Taz1

New to the site!!!! Does anyone know if there is a teleconverter that will work with a Nikon5100, zoom 18-200mm lens? I would like to extend the "reach" of the 200 for some bird photos.

BillWaxman

I had a Nikon D200 on which I used a 2X telextender with the 18-200mm lens and the combination functioned perfectly. I am assuming that the same would be true of the D5100. Problem is I cannot recall the name of the manufacturer. I sold the outfit in order to buy a D7000 but will contact the guy who bought it and get you the name of the teleconverter company. It was not Nikon but an after market one. Worked beautifully, though with contacts and pass through for the electronic (motor in lens) as well as the screw driven (motor in camera) Nikons. The D7000 and D90 are the least costly "new" cameras available that will handle all the lenses with AIS made from about 1977 onward so that was important to me as I owned several older Nikon autofocus lenses that would not work on my D60 - hence the move ever upward in models back to the Pro level. I'll get you the info as soon as I hear back from my friend.

BW

Taz1

Thank you. That would be most helpful. The 2x is exactly what I am looking for.

j85 Loc: Shawnee

Yes, I would be interested also.

DaveD3

After reading a lot of articles on teleconverters for Nikon cameras, I chose a 1.4 based on overall loss of f-stops. I bought mine on ebay for about $150, Kenko I think. It works perfectly. My $.02

BillWaxman

The one I had was from a brand called Kenko and it worked just fine. Expect some "searching" in less than perfect conditions of contrast between objects but you can overcome that with the manual over ride on the 18-200mm lens. You have yet to learn, I suspect, what a good combination of body and lens you actually have there. Take your time, enjoy it and make wonderful images with it.

The cost of a Kenko can probably be easily determined on eBay or through Amazon. There is little to hurt on one so used would be just fine if you can find one.

Bill

Jschneir Loc: Santa Monica, CA

Teleconverters introduce a whole host of problems ranging from decrease in lens aperture therefore needing either a slower shutter speed or higher ISO or both. And as you zoom out a lot more the optical IS may become less effective. You are also adding more reflective surfaces which can also degrade the image. You may want to consider a mirror lens if you are not tying to capture birds in flight and are using a tripod.

Before buying any lens or accessory spend a little bit of time at a camera store with your camera and trying out a few shots with that accessory attached. Then go home and look at those images at 200-300% magnification. It will either convince you to spend the money or to find another alternative.

Hoosier in GA Loc: Milledgeville, GA

I have a Nikon 70-300mm lens that I've been told that teleconverters will only work in manual focus....autofocus won't work except on prime lenses. Camera is D-80. Any input on this?

BillWaxman

Since the Kenko simply passes the electronic contacts through the teleconverter mount effectively connecting them to the camera and lens as though the converter were not even there, it should work. The other caveats are also worth being considered but I have to say that I got outstanding results with the Kenko. Now I might just have been lucky and had a perfect combination. The advice to try before buying is very good, if you can do it. I could not, I live on an island and there are no camera stores nearby so I simply took my chances and made out. Good luck.

Bill

FredD Loc: Eastern Shore/Chesapeake Bay area

I used a 1.4X Kenko on my 18-200 sigma and the IQ was very disappointing so I returned it to Amazon for a full refund . I wouldn't try another converter for my 18-270 . however, will try again for my 70-300 as it is still too short for bird and safari shots
Amazon's return policy makes this easy , it costs you only a few $ in shipping.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I have a 2x that works great with my Nikon 70-210 fixed F/4 It works great. The trouble with most converters and zoom lenses is that when you zoom out you get a smaller maximu apature and this does not give you enough light for it to work well. - For less than the converter you can get a Spiratone 400 on eBay. Have to use it on manual but it is a fun lens. - Dave