Teleconverters and close-up lenses extend the capability of SLR and DSLR cameras.
While both a close up lens and a camera lens extender make the lens on a professional SLR camera physically longer, the two devices perform opposite functions. A close-up lens, often called a macro lens, allows the camera to focus on objects at very short distances. A camera lens extender increases the focal length of the lens, magnifying distant items up to two or three times their normal size.
Teleconverters
Teleconverters are an economical way to extend the focal length of a traditional, or favorite camera lens. A 2X teleconverter will extend the range of a 150mm lens to a huge 300mm. Purchasing the right telecommuter will allow the photographer to extend the size of all the lenses in his inventory, thus saving a substantial investment. A 150mm lens with a 2X converter is also much lighter weight than a 300mm lens
Teleconverters versus Telephoto
While teleconverters have some advantages over telephoto lenses, they also have a few downsides. Teleconverters reduce the amount of light entering the camera when compared to a similar focal length telephoto lens. This means that a lens with a teleconverter will be less versatile in low light conditions than a traditional telephoto lens. Teleconverters also may slow the speed of an auto-focus camera, and affect the overall image sharpness. Teleconverters may work with some lenses and not others for the same camera. So when purchasing a teleconverter, make sure to investigate its compatibility before making your purchase.
Macro Lenses
The optics in a macro lens are designed to allow the camera owner to move in toward objects, and snap incredibly clear pictures at just a few inches away from the subject. Macro lenses are a perfect addition for an outdoor nature enthusiast who wants to photograph flowers, berries, and other plants in fine detail in their natural lighting and element. Macro lenses are typically designed so the lens operates at standard focal lengths, and then adapts to close range work. A typical macro lens focal length range is from 28mm to 85mm, making a single lens perfect for close-up shots, portraits and minor telephoto use.
Close-Up Lens Converters
Similar to the teleconverter adapters, close-up adapters and fish eye lens adapters are available for standard SLR and DSLR camera lenses. Some adapters thread into the end of the camera lens, while others are attached between the camera body and the existing lens. These adapters create the same abilities offered by a macro lens. The photographer is able to focus at extremely short distances and take pictures with distinctive clarity.
Tags: camera lens, focal length, macro lens, 150mm lens, camera lens extender
