sigma 500 prime and teleconvertors

RogDen31

RogDen31

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Roger Denne
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I have just got a Sigma 500f4.5 prime and also a Kenko pro300 DG 1.4x TC to use with it.

When together on a D300 AF is very erratic almost non excistant, I thought the Kenkos were suppose to AF ok or do i have to tape pins like on the Sigma TC
 
I would have thought it would be okay-ish at f/6.3, but clearly it isn't. The taping pins trick is a Canon thing isn't it, because the AF switches off at f/5.6. Even then, it only works on some models, and still not very well, because basically the aperture is still not wide enough regardless of how you fool the camera.

How does it work on your D700?
 
Hi Roger

Kenko TC's do not play well with Sigma HSM. This is well documented. You can't work around it.

I wrote a Sigma / Kenko TC compatiblity table on Nikonans in 2005, might still be there where I mentioned this with numerous HSM lenses.

Short version is you need to buy the Sigma TC.
 
I had a go with this very lens on Wednesday, mighty impressive bit of kit,very easy to handhold and for Half a stop,a damned sight cheaper than the Nikon F4.
 
bartoszwozniak said:
I am just wondering, how usable is a 500mm prime??? I mean, it must be very tough, to take pictures with such a long lens with a prime.
Click to expand...

With a decent tripod and gimbal head they are pretty easy to use.

To the OP the Nikon TC's will not AF with the Sigma 500 either, I had one and tried an adapted TC14EII with it, it would not AF.
 
thanks for the replies guys,
it seems i might have a kenko for sale very sortly as i brought it specifically to use with this sigma.

I am pleased with the initial results without the TC as the lens only arrived yesterday hope to try some more today.

@ bartoszwozniak I have it on a MN393 gimbal on a 055 at the moment.
 
HoppyUK said:
I would have thought it would be okay-ish at f/6.3, but clearly it isn't. The taping pins trick is a Canon thing isn't it, because the AF switches off at f/5.6. Even then, it only works on some models, and still not very well, because basically the aperture is still not wide enough regardless of how you fool the camera.

How does it work on your D700?
Click to expand...

a little better but not what i would call usable as it doesnt lock on
 
Top lens for the money...glad you have a Manfrotto MN393 as mentioned earlier but, depending on your subject matter, you may be better off with a straight monopod/connection for carrying/resting and then exercising your arm muscles when you're actually using it. As I tended to shoot birds I found this was easier than try and play aerial gunnery tactics with the MN393!

I did try it with a Kenko myself and also had the same problem...didn't have a Sigma TC at the time though. I changed my Sigma 500mm for the Nikon 200-400mm.....to be honest (as technique is always the key to these big lenses) the price difference between the two for the sake of half a stop, VR, zoom flexibility and Nikon glass would be hard to justify for most photographers. Not that I'm trying to spend your future cash...
 
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