.php?o=1&id=863202 (edited for levels and unsharp mask, teleconverter plus closeup elements)

http://sherisg3.fotopic.net/photo.php?o=1&id=863403 (unedited, linear polarizer plus teleconverter)

http://sherisg3.fotopic.net/photo.php?o=1&id=863404 (cropped slightly, linear polarizer plus teleconverter)

Regards,
Sheri

[2Hog]

Sheri - nice picures. I am envious of your obvious talent. I have come onto the photography scene a bit late and I am scrambling to catch up. I have not tried using linear polarizers before my teleconverter. Not sure why - just did not occur to me. I will try it now. Every time I log onto this site I see ideas and techniques that are new to me. My granddaughter really enjoyed the dragonfly picture. Thought that was neat. 2hog

[Sheri]

2hog wrote:
Sheri - nice picures. I am envious of your obvious talent. I have come onto the photography scene a bit late and I am scrambling to catch up. I have not tried using linear polarizers before my teleconverter. Not sure why - just did not occur to me. I will try it now. Every time I log onto this site I see ideas and techniques that are new to me. My granddaughter really enjoyed the dragonfly picture. Thought that was neat. 2hog


You're very kind :) Thanks for telling me about your granddaughter enjoying the picture. That dragonfly has practically taken up residence on that post and he seems to like posing for the camera!

I had an early interest in photography but hadn't done anything with it in years. Digital photography is a whole new ball game so I'm busily trying catch up too. For every worthwhile shot I have dozens of poor ones :D

Good luck with your wildlife shots, I look forward to seeing some of them. BTW, your granddaughter might enjoy my "Ducks!" collection. I had some lucky catches of a mother duck and her ducklings.

Regards,
Sheri