Need more length shooting the moon.

[WhiteFrog]

I am thinking about getting a "cheap" teleconverter for shooting moon shots. I've seen a couple of 2x converters for pretty cheap (~$60). Since I am only really going to use this for moon shots, autofocus isn't a big concern. Also, the reduction in f/value isn't a big concern for me because my moon shots are usually around f/6 and 1/200 shutter at ISO 200. I can bump up the ISO to correct that. I just need it to fit my 75-300 USM III lens. Do you think I am going the right direction here with a very limited budget? Will the cheapo 2x give me 600mm without totally destroying the image quality? Should I just save up for the 600mm f/4 L IS USM (20 years from now)? :lol:

Thanks.

[Keiffer]

I have a Tamron 70-300 LD and a Bower 2x TC, I really don't like the TC because I loose autofocus(yeah my eyes are shot LOL) But I have gotten very decent shots out of the combo. But thats all I will use the TC for, even though again it's not to shabby and it's a cheapo Bower tc. Let me post some pics for you to give you an idea of what your looking at.

[Keiffer]

Here's two others to show you 300 and 600mm with the TC.

[Keiffer]

heres the 300mm with the 2x tc to = 600mm

[WhiteFrog]

Thanks, that moon shot is exactly what I'm looking for. I'd love to get a Canon or other top brand TC, but just can't swing that much money. From your shot there it looks like a lesser TC will get me the results I'm looking for.

[aparmley]

I'd say invest in a quality TC. maybe sigmas new 2.0x TC EXs if you can't swing the 279 for the canons... my two cents...

[tim]

Those last two shots have pretty poor contrast.

Your options are get a longer lens, or stand closer. The stand closer option would be much more fun, but probably a bit more expensive too ;)

[Nikolas]

I bought a matsukov cassegrain telescope with a 1200 mm focal length and f13 aperture.
I have on order the camera adapter with it and will post some moon shots when the adapter finally arrives.
If the camera will take shots as sharp as what the scope is i will be very pleased.

[robertwgross]

For a proper moon photo, you need an effective focal length between 1000 and 1500mm. By "effective" I mean figure in the 1.6 factor. On a full frame camera, 1500mm would be a good choice.

---Bob Gross---

[JonathanSQ]

I am into astronomy and have two telescopes; one is a Newtonian reflector mounted on a simple
design called a "Dobsonian" mount. It is like a Lazy Susian, I think its called (my young age shows here),
that is used for stuff like spinning spice racks or whatever else. Downside is this particular scope
just can't reach focus with a camera directly attached, so I have to used a 2x barlow (like a TC).
Here's some photos of the moon taken, w/ the barlow its bout 2400mm w/o the crop factor.
http://www.fire-fox.info/jastro/gallery/solarsym <-- url
The two full-picture ones were all the other pictures put into a single mosaic :)

BTW that Mak-Cass should be good for planetry photography.