BetterPhoto Q&A
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Celeste McWilliams		How to Get More Zoom My current telephoto set-up is a Nikon D300 and Nikkor 70-300mm lens, which essentially gives me 450mm of zoom since the lens is made for a film camera. I'm happy with the quality of photos with my current set-up, but am looking for an inexpensive way to get more zoom. (Is that possible?) I don't have the big bucks to drop on a high-mm lens. I am not very familiar with extension tubes or teleconverters, and have heard both pros and cons (and stories of incompatibility) for each. Any recommendations? To love this question, log in above June 11, 2010

- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery		Extension tubes don't give you more zoom; they reduce your minimum focusing distance. Teleconverters are an inexpensive way to increase focal length, with inherent give and take with aperture/shutter speed loss. But you need a good one, and a good one may not fit that lens. To love this comment, log in above June 11, 2010

Lynn R. Powers		Celeste, Gregory is correct about the cheapest way to get more mm is to purchase a 1.4TC. Do NOT use a 2X except on the finest telephoto prime lenses (fixed focal length). I doubt that your lens will accept a teleconverter. With an f/stop of f5.6, you will have to use manual focus and your camera will be limited to f8 while wide open and full zoom. At these magnifications, you NEED a very sturdy tripod, remote or cable release, high ISO and mirror lockup. Don't skimp on the tripod. If you pay much less than $200, new, it is not sturdy enough. You have a great camera, and that is from a Canon user, so I recommend that you use your current lens until you save all of your pennies for a year or so and purchase a quality lens. Your camera deserves at least a darn good one. Unfortunately, this does come at a cost. The best lens for the least amount of money that I have been able to find is the Sigma 150-500 f5-6.3 APO OS HSM for $1000. You may also find something used at B&H, KEH, or Adorama. Buying from Craigslist and other places in general is a shot in the dark. Buying at what seems to be cheap prices for new equipment is always a warning. Good luck. Lynn To love this comment, log in above June 12, 2010

Bob Cammarata		Definitely check out E-Bay, Keh, B&H Used Department and other venues for a good deal on used telephoto lenses. If you don't mind focusing manually, an old AI-S Nikkor prime super-telephoto is fully compatible with the D-300 (...except for the exposure meter, which will only work in Aperture Priority and Manual modes). My D-300 system includes a 300mm f-2.8 and a 600mm f-4. Both AI-S manual focus lenses were acquired used at a fraction of the cost of new glass. To love this comment, log in above June 13, 2010

Melissa Papaj		Hi Celeste - I am lucky enough to have the 300mm 2.8 lens which is HUGE! But I also like to use my 70-200mm 2.8 lens with my 2x teleconverter, but as everyone else says, I would highly recommend good lenses for teleconverters. One for the aperture capability and two for the quality. Best of luck! To love this comment, log in above June 15, 2010

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