Nikon D5000 mated to Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro os hsm and 1.4x or 2x TC

[crimbfighter]

Ok, I know that was a long title, but here's my question:

Has anyone mounted a consumer DSLR, like my D5000, with the newer Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro OS HSM lens, and TC (1.4x, 1.7x or 2x) and gotten results they can share as they relate to the functionality of metering, and autofocus? I'm not concerned about the loss of IQ, or loss of light, as they are understood, and appear negligible. I'm more interested in what auto features I could still retain.

The few bits of information I could seem to find, which were obtained using the much higher end Canon 5DII, suggested that with the 1.4xTC they could still use full phase detection AF, but when paired with the 2x TC, the phase detection really struggled, and were remanded to contrast AF via Live View. Beyond that, it was manual focus only. However, OS still appeared to work across the board, which was good news!

I guess my concern, is that if the high end AF/AEM systems of the 5DII struggles with the TC's, what can I expect on my consumer level body. Obviously it will still all work, with either TC in manual modes, but if using a 2xTC means OS, MF and manual exposure only, then I would probably go no more than the 1.4xTC, if it would still afford me the OS, AF, and AEM. If I still wouldn't get those features even at the 1.4xTC, then I'd just say screw it, and go with the 2xTC and just use it in full manual mode.

My ultimate goal, is to have a the longest TC I can use, while still maintaining the auto functions afforded by the AF and AEM systems. I'd like to hear your experiences with this lens, mated to various TC's, and mounted to various bodies, including consumer level and pro level bodies. What worked well, and what didn't? What did you find was the best setup for you, and why?

Sorry for the long post, and hopefully it made sense!
Thanks in advance!

 

[Overread19 7]

Tele Converter matching list

According to the chart when using Sigma teleconverters you'll get the following:
1.4TC - With 1.4x APO Tele Converter, AF can operate between infinity and 0.53m. If the subject is closer than 0.53m, only MF is available.
Metering will factor in the light loss and report it to the user, so metering should work as normal.

2*TC - Manual focusing only
Metering will factor in the light loss and report it to the user, so metering should work as normal.


Note they are the stated stats from the sigma website. The OS itself should keep functioning, but as you increase the focal length the effectiveness of the OS will degrade.

 

[Derrel]

The D5000 has a higher-technology AF system than the 5D Mark II has...the 5000 has face-priority AF, Wide-area AF, Normal-Area AF, and Subject Tracking AF; this is made possible by having color-aware light-metering and distance-aware metering, two innovations Nikon invented over 15 years ago. The 5D-II has a rather dumb, color-blind metering and AF system.

My personal experience is that a high-quality 2x teleconverter that costs two f/stops' worth of light will still give autofocusing in bright light levels, with subject matter that has reasonably strong contrast or strong patterns or shapes. f/5.6 is the "minimum" for AF with many cameras...with longer lenses, like say 150mm, the In-focus and Out-of-focus image and the degree of In- or Out-seem to be important factors in how well certain combos actually work. At short focal lengths and long distances, like say 55 to 70mm and over 50 feet, the image at f/5.6 is pretty close to In-focus when compared to say, a 300mm f/4 lens with a 2x converter added, and shooting at 10 feet...the images will both be from a lens yielding an effective f/5.6, but the longer lens shot at closer ranges will give a phase detection AF system more of the KIND OF INFORMATION that actually makes AF work, or not work.

Sigma's converters have a very good reputation for performance. Very,very good rep.

 

[crimbfighter]

Thankyou, both, for the replies. They are very helpful. It sounds like I could still get the metering I desire, and under the best of circumstances, still get the AF, as well, even when running a 2xTC (depending on which one). Granted, there will be severe limitations, but I find myself manual focusing more and more these days, anyway. I think I'll settle on the Sigma 2xTC to mate it to. I plan on upgrading my body to whatever succeeds the D300s, anyway, so I may gain marginal improvements in this lens combo with that upgrade.

Thanks again!