A test: Soligor 2X doubler and CZJ Sonnar 135 M42

[Jesito]

This morning a Hoopoe has appeared in the garden and I've been shooting it with the CZJ Sonnar 135. But the focal was too short to get a decent take of the small bird.
So I've been trying the Soligor doubler to see if the result could be acceptable for an emergency like that one.

I've shot a few pictures, results are not too bad, as an example the pool seen from my flat, (second floor):




Jes.

[dave_t]

Hi Jesito. The results look pretty nice, but then again, the Sonnar 135 is also a great lens. Could you please post a picture of what the 2x tele looks like? I'm currently looking for some m42 converters, but the branding is sometimes so wacky that I'd like to see a picture of a decent performer.

[LucisPictor]

It's nice, Jes, that you are satisfied witht the results.
None of my M42-teleconverters have ever produced good results. They were good for "emergency" situatuions, but not really more.

[Jesito]

[Jesito]

[Rob Leslie]

[estudleon]

I hear that the telemore x2 (7 elements) is one of the better in M 42. Ebay @ $ 35.

If you use an important tele only a few times, perhaps the x2/3 can be interesant compromise solution.

I never use one, but it sound interesant for me now.

Rino.

[Attila]

I have Kiron made Vivitar macro 2xTC almost invisible or invisible on pictures, best one from cheap ones what I tested. Tamron SP 2X TC was disappointing. I see no practical usage of any. A cheap double focal length lens mostly provide better quality and not loosing f stops.

[poilu]

I didn't test enough my doubler but I found that quality is greatly dependent of the lens. My last moon shot was with a 70-200 + doubler and result was better than tamron 300 with 2 doublers (1200mmx1.6=1920mm)
http://forum.mflenses.com/moon-t11543,highlight,moon.html

[Attila]

Manufacturers mostly designed TC for a lens , not for every lens.

[estudleon]

A 135 m, little ones (CZJ) with a 2X it's a short and light 270 mm., it will be handy, and handheld better than a 300 mm. Perhaps it's good for street surprise circumstances. And make lighter your street equipment. Of course, it can be usable when the message isn't the medium.

It seem to me, not more. I never use them.

Rino.

[F16SUNSHINE]

Luck has been slim for me with TC's
I have the Mutar II now and although it is excellent it is limited to use with longer lenses only (135mm +)
It would seem that if a TC is going to be usefull it should work with lenses 50mm + .
I don't expect that a TC would work well with a lenes wider than 50mm but at least with.
I also have a Komura m42 2x and it is just OK at best.
Once again it really only works well with longer lenses.
Maybe this is to do with it working better with slower lenses.
I should try sometime with a yashinon 4/55macro and see if that helps.

The zoom TC that Luis tested the other day is cool. Of course Luis was using it "Midas" can use anything and make it look good

[Jesito]

[LucisPictor]

[martinsmith99]

Knowing how sharp the czj can be, I doubt a 2x will work as great with other lenses.

A better option is to put some strong glue on a branch to hold the bird in place and walk right up to it.

[Jesito]