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Thread: 2X Teleconverter suggestions for Nikon

  1. #1
    Bill Stubbs
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    Default 2X Teleconverter suggestions for Nikon

    Can any of you Nikon long lens shooters recommend a 2x teleconverter that would work well with a 600 VR II and a Sigma 300-800 DG on a D3s? Availability on the Nikon TC 20E-III seems to be non-existent lately; anyone had any experience with either the Sigma 2X or the Kenko Pro-300 2X and know how either would stack up against the Nikon unit? (Yes, I know this is a manual focus proposition with any of the above).

    Thanks,
    Bill

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    Bill I'm also looking for the TC 20E-III, what I could find on the converters;

    The Sigma EX APO 2x
    Autofocus is possible with lenses having a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or greater.
    Autofocus may be possible in some conditions with lenses having a maximum aperture of f/4.

    The camera display and EXIF show the aperture and focal length of the lens itself,
    e.g. with a 1.4x converter on a 200mm lens set to f/4, the camera will show 200mm and f/4.
    Note: the actual exposure will still be correct.

    Kenko Pro 300 2x:

    Autofocus is possible with lenses having a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or greater.
    Autofocus may be possible in some conditions with lenses having a maximum aperture of f/4.

    The camera display and EXIF show the adjusted aperture and focal length,
    e.g. with a 1.4x converter on a 200mm lens set to f/4, the camera will show 280mm and f/5.6.

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    BPN Viewer Charles Glatzer's Avatar
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    If you are using a Nikon Pro D series body the 600 f/4 will AF at f/8 w/2x. But, not so with the f/5.6 300-800 @ f/11.

    I know of no photographer who is happy with a Nikon 2x on the Nikon 600mm.

    Chas

  4. #4
    Bill Stubbs
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    Chas,
    That last (inadequate results with the Nikon 2x and the 600) is what I've heard; I think I recall Artie saying something recently about Nikon users reporting good results with the 1.4 and 1.7 but not with the 2X (TC20E-III?). I saw an older thread the other day (can't find it now) where someone (might have been James Shadle), mentioned having some luck with the Kenko 2X and the Sigma 300-800 focused manually, so I wondered if the Kenko or Sigma 2X might yield acceptable results with the 600 VR II for those times when I might want to get just a bit more from the 600 on that FF body.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Charles Glatzer View Post
    I
    I know of no photographer who is happy with a Nikon 2x on the Nikon 600mm.

    Chas
    Well said Chas


    I have used Nikon 600 VR extensively and strongly recommend not use on either lenses you mentioned

  6. #6
    Bill Stubbs
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    Edit to my last; found the thread I was looking for, and it was indeed James Shadle, with a shot of a spoonbill done with the Sigmonster and Kenko Pro 300 DGX 2x at 1600mm. Sharpness appeared more than adequate, so perhaps the Kenko would be worth trying with the 600 VR II to see if I can get reasonable results.

  7. #7
    Bill Stubbs
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    Harshad,

    Have you tried the Nikon 1.7 TC with the 600 VR, or have you found the 1.4 a better choice with that lens?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Charles Glatzer View Post
    I know of no photographer who is happy with a Nikon 2x on the Nikon 600mm.
    I don't own the 600mm, but I am very happy with TC20E-III on my 400/2.8 VR and no need to stop down. I was told by somebody from NPS that the new TC20E-III works better on the 2.8 fix lenses such as 300 and 400.

    Giulio

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    BPN Viewer Charles Glatzer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Giulio Zanni View Post
    I don't own the 600mm, but I am very happy with TC20E-III on my 400/2.8 VR and no need to stop down. I was told by somebody from NPS that the new TC20E-III works better on the 2.8 fix lenses such as 300 and 400.

    Giulio
    Agreed, I owned the Nikon 400 f/2.8 and the lens is in a league of its own, sharper than even the 300 f/2.8. Mine worked very well with a 2x, producing very sharp images.

    Chas

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    Regarding the new Nikon TC20E-III, if any one finds one in the US for sale can you let me know...

  11. #11
    Bill Stubbs
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    Chris,
    I have not seen the TC20E-III listed as in stock anywhere.

    Giulio and Chas,
    Thanks, that seems to be the consensus everywhere I've looked. Since those lenses, and perhaps a couple of shorter ones are likely the most frequent applications for the TC20 E-III, it would make sense if Nikon designed it to work best with those, so perhaps that's the answer. I don't think I'd use a 2X very often on the lenses i mentioned; I may try the Kenko or Sigma version for those rare opportunities when it's useful.

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    Bill that's what I figured. I did add my name on the waiting list on B&H just in case a few come in..

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    Default Borrowlenses.com

    Borrow Lenses has a new Nikon TC20E-III. A 3 day rental is $31. You could try it for yourself.

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    They won't sell it.:(

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