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Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Your Complete Guide to the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

The Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD sits in a sweet spot between price and performance for Canon FD shooters. I’ve spent countless hours testing this teleconverter, and I’m here to share the raw truth about what it can (and can’t) do for your photography.

What Makes the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD Different?

Unlike other teleconverters I’ve used, the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD brings something special to the table:

  • Full metal construction that feels proper solid
  • Proper auto aperture coupling that actually works
  • Glass elements that hold their own against pricier options
  • Precise engineering that keeps everything aligned

Real Performance Breakdown

Let me tell you exactly what happens when you slap the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD on your camera:

The good stuff:

  • Center sharpness stays strong when stopped down
  • Color rendering stays true to your lens
  • Build quality that’ll outlast your camera
  • Zero issues with infinity focus
  • Clean bokeh preservation

The trade-offs:

  • Corner softness is real (physics, mate)
  • You’ll lose 2 stops of light
  • Manual focus becomes more critical
  • Some vignetting wide open
  • Needs stopping down for peak performance

Perfect Lens Pairings with Your Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

Through trial and error, I’ve found these combinations work like a charm:

Prime lenses:

  • Canon FD 200mm f/4 (turns into a 400mm f/8)
  • Canon FD 135mm f/2.8 (becomes a 270mm f/5.6)
  • Canon FD 300mm f/4 (transforms into a 600mm f/8)

Zoom lenses:

  • Canon FD 70-210mm (doubles to 140-420mm)
  • Canon FD 85-300mm (expands to 170-600mm)

Street-Smart Tips for the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

Shooting techniques:

  • Lock down that tripod – stability is everything
  • Use mirror lock-up for critical shots
  • Focus at taking aperture, not wide open
  • Double your usual shutter speed rule
  • Keep those contact points clean

Maintenance musts:

  • Clean both surfaces before every mount
  • Store with caps on both ends
  • Check alignment periodically
  • Keep it dry and dust-free

Real Talk: When to Use Your Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

Best scenarios:

  • Bird photography from hides
  • Lunar photography
  • Stadium sports photography
  • Architectural detail work
  • Nature documentation
  • Air shows
  • Safari photography

Skip it for:

  • Indoor sports
  • Twilight shooting
  • Run-and-gun street photography
  • Event photography
  • Fast-action sequences

Money Matters

Let’s break down the value proposition:

New price range:

  • Mid-tier compared to competitors
  • Better value than OEM options
  • Less than half of premium converters

Used market:

  • Hold their value well
  • Worth paying extra for mint condition
  • Watch for fungus and separation

Buying Guide for the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

Essential checkpoints:

  • Glass must be scratch and fungus free
  • Mount should turn smoothly
  • Aperture lever needs proper spring action
  • No oil on the aperture blades
  • Elements should be properly aligned
  • Check for internal dust (some is normal)
  • Test infinity focus if possible

Common Questions About the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

Q: Will it mess with my meter readings? A: Your camera compensates automatically – just shoot normally.

Q: Can I use filters with it? A: Yes, both in front and behind, depending on your setup.

Q: Does it affect close focus distance? A: Nope, same minimum focus as your lens.

Q: What about image stabilisation? A: These are manual lenses – no IS to worry about.

The Bottom Line on the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD

After months of shooting with the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD, here’s my straight take: it’s a solid piece of kit that delivers exactly what it promises – double focal length with maintained auto aperture control. Sure, there are compromises, but show me a teleconverter without them.

If you’ve got Canon FD glass and need more reach without remortgaging your house, the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD makes perfect sense. Just remember, it’s a specialist tool – use it when conditions are right, and it’ll reward you with results that’ll make you grin.

And that’s the Rokinon Auto Teleconverter 2X C/FD in a nutshell – a proper useful bit of kit when you know how to use it right.

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