Tele-converters are a modestly priced way to extend the focal length of your long lens. A 2-X (2-power) tele-converter turns a 135mm f2.8 lens into a 270mm f5.6 lens, for example. Tele-converters go between the camera body and the prime lens.

Most generic tele-converters give modestly good results. A 2X converter gives best results if the lens is stopped down at least two full f-stops from its maximum aperture, and using a tele-converter also causes a loss of effective lens speed. With a 2X converter, a lens rated at f2.8 becomes an effective f5.6 lens. A lens rated at f4.5 becomes an effective f9 lens. Then you have to close down the lens at least two f-stops. You'll need to use fast film and you'll need to hold the camera steady!

Matched multipliers are a special breed of tele-converter. They are (or were) designed at the same time as the specific lens to which they are matched, and give far sharper results than "one-size-fits-all" models. When used with a 70-200mm Vivitar lens, for example, you end up with a 140-400mm lens that's just about as sharp as the prime lens itself.

We recently uncovered a cache of these rare birds. They're new in the box, although the boxes may be a little shopworn. If used with the lens they're designed for, the results are super. If used with another lens, they may or may not yield good results. If you're in the Aiken area, stop buy with your camera and lens and try one out.

All the following are Vivitar brand 2X matched multipliers. They're new and in the box, but the boxes may be shopworn.

"Regular" tele-converters (not designed for a particular lens). Unless specified, these are all used and in excellent condition

Chris' Camera Center, South
150A Laurens Street SW
Aiken, South Carolina
803 641-0501  e-mail us