While I think it is the problem with adding glass in front of the lens, that is causing the poor picture quality. Most of these tele-converters are for video cameras with much lower resoultion. Only tele converters made for the camera or a few "well" known brands work with prosumer cameras. You have to consider what LostPatrol suggested. When you increase the focal length with an extender, then the camera shake is also increased. If I shot a photo with a 50 mm lens at 1/60 of a sec and got a sharp photo, it would be very doubtful that I could achieve the same with a 200 mm lens. The longer the focal length the harder to hand hold and get a sharp image. So while your 1st photo is sharp, increasing the magnification of the image, increases the chance of camera shake. But again, I think it is the tele extender poor quailty that is causing this. The problem is there is no way to tell unless you use a tripod, or make sure you have a very fast shutter speed. I am trying to remember but I can't, what type of camera do you have?