Convertert question.

[WaterMarc]

I´m putting this question here as its a basic question and something I´d love to have cleared up.

I have tracked down the Tamron 90mm lesns I was recommended here but it doesnt come with the matching converter. Before I go trawling for this piece, (I have already had a look around, hence this question), is there a better option, I mean is there a better converter that I could use on other lenses as well, something maybe with as good a reputation as the Tamron 90mm. It would be nice if I could squeeze a bit more of your combined experience on this, as I was given what seems to be a cheap x2 converter that I dont use as it definatly makes images blurry at the long end of my two existing lenses.

I only have the two lenses by the way, the kit lens that came with the d50, an 18-55 nikkor which I find fine for days out snapping family shots etc, and a sigma 18-200 which I am learning the foibles of every day.

[lostmysnorkel]

Why do you need a converter as well?

TBH, I have never used one....however good the make is they will always degrade the image to a point simply 'cos you're adding more glass.

The Tamron 90mm f2.8 1:1 is a superb macro lens if used on it's own. If shooting macro, you will need to stop the aperture down quite a ways to retain DOF, adding a teleconverter will only serve to reduce the light more.

[WaterMarc]

well, the thing is, the version I got is an older version, Tamron SP 90mm f2.5 52BB macro lens 2:1. I think tamron made a x2 converter that it was matched with but I dont think it was especially for this lens although mostly they are sold together - in my case it wasnt, hence my original post. If i´m gonna get a converter - is there one I should look out for? I do know they go from a tenner to a couple of hundred quid (and therefore there must be something there apart from the obvious"you get what u pay for" regarding a tenners worth. )

Thanks for the reply by the way.

[george.monaghan]

Hi,

having owned the piece you talk about to get a true 1:1 then you needed the extender from Tamron. I believe it was an extender and not a convertor with only one piece of glass in it.


The extender should be cheap and is the best option for that lens.

[WaterMarc]

Ok, thats great, thats what I needed to know..........i´ll start scouring ebay then. Theres very little info about it around as I say, the two pieces do seem to go together -

Thanks for the help

[lostmysnorkel]

Yeah, a set of extension tubes might help.

You would suffer a reduction in light but it would give you more options.

[WaterMarc]

I have done loads of reading now,armed with a bit more info, and I can only say its getting very confusing - I´m posting here so that others may get the benefit of my searching and questioning should they ever find themselves in the same situation. the older lens I have procured is indeed 2:1 and the original converter the SP2 converter made by tamron is not everybodies first choice. I read on another forum thread that

"tamron did a x2 flat-field converter for the older f/2.5 version"
but......
"recomend that for what you want to do (nature macros) you look into one of the Vivitar 2X Macro teleconverters. it is an excellent 2X that has a focusing helix built in allowing it to also act as an extension tube"

now - I must confess i´m not sure what that means - need some jargon busting here....

could anyone help with the explination save me anymore searching as i think i´ve hit a wall till i understand these terms and the choices I have.

Thanks again and sorry if this is tedious for thoses in the know......

[lostmysnorkel]

Hey WM.....before you splash the cash....r u shooting a Nikon?

If so, PM me your postal address and I'll lend you a set of extension tubes to play with for a while.

See how you get on.