Nikon 300 F4D AF-S IF-ED with Nikon TC-14E: Does anyone have experience shooting with the Nikon 300 F4D AF-S IF-ED lens combined with the old Nikon 1.4 teleconverter (TC-14E not...

Bebepples Loc: Allen Park, MI USA

Does anyone have experience shooting with the Nikon 300 F4D AF-S IF-ED lens combined with the old Nikon 1.4 teleconverter (TC-14E not TC-14EII)? I am considering purchasing both used on CL, and everything I have read says the lens combined with the TC-14E II is a very good combination re: AF speed, and accuracy, but nothing re: TC-14E.

I am using the Nikon 7100, and I need the reach for birds of prey in flight shots.

Thanks

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Quote from Ken Rockwell: "The TC-14E and TC-14E II are identical except for the name and trim. Both work with both AF-I and AF-S lenses."

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

OddJobber wrote:

Quote from Ken Rockwell: "The TC-14E and TC-14E II are identical except for the name and trim. Both work with both AF-I and AF-S lenses."

In this case Rockwell is correct. The TD-14E was designed for "AF-I" lenses and states this on the TC description line, because AF-S lenses did not yet exist. After AF-S lenses were developed the TC was renamed the TC-14E II and the description line changed to read "AF-S". Either TC will work equally as well on either type AF lens, but NEITHER will work with the older AF lenses having the mechanical screw drive AF system as neither has the screw drive pass through feature.
Do keep in mind when mounting the TC that the lens you mount it to MUST have a recessed rear element to avoid interference fit and damage to the lens' rear element.

Bebepples Loc: Allen Park, MI USA

Thanks MT Shooter!

Bebepples Loc: Allen Park, MI USA

and thanks OddJobber too!

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

Bebepples wrote:

Does anyone have experience shooting with the Nikon 300 F4D AF-S IF-ED lens combined with the old Nikon 1.4 teleconverter (TC-14E not TC-14EII)? I am considering purchasing both used on CL, and everything I have read says the lens combined with the TC-14E II is a very good combination re: AF speed, and accuracy, but nothing re: TC-14E.

I am using the Nikon 7100, and I need the reach for birds of prey in flight shots.

Thanks

here is a good review that tests the combo you are looking at - on a cropped sensor camera:

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/228-nikkor-af-s-300mm-f4d-if-ed-review--test-report?start=1

And another:

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/228-nikkor-af-s-300mm-f4d-if-ed-review--test-report?start=1

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Bebepples wrote:

Does anyone have experience shooting with the Nikon 300 F4D AF-S IF-ED lens combined with the old Nikon 1.4 teleconverter (TC-14E not TC-14EII)? I am considering purchasing both used on CL, and everything I have read says the lens combined with the TC-14E II is a very good combination re: AF speed, and accuracy, but nothing re: TC-14E.

I am using the Nikon 7100, and I need the reach for birds of prey in flight shots.

Thanks

TC 14 works well on long Nikon teles. To my knowledge the only Nikon lenses that won't work are the zooms that don't have clear spae for the real element when combined with the TC-14 series.

This is also the sharpest of the tele-extenders.

Bebepples Loc: Allen Park, MI USA

Great. Thanks for your feedback. I've boiled down my choice to purchasing used TC-14E and Nikon 300 f/4 AF-S for about $950 combined vs. purchasing a new Tamron 150-600 f/4.5-6.3 lens for about $1100. I give up the extra reach of the Tamron (which might be soft above 500mm anyway) by going with the Nikon combo, in exchange for perhaps better glass, better resale, lighter weight, but no VR. Any comments?

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Bebepples wrote:

Great. Thanks for your feedback. I've boiled down my choice to purchasing used TC-14E and Nikon 300 f/4 AF-S for about $950 combined vs. purchasing a new Tamron 150-600 f/4.5-6.3 lens for about $1100. I give up the extra reach of the Tamron (which might be soft above 500mm anyway) by going with the Nikon combo, in exchange for perhaps better glass, better resale, lighter weight, but no VR. Any comments?

Used a manual focus, no VR Nikon 500mm/f4 for years with good results. With practice you will become very good with focusing.