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Thread: The Nikon 300 2.8, 2X TC Route to 600mm

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    BPN Member Bill Jobes's Avatar
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    Default The Nikon 300 2.8, 2X TC Route to 600mm

    I am presently shooting for the most part with the Nikon 600mm AFS-II and a D3.

    In the interest of a lighter load for long hikes, I'm considering the new Nikon 300mm F/2.8 VR coupled with the new Nikon TC-20E III to get to 600mm.

    How do those of you who use this combo like it? Canon users please weigh in as well.

    Any arguments pro or con would be much-appreciated.

    Thanks !
    Bill Jobes



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    Bill -

    Before I got my Canon 400mm f4 DO, I had a 300mm f2.8 L IS which I used virtually exclusively with the Canon 1.4x and 2x converters. With the 1.4x, there was a very minor slow-down of AF and sharpness was virtually the same as the prime alone. When I added the 2x, there was a noticeable, and somewhat bothersome, slowdown in AF acquisition and the quality was a little diminished but certainly very acceptable.

  3. #3
    Pedro Serralheiro
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    When I fly abroad and big lenses aren't the way to go I always bring that combo. Handheld all the time...
    The 300VR is an extraordinary lens and the new TC2x is outstanding.
    AF speed suffers a little but I shoot with great success BIF. To couple this combo I use the D300.
    IQ is almost perfect, becoming perfect if you close to f8. Just be aware of shooting speed. I try to shoot above 1/500, so no VR engaged.
    Highly recommended.


    www.pedrosfotografia.com
    Last edited by Pedro Serralheiro; 11-26-2010 at 04:57 PM.

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    BPN Member Bill Jobes's Avatar
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    Thanks Chris and Pedro ... it looks like a real possibility for me.
    Bill Jobes



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    Bill,

    I just sold my Nikon 600mm vr, and recently bought the new 300mm vr2 with TC 2.0 lll. I am happy I did.
    There is a small hit on AF speed, and the quality is quite good. I shoot mostly f/7 and above. With the D3s and the ability to handhold 600mm, it gives me flexibility I never had before. Along with the 70-200 vr2 and
    TC 1.7 combo, I now have everything I need for telelphoto work, that I can carry. Occassionally, I shoot the 300 without TC's, the results are simply magical. BTW, I tried the 300mm VR1 first, I would estimate at least one stop, and better, a stop and half imporvement in hand hold stability.

    IF on the other hand, I was a full time avian shooter, I would have stayed with the 600mm.
    Primary reason, f/4...............and AF speed. If I traveled, than the 500mm with DX. The new d7000 with 70-200, TC2 is my new favorite BIF combo, and I can still carry the 300mm/TC1.7.

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    Bill,

    I have (canon) 500 f/4 and 300 f/2.8. I have always taken my 500 when I go on Safari, but next year I am taking the 300. I find it extremely sharp, even with 1.4, 2x, and stacked 1.4+2x TCs (840 mm f/8).

    You have a Nikon D3 which has 8.46 micron pixels. If you had a camera with smaller pixels, you would get a resolution boost. For example, I have a 1D Mark II wtih 8.2 micron pixels. Many images are on my web site (Africa, birds, etc) with the 1DII and 500 mm. Now with a 1DIV with 5.7 micron pixels, that is a resolution boost over the 1DII of 1.44x. So a 500 mm on the 1D2 is like 500/1.44 = 347 mm on the 1DIV. Further, the improvements in sensor technology mean equal light gathering ability of those smaller pixels. So the 1DIV+300mm +1.4x significantly beats the 1dII+500mm in resolution and the 1DIV combo equals the 1dII combo in ISO performance.

    I'm doing more with the 300 because it is so much lighter and easier to hand hold.

    Roger

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    BPN Member Bill Jobes's Avatar
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    Thanks Roger and Jay for your thoughtful and detailed replies.

    Both of you present very strong cases in favor of such an alternative, for those who need portability and flexibility.
    Bill Jobes



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    Hi Bill,

    The 300mm f2.8 and TC-20E III is the best way to go for portable long lenses. We did some testing at a friends place and found wide open its decent sharp in that combo but very good at around f8. We used a bare 300mm f2.8 as the reference point because that is rediculous sharp! Our target was a stuffed Northern Flicker so we could evaluate feather detail. Our conclusions was that if weight and space is an issue the 300 with 2X is the a very good option. Especially with a cropped sensor.

    Now I just need to save my pennies.

    Grant

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    Hi Bill, I use the Canon 300/2.8 with a 2x tc quite often (with a 7D). The AF does slow down but I have found that by using a focus limiter (usually 6.4 mtrs - infinity) AF speed is quite acceptable. Although the combo is fairly good wide open at f5.6 I do try to stop down a bit for the very best IQ. I also find it quite good with stacked 1.4x and 2x (840/8). I Assume Nikon would be equally as good.

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    Hi,
    Here's a crop of a pic of a 300mm VR1 with a 2x TC20E 11 (the old one) on a D3.
    I shoot this combo at F/9.



    Tim Munsey
    Last edited by Tim Munsey; 12-06-2010 at 05:50 AM.

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