Looking for suggestions on a teleconverter: Does anyone have first hand knowledge of a good teleconverter for a Nikon DX AF-S 4.5-5.6 ED 55-300 lens? Looking for a 2 X but might...

Jack47 Loc: Ontario

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of a good teleconverter for a Nikon DX AF-S 4.5-5.6 ED 55-300 lens? Looking for a 2 X but might consider a 1.7. Appreciate any and all replies.
I’ll take the good and the bad. Thanks.

Math78 Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Your lens is not compatible with any Nikon TC per Nikon chart:
https://cdn-5.nikon-cdn.com/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

You might consider Kenko. But make sure you can return it if you don't like the results.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Whatever, don't expect much; and as said, keep the receipt.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

In general, you want to use the lens maker's teleconverter. Be careful if you try to mix brands as the back most lens in the lens tube can actually make contact with the lens in the teleconverter. Not a good thing! Always check compatibility.

Another issue is the f stop loss. For a 1.4x teleconverter you lose one stop, for a 1.7x teleconverter you lose 1 1/2 stop, and for a 2x teleconverter you lose 2 stops. So, a 1.4x on your lens at 300mm goes from f/5.6 to f/8. So you need to make sure your camera body can focus at f/8. I know my D500 and D850 can auto focus at f/8, but AF speed gets very slow.

I checked the Nikon website for Nikon lenses compatible with their 1.4x teleconverter and your lens is not listed, but maybe there is an earlier version that is compatible.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-teleconverter-tc-14e-iii.html#tab-ProductDetail-ProductTabs-CompatibleWith

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

I bought a Kenko 1.4x TELEPLUS PRO 300. Tried it with my Nikon AF-P Nikor 70-300 DX lens. Took a few test shots at max zoom using a tripod. Auto-Focus works, but very soft images. Probably should have returned it. I didn't think, I paid all that much for it, but just reviewing my Amazon order, I see I paid $139 for it. Don't waste your money. Pictures OK for desktop viewing, but not much more.
Not seeing how to attach a photo in reply.
OK - can do it in edit, but had to save as a smaller file to get it to upload.

(Download)

Bill_de Loc: US

To get really good results from a teleconverter (it is possible) you need to start with a really good lens.
They typically work better with fast primes rather than zooms.
I think at some point many of us have tried to convince ourselves something will work, knowing in our hearts we were throwing our money away.

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Starman441 Loc: Iguana Land, Fl.

Jack47 wrote:

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of a good teleconverter for a Nikon DX AF-S 4.5-5.6 ED 55-300 lens? Looking for a 2 X but might consider a 1.7. Appreciate any and all replies.
I’ll take the good and the bad. Thanks.

This is the response that I got from Nikon support regarding teleconverters & Nikon Lenses:

Question details:
Teleconverter
Created: 10/24/2019 by Email | Reference #: 03913916
Response from James W.
The following common lenses cannot be used with an autofocus teleconverter, this is not a complete list. Please check your lens manual for a listing of incompatible accessories.

17-55 mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX
18-70 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX
28-300 mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR
Any 18-55 mm
Any 18-105 mm
Any 18-135 mm
Any 18-200 mm
Any 55-200 mm
Any 70-300 mm
Any 24-120 mm
200-400 mm f/4G IF-ED * - will only autofocus with the TC-14E I.

That said, I might still try one with my 55-200 AFS VR at a local retailer to see what works & what doesn't. I'm sure Auto-focus won't work; not sure about metering & other features Like P, M, A, S, & Auto settings.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Jack47 wrote:

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of a good teleconverter for a Nikon DX AF-S 4.5-5.6 ED 55-300 lens? Looking for a 2 X but might consider a 1.7. Appreciate any and all replies.
I’ll take the good and the bad. Thanks.

Here’s the link to a fairly recent discussion on the same subject. Good luck!

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-612729-1.html

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Here are two links to recent advice to another UHH community member with the same, I believe, incompatible lens:

Their question: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-611620-1.html

Example images of the results: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-612729-1.html

Bill_de Loc: US

Starman441 wrote:

This is the response that I got from Nikon support... (show quote)

If the rear element of your lens hits the t/c you may be forced to buy a damaged t/c as well as paying to repair your lens.

I don't understand why you asked for advice here after getting advice from Nikon, if you were going to ignore it all anyway.

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MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Bill_de wrote:

If the rear element of your lens hits the t/c you may be forced to buy a damaged t/c as well as paying to repair your lens.

I don't understand why you asked for advice here after getting advice from Nikon, if you were going to ignore it all anyway.

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Absolutely amazing what some people can convince themselves of. Hope he doesn’t wreck his 55-300mm.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Just four words. Run Far and Fast.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Jack47 wrote:

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of a good teleconverter for a Nikon DX AF-S 4.5-5.6 ED 55-300 lens? Looking for a 2 X but might consider a 1.7. Appreciate any and all replies.
I’ll take the good and the bad. Thanks.

It won't work. Typically the mfgr of the lens makes the best TC for it. But Tele converters are best used with Telephoto lenses. Some exceptions exist - the 70-200 F2.8 class of lenses) 120-300 F2.8, 200-400 F4 and 180-400 F4 lenses all work very well with at least the 1.4X TC. Some lenses, like the 70-200 F2.8 FL, 200mm F2 FL, and the 400mm F2.8 FL are so sharp that when you use them even with a 2X TC they will still produce crisply detailed images, and still have functional AF performance.

When you couple a TC with a consumer quality slow lens - F5.6 or slower max aperture, you start to make major compromises in AF performance and image quality. Most consumer lenses just aren't that sharp at maximum zoom. Some current lenses, like the Tamron 150-600 G2 and the Sigma Sport are still ok with a 1.4x TC on some camera bodies only because the lenses are designed and tuned for maximum image quality at maximum zoom. AF performance still suffers, and using a 1.7X or 2X is out of the question.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

As you've seen, not all lenses are compatible with all converters. I have the Kenko 1.4 TC, and that works fine with my Nikon 28-300mm.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Save your money and purchase a long lens. JMHO