Furthermore, I miss in many reviews, the indication of the camera used / lens equipment that is eligible for the corresponding teleconverter used. It's totally easy to understand that when the lens used already has a very weak input light intensity, the combination lens + teleconverter still fainter is keyword iris loss, normal two stages. Absolutely not negligible fact represents the camera used, with the telephoto converter is to be used. Suppose an average consumer DSLR as a base in low light condition anyway has difficulty and only with very high ISO values under such conditions still acceptable images delivers (keyword used sensor). Again, you should really think about whether to buy a teleconverter justifies an adequate output.
Now we come to another important point, the compatibility of the corresponding teleconverter. I want to really take anyone too close, but I am always amazed at the naivety of many people who need to determine after obtaining a teleconverter that this teleconverter does not fit into your lens, the AF does not work, etc. Here one can only very clearly be stated, who can read is a clear advantage. For each teleconverter (at least for those for whom I was interested so far) there is a compatibility list that gives the appropriate information restrictions. As a rough guideline, but you can always tell a converter of the company. XYZ does not support Objective of the company. ABC, but always the firm. XYZ. Otherwise, perhaps even rather look at the HP of the manufacturer or inquire via telephone compatibility condition for the lenses to be used at the manufacturer.
Last but not least, the constellation photos from the hand versus using a tripod. It must be said clearly that from certain focal lengths> 300-400 mm, taking pictures from the hand usually does not lead to satisfactory results. Also image stabilizers whether lens or camera side, eventually come to its limits and there is a significant motion blur on the corresponding photos visible. So, with large focal lengths, which are so particularly wanted when using a teleconverter, a tripod, but at least one mono-pod should be used. Of course there are exceptions, where in very good light conditions, the shutter speeds, even with large focal lengths, can be extremely high, and thus also voted out of his hand good shots can be achieved. That fact certainly represents not the rule, and a Mono-Pod is not really a heavyweight, you can not carry.
These were preliminary perhaps quite a lot of information, but these conditions should, in particular anyone who takes to buy a teleconverter into calculus note. No one is sure to want to throw money out the window or be disappointed at the end of the day.
So we come now to the essential part of this review, the Sigma APO 2.0x EX DG Tele Converter for Nikon. The constellation used by me is made up of the aforementioned teleconverter, a Nikon D800 and a Sigma 150-500 mm OS HSM for Nikon F5,0-6,3 DG lens mount together. The key data that arise from this for the FX format, namely a max. Focal length of 1000 mm focal length, are already staggering. Taking still considering the possibility in the DX-format switch (crop factor = 1.5), are incredible 1500 mm focal length available.
Photos from the hand prohibitive in such a constellation alone for reasons of weight, which makes this mixture on the scale. I have the appropriate combination ie 700 DX Tripod with a Novoflex Magic Ball mounted on a Slik Pro 50 and made recordings over the entire focal length range. On Lens I have the image stabilizer off, because the objective was indeed mounted on a tripod. It must also be focused manually because the AF is not working in accordance with small entrance aperture. All photos were> 500 recorded with ISO values to corresponding shutter speeds I also have each used the self-timer and mirror lock. Just as well you can of course a remote shutter function or use wired.
The results can be described as all satisfactory to good, what is clear from my point of view in such a price-performance ratio, a 5-star safety rating. Of course, you also have quite clearly stated that a teleconverter can be used only with good to very good lighting conditions equivalent.
I have a view with the title
D800 + Sigma 150-500 mm OS HSM F5,0-6,3 DG + Sigma 2.0x EX APO DG 700 DX Tripod mounted on a Slik Pro. ISO1250, f13, s1 / 2000, 1500mm DX format
uploaded, documenting the imaging performance under extreme conditions of this combination.
Summary: At the moment you get nowhere an appropriate focal length for such a price. For professionals, there are other solutions which are but for a hobby photographer, no matter how ambitious Anyway, priceless. Also arise with such a breathtaking focal length up entirely new possibilities. I would recommend this teleconverter buy again and again, but please always remember the appropriate lens and especially the camera used, which are coming to use.
ADDENDUM:
I have this combination again subjected to further extensive testing. On the one hand in the lowest focal length range of 300mm, see the example image Yellow roses and on the other side in the upper range of focal lengths of 1000mm or 1500mm (DX-format) with very small aperture (f32) and very fast shutter speeds (s1 / 500 and less) at very high ISO values => 3000, cf. the example images and branch structure on the roof. Of course, again mounted on a tripod and mirror lock up and self timer.
The scored sharpness in the images and branch structure on the roof really surprised me and shows how well the converter works. I want at this point definitely point out once again explicitly that I can not make any statement about how the sigma converter works in conjunction with another camera respectively another lens. The award of five stars but absolutely justified in this connection.
