Teleconverters

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fred on October 3, 2011 at 9:59pm

Autofocus

Before you blame the lens try cleaning the contacts on the lens, if that does not work then it could be the lens. If you can borrow a lens and try that on your camera and that will help pinpoint the fault.

Teleconverters.

Using the TC-20E will have you loosing two stops on the lenses, for that reason not many people use it because you can not use f/2.8. If you feel you need on the 1.7 is the one most others go for. Downside of a teleconverter is unless you have very good lighting where you are going to use them, they are not worth the money

Permalink Reply by InaH on October 4, 2011 at 2:22am

Thanks for your reply Fred.  Previously I tried the Sigma lens on another camera and it was doing the same.  My other lenses are also working fine on my camera.  I cleaned the contacts as you suggested, it did not work either.  Guess I will have to take it in to have it looked at/repaired.

I hear what you are saying on the teleconverter, was hoping that the Nikon teleconverter might make a difference :-(

Thanks for your advise.

 

Permalink Reply by Fred on October 4, 2011 at 7:53am

It looks like you have the dreaded Sigma problem. If you registered the lens with Sigma, contact them or return the lens to where you bought it

Permalink Reply by Bill Perry on November 9, 2011 at 3:46pm

I have been using the Kenko 2X Teleplus Pro 300 with a Sigma 150-500mm lens with no problems providing there is enough light. Using this set up on a D300 and a D700 camera.

Permalink Reply by InaH on November 10, 2011 at 12:04am

Thanks for your reply Bill.  With this set-up, are you still able to use autofocus or is it on Manual focus only?  I have considered the Sigma lens too but am a bit worried as I had problems my first Sigma lens and have read it has a common problem.  How long have you been using this lens?  I use a D5000 and a D7000. 

Permalink Reply by Ken Jackson on January 1, 2012 at 3:44pm

I own and use both a manual and "auto focus"  Teleconverters with auto focus and manual lenses on a D70, D200 and D300S I have found that the auto focus one is very sensitive to dust on the electrical contacts and require constant cleaning to even be considered usable. 

I have found a product that truly helps, or it helps me (IMHO), it is called Stabilant 22 and after cleaning the contacts on both the camera body and the lenses (including the contacts of the Teleconverter my "inoperable or intermittents have dropped to no cleanings in the past 3 months on my D200 and on my D300s I used it upon receipt of the camera and have never had a failure.

Stabilant 22 is a Block Polymer and needs to be mixed with alcohol  and used very sparingly on the contacts along with the contact cleaner.  I use contact cleaner sprayed on a "Q Tip" and squeezed to the just damp point to keep the oil from contaminating the lens and the mount then I use a very fine artists brush with the bristles trimmed down to about an 1/8th inch length or even shorter I put a drop of Stabilant 22 on the brush and then tap the brush metal sleeve against my finger or something solid to knock off the excess product then I brush the contacts on both the camera body and the lenses with the artists brush.  You can scrub them gently if you so desire, you only need a molecular film covering the contacts to make them into a "super conductor".   I have been using the product on memory sticks for photography and other electronics contacts and as long as you keep the contacts covered on your lenses that are not being used and on the camera bodies that have no lenses you will find that you are going to have a trouble free pastime once again...

The product is expensive, so for a photographer you should buy the smallest amout possible.   I have a 15ml bottle that has lasted me for 8 years and is still over 3/4 full and I use it on electronics, computers, and cameras  constantly..  Oh and get a sleeve for your "modified" brush..  Just so you can keep it clean and dust free.  If it does get dirty, wash the bristles with dish washing soap, rinse it thoroughly with distilled water and then rinse the water out using isopropyl alcohol.

I hope that this might help those of you who are having problems.  I NEVER shoot with a 2X manual without being on a tripod...