 Melissa Volker |
Teleconverter for Nikon D40? Looking into teleconverter...I've heard mixed things about even using them. Then I've seen some info that you can't use them on a Nikon D40 (maybe that's just some of them). Then I've seen some things that look like lenses and are $400, then I've seen other things that look like telescopes and are $200...????Admittedly confused I'd love some guidance. I love doing wildlife shots but cannot afford a 500mm lens!!
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John G. Clifford Jr |
A teleconverter is an accessory that multiplies the focal length of a lens by a certain amount, usually either 1.4x or 2x. In other words, a 1.4x teleconverter will turn a 200mm lens into a 280mm lens. However, there's no such thing as a free lunch. The 1.4x teleconverter will take a stop out of your lens, e.g., a 200/4 lens becomes a 280/5.6 lens. The 2x teleconverters will double the focal length of your lens, but take 2 stops out, e.g, a 200/4 becomes a 400/8. The Nikon D40 requires lenses to have focusing motors in them, as there is no focusing motor in the camera body. As long as your teleconverter passes the electrical focusing and power signals from the camera body to the lens, I see no reason why a lens that autofocuses on a D40 won't work with a teleconverter. However, the best bet is to actually try the teleconverter with the lens you want to use before buying it. I have two Sigma 1.4x teleconverters, one for my Sigma SD14 and one for my Pentax K20D. If you look at my gallery, the photo titled "Matched Pair" was taken with my K20D, 100-300/4 lens, and 1.4x teleconverter. The photo titled "Mambo for McCain" was taken with my SD14, 50-150/2.8, and 1.4x teleconverter. My experience with teleconverters is that if they are high quality (like the Sigmas) and used with high quality lenses, you will get excellent results (indistinguishable from the longer lens). Here's a link to the Sigma website teleconverter page, for more information and pictures of what these actually look like: http://www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/acc/index.htm Hope this helps....
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Melissa Volker |
It does help. thanks. If I'm correct, tho -- that sigma page has a "teleconverter Matching" chart with a list of lenses from different cameras (Chart of corresponding AF Mount). I looked thru the Nikon list and the lens I would be using (a 55mm-20mm) isn't even listed on there. Does that mean I couldn't use one with that lens? Sorry if I'm being a bit of a dunce, but this is a little confusing.
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John G. Clifford Jr |
The lenses listed on that chart are Sigma lenses, not Nikon lenses... however what the chart really says is that you won't get reliable auto-focusing if the lens max aperture on the lens you attach to a 1.4x TC is smaller than f/4 (f/4.5 or higher). Why? Because AF cameras require sufficient light to work, and unless it's really bright and sunny you're not going to get that at f/6.7 or higher (f/4.5 plus 1 stop). Your 55-200 Nikon lens would work with the 1.4x teleconverter, but that lens is not what I'd consider to be a 'high quality' lens. You'd want to stop down the lens one or two stops (giving you effectively f/8 to f/11) to get the best image quality. If you're making 8x10 prints or smaller, you'll be happy with the results.
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Melissa Volker |
Thank you thank you! This helps so much. I would only go to 8x10 for most things right now so that's fine. Someday I hope to step up to a good telephoto lens...but I'm itchy for some comparable results now!! Thank you again, this was very helpful.
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