Duplicators

I am thinking about getting a 2x teleconverter for my nikkor 60mm to be able to add more space between the subject and the camera in macro. In fact, I was considering Kenko teleconverters, but do not really know if the MC7 would be adequate or if I sohuld go for the DG 300 Pro version.

Would I be able to go further that 1:1 magnification or do I need a diopter for that?

Anyone has had any experience with them? Any recommendations? Even of the recommendation is not to use a teleconverter...

Hy lyn, at the top of the page you will find in the pinned section the following thread.

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=8924

its on how to get more than 1:1 with your macro, it cover about anything you could imagine about getting closer to or bigger magnification.

as for the teleconverter quality, the MC-7 is OK for most need, but the DG 300 is better.

Searching through wetpixel I stumbled on this link

http://www.traumflieger.de/desktop/telekon...test2_teil4.php

(beware, it's in German). They tested several converters (but aimed at telelens use), and the Kenko DG-300 only tested slightly better then the cheaper Kenko Teleplus MC DG (which probably is the same as the K1.5 AF SHQ DG converter mentioned on the Kenko site.

Of course this is the 1.4-1.5 range, for the 2x range it is more clearcut. They did a test for these as well, but aimed at L lens performance, because the 1,5 converter needs to convert less (to put it in laymans terms), that one came out on top.

http://www.traumflieger.de/objektivtest/te...check_Teil3.php

I'd be careful with a 2x teleconverter, they really rob sharpness and light (2 stops) meaning your using a 120mm f/5.6 macro lens which will be a nightmare to focus and noticably soft IMHO.

personally i'd suggest starting with a 1.4x which is only 1 stop less light and minimal sharpness loss. I'd suggest the kenko too.

There is good reason why nikon designs their AF TC's to only work with their amazingly sharp super telephoto primes. Other lenses struggle with them.

You will get greater than 1:1, i think to the same ratio as the converter. TC's magnify focal length but retain the same close focus distance. Diopters bring the close focus even closer which is worthless with the 60mm since it already focuses insanely close. This is covered in detail in the thread Jean linked. Cheers,

Chris

Thank you all!

You've addressed my main concerns. I will take a look at the macro post (I'm sure t's worth it) but I think I have nearly made up my mind: I will look for a MC7 1.4x Kenko converter and give it a try.

I use the Nikon 60 mm with the Kenko DG-300 X 2 converters.

I found the results very good and really like this combination, you must have a modeling light to enable the AF that works with the teleconverter but it's 'hunt' a lot.

Looks for Tony Wu posts here in WP, he have amazing images with teleconverters, even with the X3.