Posted by Moose on April 15, 2003 at 09:24:55:
In Reply to: 2x Teleconverter help posted by Mark on April 15, 2003 at 09:05:31:
: I have a Minolta X-7A that I use with a 1:4.5, 85 to 210 zoom lense to take pictures of my kids playing sports. I would like to take closer pictures. I have seen mixed reviews on the use of teleconverters. Would a 2x be worth my time? I can not afford a larger zoom.
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Are you taking photos from the sidelines? If so, what you have should be enough, unless the problem is really lens quality.
I spent several years in my prior life as a sports photographer. The longest lense I used was a prime Minolta 135mm f2.8 lens, that is relatively compact and easily handheld at the speed you need for motion photography, slowest being 1/250th. I shot from the sidelines for football and soccer and from field level for baseball, both day and night. Never needed to get closer. you can probably buy some of the older 135mm Minolta MC lenses for less than the cost of a new teleconverter. You can't use them in program mode on your camera, but can use them in Aperture mode and manually. The MD lenses may cost a little more and allow program mode.
If you are taking photos from farther back (the stands), there is no harm trying a teleconverter, but you'll end up with a pretty slow lens, and it will be an even heavier camera.
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