Teleconverters

[bostonsportsgrl]

<div>This may be a stupid question, but as Mr. Garrison (from south park) would say, &quot; There is no such thing as a stupid question just stupid people&quot; but i digress....</div><div> </div><div>What exactly is a teleconverter? and what lenses would it be used for?</div><div> </div><div>Thanks</div><div>Boston</div><div> </div>

[peirceman]

<div>A teleconverter (or Tele-extender) is a set of optics that uses a specific lens mount that goes between the camera and the lens. It multiplies the focal length of the lens attached by a specific amount determined by the teleconverter you buy. For example, a 1.4X TC will turn and 70 - 200 lens into a 98 - 280 lens. Since it lengthens the focal length, you will lose f-stops depending on which converter you buy. A 1.4X TC usually will lose you about 1 stop on your lens.</div><div> </div><div>Folks usually use these with longer lenses, although that is not a rule. If you are planning on getting one, just make sure that it is compatible with the lens you are planning to use it with. If the glass of the TC hits the glass of the lens, it is all over but the shouting.</div>

[rotay44]

<div><strong>Pierceman's </strong>right, but you can also get 'extension tubes' with no glass in them. I have a set of three various lengths that can be stacked together in various combinations. The optics make a big difference, so don't get tele-extenders mixed up with extension tubes.</div><div> </div><div>I've just tried my extension tubes while doing this post. With a 2 inch stack on a 55mm lens I can fill the frame (on a 1970's 35mm Pentax SLR) on something only an inch or so across that is about 3 inches away from the lens.</div><div> </div><div>If you get a set and like using them, you might still be able to get bellows units too that fit between camera and lens. I used them for some serious insect and flower work 25 years ago.</div><div> </div><div>It's another rich area of photography to explore.</div>

[peirceman]

<div>Teleconverters are usually used to lengthen the focal length of a lens, mostly telephoto lenses.</div><div> </div><div>Extension tubes are usually used to shorten focusing distances of lenses, so you can get closer to your subject and fill the frame.</div><div> </div><div>Both are effective tools to do different things.</div>

[RABaker]

<div>Scott is correct....</div><div> </div><div>Teleconverters (or tele-extenders) always increase the lens focal length to provide a more telephoto angle of view. They normally work significantly better on longer focal length lenses rather than wide-angle lenses. Sharp, prime lenses are usually the best bets for combining with a teleconverter. Image quality with zoom lenses (with some specific exceptions) often suffers considerably by adding a teleconverter. Before investing in a teleconverter, it would be a good idea to seek some information about combining with your particular lens so that you are not disappointed with the results.</div><div> </div><div>Extension tubes normally have no optical elements - they just mount between the lens and body to allow closer focusing (while eliminating the possibility of focusing at long distances while mounted). They can provide a relatively inexpensive way to get into close-up/macro photography. Image quality will vary depending on the lens used with the tubes, but results are usually not as good as a true macro lens. The right combination, though, can provide some stunning images.</div><div> </div><div>Good luck,</div><div>Richard Baker</div>