TAMRON 1.4 Converter for Nikon

Usually the focal range of 70-200mm is used as a telephoto zoom. The 300mm focal range is called an "extra" telephoto lens. It is ideal if you want to make faraway objects larger and closer in pictures. It also provides for more blurred backgrounds so that your subject is separated from distracting backgrounds and seems to "pop" out of the image. By using Tamron's 1.4X teleconverter with the 70-300mm extra telephoto zoom lens, the focal range becomes 100-420mm "ultra" telephoto zoom. Even when using the teleconverter, high quality images are maintained throughout the entire focal range all the way up to 420mm. For best results, a tripod is recommended.

70mm is a medium telephoto range. This range is useful for portraits. With a telephoto zoom, you can get sharp images with beautifully blurred background. This is a wonderful effect for both candid and posed portraits.

300mm is an extra telephoto range. This range works well for sports and wildlife photos.

420mm (70-300mm lens + 1.4X teleconverter) is an ultra telephoto range. You can get closer than 300mm and it is ideal for smaller wildlife like birds. At the focal range of 420mm, you can get the effect that front and rear spaces are compressed in a picture. It really creates a specific focus in the picture. This is a genuine ultra zoom telephoto effect.

The teleconverter increases the focal length of the master lens by 1.4X. It makes the aperture value one f-stop slower. That is, the 70-300mm F/4-5.6 becomes a 100-420mm F/5.6-8 with the teleconverter attached. Note: Because there seems to be the tendency for camera shake with extra telephoto zoom lenses, using a tripod is recommended.

Mounting the teleconverter:
Line-up the mounting mark on the lens to the red dot on the Teleconverter and rotate to fit. Then attach the lens/converter to the body as you would mount any other lens.

Holding the camera:
To get the best results, keep the camera body steady. Stand comfortably with your elbows close to your body. Look into the finder while pressing your forehead against the camera. By using both hands and your forehead together, you create a sort of tripod effect that can reduce camera shake when you must handhold the camera. Once you master the basics of holding your camera, your image quality will improve.

Clear sharp images without camera shake:
When you take pictures while handholding a 35mm SLR camera, the rule of thumb is that the shutter speed should be equal to at least 1 over the focal length. That is, when using a 420mm lens, you should be sure to use a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second or faster. Otherwise, it is suggested to use a tripod. There are program settings on many new cameras that let you tell the camera to shoot at the highest shutter speed possible. If your camera does not have this type of program mode, then use the "shutter priority" mode or "manual" mode and set your camera to a speed of 1/500 of a second or faster.

Using a tripod :
Use a tripod as often as you can. Tripods are very necessary accessories for successful telephoto zoom photography. Added stability takes away camera shake and improves image quality. This is because the shutter speed may become slower than recommended when you use the extra telephoto zoom lens.

Use Manual Focus and Focus aid:
It is not always easy to bring an image into focus when the F-stop of the master lens is over F/6.3 (the threshold of the camera's autofocus capabilities). Sometimes it is better to use the camera in manual focus mode. Additionally many cameras have a focus aid function that confirms the focus is correct. This is indicated in the camera's viewfinder.

Note: When you use a teleconverter, sometimes AF does not work correctly in dark places or on objects where the contrast is low. In this case, switch to MF and bring into focus manually.

Film Tip:
High-speed film reduces camera shake. Use high-speed film such as ISO400 and ISO800 when using a teleconverter or telephoto zoom lens without a tripod. Use higher shutter speeds (like 1/500 sec.) to get the best results without camera shake.

Photographing subjects in bright places:
It is better to take pictures in bright places while you are getting used to using a telephoto zoom lens with or without the teleconverter attached. It is easier to get high shutter speeds outside in sunny weather. The shutter speed will become increasingly slower on a cloudy day, increasing the potential for camera shake.

Close-up is amazing with the macro function!
It rivals genuine macro photography

The Tamron AF70-300mm telephoto zoom lens has a close-up function called Macro. By switching to macro mode, subjects as close as 37.4" can be shot within the focal range of 180-300mm. In this range, you can enjoy wonderful 1:2 ratio (that is, half life-size) close-up macro photography of flowers, insects and other small objects.

Get even closer by using the AF1.4X Teleconverter
When the 70-300 lens and 1.4X teleconverter are used together, the macro capability is increased to an incredible 1:1.43 magnification. Yet the Minimum Object Distance (MOD) emains the same (37.4"). This means your subject will be nearly life-size on the film (for example, a half dollar coin will almost fill the viewfinder).

Shot at 1:2 macro at 300mm

Shot at 1:1.43 macro at 420mm