Teleconverter for my Sigma 70-200

[RbnDave]

Hello All,

I've been thinking of getting a teleconverter for my Sigma 70-200 EX. So far, I love this lens, but I want to get some more reach out if it. I am trying to decide between getting a Sigma converter or a Canon. Also, I am trying to decide whether to get a 1.4X or 2X. My primary use for this converter will be taking pictures of birds and wildlife. I think I will probably want to go with the 2X and maybe buy the 1.4 later on.

Here is the twist... I am going to be buying a new, longer reach telephoto lens sometime in the next six months. Right now, I have narrowed the field down to the Canon 300mm f/4 L IS, Canon 100-400 L, the Canon 400mm f5.6 L, or the Sigma 80-400 EX (if it's ever released). If I buy the Sigma EX 2x converter for my current lens will I want to buy a canon converter once I buy a canon L lens? I don't want to skimp on a converter now only to replace it in a few months. On the other hand, I have read that the Sigma EX converters work just as well as any Canon Converter. Does anyone have any examples or know where I can find a comparison?

Thanks for any advice

Dave

[Jaguar]

Dave,

I have the 70-200mm Sigma with a Sigma 1.4X, in addition I have the Canon 400MM 5.6L. The 1.4X works perfectly with the Sigma, however you should be aware that if you purchase the Canon or any lens at 5.6 and above you will loose the Autofocus. The Sigma 1.4X works fine with all my other Canon lenses. From a personal perspective a Teleconverter is a bit of a stop gap to solving a problem of lack of a longer lens or the need to travel light. In my experience it gets used very little so I chose the cheaper option of the Sigma versus the Canon and put the saving towards the 400L. I can really vouch for the 400. At the price and weight it is a superb lens, the aperture is limiting but at this focal length with any lens a tripod is a must in most circumstances.

I hope this helps, I'll try and find something to post for you to look at.


Jag

[RbnDave]

Thanks Jag

I have heard great things about the 400 L. I could afford to buy it right now, but I don't have much use for a longer lens. With winter setting in here in Ohio, I'm trying to be patient with my next major lens purchase. Since I probably won't need a long lens until sping, I am waiting for the release of the Sigma 80-400 IS (I think Sigma might call it OS not IS). The reason I want the teleconverter is to take shots of birds in my feeder and maybe the ocasional Red Tailed Hawk. If I get a 2x, that should fulfill my short term needs and I can wait on buying a 300 or 400mm lens.

My little sister is moving to Hawaii to research birds early this spring and I am hoping to make a smart lens purchase sometime before then. It will be nice having a relative to take me on a guided tour of Hawaii's birds. I want to make sure I have the best lens I can afford. Also, I want to make sure the teleconverter I buy now will work on my next lens.

Thanks again for the input.

Dave

[Dale]

Dave,

I have used a Sigma 2x with the Sigma 70-200mm with good results. You can view some of the photos taken with that combination at :
http://www.photokaechler.com/wwater2/index.php

[CyberDyneSystems]

Both the 1.4X and 2X Sigma converters work well with the 70-200 f/2.8 Those converters will aslo work well with many Canon lenses.

I am unsure of a Canon t-con will work with the Sigma lenses though?

In the end, the cost of the T-cons is so low that it just makes sense to buy the dedicated ones.. so go withe the Sigma t-cons for your Sigma lens.

[RbnDave]

Dale,

Your examples looked great. They were very sharp. I'm sold. I just placed an order on Amazon. Thanks

CDS,

Thanks for your input. I'm afraid getting this converter is only going to fuel my desire for longer lenses. Soon I'll be starting threads asking which 500mm is the best.

When is the next big industry trade show? I don't want to make another big lens purchase until each company releases their latest and greatest. There isn't going to be much to take pictures of here until spring anyways. I don't need L glass to take pictures of squirrels raiding my bird feeder.

[CyberDyneSystems]

As far as a new telephoto,.

I have recently seen the light of Prime telephotos... they really blow away the zooms,..

Either of thoe Canon Primes you mention are superb lenses. (400mm f/5.6 & 300mm f/4) They will make your otherwise fine zoom lens pale by comparison.