LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

I am using a Nikon D90 and just purchased a Nikon Teleconverter TC-17E 1.7X. It attaches to the camera with no problem but I can't seem to get it to attach to the lens (Nikon DX SWM VR ED IF). I was fairly sure when I ordered it that it would fit a DX lens but now wonder if I need an adaptor to go between the converter and the lens. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Please look at the lens again and identify the specific model. It will include some reference to the ## focal length in millimeters like 18-105mm.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Sounds like you need to do some more homework on which lenses work and don't work with the 1.7x. I hope you can send it back....

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

On the lens is printed, Nikon DX Nikor 55-200mm 1.4-5.6G ED. The vendor did say that it was compatible with a DX lens but I admit they didn't say it wouldn't need an adaptor.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Nikon compatibility chart is posted on their website:

https://cdn-5.nikon-cdn.com/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

Your 55-200 is not a certified compatible lens. There are no DX lenses listed as compatible with any of Nikon's AF-S Teleconverters.

Note too the comment about: Autofocus is available only with cameras that offer f/8 support. These include the Z 7, Z 6, D5, D500, D4/D4S, Df, D850, D810/D810A, D800/D800E, D750, D600/ D610, D7100, D7200 and D7500. For cameras that do not support f/8, teleconverters can be used without autofocus.

rcarol

Here is a link that specifies which lenses are compatible with the converter you purchased.

https://cdn-5.nikon-cdn.com/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Yes, you should always check compatibility, (and understand other issues like autofocus problems), before buying a teleconverter. All Nikon F type lenses have the same mount. DX or FX doesn’t matter. The problem is that the 1.7 TC has an element that extends above the mount. Unless the rear element in the lens is recessed enough it will never fit and you’re in danger of damaging both elements trying to install it.

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

Thank you very much.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Time to return teleconverter?

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

No! Time to order another lens that will work with the teleconverter.

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

My experience with the 1.7 TC has been less than stellar. It offers little advantage over the 1.4X and it doesn't work that well with many lenses. It is ok with a 70-200 F2.8 FL, a 300mm F2.8 and the 400mm F2.8 that I've rented in the past. But lenses that have a maximum aperture of F4 or slower aren't great.

A consumer grade lens like the 55-200 F4-5.6 is just ok optically and pairing it with a Kenko 1.4X will return marginal results on a camera that can autofocus at F8 - which the D90 can't do. Using a 1.7X will make the maximum stop F9.5, an aperture which no camera I am aware of can still be able to autofocus.

Then there is the problem with using zooms. In some cases the rear element can retract deeply, even beyond the lens mount, when used at its shortest focal length, and it could intersect with the front element of the TC - causing damage to either or both.

Though there may be some exceptions, the general rule is that a teleconverter is best used on telephoto lenses - the exceptions are the 70-200, 200-400, and some of the aftermarket 150-600 and 100-400 type lenses. But in your case, other than fast primes and fast pro-level zooms even a 1.4X will not give you autofocus. You would need to upgrade your camera to one that can work at F8. And get sharp fast lenses. Or better yet, if you are looking for something along the lines of 300-400mm, just buy a Sigma 100-400 which you can find used for around $400 from a retailer, or slightly less through private sale. It will give you far better results than the solution you are contemplating, and it will autofocus fine on your camera.

I would send the 1.7X TC back.

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

BE VERY CAREFUL, if the lens on your camera sticks out in the back you run the risk of damaging the real element on your lens and the front element on the teleconverter.
Please use the following chart to help you out.
https://www.nikonians.org/website/var/assets/files/nikonians-teleconverter-compatibility-chart.pdf

LoisCroft Loc: Jonesborough, Tennessee

Thank you very much. Yes it does stick out and I didn't try to force anything. Appreciate your comments.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Nikon is especially noted for it's full range compatibility nightmares !

photoman43

I have the Nikon 1.7 x tc and have also found it to be a poor performer as image quality gets degraded on most of my Nikon tele prime lenses. You are far better off with a 1.4x tc. However as noted already no Nikon tc will fit your 55-200mm Nikon lens.

Your best bet for a tc is to use one on a Nikon 300mm f4 P lens. The Nikon 1.4x tc works like a charm on this wonderful lens.