AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D ED-IF auto focus with TC-17E II 1.7

[Michael Brokenshire]

Hi, New to this forum and hoping to benefit from the collective wisdom and experience. I'm considering upgrading to the above lens combination to use with my Nikon D300. I know a lot of people have spoken highly of the 1.4 TC but the added reach of the 1.7 is very appealing. I shoot raptors in flight almost exclusively, hand held with a shoulder stock. The loss of a couple of f stops doesn't worry me but I'm wondering about the speed of the auto focus and image quality. Anyone have any experience with this combination? Thanks in advance.

[Doug Campbell]

My wife uses this combo almost exclusively with excellent results. I have to mention the usual caveat that any TC will degrade image quality. That said, with proper technique I think you'll be pleased.

[Michael Brokenshire]

Thanks for the feedback Doug. You've confirmed what a lot of other people are saying about this set up. I've pretty much made up my mind to get it before I head off for Cape May this fall.

[Jason Kim]

Does this mean TC 1.7 with 300/4D will auto focus on D3s?

[Michael Brokenshire]

Since I originally posted I've learned that it will not, in fact, auto-focus. Economic necessity now dictates that I go to plan "B".......a 150-500mm Sigma.

[Sarah Jessup]

It will autofocus, as long as light is good. Nikon says it won't, but Nikon says that about any f4 lens and the TC 1.7. In my experience, as long as there is decent light, they will autofocus. It won't be quite as fast. And, image quality will be better if the lens is stopped down while using the TC.

[Jason Kim]

Thank you. There's an on going thread at dpreview. http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...hread=36135068

[Doug Campbell]

I have been hearing and reading this since the day the TC17 was announced. By all means it will autofocus in most situations. Yes, it "hunts " a bit in very low light situations (which is why Nikon always hedges their bets on AF function) but I have found VERY few situations where it wouldn't get the job done. Take a look at the images posted on the dpreview thread mentioned above. Pretty good results for a combo that "doesn't work".

[Jason Kim]

I opted for Nikon tc20e iii. It's back ordered but will see if it does good enough for my purposes. I will be using it for afternoon high school football games. I don't think 300mm is long enough.

[Doug Campbell]

Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but I think you will be VERY disappointed with the TC 20E III. I am a 40 year Nikon veteran but they have never made a 2X TC worth a flip. Were it me, I'd cancel it and go for the 1.7. I hope you prove me wrong but I don't think you will.

[Jason Kim]

It looks like I have no choice but to go with 1.7 since vendor doesn't have any time table when they will get 20E III and I need it by next week. However images posted from 20E III look quite good to me.

[Dieter Schaefer]

The 300/4 AF-S with TC-17EII will autofocus - but there are limitations. I have used the combo on a D200 and still use it a lot on a D300. With a clear background and good light, AF acquisition and tracking are OK; just don't expect blazingly fast AF (the 300 alone already is no speed demon). In lower light or anything but a clean background - AF acquisition will be problematic - the combo often fails to lock-on to anything that moves reasonably fast. AF tracking is still fine - as long as you keep the AF sensor on the subject. For birds with a steady flight pattern or those that are slow moving, things are fine. Raptors will be more problematic and fast and erratic flyers like terns will tax your patience. Optically, the TC will lead to visible degradation when the lens is used wide open - and it certainly is not a combo for long-distance shots. If you don't need the additional reach, I'd recommend the TC-14EII instead - I have both but have to admit that I use the TC-17EII most of the time.

[Jason Kim]

Thanks Dieter. Will I see much image degradation at f11 with 1.7E II?

[Dieter Schaefer]

Will I see much image degradation at f11 with 1.7E II?

Some reduction of the optical IQ of the base lens is to be expected when a TC is used. I rarely have the luxury of using the 300/TC-17EII combo at f11 - the IQ degradation is not as pronounced compared to fully open. However, the combo will always fall short compared to a 500/4 no matter what aperture is being used.

[Jason Kim]

Thanks. I cannot afford 500/4. I went to my son's football gave this afternoon. I got 1/1000, f11, iso200. I think I should have enough light and D3s' iso capabilities should get me through the season. We don't have evening games so I think I'm safe with 1.7 TC. :-)

[Jason G. Harrison]

Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but I think you will be VERY disappointed with the TC 20E III. I am a 40 year Nikon veteran but they have never made a 2X TC worth a flip. Were it me, I'd cancel it and go for the 1.7. I hope you prove me wrong but I don't think you will.

Many say this, but I have a 2x TCII that delivers sharp images. I have to pay special attention to my technique, but I have several samples that show that using this older version tc on my 600VR is sharp. Now...I am not shooting at great distances. I shoot small birds mostly and I did shot test shots for folks the other day where the subject was 60 feet away and about 4 inches tall. They are not the best as compared to the stuff I get when using my 1.4tc, but to say that this 2x is not worth a flip is flat wrong. Maybe I got blessed with a great copy:cool:. I have not used this tc on any other lens, but on my 600VR f/4, it will deliver if you have to use it. By the way, I am also talking wide open shots, but it is at its best 2/3rds to 1 stop down. I will not hesitate to shoot it wide open though. So...what I can offer the OP is if you can, test before you buy. Don't take everything you read as certain fact.