S5 II : Sigma TC-2011+105mm F2.8 vs LUMIX S 70-300 mm F4.5-5.6

[DarkCenobyte]

Hello,

I have a Panasonic S5 II and several lenses (including the Sigma 105mm macro), but no focal length larger than this 105mm.

On the occasion of a future trip where I'll have the opportunity to do some wildlife photography, I'd like to equip myself ideally, for the context I'll be on a boat (advertised as stable), so I imagine that stabilization could be a plus, I don't know if the camera stabilization alone will be enough with the tripod.

I'm recommended to have a 200mm focal length minimum on this occasion.

So I'm wondering what would be the best choice between buying a TC-2011 to reach a 210mm focal length with my Sigma 105mm macro, or buying a new lens (like the Panasonic LUMIX S 70-300 mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S.)?

Also I haven't found many reviews of the TC-2011 + 105mm macro combination, so I'm interested if you have any opinions on this combination for non-macro use.

 

[David Kieltyka]

I'd go with the longer lens. I've used Sigma's 1.4x TC with the 105mm macro: this combo performs fine in the center but gets soft toward the edges even at f/8. I doubt the 2x TC will be better in this respect, more likely worse.

-Dave-

 

[georgehudetz]

Agree with David - get the 70-300.

In addition to reach, the 70-300 has faster AF. Macro lenses normally have slow AF, and the Sigma 105 is no exception.

In fact, for wildlife, I'd suggest the Sigma 100-400 over the 70-300. But it depends on how much wildlife shooting you intended to do after the trip.

 

[KirillQPR]

I'd go with the longer lens. I've used Sigma's 1.4x TC with the 105mm macro: this combo performs fine in the center but gets soft toward the edges even at f/8. I doubt the 2x TC will be better in this respect, more likely worse.

-Dave-

What exactly causes that softness? I understand the 105mm by itself is a very sharp lens, so is it a poor copy of the teleconverter or are this lens and the TC just a bad combination by design and the lens should not be advertised as TC compatible?

 

[David Kieltyka]

I'd go with the longer lens. I've used Sigma's 1.4x TC with the 105mm macro: this combo performs fine in the center but gets soft toward the edges even at f/8. I doubt the 2x TC will be better in this respect, more likely worse.

What exactly causes that softness? I understand the 105mm by itself is a very sharp lens, so is it a poor copy of the teleconverter or are this lens and the TC just a bad combination by design and the lens should not be advertised as TC compatible?

My earlier post makes the corner softening sound worse than it is. It's noticeable at full res when comparing directly to the lens sans TC. In my experience this isn't unusual with TCs. But when looking at a processed photo in isolation you're very unlikely to think, "Gee, those corners are soft."

-Dave-

 

[kz6yx7]

I found buying the TC-2011 a costly mistake. I used it on the Sigma 105mm Macro, Sigma 100-400mm and Sigma 150-600mm Sportand concluded that the images were no better than cropping without using the TC because it was just too soft and losing two stops was not always good either.

I would recommend at least 400mm for wildlife and ideally higher. I find the Sigma 150-600mm Sport rather bulky and heavy and not so sharp when focussed near infinitely and so I am considering changing to the Canon EF L 100-400mm Mark II with a 1.4x TC for extra reach when needed. I have two Canon L lenses already and they work great with the MC-21 converter and they seem better built than the Sigma lenses I have ownned.

I strongly recommend visiting a camera shop and discussing and testing out the different options available to you.

 

[rashid7]

I found buying the TC-2011 a costly mistake. I used it on the Sigma 105mm Macro, Sigma 100-400mm and Sigma 150-600mm Sportand concluded that the images were no better than cropping without using the TC because it was just too soft and losing two stops was not always good either.

I would recommend at least 400mm for wildlife and ideally higher. I find the Sigma 150-600mm Sport rather bulky and heavy and not so sharp when focussed near infinitely and so I am considering changing to the Canon EF L 100-400mm Mark II with a 1.4x TC for extra reach when needed. I have two Canon L lenses already and they work great with the MC-21 converter and they seem better built than the Sigma lenses I have ownned.

I strongly recommend visiting a camera shop and discussing and testing out the different options available to you.

I've always figured 2x is a mistake, unless u r using exotic$ gear. I use the 1.4x, which works reasonably well on 100-400

 

[Jamajuel]

My subjective rant: TCs suck:

• They are overpriced for what they are (especially these S line ones).
• They are even more fiddly to deal with than swapping lenses
• 2x TC definitely show IQ degradation fairly obviously
• Murphy's law clearly states that you'll always have it on when you wish you had the extra stop light or don't have it with you when you really could need the extra reach...

I have two TCs: the 2x Panasonic S, which after playing with it on the 70-200 to extend for wildlife never really use. I tried it for fun on the Sigma 150-600 and the 105 Macro. It gives enormous reach on the big lens but sharpness really suffers plus at 1200mm, you have a lot of issues with atmosphere. Better to get closer.

I also have the Oly 1.4x for M43. I use it more often on the 100-400 but the trade off in light really limits usefulness. It degrades IQ far less though apart from that.

In short: get a lens if there is a suitable one, only use TCs if there is no lens for the focal range and you really really need it.

Note: I know next to nothing about Macro, so maybe it's different story for that.

 

[Nazpharoz]

Note: I know next to nothing about Macro, so maybe it's different story for that.

By macro with teleconverter, you get more magnification ability, but auto focus will struggle more and better to get right focus with manual focus. But even better to get a dedicated manual focus macro lens with the right magnification ability.

 

[DarkCenobyte]

Thanks for all the replies!
(I can't mark messages as a reply, my account isn't fully approved apparently)

So, I finally gave up on the teleconverter, and took the Panasonic 70-300mm (after a long hesitation with the Sigma 100-400, but I was able to get the Panasonic new for less than 600€ by combining various discounts, it seemed like a good deal)

 

[Nazpharoz]

Have fun with the 70-300 and enjoy your trip. Tell us if 200 was enough there or the 300 was more needed, also post a few pictures of your trip while telling us.

I know I like the 70-300 and used it few days ago for some birding at Singapore Birdparadise. Next picture is a free bird which was enjoying the flowers in the central open area of the bird park.




Olive-backed Sunbird. Had to work to get the shot, they didn’t stay long at same spot.

 

[AlanPepo]

Hey do you have any news about this? Did you have the chance to try them out?