18-200mm VR lens converter/ filter for macro n tele

[sciguy]

Hi there, i'm using my only lens, nikkor 18-200mm VR f/3.5-5.6G lens. But i found that its really hard for me to focus on macro shots and when i tried to take the birdies shots, it's actually not reachable.
So any recommendation for me and with pictures shown?
I've do some research, for macro, i could get the canon 500D close up filter 72mm at $200, or the hoya +2 close up filter 72mm at $65. Or get myself a nikon 50mm f/1.8D prism lens and use a male-male adapter? but will need to use step down ring from 72mm-52mm or 58mm?
As i seldom use macro shots but its good if i could get the cool antz and nice flowers shot.

As for tele, i really have no idea, at 1st thought of the nikon af-s tc-17e II or tc-20e II but was told its not compatible with my 18-200mm VR lens.

Let me know what u guys think, i seldom take shots on macro and tele, but i would also prefer sharp images as well. And of course running out of budget, hopefully can get both of the converters or idea under $1000. thank you

[geraldkhoo]

Originally Posted by sciguy Hi there, i'm using my only lens, nikkor 18-200mm VR f/3.5-5.6G lens. But i found that its really hard for me to focus on macro shots and when i tried to take the birdies shots, it's actually not reachable. So any recommendation for me and with pictures shown? I've do some research, for macro, i could get the canon 500D close up filter 72mm at $200, or the hoya +2 close up filter 72mm at $65. Or get myself a nikon 50mm f/1.8D prism lens and use a male-male adapter? but will need to use step down ring from 72mm-52mm or 58mm? As i seldom use macro shots but its good if i could get the cool antz and nice flowers shot. As for tele, i really have no idea, at 1st thought of the nikon af-s tc-17e II or tc-20e II but was told its not compatible with my 18-200mm VR lens. Let me know what u guys think, i seldom take shots on macro and tele, but i would also prefer sharp images as well. And of course running out of budget, hopefully can get both of the converters or idea under $1000. thank you

Need to understand what you are saying... are you shooting birds close up (e.g. 0.5m away from you) or birds in the sky (50m away from you)? That is 2 different things... and requires different things to do that.

[styric69]

Originally Posted by geraldkhoo Need to understand what you are saying... are you shooting birds close up (e.g. 0.5m away from you) or birds in the sky (50m away from you)? That is 2 different things... and requires different things to do that.

What he is saying is that he wants to use the 18-200mm for both macro and shooting birds...

Have read that the Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x TC is reported to be able to work with the 18-200mm, VR still work, AF will be slow and image quality will not be as good as without the TC.

For the Macro, you can use the Canon 500D with the 18-200mm, check out this link on 18-200mm and Canon 500D: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...8&changemode=1

[geraldkhoo]

Originally Posted by styric69 What he is saying is that he wants to use the 18-200mm for both macro and shooting birds... Have read that the Kenko Pro 300 DG 1.4x TC is reported to be able to work with the 18-200mm, VR still work, AF will be slow and image quality will not be as good as without the TC. For the Macro, you can use the Canon 500D with the 18-200mm, check out this link on 18-200mm and Canon 500D: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...8&changemode=1

oic

i dunno if buying a TC would be that great an idea because at 200mm, it is already f/5.6. the TC would reduce light, and may hunt a bit to focus. 1.4x is the lowest "magnification" TC... and would be better than 1.7x or 2x TC if really need to get TC. However, another consideration is to get a lens that reaches 300mm and having f/5.6 at that distance. it may just cost as much as the TC itself. The Kenko 1.4x TC cost about $300.

Yes... the Canon 500D is a good closeup filter. The 72mm filter size one can cost about $150-$200.

[styric69]

Originally Posted by geraldkhoo oic i dunno if buying a TC would be that great an idea because at 200mm, it is already f/5.6. the TC would reduce light, and may hunt a bit to focus. 1.4x is the lowest "magnification" TC... and would be better than 1.7x or 2x TC if really need to get TC. However, another consideration is to get a lens that reaches 300mm and having f/5.6 at that distance. it may just cost as much as the TC itself. The Kenko 1.4x TC cost about $300. Yes... the Canon 500D is a good closeup filter. The 72mm filter size one can cost about $150-$200.

TC 1.4x, you lose 1 stop, 1.7x, you lose 1.5 stops and the 2x, you lose 2 stops...so if you use TC 1.7x or 2x on the 18-200mm, you better make sure there's plenty of lights

[sciguy]

yeah, for the close up lens, i really do think to get the canon 500D, looking at those forum talking bout the combination of 500D and 18-200mm VR is a good match, but i also noticed some ppl are using the 18-200mm vr with the nikon 50mm f/1.8D along with the male to male adapter having a very sharp image. And the prism lens is only around $200? (50mm f/1.4D is around $500 i think). Really have to think bout that.

For the tele, i'm also looking at the kenko pro 300 tc 1.4x, it cost around $250, but i wonder how many stops i still leave after lose a stop? d80+18-200mm vr

[giantcanopy]

Originally Posted by sciguy yeah, for the close up lens, i really do think to get the canon 500D, looking at those forum talking bout the combination of 500D and 18-200mm VR is a good match, but i also noticed some ppl are using the 18-200mm vr with the nikon 50mm f/1.8D along with the male to male adapter having a very sharp image. And the prism lens is only around $200? (50mm f/1.4D is around $500 i think). Really have to think bout that. For the tele, i'm also looking at the kenko pro 300 tc 1.4x, it cost around $250, but i wonder how many stops i still leave after lose a stop? d80+18-200mm vr

Hi sciguy

The reverse 50mm prime acts like a close up filter. Just that it is a multi element one

True in a sense u can have a 50mm prime that u can use as well.

Like what you mentioned, u lose a stop , and that depends on the one you adjusted. For example your f5.6 becomes f8, your f8 becomes f11.

Ryan

[peaceofangkor]

Don’t waste your time on a t/c with the 18-200. it was never designed for one and is pushing the boundaries of lens design anyway: so although a theoretical F8 might be possible with a 1.4t/c, in practice you will need F16 for sharpness.

T/Cs work best for fast pro quality zoom or lenses and will degrade quality on anything less. they will soften the image of even a top pro lens; like the 70-200 F2.8 but IQ is so sharp that it isn't normally noticable.

Save your pennies for the Nikon 70-300 VR its far better at the long end; but I’d still not put a T/C on that .

I’ve owned the earlier 70-300 which was a touch less sharp but much had much nicer results than my 18-200 at wide apertures. I’ve tried the Nikon 70-300 VR which works well focuses faster and is a lot better built.