> Subject: RE: Opinions Wanted: Vivitar 2x Macro Focussing Teleconverter > > > On Wed, 2002-12-11 at 21:48, J. C. O'Connell wrote: > > Here's my opinion on TC's: > > > > They Suck compared to real primes at the desired > > focal length. Especially for 35mm use. I have > > one for 6X7 that degrades quality just like the > > 35mm ones do but at least with 6X7 the quality > > level is still acceptable. 35mm Lenses are cheap, > > why not just buy the focal lengths you want ( hint, > > for 35mm I have everything from 15 to 1000mm ). > > JCO > > > > J.C, > > There no need to use such antagonistic language to express your opinion. > When I first read your email I thought I ought to post an equally hard > nosed response, but that's how flame wars get started.
I was agressive because I wanted my point to be HARD. TCs are only good if you want to travel light and are willing to accept soft, lower contrast images. 35mm photography is borderline enuff without resorting to these band-aids. For years NONE of the major camera companies made them because they simply dont live up to their **previously** high standards. > > While you may find 35mm lenses to be inexpensive, as a student I do > not. I was interested in this TC because for $45, I would be hard > pressed to find a telephone prime lens. > Would you care to suggest any > good, inexpensive telephoto primes in the 200mm-300mm range. Check ebay there are TONS of 135 and 200mm PRIME lenses made by third parties which are dirt cheap and will outperform most if not ALL lens PLUS TC combinations. Now if you want 300mm , they are a little more but you could probably find a decent 300mm F5.6 for under $100 used. > > The other reason I'm enquiring about this particular TC is for it's > macro capability. Currently I'm using a Pentax 50m/1.7 on extension > tubes. I've enjoyed the photography, and the pictures, but I find > swapping the tubes around to be quite awkward. > > -Scott Once again, a 50mm 1.7 plus TC aint going to even come close to a real macro lens. Try to find a third party one used. For example I just got a vivitar 55mm F2.8 macro in screwmount for $60. AND it's AWESOME sharp. Sounds like you are using K mount right? If your on a tight budget, you should switch to screwmount. Far more economical for the same level of quality. JCO
