Question by Cincy G: Are nikon teleconverters worth getting? Is it better just to buy a telephoto lens?
I am using a nikon 18-200mm VR lens. I want to be able to zoom in a lot closer. Do you recommend I get a 2X teleconverter or should I buy a 400 or 500mm lens?
I want to zoom in on animals at a zoo and sporting events
Any suggestions would be great.
Best answer:
Answer by Tom D
A telephoto lens would be a better option since you won't lose the f-stops that you do with a teleconverter, however there is a significant price difference between a Nikon 2X teleconverter and a 400mm or 500mm lens. If money is not an object then definitely go with the lens but if so you can save a lot of money by using a teleconverter.
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As the other answerer said there is a huge difference in price between a 400mm lens and a 2x converter. Price difference is huge. A teleconverter is a few hundred dollars while a 400mm lens will run you anywhere from $ 1,500 to $ 8,000.
Before you buy a teleconverter make sure that your lens will accept one. Only certain lenses can use one.
IMO a 2X teleconverter is the best choice. Why? Simply because you’ll quickly find how seldom you actually use a 400mm or 500mm telephoto lens. That is a lot of expensive, heavy glass to be gathering dust. Now if you’re a serious wildlife photographer then you could justify it.
I often use a Minolta 2X teleconverter with my Minolta 70-210mm f4 (constant aperture) zoom. If you’d like to see the results, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/drifter45h/sets. The water lilies were taken on Fujicolor Superia Reala IS) 100 film as was the first large red flower. The butterflies are on Kodak Royal Supra ISO 200 (sadly discontinued).
Yes, you do lose f-stops with a 2X teleconverter but that’s seldom a problem when shooting in bright light. Of course, you can always adjust your ISO from 100 to 400 and regain the “lost” f-stops. Your Nikon should give good results at ISO 400 with little “noise” – and you can always use the in-camera noise reduction or Noise Ninja to clean up your picture.
It is always better to buy a longer lens, but the costs can become prohibitive.
The Nikon 400 mm f/2.8 is just under $ 7,500.
Here is a list of the lenses that can be used with the 2x teleconverter.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2130/AF-S-Teleconverter-TC-20E-II.html
The lens is the best choice. Loosing 1 or 2 stops when you need them the most will make the converter a poor option.
Set your lens at 200mm f/22 and see if you have the shutter speed you need for sports or even the zoo. That will be what you are limited to with the 2x converter. -Actually the converter will be a little worse.-