tele-converter opposed to a telephoto lense

[simonruss]

I am just getting started with my new hobby of digital photography, would like to know if a x2.0 teleconverter is worth buying instead of a telephoto lense. the price difference is an issue but what are the differences in picture quality?? Thanks

[pug100]

The pros are cost, double your focal length(200mm to 400mm), weight, your lens keeps it's minimum focus distance which may be much less than an equivalent prime lens.
The cons loss of lens speed ( a 2x convertor loses 2 stops), aberration ( a convertors optics may not be as good as a prime lens magnifies defects in the prime lens) camera shake and loss of focus speed.
Overall it's a cheap way of getting an extra long lens for the occasional shot but if you wil be using it all the time it may be better if you save up for the longer lens.
More here

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/the -pros-and-cons-of-using-tele-converters-extend ers-on-your-dslr/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teleconvertor

[simonruss]

thanks, am new to this digital photography and was wondering what to ask Santa for......

[jno]

I used to have one on my old-style film SLR, but the pictures were never really as good; they improved once I saved up and got a proper zoom lens. This isn't necessarily true of digital, though.