View Full Version : gl2 teleconverter ?


Richard Tamayo
September 16th, 2003, 07:01 PM
Could anyone give me some feedback on a teleconverter lense?
What the cost is and the brand you use.where to purchase one.Give me some details on what you are using it for.

Ken Tanaka
September 16th, 2003, 09:31 PM
Richard,
I've never had the need to use a teleconverter with the GL2. However, Century Optics (http://www.centuryoptics.com/products/dv/2x_tc/2xtc.htm) has one of the more popular models for the GL1/GL2. Certainly not inexpensive at around $400, but they make some of the best accessory glass available and lenses are expensive to manufacture well.

Jeff Price
September 19th, 2003, 10:31 AM
I've used the Sony 1.7x on both a GL1 and a GL2. I like it but you MUST use a tripod! If I had my druthers I'd probably get the Century Optics if I had to replace it. The extra .3x may help with some photography. There may be a slight quality difference as well. Search the archives, this topic has been covered before.

You don't say what type of video you need the extra oomph for. You do need to realize that you WILL get vignetting with either of these lenses at wide zoom. You don't loose the vignetting until about the mid-point of the zoom (the equivalent of the 20x you'd have without the tele-converter).

Richard Tamayo
September 20th, 2003, 07:19 PM
Thanks for the input.I shoot mostly hockey games.I think I may try to get closer by moving down in the stands closer to the ice.I just was trying to avoid moving down in the stands,I can get a better shot of the whole game higher up.Plus it is much easier to follow it.I use optical 20x,but of coarse higher up ,I tend to loose the quality of the picture{pixels}

Don Berube
September 20th, 2003, 07:31 PM
Ken is absolutely correct about Century Optics being the best choice if you want the best quality. Bear in mind that their adaptor is one sweet piece of glass, it costs money to make these things.

If you find yourself having to skip a few meals in order to afford a teleconvertor for your GL2, then there is always the Canon TC-DC58N 1.75x Tele Convertor
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=262141&is=REG
It's originally meant for the Canon PowrShot G3 - but remember, since it has a 58mm thread mount it will work on the GL2 as well. Not bad if you can only afford to spend a little over $100.

Bear in mind that you will probably experience some vignetting with a tele convertor if you set your zoom lens to full wide. These adaptors are really meant to 'extend' your optical zoom power when you find your lens cannot get in cloise enough to where the action is. Don't keep it on the camera all the time, just when you are in those situations when you need more 'reach'.

- don