Attachments+Converter

Lens attachments & converters

A lens converter is an accessory for camera lenses, also known as a teleconverter. The focal length of the existing lens can be enlarged by means of the converter. This enlarges an image accordingly at the same distance from the subject and captures a smaller angle of view. A wide-angle attachment would produce exactly the opposite effect.

The teleconverter indicates the ratio in which the focal length of the lens used is increased. In film and digital cameras, the attachment converter is applied according to the principle of the Galilean telescope, in which an image rotated by 180 degrees is created for the observer. It is therefore laterally reversed compared to the original. The autofocus, aperture control and other information can be transferred from the converter either electrically or mechanically between the lens and the camera.

Available commercially are lens attachments with 1.4 to three times magnification. If the user wants to use larger factors, then several converters can also be connected in series. In 2010, amateur photographers and hobbyists actually succeeded in taking respectable photos of the Earth's moon using a five- or two-fold converter in front of an 800 mm telephoto lens. Of course, the simultaneous use of several teleconverters is possible, but at the expense of image quality and speed.

Is the individual converter the perfect solution?

Individual lens converters are only suitable for 35 mm cameras with focal lengths of 50 to 300 mm. If a lens with a longer focal length is available, for example with wide-angle lenses and the superzooms, then the image quality also suffers considerably here with the use of a converter. The manufacturers on the market offer lens converters that can be used for a lens family or for a specific lens. They are also called individual teleconverters and degrade the image quality only to a minimal degree. Optically as well as mechanically, the best imaging qualities are achieved. With a double converter you get 50% of the image detail. It doubles the focal length while maintaining the shortest close-up of the camera lens. This also improves the image scale.

Advantages and disadvantages of converters

Teleconverters offer photographers and those who want to become photographers some advantages, but also disadvantages. First of all, they are cheaper than buying a new lens. So those who decide to buy one can expect to achieve similar results as with a "real" telephoto lens. However, there will be some sacrifices in terms of image quality and light intensity. Those who cannot do without a real telephoto lens will probably not find a satisfactory remedy with a converter. However, if you simply want to try something out, lens adapters are a good idea. They save an extremely large amount of volume and weight and are very suitable for first steps in working with telephoto lenses.

Lens converters are particularly popular with press photographers, nature photographers and sports photographers. This is because they allow, for example, shy animals to be photographed in large format. Only the lighting conditions have to be perfect for this.

Our lens converter section offers a well-positioned range of high-quality photo accessories. You will only receive branded goods from renowned manufacturers in unique quality. Of course, we deliver all ordered items to your home within a few working days and, if required, you will receive competent and serious advice from us on the phone before you buy. We would be pleased to hear from you by mail or phone.