Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
By
If we told you that instead of carrying around a 10lb (4 Kilo) lens to get a 400mm shot you’d be able to use your regular 200mm lens along with a nifty device called a teleconverter that weighs all of a few ounces and is no bigger than your old fashioned 50mm lens you’d probably say: “Um..well, yeah hook it up!” And that’s exactly what happened when we received one of these teleconveter lenses to try out. You can read the article here: getitdigital.wordpress.com Music by Yotam Ginzburg www.yotamginzburg.com
Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
- 2x teleconverter for doubling focal length of Olympus Zuiko digital lenses
- Puts more subjects within photographer’s range without affecting mobility
- Provides convenient, cost-effective solution to demands of telescoping shooting
- Fits any Zuiko digital interchangeable lens; dust- and drip-proof housing
- Measures 2.67 inches in diameter and 1.61 inches long; weighs 0.49 pounds
Olympus Zuiko Digital EC-20 2x Teleconverter FeaturesDoubles the focal distance* of any Zuiko Digital lens something that is particularly impressive in telephoto shooting. When combined with a fisheye or macro lens, exciting new photographic techniqu
Rating: 
(out of 12 reviews)
List Price: $ 575.99
Price: $ 413.52
Canon TL-H58 Tele Converter Lens (1.5x) | US $239.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 10:15:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $288.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Lot of 2 Minolta MD Lenses and Tele Converter
 | US $37.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 11:12:07 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses
- Teleconverter lens for Canon SLR cameras
- Increases the focal length by the power of 1.4
- Multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting
- Includes lens case
The dedicated 1.4x APO Teleconverter features a high performance 5 element/3 group optical design, and it is optimized for use with long telephoto and telezoom lenses.The high performance optical characteristics of these teleconverters maintain the o
Rating: 
(out of 92 reviews)
List Price: $ 340.00
Price: $ 239.95
Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
- Teleconverter lens for Minolta SLR cameras
- Increases the focal length by the power of 1.4
- Multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting
- Includes lens case
The Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta Digital SLR Cameras is a dedicated APO teleconverter that can be mounted between select lenses and the camera body to increase the focal length by the power of 1.4. The multi-layer coating reduces fl
Rating: (out of 92 reviews)
List Price: $ 340.00
Price: $ 249.00
Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
- Teleconverter lens for Minolta SLR cameras
- Increases the focal length by the power of 2
- Multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting
- Includes lens case
The multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range.The Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta Digital SLR C
Rating: 
(out of 3 reviews)
List Price: $ 380.00
Price: $ 299.00
Kenko 1.4X PRO 300 Teleconverter DGX for Canon EOS Digital SLRs
- Common magnifications are 1.4 times and 2 times, but the Kenko teleplus PRO 300 AF converter has a 3x magnification
- The PRO 300 can be used with telephoto zoom lenses as well as prime lenses.
Kenko AF 1.4x Super High Quality Teleplus converter also has genuine Gated Array IC and is compact for light weight and easy handling. Full AF is capable with lenses having a maximum aperture of F/4.5 or brighter. (Manual focusing will be required wi
List Price: $ 219.00
Price: $ 217.99
Nikon TC-17E II 1.7x Teleconverter for AF-S lens 2151 BRAND NEW! | US $414.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 12:45:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $414.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
52mm x2 teleconverter Telephoto Pro tele Lens 2x New AF
 | US $23.99 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 12:47:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $23.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Digital Concepts 2X AF Teleconverter for Minolta Mx / AF Lenses
- 2x autofocus teleconverter/extender for Minolta Mx / AF lens system
- Magnification: 2x
- Optical Construction: 4 elements in 4 groups
- Fully Multi-coated, automatic diaphragm coupling
- Made in Japan, Lifetime Garantee
The Digital Concepts 2x teleconverter (also known as a tele-extender) will multiply the focal length of the existing lens by 2x, and will cut back the amount of light by 2 f/stops. This precision optical accessory, which is compatible with yo
Rating: (out of 3 reviews)
List Price: $ 149.99
Price: $ 78.90
Rokinon 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens with 2x Teleconverter (=1000mm) for Canon EOS Rebel XSi, XS, XTi, XT, T1i, T2i, 5D, 7D, 40D & 50D Digital SLR Cameras
- KIT INCLUDES 5 PRODUCTS — All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
- <#1> Rokinon 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens PLUS + <#2> 2x Teleconverter +
- <#3> Canon EOS T-Mount Adapter +
- <#4> Rear Lens Cap for Canon EOS Lenses +
- <#5> Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Kit includes:
♦ 1) Rokinon 500mm f/8 Telephoto Lens
♦ 2) 2x Teleconverter
♦ 3) Canon EOS T-Mount Adapter
♦ 4) Rear Lens Cap for Canon EOS Lenses
♦ 5) Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit
Price: $ 109.95
VTG CAMERA LENSE LOT TOKINA 1:2.8 MAKINON 1:2.8 VIVITAR 1:3.8 TELE CONVERTER | US $34.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 12:48:34 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $99.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
4 Elements 2x Teleconverter for Nikon
- High definition
- Multicoated Optical glass
- Increases Focal length by 2x
- Supresses aberration
- Anti-reflection coating
Vivitar 4 Elements 2x Teleconverter for Nikon FeaturesThe Vivitar VIV-2×4-N 2x 4-Elements Teleconverter for Nikon cameras is a precision optical component designed to expand your photographic capabilities. This premium quality 2x teleconverter, effec
List Price: $ 149.95
Price: $ 75.90
Nikon TC-E3ED 3X Teleconverter Lens for Nikon 4300, 4500, 5000 & 8400 Digital Cameras
- 3x telephoto converter lens for Nikon Coolpix digital cameras
- Compatible with the following Nikon Coolpix cameras: 880, 885, 990, 995, 5000
- Requires 25154 lens adapter ring with Coolpix 880; requires UR-E4 lens adapter ring with Coolpix 885
- Rear mount diameter: 28mm
- Front mount diameter: 72mm
RE)NIKON TC-E3 3X TELE LENS (25103)
Rating: (out of 9 reviews)
List Price: $ 289.95
Price: $ 125.00
Pro-Optic 2x Tele-Converter for T Mount Lenses, Goes In-Between the Lens and the T Mount; it will NOT Mount onto Lenses with a Fixed Lens Mount.
Price: $ 29.95
Bower MC4 2X AF Teleconverter for Nikon N / AFd lenses
- 2x autofocus teleconverter/extender for N / AFd lens system
- Magnification: 2x
- Optical Construction: 4 elements in 4 groups
- Fully Multi-coated, automatic diaphragm coupling
- Made in Japan, Lifetime Garantee
Product Features
Description
The Bower MC4 2x teleconverter (also known as a tele-extender) will multiply the focal length of the existing lens by 2x, and will cut back the amount of light by 2 f/stops. This precision op
List Price: $ 149.99
Price: $ 78.00
Cosina 2x Auto Telemax Teleconverter Lens *TAKE A L@@K* W@W | US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 13:36:04 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
This is The best photos I took With my SONY DSC-H50 this last year. For The most of them I was using the Tele Conversion Lens. As you will see in the video, i put all the information of the adjustement i made to take the pictures!!! Enjoy…
Video Rating: 5 / 5
CANON C-8 TELE CONVERTER 1.6X LENS
 | US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 13:51:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Ready to become a professional photographer? Here?s how to pick a professional lens
So you decided to become a real photographer? You bought yourself a nice little SLR and now you’re even taking some pretty good looking pictures. You want to get a better lens? Good. But there are so many types of lenses out there! There are wide angles and telephotos, zoom lenses and even fisheyes – which one should you pick?
Different lenses will give you different results but you should know each type of lens and be able to decide which lens will work best with your subject, light and composition. Let’s go over the lenses together and see if we can get a better understanding:
Wide Angle Lens – Like its name, wide angle lens can take in a wider field than usual. This is a useful lens when taking landscapes and views. The wide angle’s common focal length is usually 24mm and 28mm. A wide angle lens can also focus on foregrounds and background at the same time. If you’re shooting a picture that everything in it is important, you should use a wide angle lens.
Telephoto Lens – is a long focal length lens. It’s great in making objects in the far horizon look close and magnified. So if you are in a sporting event, a concert, or any scenario where your subject is very far from you, a telephoto lens will work wonders. The telephoto can also show much more details than the human eye, reduce depth of field and solely focus on the subject, creating clear and vivid images. There are also super telephoto lenses available, but with 300mm focal length they could be pretty heavy because of all the glass work. You’ll probably need a tripod, or somebody’s head.
Macro Lens – Should be used when you need to take a photo of a ladybug on a flower. The macro lens will help you take extreme close ups. The quality is very high and a photo can be taken from a fair distance that will not scare away shy subjects.
Fisheye – These lenses are always fun and exciting to use. They use a view of 180 degrees and create a distortion of reality. When shooting a landscape, it will have a distinct curve to it. When shooting a person, it will seem as if you’re looking through a peephole.
What is a Teleconverter? It is basically a secondary lens which can be mounted between your camera and the lens. What does it do? It increases your lens’s focal length. So why buy a bigger lens and not a converter? Because of quality. A teleconverter will make focusing harder and the optical quality of your lens will also be lower. If you do decide to buy a teleconverter, get a good one.
Looking for a new lens? A better lens? Want to get that perfect photo? Looking for the right light and the right speed? Visit www.photo4less.com for all of your photography needs. If it’s a new camera, bigger lens, flashes, filters, and even dark room equipment – www.photo4less.com is fully stocked and ready to deliver your purchase. Even in low light settings.
www.photo4less.com can answer all of your photography needs, if it’s a new camera, bigger lens, flashes, filters, and even dark room equipment – we are fully stocked and ready to deliver your purchase.
Mark Etinger is a business strategist at Ajax Union Marketing Ajax Union specializes in Business Development and Internet Marketing
Article from articlesbase.com
 | US $45.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 14:58:12 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
PROMASTER SPECTRUM 7 AUTO TELE CONVERTER LENS MC 2X FOR O/OM OLYMPUS
 | US $14.80 End Date: Tuesday May-22-2012 16:05:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $14.80 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Review by James D. DeWitt for Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
Rating:
A 2X teleconverter requires a lot. Not only does it have to have good optics itself; it has to link well to the primary lens, supporting quick focus and aperture settings. It requires high end optics on the far end of the teleconverter, as well. The Zuiko 2X teleconverter easily meets these requirements.
Used with the Olympus E-3 and the Zuiko 300mm f2.8 lens over the course of two weeks in the field, it performed flawlessly. Autofocus, even on birds in flight, was quick and reliable. I’ve cropped photos taken with the teleconverter and my 300mm by as much as 50% and not been able to find any defects or flaws. The focus is crisp across the image. Because the Olympus System uses Four Thirds technology, with a much smaller sensor than most digital SLRs, the potential for problems is probably higher. I encountered none.
This is a fine piece of optics that does exactly what you ask of it. Highly recommended.
Review by E. Seale for Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
Rating:
OK, let’s get this out of the way — the EC-20 isn’t cheap. You can buy a nice lens for your E-system camera for less than this guy costs.
But once you start looking past the “kit” lens(es) you bought with your camera, you’ll want to move up to Olympus’ higher-grade optics. And if you ask me (although I’m quite aware you haven’t), the EC-20 should be one of the first upgrades you look at.
Coupled with the 50mm f/2.0 macro lens, it’s a boon to close work — letting you get frame-filling images without having to be on top of your subject. For everything else, it can essentially double the number of lenses you own, presuming you plan ahead a bit when you buy them. Buy the EC-20 as your first step up from your kit lens(es), and you’ll save yourself money (and weight!) over the long haul.
And did I mention that images you take with it are tack sharp?
Review by Joseph Cassles for Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
Rating:
I just purchased Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter. I have used it with the Zuiko 14-54mm zoom, the Zuiko 18-180mmm zoom and the Zuiko 70-300mm zoom on an Olympus E-330 with much success. I couldn’t be more pleased. I’m accustom to Nikon film cameras with high dollar Nikon glass, but I am very pleased with Olympus digital products. I have already gotten some beautifully sharp, calander quality, wildlife pics @ 1200mm (35mm equiv) with the Zuiko 70-300mm four thirds digital zoom. Simply Amazing! I have paid Nikon much more for much less.
Review by Thomas F. Croley for Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
Rating:
I have been using Olympus 4/3 equipment since the advent of the E-1. I thought that the 2X teleconverter would be a nice addition to my lenses. Using my 50-200 mm zoom I was disappointed that the otherwise amazingly sharp lens became very soft wide open (f7) with the teleconverter. By upping to f11 the image sharpened and useable. Of course, I was hoping for a quick and dirty way to get a truly super-telephoto lens but it was not to be. i think that it was my expectation rather than the lens performance which was at fault here but none-the-less I thought it would be worthwhile to post this review to advise others that the combination of the 2x and the 50-200mm has some problems. Also, I was surprised to find that the lens was actually manufactured in China, not Japan. The build quality is excellent and for those who have lesser expectations this might be a very good choice. One needs a VERY fast lens with this piece of equipment. i have returned the teleconverter and will search for another purpose built option.
Review by Sy Kaplan for Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
Rating:
Fantastic piece of optics. I am a professional photographer and it’s primary use will be to work with my Olympus 70-300mm zoom, creating the 35mm equivalent of 280-1200mm…WOW!!! Giving up 2 f-stops is no big deal when the trade off is such incredible magnification, short focal distance and cost savings compared to fixed 1200mm lens out on the market. Remember to check for lens compatibility before purchasing!
Review by S. Kanter for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses
Rating:
I disagree with the previous poster. I think this lens is pretty great.
The quality is exceptional for a lens of this price and range.
There seems to be a controversy regarding how focal lengths of lenses are measured; from what I’ve read, the lens does go to 200mm if measured at infinity.
In the real world, the lens takes fine pics as long as you have enough light. The size and weight is perfect for a walk-around lens. My Rebel XT with this lens (and the Hakuba hand grip) is a perfect fit, and feels great to carry around and shoot. To get better optical quality at this range, you would need to get a few lenses that each cost a lot more. There is nothing quite like this, except for Tamaron’s 18-200, which I hear doesn’t compare favorably to the Sigma.
It seems that Sigma has quality control issues, so I would buy
the lens from a local dealer that has a return policy. Test the lens, and if you don’t think it’s up to par, return it for another.
Review by HWS Branson for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses
Rating:
I purchased a Nikon D70S in August and decided on the Sigma 18-200mm lens instead of the 18-35mm Nikkor kit lens. It really boils down to how one uses this lens as to whether you like it or not. With the 1.5 conversion factor of the D70S, this lens operates as a 27-300mm. I do an ocassional wedding and senior photos throughout the year but I shoot more landscape/nature photography than anything. Unless a person requires a super fast lens, this piece does a very good job overall for the price. Since the majority of my work is off a tripod, the 3.5 max aperture has not been a problem even in very low light situations. Since it’s the only Nikon based lens I own, its like having several lenses in one and I never have to worry about dust getting on the sensor during lens changes.
The 27mm is not as wide as I would have liked, but I have had no problems in making due with it especially doing group shots at weddings and has been quite sufficient for most landscapes.
The autofocus is quite fast when needed and it does quite well for my use as a portrait lens. Its 300mm capability really lets you bring in distant objects.
Color accuracy is quite good on both people and landscapes, and works acceptable with neutral density and circular polarizing filters.
My biggest complaint with this lens however, is a bit too much barrel distortion when shooting linear subjects and lens flare when shooting into the sun at sunrise or sunset. The flare problem may be as much the fault of the digital sensor as it is the lens, but I have been told by more than one pro that it’s more the lens than the sensor. Therefore, that’s why I gave it only 4 stars instead of 5. I have used Sigma lenses on my film cameras for many years and not had this kind of flare problem. However, this lens is built especially for the smaller digital sensors, which may result in magnifying this problem. Both of these faults can be corrected with imaging software most of the time. It just takes time to have to mess with it.
Keep in mind, this is a general purpose lens, and will do a more than acceptable job for all but the most discriminating work. It is light and compact and has a quality about it which looks good on the camera. Overall I have enjoyed the lens, and can recommend it as a good piece overall for the money.
Review by T. Norris for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses
Rating:
Reading reviews is a crap shoot. You know nothing about the reviewer or the use of the product. That said, I am assuming you are not a struggling professional trying to shoot a high quality, tight-budget job. You are a user looking for one lens to carry to cover a wide range of service.
I’m a pro. I have a many bodies and L lenses to use.
I carry an XSI with THIS Sigma 18-200mm non OS lens just about everywhere I go. It is a great vacation tool, where most pix are shown in a digital frame or are never going to be more than 4×6.
Yes, the MTF is not great (simply: contrast across the lens), there is some chromatic fringing and watch out! the lens hood will cause vignetting and shadows with a flash at wide angle. I’ve been using this lens since it was released in early ’05.
It’s a $300 lens. Does it compare to a $1500 L lens? Yeah – very badly. So what? The first rule of photography is get the picture. Missing the shot while changing lenses is not photography. Is this the preferred lens in my arsenal? No. But for general non-client, daylight, non-sports shooting, it’s the one I’ll probably be using. I prefer the non-optical stabilzed version – less complexity.
To help you weigh this review: I use five professional (5D, 1D) and several prosumer (40D, 50D, XTI, XSI) bodies and nine L lenses, plus a slew of others.
Photo tip: night shooting of foreground against backround (done a lot with this lens!): typical situation: girl on beach in front of sunset. Manually set exposure to flash shutter speed, aperature & ISO to get background. Turn flash on to expose and meter foreground. You’ll get some great “how did you do that?” pix. All the MTF, abberetion and linearity issues will mean nothing, because you got a picture no one else could and th L doesn’t really add anything, because you want depth of field here.
Thanks for reading my review.
Review by TheTeh for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses
Rating:
3 stars because of:
1) soft corners at 18mm (f3.5)
2) vignetting at 18mm (f3.5)
3) lens creep (self extension of lens barrel while walking) if not retracted/lock at 18mm
This lens has the most useful range one can possibly have. It has become my only lens for short travelling trip when I don’t want hassel of changing lens. I took only this lens with my Canon XT to Amsterdam (5days) without missing my other lenses at all. Here are some photos taken with this lens in my website:
http://www.theteh.com/html/london_street_.html
http://www.theteh.com/html/croatia.html
http://www.theteh.com/html/index1.html
For this price range (other than the Tamron 18-200) there is no other lenses that can compete!
Review by ShutterFlash for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses
Rating:
I got this lens a day before taking off for an eight day trip, and shot over 1800 photos with it. Though not the fastest lens out there, it did everything I wanted it to, both in the wide angle and the telephoto. I think I put it through a pretty thorough test over that week, and have these comments:
1. If I can only take one lens, this would be it.
2. I missed not having a macro feature, but I got close enough with the telephoto to make up for it in some cases.
3. The auto focus works fine in normal and bright lighting, but in dim lighting (like in a museum) it became confused and I used the manual focus option instead.
4. This is my third Sigma lens, and I haven’t had any quality control problems with any of them.
5. I have no experience with high end Canon lenses for my Canon DSLR so I can’t make a comparison, but I’m fully satisfied with the optics of this lens.
Excellent value and versatility.
Review by S. Kanter for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
I disagree with the previous poster. I think this lens is pretty great.
The quality is exceptional for a lens of this price and range.
There seems to be a controversy regarding how focal lengths of lenses are measured; from what I’ve read, the lens does go to 200mm if measured at infinity.
In the real world, the lens takes fine pics as long as you have enough light. The size and weight is perfect for a walk-around lens. My Rebel XT with this lens (and the Hakuba hand grip) is a perfect fit, and feels great to carry around and shoot. To get better optical quality at this range, you would need to get a few lenses that each cost a lot more. There is nothing quite like this, except for Tamaron’s 18-200, which I hear doesn’t compare favorably to the Sigma.
It seems that Sigma has quality control issues, so I would buy
the lens from a local dealer that has a return policy. Test the lens, and if you don’t think it’s up to par, return it for another.
Review by HWS Branson for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
I purchased a Nikon D70S in August and decided on the Sigma 18-200mm lens instead of the 18-35mm Nikkor kit lens. It really boils down to how one uses this lens as to whether you like it or not. With the 1.5 conversion factor of the D70S, this lens operates as a 27-300mm. I do an ocassional wedding and senior photos throughout the year but I shoot more landscape/nature photography than anything. Unless a person requires a super fast lens, this piece does a very good job overall for the price. Since the majority of my work is off a tripod, the 3.5 max aperture has not been a problem even in very low light situations. Since it’s the only Nikon based lens I own, its like having several lenses in one and I never have to worry about dust getting on the sensor during lens changes.
The 27mm is not as wide as I would have liked, but I have had no problems in making due with it especially doing group shots at weddings and has been quite sufficient for most landscapes.
The autofocus is quite fast when needed and it does quite well for my use as a portrait lens. Its 300mm capability really lets you bring in distant objects.
Color accuracy is quite good on both people and landscapes, and works acceptable with neutral density and circular polarizing filters.
My biggest complaint with this lens however, is a bit too much barrel distortion when shooting linear subjects and lens flare when shooting into the sun at sunrise or sunset. The flare problem may be as much the fault of the digital sensor as it is the lens, but I have been told by more than one pro that it’s more the lens than the sensor. Therefore, that’s why I gave it only 4 stars instead of 5. I have used Sigma lenses on my film cameras for many years and not had this kind of flare problem. However, this lens is built especially for the smaller digital sensors, which may result in magnifying this problem. Both of these faults can be corrected with imaging software most of the time. It just takes time to have to mess with it.
Keep in mind, this is a general purpose lens, and will do a more than acceptable job for all but the most discriminating work. It is light and compact and has a quality about it which looks good on the camera. Overall I have enjoyed the lens, and can recommend it as a good piece overall for the money.
Review by T. Norris for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
Reading reviews is a crap shoot. You know nothing about the reviewer or the use of the product. That said, I am assuming you are not a struggling professional trying to shoot a high quality, tight-budget job. You are a user looking for one lens to carry to cover a wide range of service.
I’m a pro. I have a many bodies and L lenses to use.
I carry an XSI with THIS Sigma 18-200mm non OS lens just about everywhere I go. It is a great vacation tool, where most pix are shown in a digital frame or are never going to be more than 4×6.
Yes, the MTF is not great (simply: contrast across the lens), there is some chromatic fringing and watch out! the lens hood will cause vignetting and shadows with a flash at wide angle. I’ve been using this lens since it was released in early ’05.
It’s a $300 lens. Does it compare to a $1500 L lens? Yeah – very badly. So what? The first rule of photography is get the picture. Missing the shot while changing lenses is not photography. Is this the preferred lens in my arsenal? No. But for general non-client, daylight, non-sports shooting, it’s the one I’ll probably be using. I prefer the non-optical stabilzed version – less complexity.
To help you weigh this review: I use five professional (5D, 1D) and several prosumer (40D, 50D, XTI, XSI) bodies and nine L lenses, plus a slew of others.
Photo tip: night shooting of foreground against backround (done a lot with this lens!): typical situation: girl on beach in front of sunset. Manually set exposure to flash shutter speed, aperature & ISO to get background. Turn flash on to expose and meter foreground. You’ll get some great “how did you do that?” pix. All the MTF, abberetion and linearity issues will mean nothing, because you got a picture no one else could and th L doesn’t really add anything, because you want depth of field here.
Thanks for reading my review.
Review by TheTeh for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
3 stars because of:
1) soft corners at 18mm (f3.5)
2) vignetting at 18mm (f3.5)
3) lens creep (self extension of lens barrel while walking) if not retracted/lock at 18mm
This lens has the most useful range one can possibly have. It has become my only lens for short travelling trip when I don’t want hassel of changing lens. I took only this lens with my Canon XT to Amsterdam (5days) without missing my other lenses at all. Here are some photos taken with this lens in my website:
http://www.theteh.com/html/london_street_.html
http://www.theteh.com/html/croatia.html
http://www.theteh.com/html/index1.html
For this price range (other than the Tamron 18-200) there is no other lenses that can compete!
Review by ShutterFlash for Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
I got this lens a day before taking off for an eight day trip, and shot over 1800 photos with it. Though not the fastest lens out there, it did everything I wanted it to, both in the wide angle and the telephoto. I think I put it through a pretty thorough test over that week, and have these comments:
1. If I can only take one lens, this would be it.
2. I missed not having a macro feature, but I got close enough with the telephoto to make up for it in some cases.
3. The auto focus works fine in normal and bright lighting, but in dim lighting (like in a museum) it became confused and I used the manual focus option instead.
4. This is my third Sigma lens, and I haven’t had any quality control problems with any of them.
5. I have no experience with high end Canon lenses for my Canon DSLR so I can’t make a comparison, but I’m fully satisfied with the optics of this lens.
Excellent value and versatility.
Review by Arthur Kirk for Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
The reviewer who indicates this teleconverter is not compatible with Sony/Minolta lenses is mistaken. He should have checked the compatibility list. If he had, he would have found this teleconverter is compatible with the following lenses:
SIGMA AF 1.4X 2X
o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM AF AF
o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF
o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF
o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF
o APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF
o APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF
o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX IF HSM MF MF
o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF
o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX OS MF MF
o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS MF MF
APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC AF AF
o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM MF MF
o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM MF MF
o APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM AF MF
o APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM AF MF
o*2 APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF
o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM AF/MF MF
o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF
o APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM MF MF
o APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM MF MF
o APO 800mm F5.6 EX HSM MF MF
o APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF
APO 70-210mm F2.8 MF MF
APO 300mm F2.8 MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 HSM MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 HSM MF MF
APO 500mm F4.5 MF MF
APO 800mm F5.6 MF MF
APO 1000mm F8 MF MF
CANON AF 1.4X 2X
o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX IF HSM AF AF
o APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF
o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF
o APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF
o APO 300mm F2.8 EX HSM AF AF
o APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF AF
o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX IF HSM MF MF
o APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF
o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX OS MF MF
o APO 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS MF MF
APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC AF AF
o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF HSM MF MF
o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM MF MF
o APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF HSM AF MF
o APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM AF MF
o*2 APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF
o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF HSM AF/MF MF
o*1 APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM AF/MF MF
o APO 500mm F4.5 EX HSM MF MF
o APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG HSM MF MF
o APO 800mm F5.6 EX HSM MF MF
o APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM MF MF
APO 70-210mm F2.8 MF MF
APO 300mm F2.8 MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 HSM MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 MF MF
APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 HSM MF MF
APO 500mm F4.5 MF MF
APO 800mm F5.6 MF MF
APO 1000mm F8 MF MF
MINOLTA AF 1.4X 2X
APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX IF AF AF
APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG AF AF
APO 300mm F2.8 EX AF AF
APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG AF AF
o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX RF MF MF
o*3 APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG MF MF
APO 100-300mm F4 EX IF AF MF
APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG AF MF
APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX IF MF MF
APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG MF MF
APO 500mm F4.5 EX MF MF
APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG MF MF
APO 800mm F5.6 EX MF MF
APO 800mm F5.6 EX DG MF MF
APO 70-210mm F2.8 AF AF
APO 300mm F2.8 AF AF
APO TELE MACRO 300mm F4 AF MF
APO TELE MACRO 400mm F5.6 MF MF
APO 500mm F4.5 MF MF
APO 800mm F5.6 MF MF
APO 1000mm F8
Dr. Arthur Kirk
Review by Barry for Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
I do not blame Sigma (except for printing the worse instructions I’ve ever seen), I blame Amazon for not advertising the fact that Sigma Teleconverters are for use with Sigma lenses only. Though the Teleconverter attaches to the a100, neither Sony nor Milolta lenses will attach to it.
Review by J. Dunlap for Sigma APO Teleconverter 2x EX DG for Minolta and Sony Mount Lenses
Rating:
I was unable to use the product as it was not compatible with the Sigma lens I had. The product description offered did not detail compatability. If it had I would have known not to order it. I must say however that I have used Sigma lenses for years and found them to be of the highest quality I was just unable to use this one.
Review by Eduardo M. Aburto Reyes for Digital Concepts 2X AF Teleconverter for Minolta Mx / AF Lenses
Rating:
I just got (after 8 working days, that is fast!!!, all the way from Seller at NYC to Mexico City, for only 10 bucks!!!) the Digital Concepts (Sakar) 2X Teleconverter for Sony Alpha. It is very well constructed and fits perfectly, in fact it is just the same construction and quality as some other brand-name teleconverters (Vivitar, Bower, Kenko, I guess they are all manufactured at the same plant… -China-). As expected, it doubles focal length at the expense of lens speed by also 2X, that is if you use a 75-300 4.5-5-6f (as I do), you will end with a 150-600 11f.
Performance is pretty good considerng that you will loss autofocus with such small aperture but anyway no need to autodocus on distant objects as infinite position is almost a constant at such far away targets. I have taken some amazing moon shots and far away volcanos with great success. I still beleive that this is a much better solution against croping on your camera or PC.
All in all, I fully recomend this teleconveretr to expand your lens collection, and for the price you will end doubling your reach and lens stock!!!!
Review by penvan for Digital Concepts 2X AF Teleconverter for Minolta Mx / AF Lenses
Rating:
I read the reviews of this product and decided to buy it. I’m disappointed because it will not auto focus. It keeps trying but just will not focus. I am satisfied with the quality of the photos I’ve taken using manual focusing.
Review by Carey L. Eddins for Digital Concepts 2X AF Teleconverter for Minolta Mx / AF Lenses
Rating:
Works well with Sony lenses. Have had it for a while now and has worked every time. Needs plenty of light, so it’s only used outdoors for nature close-ups.
Review by for Nikon TC-E3ED 3X Teleconverter Lens for Nikon 4300, 4500, 5000 & 8400 Digital Cameras
Rating:
When I first saw tis lens I was excited about the possibility of converting my coolpix from a 38-115mm to a 114-345mm lens. Since this lens front mounts to the existing lens it vignettes at the wider end of the lens all the way to approx 85mm. Leaving you with an effective approx. range of only 250-345mm. While shooting in this range you better have a lot of light on your subject or a tripod. Otherwise you will get the predictable blurs from using such a long lens hand held. Since the cool pix is not the greatest in low light situations this extender compounds those blur problems. It also blocks the crappy built in flash if you are using it. Another problem you may notice is the size of this converter. It’s huge for such a small camera. If you bring your camera for some quick snaps you may not want to lug this lens around.On the plus side this lens is produced with the quality that you expect fron Nikon optics and if you want to get long, this is the ticket.
Review by J. Sullivan for Nikon TC-E3ED 3X Teleconverter Lens for Nikon 4300, 4500, 5000 & 8400 Digital Cameras
Rating:
In the 6 months that I’ve owned the 3x teleconverter I have been happy with it’s performance. I had been frustrated taking photos in the great outdoors, as my subjects frequently showed up as specs in my prints. To a great degree, that has now changed. This summer marmots, deer, mountain goats, friends, flowers, fungus, and more have easily filled my frames. Some advice to those who buy: use a tripod and make sure your subject has plenty of light. I’ve found the photos will blur otherwise.
Review by Cynthia Newcomer for Nikon TC-E3ED 3X Teleconverter Lens for Nikon 4300, 4500, 5000 & 8400 Digital Cameras
Rating:
This lens has the great optics I expected and performs well in both distance and macro (close-up) situations. When focusing manually for macro close-ups, throw out the distance units and use the focus confirmation option to get your shots in focus — the distance units are useless in this mode. Bright light is the only situation where you will be able to handhold this lens; (it is heavy for the small camera body) though I have gotten some acceptable shots in less than perfect light using a bean bag and my knee to support the lens. A tripod is better.
Review by Joseph Albanese for Nikon TC-E3ED 3X Teleconverter Lens for Nikon 4300, 4500, 5000 & 8400 Digital Cameras
Rating:
. . . but once you adjust to the fact that you can not use the view finder, you will be pleasantly surprised at how good this lens is.Nikon has always been the leader with their lenses and this baby keeps up the tradition. Top of a skyscraper, piece of cake; a picture of the Jersey shore up close while you’re standing on the Manhattan side, it looks like you were standing only a few feet away from the subject, not miles.The clarity of the finished pictures is awesome. Yes, the lens is a bit on the clumsy side for the Coolpix camera but as it is so easy to install (screw on, set camera to M and that’s all folks), I simply remove it when I’m carrying the camera waiting to shoot the next subject.Now, if Nikon could only do something about getting the lens to work with the viewfinder. On sunny days, the LED screen doesn’t work that well. Also, you might find it an additional boon to getting perfect pictures to use a tripod when you have the TC-E3ED on the camera. Just a thought but despite these drawbacks, here is a lens that is worth having.
Review by for Nikon TC-E3ED 3X Teleconverter Lens for Nikon 4300, 4500, 5000 & 8400 Digital Cameras
Rating:
I take anywhere from 100-500 pictures in a month. i have used this lens several time. if you are looking to get close to you subject from far this one works great. picture quality is amazing and really is worth the money if you take enough pictues. Bottom line is if you get out enough and love nature like i do, this can’t be beat with my nikon 4500.