zgirl Loc: TN

Hi All,

I recently purchased a TC-201 Teleconverter for around $40.00. I know that this is not a very popular teleconverter, but for $40.00 bucks I thought I would try it. I have an older Nikon and lenses as well a newer Nikon body and lenses.

I also have an older Pentax K1000 and lenses, but I have not really considered using them with this device yet.

I downloaded a chart of the lenses that are compatible. I have taken some test shots with a couple of lenses and I am beginning to figure out what settings I need to use, but an actual instruction manual for this model would be really helpful. Nikon downloads netted nothing for this model.

I have spent a lot of "$ searching capital" on the internet with sparse results. It appears to be the Phantom of Teleconverters.

Does anyone have experience with this device?

Any suggestions, advice or poking sticks at the newbie are welcomed.

Thanks!

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

I would think this website would tell you what you need to know:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/tc200.htm

I also think that there's not much that special about this TC - reading about the topic of teleconverters in a number of books would address all the important points.

Bill_de Loc: US

We usually think of teleconverters for use with long lenses. This one was designed for lenses up to 200mm.

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zgirl Loc: TN

Thanks, using this one on AF Nikkor 80-200 1:2.8 D

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

A 2X converter will never improve IQ, it will not even MAINTAIN IQ. Good luck.

Retired fat guy with a camera Loc: Colorado

I replied to a similar post a couple of days ago, 2x teleconverters suck. It does not matter who made them . I used a Canon 2x with a Canon 300 prime L lens, mounted on a Canon 1Ds Mark lll. I hated it, it took a very sharp combination and turned into junk. I sold it, I have a 1.4 that I am not wild about either. It is the original one, paint is a little chipped, and I would sell it for a 100 dollars, if anyone reading this wants it, let me know. if you want a sharp picture, use what God gave you, your feet. It is that simple.

Bill_de Loc: US

But God also gave my subjects feet/wings. It isn't always that simple.

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Leitz Loc: Solms

Not everyone has sharp pointy feet, either!

Retired fat guy with a camera Loc: Colorado

I understand the wings and feet reference. I have missed shots when my subject has as they say, flown the coop. I have had Elk walk away or turn their heads. But, I would rather miss the shot, than have a disappointing blurry, un-sharp picture.
I have a pro body and L lenses. I have never taken a shot with a teleconverter, that could compare sharpness to a picture without one. I have used tripods. wireless shutter triggers, it did't matter, they were not as sharp. I want, no, I demand sharpness from my gear. I cannot get that from either the 1.4 or the 2x. I would bet American money you can't either.
Not that long ago, when I first starting taking pictures, I read and then I read some more. One bit of advice comes to mind. Know the habits of what wildlife you are shooting. Scout the area. Put yourself in position to get the shot you want. Plan your shoot,
Photography is not always easy. It takes work, time, practice and sometimes, pure dumb luck to produce a stunning shot. For me slapping on a teleconverter, and hoping I might get a half way sharp shot is not the answer.

zgirl Loc: TN

Thanks all for your replies.

I will experiment and see what happens. There is always the option of returning the teleconverter if the results are truly awful images.

As stated earlier; many of my subjects have feet and wings also. :-)