Playing With Lenses: Can a Tele Converter replace an expensive Super Tele? Vivitar MC Tele Converter 2X-22

Sunday 21 May 2017

Can a Tele Converter replace an expensive Super Tele? Vivitar MC Tele Converter 2X-22

Cost: free, came with a lens (average market price $8)

Can a cheap Tele Converter with a sharp lens replace an expensive Super Tele? The answer is "Hell No!" But I had to try...

I used the Tele Convertor with a sharp lens I tested before, the Tau/Five Star 200mm 1:4.5 MC. The results were lacking in contrast, not sharp at all, and a lot of chromatic aberration. On top, you loose a full stop, so I had to shoot in much higher ISO and there was hardly enough sharpness, light and contrast for the Peak Focus feature to work. So lot's of pictures that were out of focus.

In all fairness, results might be better with a higher end Tele Converter with more elements... I will not be using this one again...

Tele Converter Specification:

Conversion Factor: 2X
Image Format: 35mm
Lens Mount: Pentax PK
Optics: 4 Elements, 2 Groups
Weight: 134g
Length: 25mm
Production: unknown
Made in: Japan

More information on: Vivitar Corporation

Samples: