Getting closer to your subject can be a real challenge. This is especially true when your subjects are birds. The simplest solution might seem to be adding a teleconverter, but it's not without its drawbacks.
Coming to you from Jan Wegener, this informative video dives into the pros and cons of using teleconverters. Teleconverters can increase your lens’s focal length, but they also reduce the amount of light reaching your sensor. This means you'll often need to shoot at a higher ISO or a lower shutter speed, which can affect image quality. Additionally, teleconverters can reduce sharpness and alter the depth of field.
Wegener discusses the alternative of using your camera's internal crop mode. While this mode might seem like it offers more reach, it’s actually just cropping your image in-camera, meaning you’re not getting more pixels on your subject. This can be useful in some scenarios, like when shooting small birds that won’t fill the frame anyway. However, it doesn’t truly enhance your reach and can reduce the final image resolution.
Another important aspect Wegener highlights is the use of crop sensor bodies. These cameras inherently provide more reach due to their smaller sensor size, effectively cropping the image. This can be beneficial as it allows you to get closer without sacrificing light or sharpness. However, these bodies often come with fewer features compared to their full frame counterparts.
Teleconverters, despite their drawbacks, are still a popular choice among photographers for getting closer to their subjects. Modern mirrorless cameras have made using teleconverters more viable thanks to their improved autofocus and high-ISO performance. Wegener points out that today's teleconverters and lenses are much better than older models, offering better image quality and less sharpness loss.
If you're shooting in bright conditions, stopping down your aperture slightly when using a teleconverter can improve image quality. This means using a smaller aperture to gain sharpness, though it might require higher ISO settings or lower shutter speeds, depending on the available light. It’s a balancing act that can yield great results with practice.
Wegener also mentions the benefits of using teleconverters for specific situations, such as reducing the steep angle when photographing birds high in trees. By using a teleconverter and stepping back, you can achieve a more pleasing perspective while still capturing your subject effectively. This technique can make a significant difference in the composition and overall appeal of your photos. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Wegener.
