Basic TeleConverter question

[William W]

While searching for teleconverters for my Canon, I ran across a "teleside" converter on ebay. (Link) I realize quality is going to be no where near a true teleconverter from Canon, but is this an acceptable accessory considering the price?

I can accept the vignetting at the wide end. I also read that using a teleside does not affect aperture as much as a teleconverter. With a standard 2x converter you lose a full 2 f/ stops. Supposedly teleside do not have any f/ stop lose.
Anyone care to chime in?

The device’s design is the same principle as the “Close Up Lens” – It screws onto the front of the lens.

You will lose a little light but it is insignificant to measure for any practical purpose, so YES the statement is correct - there is NO f/stop loss.

Note that the size “58mm” is the FILTER SIZE to fit on the lens you have, therefore this device will mate with any lens which has a 58mm Filter Thread, not only the Canon Lenses with a 58mm Filter Thread. But with a 58mm thread, it is no doubt targeted for use with the range of EF-S 18 to 55 F/3.5~5.6 Kit Lenses.

My (experienced) guess, judging by the selling price, is that this will be an example of “you get what you pay for”.
At US$17.49, that price is about one fifteenth the price of the Kenko x2 DGX and about one thirtieth the price of the Canon x2.0MkIII.

My guess is the device will, specifically: cause Chromatic Aberration and heighten Lens Flare, probably Vignette on some (prime) lenses and very likely will Vignette on all zoom lenses, when they are zoomed toward the wide end (of course that would be silly as the idea is to get closer anyway) and generally it will cause Image Quality Degradation.

My Bottom Line (device not tested) Opinion - it is a toy. I would not buy it.

If you have an 18 to 55 Canon Kit Lens and you want to get closer, put the $20 each week in a jar and save up and buy the EF-S 55-250mm F/4~5.6 IS II. One of the best value for money inexpensive Canon lenses and that will be the equivalent of a x2.5 "converter" with NO F/stop loss.

WW

[GreedyRogue]

I have already spotted the 55-250 and plan for that to be my next purchase. I just figured that the cheap ebay one would hold me over until that $20 a week can get me a new lens.

After all, the price is much better than the Canon option.

Yes I realize the quality difference. i just assume that is Canon put one out, that the idea may have merit.

I do appreciate your input though. Wonder if there is a middle of the road teleside, or if it's either a $18 or $2000 option only.

[William W]

That “Canon option” to which you linked is NOT an option for you (unless you have Canon Broadcast (television) Lenses for your HDTV rig), as it’s assumed you have a Canon DSLR camera – for example a 60D.

Yes the “idea” has merit – but just referencing the “Canon Option” mentioned, there will be many who desire high quality video that would NEVER buy that $2000 attachment to stick on the front of their expensive Pro Video Lens.

It should take only 12 weeks to save for the 55 to 250IS MkII – and the first $20 has been saved, from being wasted.

If there is a "middle of the road version" - don't buy it either, is my advice.

WW

[GreedyRogue]

You are correct about the mounting issue. I forget to consider the lens mount when looking at other lenses.

I have a Canon t2i/550d. I really need to get a better handle on lens mounts though. Thanks for pointing that out. Not that I would spend 2k for a lens ever, but it reminds me of the mount issue.

[William W]

I have a Canon t2i/550d.

I expect you will get great use and joy from the 55-250 IS MkII: we use the first version of the lens on a 400D and also a 450D. The extra 2 stops of standard ISO which you have at your disposal, will provide you with a better opportunity to use the lens for sporting and similar fast moving activities.

I really need to get a better handle on lens mounts though.

If you stick with only EF and EF-S Mount Lenses you will not have any problems.

WW