New Lens Extreme Crop

[Amy DeStefanis]

I'm posting this to show how happy I am with my new 70-200 2.8 lens! This is an extreme crop on a flock of birds napping.... It's probably about 15% of the original frame. I went to pixel size just to see how sharp the image stayed.

For most of the morning, I used the 1.4TC with it, and then tried the Tamron 2X TC. Unlike with the 70-300, the 2X works fine with AF, though I might have been manually focusing here. I switched back and forth, and I can't remember. I was focusing on this particular bird out of the flock.

For PP: in Lightroom, I bumped up the "Clarity" (11), and the Saturation and Vibrance (19 each). I brought down the exposure by .58, and warmed up the color temp a little, recovered some whites, and deepened the blacks....

But I didn't use any sharpening.... I know I could still do some sharpening, but I wanted to show the result out of the camera.... :D

Nikon D80
70-200 2.8 w/ Tamron 2X @ 400mm (yay!)
1/800 sec @ f/9
Handheld
Manual Exposure
I think Manual Focus....

Thanks!
Amy D.

[Desmond Chan]

Amy, 70-300 is never meant to be used with any TC. In fact, it does not fit any Nikon TC II available. So, there should not be any reason for anybody to complain about 70-300 does not work well with TCs, especially those not from Nikon.

Now that you use a 2x TC on a 70-200 f2.8, you end up with a f5.6. Doesn't sound like the kind of fast lens you were looking for to me. Besides, 2xTC usually softens the image more then the other TCs will. As can be seen here, it can use some sharpening despite the fact that 70-200 is known for its resolution and sharpness. But, I will judge the result based on 100 % RAW file instead.

Good exposure and colors though !

[Amy DeStefanis]

Hi Desmond,

I've heard conflicting things about using the 70-300 with the 2X (albeit the Tamron-made). This might look soft to you, but after a year of looking at the results from my 70-300 (sans 2X), I find it very promising.... I guess it's all relative.

At least I don't end up with f11 using the 2X - so of course I am better off speed-wise. Just maybe not as well off as if I'd spent twice as much (sometimes our bank accounts force us to compromise), but note the first line... I'M quite happy with the results.

Thanks for the comments.

Amy

[Alfred Forns]

Amy do try the 1.7X when you can Does pair well with your lens. If you intend in using the 2X get the Nikon and use a tripod. I have gotten sharp results but the AF is slow (very slow) Looking forward to your images with this beauty !!! Big Congrats !!!!

Remember your magnification with converter (1.4X) and camera crop factor (1.5X) gives a 420 final ... hold it steady !!!

[Amy DeStefanis]

Thanks Al, I will consider the 1.7 also. Today was a day for experimentation, and so far, I am very happy.

:)

Amy

[Desmond Chan]

Hi Desmond,

I've heard conflicting things about using the 70-300 with the 2X (albeit the Tamron-made). This might look soft to you,

For the record, I have the 70-300 f4.5-5.6 VR. Nikon says that it is not for use with TCs. I understand why they use the TCs on it though (just like many use TCs on other lenses like a 300, 500, and 600).

Using a 2x TC usually don't get you very good results, doesn't matter if it's a 70-200 or 200-400.

[Amy DeStefanis]

Thank you for your input, Desmond.

[Harold Davis]

way to go, amy!! and big congrats on your new lens. is it the nikkor or sigma? just curious. looks fantastic as presented even with the 2x!! sure makes it more fun when you have nice play toys! looking forward to many more great images from you now!!!!!

[Amy DeStefanis]

looking forward to many more great images from you now!!!!!

Thanks, harold.... I guess the pressure's on - no more blaming the lens!

I got the Nikkor lens. I sure can see a difference. I'll do my best to live up to the hit on my savings!

:)

Amy

[Gus Cobos]

Well done Amy,
I like the composition...:cool:

[denise ippolito]

Amy, Good luck w/ your new lens-you're off to a good start. I love the colors BTW

[wendell westfall]

And I'm happy for you Amy, too! Looks like we took the same route. I started with the Nikkor 70O-300 and "graduated" to the Nikkor 70-200VR, as you did; I also bought a Tamron 2X and often use the combination (especially when I am not doing birds in flight, which I often am). I'm very happy with the results I'm getting. Of course, I'd like also to have one of those looonger lens, but I can't bring myself to part with the big bucks to get one. All my images are taken hand-held, but most are without the 2X, by the way. I am very happy with the sharpness and quickness of the 70-200 lens, even with the 2X. I guess a 1.7 would be better though; I'll have to try that sometime. So, here's one guy who knows just how you feel with your new setup . . .

Wendell

[wendell westfall]

Oops! I meant I started with the 70-300 (not 70O-300) . . . Wendell

[Lance Peters]

Hi Amy - congrats on the new lens - the 1.7 works extremely well - with proper technique you will get good results from the 2X as well.
The 1.7 is stunning with that lens.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

I think you are going to have fun with you new lens Amy!

[Nonda Surratt]

Big congrats on the new lens. I think it held up quite well with the 2x converter especially with that size crop! Never have tried either converter with my Canon version of your lens, might have to give it a try.

Really like the image!