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01/13/2004 05:22:28 PM · #1 |
| Anyone have a Kenko teleconverter? I'm using one with a Nikon Coolpix 990, and I get very soft focus. I've tried setting the camera for auto focus, manual focus at the minimum distance and manual at infinity with very little difference between settings. The lens comes with no instructions, other than to tell you to focus it manually using it's own focus ring. Any suggestions? |
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01/14/2004 12:17:38 AM · #2 |
6x??!!
If memory serves me correctly, that gives 690mm equivalent at full zoom (115mm equiv.) on the 990.
First thing you need to do is rule out camera shake. At 690mm, you better have a darn steady set-up, and the split-body design on the 990 doesn't help in this regard (speaking as a 995 owner).
If camera shake is not the problem, then it is quite possible that the lens is just soft.
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01/14/2004 12:47:32 AM · #3 |
LOL, I just did a Google search for "kenko 6x" and got a site that sells it for $105 dollars. That's probably the answer right there. It's probably the most expensive paper-weight you could ever buy. :) There's no way you can pay $100 and expect to have a quality tele-converter lens, especially at 6x.
If you really need a lens that "long" for bird watching or whatever you need it for, do some research first on what is available. |
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01/14/2004 01:22:19 AM · #4 |
While it may not be quality glass, don't knock these cheapo teleconverters. I don't know about the Kenko, but I have been using the Crystalview 8x32 monocular for several years now - first with my Coolpix 950 and then with my 4500. It is cheap glass, but you can do some pretty cool things with it. As you mention, you have to manually focus. Put your camera in macro mode, focus close with the teleconverter then autofocus to get the sharpest image. You definitely want a tripod or other support. You can get some pretty cool shots with it, for such a cheap lens. (The crystalview is about $150)
Here are some samples. They tend to be soft at the edges and will vignette at the widest zoom:
Brise Soleil
Cormorant
Gull III
St Mary of the Angels
With cropping and a bit of USM, you can get some really sharp images.
Dave
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01/14/2004 09:29:17 AM · #5 |
The macro mode setting is a great idea! I have a 3X teleconverter with focus problems. This may help! Thanks!
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01/14/2004 09:39:52 AM · #6 |
For those interested, I recommend buying from Tom at //www.ckcpower.com (I'm not affiliated with him, just a satisfied customer.
He has great info pages about monoculars and the Kenko and Crystalview products as well as adapters for a variety of cameras.
Here is his Crystalview page that has some really great comparison shots of a standard 990 with 3x zoom and then the same scenes with the Crystalview attached.
he also has links to a review of the product at Steve's Digicams which I'll provide here for your convenience.
Dave
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01/21/2004 11:32:04 AM · #7 |
| Thanks for all the comments, they are helpful. I've had a look at the CrystalVue pages, and this seems to be a somewhat sharper lens than the Kenko, based on some of the comparison shots. However, I tried using the close focus setting, and that helped a lot - especially using the self timer to fire the shutter. On the 990, the camera appears to be in closup focus mode whenever the self timer is used. The results are a lot better - using the self timer also may be eliminating any motion problems I was having. |
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