JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Yes, I have that teleconverter too. And, yes, it does work. I still have AF and it still allows me to control my aperture. But that is not the issue. These generic TC's used on these lenses actually degrades the IQ. And it does so to the point that just cropping the image would probably look better.

There is another route to go. I have the Olympus TCON-17x. This is a teleconverter that screws into the filter threads and provides 1.7X magnification. The downside is that it is heavy, about 1 pound hanging onto the end of the lens. And not all cameras and lenses are going to like having that weight handing out there.

A positive for it is that light is not lost. If the image requires f5.6 without it, it will still require f5.6 after it is screwed on.

But the camera has no idea that it is on the lens and if you have image stabilization, the camera will still think you are at the original focal length.

Some years ago, these types of teleconverters were more popular and they sold for a hefty price. Today, they can be found for a fraction of the original price.

The attached image shows the result from the Olympus TCON-17X being used on an Olympus EM1 with a four thirds 70-300mm lens at 226mm. The TCON-17X turns that into 384mm. And considering that this camera is a 2X crop sensor, the FOV is what you would get with a 768mm lens. (First image)

The 2nd image is a crop of the first image showing preserved detail.

This gazebo was about 1 mile away on a very clear day.

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Just checked price on Amazon ($312) and eBay ($299). Looks like prices have risen. I bought mine several years ago on Amazon for about $70.

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Olympus EM1 with four thirds 70-300mm lens at 226mm and TCON-17X

(Download)

Crop of the above showing that detail is not lost

(Download)

jnurm99 Loc: Clarkston, Michigan

What is a "fast" lens? I have a Nikon d7500 and am looking to get more reach and good image quality for wildlife. I am hoping stay around a thousand.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Fast (tele) lenses have low numbered aperture numbers like 2.8 or 4. IMO, the Nikon 200-500 is the best budget solution for Nikon shooters.
Tamron has an excellent 100-400mm option for $600 NEW. From there you could crop with pixel enlargement.
The Tamron is much smaller/lighter than the Nikkor 200-500 also - if that matters.
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JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

It's not fair to NikonRocks to make a big deal of what he said about extra reach. Of course, you are correct. But to someone who doesn't understand the correct terminology, it does seem like it is extra reach.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

It's not an issue of fairness, it's a complete misunderstanding of the facts. Absolutely no ill will intended.