dabbleshots Loc: Richmond,va.

I was wondering if anyone uses a teleconverter with zoom lens.. I have heard both ways one says good results,, another not so good,,, just was wondering if anyone on here uses them with zoomz taking wildlife with them...

thanks,,, hope everyone is doing well and getting great shots this summer!

Russell

Fatford Loc: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Hi Russell. I use a Tamron 2x with my Nikon 55-300. It works ok, but I find most of the time I have to use manual focus.

eurobird Loc: uk

Hello Russell have used a Kenko 1.4 with a Nikon 70-300 ed lens with some good results but you need good light.
I would say most of the time you would have manual focus.Hope this helps.

One i took in OZ

(Download)

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

There's little new since you asked the same thing in September.

It will still be a mixed bag. If you're still looking for an alternative to "pricey lenses", forget it. Teleconverters will magnify any shortages of lesser lenses, e.g. soft focus. Best use is a high quality TC ($500) on a high quality lens.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I also own the Kenko 1.4X I use on a 70-300mm lens and like it. It is an aftermarket teleconverter and less expensive than either the Nikon or Canon Teleconverters that can cost over $400. The Kenko is less than $150, and I recommend the 1.4X over the 2X. Daylight and manual focus for best results.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

This is a subject of constant debate on The Hog - just search on tele extenders or tele converters. The results depend on the lens and the teleconverter. I occasionally use a Canon 1.4x mk2 with a Canon 100-400L and a 70-200L, and both my testing and Canon's MTF charts show a small (maybe 5%) degradation in IQ, which is barely noticible (if at all under normal circumstances). The new cost is >$400, but they can usually be had used in excellent condition for about 1/2 that. Personally, I would not go beyond 1.4X, but some people have decent results with 2.0x. Also, I would use the extender by the same company that made the lens, or a high-quality extender like the good Kenkos. Two caveats: first, make sure it will physically work with your zoom, as there can be physical interference with some lenses. Canon has a list of available lenses that are compatible with their extenders, and I'm sure Nikon has the same. Secondly, the 1.4x will cost you one stop, and the 2X typically at least 2. Aside from the loss of light (and the exposure adjustments required), depending on the body, the lens and the extender, it may prevent autofocus from working, requiring manual focus. If you post the specific body, lens and extender combination you are considering, someone will likely be able to advise you on AF and compatibility if you're unable to research it.

jim quist Loc: Missouri

With my 70-200 2.8 I use both the 1.4 and the 2x. When I begin shooting I forget they are even on the lens. Never had a need to use manual focus. The 2x will give a softer image. I shoot with Canon and use the Canon tele-extenders.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

It depends entirely on the TC, lens and your standards. Personally I think the discerning user will be disappointed with all but the very best lenses and lowest magnification.

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

Only reliable results are with pro zooms - like the 70-200 F2.8 and the 200-400 F4.

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I use a 1.4 vivitar with a sony 100-300mm zoom, the auto focus works and the iq is ok for me.i also use a 2.0 Minolta tc with a Minolta 70-200mm G zoom. the results great as far as i'm concerned.after we say our piece, you are the final judge. find a way to try out a few combos and then decide if tc's work for you.

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

The price of a TC will be no indication of how well it will work with a specific lens. A 1.4x TC from Nikon will work just fine with a 70-200 F2.8, but a Kenko 1.4x will deliver less peformance (or better) - the point is each combination should be evaluated - you may get lucky. I have a Sigma 100-300 F4 that is awful with a Kenko 1.4x, but works just fine with a Sigma 1.4x. On the other hand I use the Kenko with an older 80-200 F2.8 Nikkor, and it's fine - I can't tell the difference between images with the TC and without.

Generally speaking, the faster the lens (and it should be a telephoto or telephoto zoom - less risk of lens elements hitting the front element of the TC), the better the results. Faster and more accurate focus and less impact on image quality. As far as TC-Lens intersections are concerned, the Sigma 50-500 actually has a zoom limiter that you must engage when using a TC - because it will crash into the TC.

As far as the specific lens you are asking about, you might want to read this rather lengthy but detailed review:

http://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-28-300mm-vr

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Me too. Happy with focus for 70 - 200 f/2.8 II & Tele 2x III.
Mark

[quote=jim quist]With my 70-200 2.8 I use both the 1.4 and the 2x. When I begin shooting I forget they are even on the lens. Never had a need to use manual focus. The 2x will give a softer image. I shoot with Canon and use the Canon tele-extenders.[/quote

alggomas Loc: Wales, United Kingdom.

I suppose it depends on the teleconverter and whether you are a magnifying glass man.

It is fine, there will be some degrading of photo but you will not notice under normal circumstances.

Try one out.

There will always be pros and cons but remember YOU are the one taking photos and you are the one to be satisfied.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

A few months ago I got a Kenko 1.4TC for my Nikon. It cost about $130. When I posted comparison shots here, some members thought the TC looked better than the bare lens. I'll see if I still have them.