I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance
I have the Nikon 1.4 teleconverter that's compatible with the 200-500. When you are working with good light it does an excellent job.
Lots of opinions on this one! I have the latest Nikon 1.4 and tried it and was not overly impressed. My recommendation is to rent one, easy enough to do, and you be the judge. If you're in Ct, Ma or RI, PM me.
shutterhawk wrote:
I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance
You have to understand that a Tele is a compromise of reach versus image quality.
PixelStan77 wrote:
You have to understand that a Tele is a compromise of reach versus image quality.
That's why I won't use it for birds. Mine is used for some inside sporting events on a 70-200 2.8.
I bought the latest 1.4 TC to use on a 70-200 and an 80-400; don't use it much.
I use the 1.4 teleconverter with my D500 and my 200-500. If you have good technique, it will give you excellent results. I found I need to use f/9 to get the sharpness that I am after. It does take some getting to. I use an Induro monopod with mine, I forget the model but it's their biggest one along with their tilt head.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
shutterhawk wrote:
I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance
You might not want too after reading this review:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vrIf 500mm on a crop sensor isn't giving you enough "reach" then you might want to consider being more patient and moving closer to your subjects.
If you decide that the loss of image quality is still within standards, you may find that your current tripod may not be up to the task of stabilizing a 700mm lens, especially on a crop camera.
Jerrin1
Loc: Wolverhampton, England
shutterhawk wrote:
I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance
I use a Nikkor TC14EIII with my Nikkor 300mm f4 PF VR and the two work brilliantly together. I can't say the same when it is attached to my 200 - 500mm f5.6. My experience is that it is handy to have for the "must have shot" which would otherwise be missed due to being too far away. For me at least, a tripod/monopod is vital when using the 1.4TC with the 200 - 500mm (a lens I normally handhold). I also believe good light is necessary for this combination to work, which is a bit of a bugger as I live in the UK. I tried mine out in overcast weather and was somewhat underwhelmed: but look forward to trying it out in good lighting conditions. Based on my experience so far, had I not already owned a 1.4TC I would not splash out on one just for use with the 200 - 500mm.
shutterhawk wrote:
I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance
I have used this lens with Nikon's TC14 for birds. Image quality is okay but auto-focus is more limited, especially if the bird is moving. I have now gone back to using the lens without a TC.
Dr J
Loc: NE Florida
I have a Nikon D500 and Nikon 1.4 lll tele with the 200-500. Yes, it’s one stop at f8 but unless there is very low light the autofocus is still fast and images sharp. There are times, to get the best angle through trees or dealing with other structures, e.g., water, you can’t get closer! “Just get closer” doesn’t usually work around here. If you purchase it, and I am happy I did, make sure you get the Nikon 1.4 lll; better, from what I have read, than earlier versions.
Good luck!
shutterhawk wrote:
I have a Nikon D500 with a 200-500 that I use rather exclusively for birds, often in flight. This has proved to be a great combination but now I'm looking for a bit more reach. I'm considering purchasing a 1.4 tele-converter but would like to hear other photographers experiences with this set-up. Thanks in advance
I have a D500 and 200-500 and set of Nikon TC's. I wouldn't use the TC's with that combination. I don't even like them with my 300 f/2.8. I do like using the TC's with my D750 and primes or f/2.8 zooms. And I've stretched with the D750, 200-500, and 1.4x, didn't have focus issues but IQ was not as good as I like.
If you really want more reach, get a 400mm f/2.8 and use the 1.4. It will crop much better than the 200-500.
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