We continue our look at tele-extenders an how they can add versatility to your lenses in general, and macro photography capabilities in particular.
There are times when you don’t need a 2x lens conversion and other times when you just can’t afford two stops of light loss. That’s when you can use a Pro-Optic multi-coated 1.4x tele-converter that will turn a 300mm lens into 420mm but only decrease the maximum lens aperture by one f/stop. Like its 2x sibling the Pro-Optic multi-coated 1.4x, tele-converter is designed for prime or zoom lenses of 100mm or above. Pro-Optic converters are available in Canon EOS, Nikon AF, Sony/Maxxum AF and Pentax AF mounts.
Work closer: A tele-converter is also useful for macro work because it magnifies the size of small objects, such as this butterfly that was photographed using a Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens and Pro Optic 2x teleconverter. Exposure was 1/25 sec at f/14 and ISO 400 with a ringlight used as light source. ©2008 Joe Farace
Having both Pro-Optic tele-converters in your camera bags triples the number of focal lengths available and prices of around $90 for each one represent an optical bargain.
Joe Farace is the co-author, along with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Barry Staver, of a new book called “Better Available Light Digital Photography” published by Focal Press is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.
