authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

I just picked up a classic Nikon 300mm F4.5 AI manual focus lens in new condition. Works great and images are sharp. I am using it on my Nikon D750. Is there a teleconverter which will work with this manual focus lens? If so, what do i search for? If this were a current lens i could just buy one but this lens is from the early 70's.

Thanks in advance ...........

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Nikon has a TC compatibility chart which will tell you what you want to know. Look on the Nikon web site or do an internet search.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Ken Rockwell says yes and gives you options.
https://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/300f4afs.htm

pendennis

The compatibility chart following shows what T/C's are compatible:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/accessory.html#300

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

This lens reviewed by Ken here is a newer lens. Mine is the Nikon 300mm 4.5 AI which is all metal and much older. Like from the early 70's ....

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Lens is sharp for its age

Attached file:
(Download)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Check the compatibility chart in pendennis post. One of the issues with "compatibility" is that many teleconverters "extend" into the back of the lens when connected together. Therefore, the back / rear of the main lens being "extended" needs space within the lens interior allow the teleconverter to be connected.

The chart from pendennis doesn't seen to address the newest autofocus AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, but if an older TC works for an F-mount manual focus lens, I don't see why a newer model wouldn't also, still being a manual focus combination. Maybe there's an issue with communicating the aperture control given the TC sits between the camera and lens? On a DSLR this may be problematic for focusing. On my mirrorless bodies with extenders and manual focus lenses, the digital body can meter based on the light hitting the sensor, even with the aperture closed down to the desired aperture. DSLRs tend to struggle with the aperture anywhere other than wide-open for focusing, as the DSLR doesn't dynamically 'brighten' the viewfinder to match the exposure of a stepped-down manual focus lens.

splatbass Loc: Honolulu

Nikon TCs have a tab that sticks out on the lens mount, so they only work on lenses with a corresponding space for the tab. I'm not sure if that was true in the 70s, but it's something to consider.

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

This Nikon 300mm 4.5 Ai has no rear element and the hole is deep. Aperture blades are about 1/3 into the lens body.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Check out Kenko teleconverters, they just brought out a new TelePro series to replace their well regarded Pro 300 series - I have both the 1.4 & 2.0 Pro 300 that I used with various lenses for years.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

So, it would seem the two can 'connect'. But, that doesn't mean the aperture is controlled by the camera. Again, maybe not an issue if the aperture can be manually set on the lens. But, can you focus from the DSLR's view finder?

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

The first Ai Nikkors appeared in 1977. The recommended teleconverters for the 300 f/4.5 Ai were TC-14B and TC-301 (1.4X and 2X). I don’t know how the present teleconverters would work.

pendennis

The D750 will shoot in A and M modes with AI and AI-s lenses, and it needs at least f/8 for focusing points to work. With a 1.4 T/C and a 300mm f/4.5, you're at the limit of the D750 focus points, with a 2x T/C, the focusing points won't work.

I have a 300mm f/4 ED AF-S, and use the Kenko 1.4x and 2x T/C's with it, and the AF will occasionally hunt, especially at lower light levels.

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

But he bought a MANUAL focusing 300 f4.5.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm not sure about compatibility, but I use a Kenko 1.4 TC quite often on my 28-300mm, and I have no complaints.