Tamron 200-500 zoom and a 1.4TC

[daviddilworth]

I have a Tamron 200-500 zoom attached to a Nikon D80. Could I attach a 1.4 teleconverter to this lens or will it decrease photo quality too much?

[nirofo]

I have a Tamron 200-500 zoom attached to a Nikon D80. Could I attach a 1.4 teleconverter to this lens or will it decrease photo quality too much?

I use Tamron 1.4 converter ( same as Kenko and TelePlus Pro) with my Tamron 200-500 and Nikon D200 regularly, I usually set ISO at either 200 or 400, I've had some excellent results. One thing to remember is a rock steady camera and critical focussing are a must with this combination. practice, practice and practice again!!!

nirofo.

[Bonsaibirder]

Hi nirofo,

I would be interested in trying this with my Tamron 200-500. Don't suppose you could show us any examples of your photos with this setup?

Cheers,

I use Tamron 1.4 converter ( same as Kenko and TelePlus Pro) with my Tamron 200-500 and Nikon D200 regularly, I usually set ISO at either 200 or 400, I've had some excellent results. One thing to remember is a rock steady camera and critical focussing are a must with this combination. practice, practice and practice again!!!

nirofo.

[nirofo]

Hi nirofo,

I would be interested in trying this with my Tamron 200-500. Don't suppose you could show us any examples of your photos with this setup?

Cheers,

Here you go, Tamron 200-500, Tamron 1.4 converter, Nikon D200. f8 set on lens, shutter speed not recorded.

The last one is the only recorded image of a Crossbilled Gull, not yet accepted as a new British record ???

nirofo.

[Daveash]

I use this combination on my D70 and D200. In all honesty I think I get better results with the D70. However this was not the question. I use it most on shutter priority with a tripod. In theory there is supposed to be a 1 fstop degradation but last week I did a test on a far object in not good light and had the following difference. Without TC..100/s. ISO 400, at f11. With TC 100/s. ISO 400 . F6.3. So the TC does make a fair difference to the light entering the camera. From past experience with the TC I find it best to shoot at f8 or f9 with the best speed I can get and adjust the ISO as necessary. With a tripod I can get good results at 1/800th sec. Subject to the limitations I am happy with the TC and leave it on all the time. I don't have my external hard drive with me just now but please view my gallery for some images with this lens and TC. If you can't find it I'll send some images.
daveash

[Hyrax]

I should probably have searched the threads before I posted my own, ah well. So you're all of the opinion this is a worthwhile lens? Anyone had it for a long time? I'm just worried about degredation as I experienced with my tamron 70-300

[Bonsaibirder]

Hi Hyrax,

I have just bought this lens for use on a Nikon D80 and I think its great. But then I am a snapper, not an experienced photographer by any means.

What is degradation? Now I'm getting worried!

Cheers,

I should probably have searched the threads before I posted my own, ah well. So you're all of the opinion this is a worthwhile lens? Anyone had it for a long time? I'm just worried about degredation as I experienced with my tamron 70-300

[DOC]

I have had the Tamron 200-500 for over 2 years - with my faithfull D70 .
I have never used it with a TC .
If 500 m"m reach is not enough - then you're too far away . Try to get closer. A TC is nice but with zooms such as the 200-500 means loosing F stops - making you crank up the Iso - ending with noise ( in a D70 at least ) .
I think Tc's work very well with prime lens , but are not very helpfull with some zoom lens.
Take a look into my gallery.
http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/6414

[rezMole]

I've had the Tamron lens for well over two years and it's been fine. I have a slight problem with the conmection to the D70 - sometimes I have to "waggle" the lens a bit, or re-mount it due to losing electronic connection. Not sure if this is the camera or the lens that is the problem. It is, however, not regular and is easily sorted.

I have a Kenko Pro 1.4 converter and have used it a couple of times. I have found the drop in quality to be too much for my liking. At 500mm, if the bird is small in the frame, the quality drops anyway - using the converter just makes it worse. Better to have the small bird and better quality, I think.

I do use the converter occasionally - but only when taking "close-ups".

[Hyrax]

That's great news from the long term owners of the lens, my question is answered I think. Great pictures DOC, degreadation fears alleviated!

[Daveash]

I have the occasion connection problems but a swift remove and reconnect cures the problem.