Vivitar 2x TC - to macro or not to macro?

[tim_klimowicz]

So, from what I gather, the macro version of the Vivitar 2x FD

teleconverter allows you to focus closer, obviously. Can anyone tell

me how this compares to the "normal" Vivitar 2x teleconverter

(without the macro)?

 

The non-macro seems shorter. Does this one have 4 lenses, and the

macro 7? How close does each focus with, say a 50mm 1.8 lens? Will

the non-macro focus just as close as the 50mm does by itself

(about .6 meters)? Will the macro focus even closer?

 

How does the image quality compare between the two? Does the the non-

macro have any strengths over the macro that might justify forgetting

about the macro capability (I'm a bit more interested in doubling the

zoom of my lenses than I am in macro, but macro capabilities are more

than welcome if the lens is better overall anwyay).

 

THANKS!

[awahlster]

Tim the macro version is the only 7 element doubler that I know of under the Vivitar name (it was made by Kiron) and it is considered to be one of the best thrid party doublers made for Canon FD. The Tokina 7 element being another. They are second only to the 2X-A and 2X-B Canon doublers. I have owned both and got very good (for being shot with a doubler)shots with both and the Vivitar used both as a macro doubler and a doubler with a telephoto.

 

My only dig with the Vivitar is that the focus and auto/maunal rings are very easy to bump and change during use. On the telephotos I used a thick short rubber band around it to keep the setting I wanted. This could have been just me.

[tim_klimowicz]

Great, thanks!

 

Bidding on one of the Vivitar 7-element 2x macro TCs now on ebay, which is said to be in near mint condition. 7 day return included, and the seller has 99%+ feedback in 2000+ sales, so I probably can't go wrong.

[kendurling]

Tim, just be aware they tend to get overpriced. You should be able to find one easily for under $50. I concur with mark that this is an excellent doubler. I've used it on telephotos, of course, but also with a normal 50/1.8 or 50/1.4 to make a dynamite macro lens.

 

Ken

[bino lee]

Tim,

 

TCs tend to compromise the image on lenses (but you prolly already knew that) and even more so on zooms. If you must use a TC on a zoom, try to stop down to around f8-11 and use a solid tripod to maximize your image quality.

 

Best of luck to you! I hope your experiences with TCs are better than mine. The only TC i've been pleased with has been the 1.4xA made by Canon.