Can you use a teleconverter on a macro lens, and what are the limitations?

Asked 2/15/2012

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I’m considering using a teleconverter with a Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro to gain more reach. I’ve heard teleconverters may not work with macro lenses. Is that true, and if so, why?

I’m especially interested in whether a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter will physically fit, whether infinity focus is retained, and what effect it has on magnification, working distance, light loss, and image quality.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

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Yes they work, I'm sometimes using one with my 100mm non-L macro with good results. However, there is a caveat: Canon and Sigma teleconverters do not work because they physically do not fit. There is a protruding bit at the front of the converter that fits into a corresponding cavity on the back of the lens - and only certain L Canon lenses have this. This means the various 70-200s and the longer tele primes, as far as I know. I don't know if the 100 L macro has this opening, from photos I've seen of it it does not look like it.

I am using a Kenko brand 1.4x teleconverter thas does not have this protrusion, which makes it fit just about any EF lens you'd care to mount it on. I put it on a 17-40L once, for laughs. They do make a 2x converter too. Basically the same products are sold under the Kenko, Tamron and Soligor brand names.

Originally by user3458. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user3458

14y ago

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Yes—teleconverters can work with macro lenses. Optically, they increase focal length and magnification, so a 2x converter can let you reach higher magnification or keep similar magnification from farther away.

The main issue is often physical compatibility, not the macro design itself. Canon teleconverters have a front element that protrudes, so they only fit certain lenses with enough rear clearance. Based on the answers, the Canon 2x teleconverter does not fit the Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro directly, while the Canon 1.4x does fit. Third-party teleconverters such as some Kenko models may fit more lenses because they don’t have that protruding front section.

A teleconverter does not inherently remove infinity focus. Using an extension tube to make a converter fit is what would cost you infinity focus.

Trade-offs: you lose light, autofocus may be less reliable, and camera shake is magnified. For close-up work, they can be very useful. For infinity use, a macro lens may not be as optimized as a conventional telephoto, so performance may not match a dedicated 200mm lens.

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14y ago

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