Nikon 1.4X Teleconverter

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

I have a 1.4E Nikon Teleconverter which I have owned for the past 12 years or so. I just received my new Nikon 200 - 500 mm f/5.6 lens and as I was testing this lens I decided to try it with the teleconverter and I found it does quite a little hunting for focus, which it does not do without it attached. I have noticed that I have a little hunting when it is attached to my Nikon f/4 600mm. I am wondering if the new versions of the teleconverter such as the Nikon 1.4 XE III would be an improvement over the one I have. These, as you know, are an expensive item and I don't want to purchase one without some assurance that it will solve the problem. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Mac

[David Stephens]

Which body?

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

Hi Dave,

Both the D4 and D800E.

[David Stephens]

Hi Dave,

Both the D4 and D800E.

I'm no Nikon expert, but I thought that the D4 would manhandle any combination at f/8, which is where you should end up with combining f/5.6 with a 1.4x

[Morkel Erasmus]

Wheeler, the 1.4xTC-II and III are both streets ahead of the first version.
The III is also better than the II when it comes to AF, sharpness etc.
12 years is a lot of mileage to get from that TC. Time for a new one, especially if you want to use it on that zoom lens...

[Wheeler McDougal Jr.]

Thanks Morkel
I was afraid that that might be the cause, no one likes to have to buy one of those if one doesn't have to. By the way Happy belated birthday. I wish I could join you for one of your guided photographic safaris, but unfortunately I just had my 75th birthday back in March and I think maybe it would be too tough for me. I ordered the new 200-500 zoom because my 600 f/4 is really too heavy for me to lug around and really too heavy for handheld photography. I also have a 200-400 f/4 but it is a little too short and slightly too heavy for extended hand held work. I bought the new 80-400 f/4.5-5.6 to replace the 200-400 f/4 and have enjoyed the weight of this lens, but not the lack of light. By the way, I have a 1.7E II and a 2.0E III but they suck up more light than I would like. Enough of my ramblings. Anyway thanks for the information and I will order a new 1.4 x teleconverter soon.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Cheers Wheeler!
I think you can compensate for the lack of light in the 80-400 by just pushing ISO on the D4 a tad?
Enjoy the new converter!
Don't sell yourself short on joining a photo safari in Africa - the flights are the hardest part. The rest is quite comfortable and we look after our guests very well

[PWhalen]

Hi Mac;Good for you, I hope you are getting lots of great shots with your new lens.Have you bought the 1.4xTC~III ? If so, has it solved your focus hunting issue? Also, could you please let us know how the new 200 - 500 compares with the 200 - 400F4. Many of us 70+ year olds are also having issues handholding our trusty HEAVY zoom lens.Cheers, Orca

[stephen berke]

I haven't used any tele converters but I was thinking of getting one. I want it as an option on short tele primes, mostly manual focus lenses, 85 to 180 mm. If I understand correctly the Nikon TC14E will only mount on some lenses so it's not an option?