Teleconverters

[Dave Smith]

I am looking for a system where I may be able to take bird photos when I haven't got my scope with me, for example on holiday. I previously considered digibinning but that doesn't look promising.

Has anyone tried the Nikon teleconverters, in particular the 3x version. It is quite expensive (£217) and would like to hear some views before spending.

Many thanks
Dave

[Richard Ford]

Hi Dave

I use the Nikon 3x Teleconverter, and I picked mine up on E-bay for just under £100, I intend to use it for Dragonflies and Butterflies mostly when the season arrives, but I have taken a few bird shots using it including this:

http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1624&papass=&sort=1
And this
http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1556&papass=&sort=1

It lets in plenty of light and I am very happy with it.

I hope that helps

Rich

[Andrew]

Redwing, how do you post the links to your pictures. I have tried this myself and all I get in the address bar is this . . . . http://www.birdforum.net/

[Ashley beolens]

Redwing do you use a tripod with the teleconverter, or just hand held?

[Richard Ford]

Hi all

While I am reading the posts I leave that window open and then open the gallery in a new window, (right click on gallery, then "Open in new window") this way you loose the right had navigation bar and the URL to whichever page you open appears in the Address bar at the top, which I then copy, and past into the post.

I have to say I haven’t used a tripod with the tele-converter at all, but for best results, its probably not a bad idea, I have just been lucky enough that there has been enough light available to use a high shutter speed freezing the movement of the bird and me.
I would usually try to brace myself in some way though, or hold the camera with both hands.

ATB

Rich

[Dave Smith]

Thanks Redwing. That is very helpful. They are brilliant shots.

[Marysan]

Dave, I use the Nikon 2X Tele Converter lens, the TC-E2, with my Nikon CoolPix 4300. It takes great pics but the lens is about 2+ inches in diameter and it obscures a big part of the view seen through the viewfinder. I've learned to work with the limited viewfinder cause it isn't always possible to see the picture in the monitor. The 4300 has just 3X Optical Zoom so I almost always shoot with the 2X lens on to give me 6X OZ. I paid $149 at a local camera shop for it.

[Dave Smith]

Thanks Marysan. I hadn't realised they were quite that big, although that isn't a problem.

I have just ordered one on Ebay and have saved £50, thanks to all for the replies.