Nikon TC-20E AF-S Teleconverter III

Comments about Nikon TC-20E AF-S Teleconverter III:

I bought the TC to accompany my 70-200 Nikon zoom (which gives great images) attached to a D800. Specifically, I wanted to increase my 'reach' on a Safari trip to Tanzania without the expense/burden of a longer lens.

The images were definitely degraded due to the poor focus achieved while using autofocus. I have just done another test shot on Live View and manual focus and the image is a significant improvement. I'm now unsure if the TC is the problem or the camera autofocus. Any readers have any similar experience/advice?

Comments about Nikon TC-20E AF-S Teleconverter III:

Well according to the Nikon compatability guide this shouldn't autofocus with the Nikon 300 f4 but on my D300s it does. Okay so it was really good light today but it does work. Yes if you pixel peep the shots are a little soft but hey this was the DX equivalent of using a 900mm f8 lens which is pretty awesome.

Can't wait to try it on the D4 when it comes out.

Comments about Nikon TC-20E AF-S Teleconverter III:

After owning the TC 20E-II and being utterly disappointed in its poor performance, I was a little dubious about spending the money on another 2x teleconveter. However this latest offering from Nikon is in a different league. I use it on the back of a 70-200mm f2.8, which on its own is a top bit of glass, but when combined with this TC I have a manageable 400mm with very little drop in image quality (and I'm very picky).

It is only ever so slightly softer wide open (for me that's 5.6 as you lose two stops) but stopped down to f8 and there is no noticeable difference in sharpness.

Of course the loss of two stops will make your view finder a little darker, and I've noticed my autofocus to be a little slower in lower light, but to be honest those are minor compromises when considering the savings made against a 200-400mm f4 or 400mm f2.8. I'm not going to claim that the image quality is as good as the top glass, but its very close, and certainly worth the money -- providing you have a sharp lens to attach it to in the first place.

I have also used it with a 105mm macro with stunning results.

In conclusion a fabulous addition to any pro lens for that extra reach and quite frankly a bargain!

Comments about Nikon TC-20E AF-S Teleconverter III:

I have bought this convertor to accompany my 70 - 200 vr2 f2.8 and d300s. I wanted extra reach for bird photography and lacked the budget for the pro glass of this reach and wanted to continue using my "pro-glass" 70 - 200 f2.8. I think it is important to state that at the start, i can not vouch for results on differant or older products, i would be cautious using this on a slower lens and please check the nikon compatability of lenses. I have not had this for long but thought i would pass on my experiences so far.

I find the results wide open at 5.6 (as it reduces the lens by 2 stops) very sharp, easily on a par with the 1.4 i was using (shooting handheld). Stopped down they are even more impressive. I was very pleasently suprised. I have bought a 2x before and been so unhappy with the results never used it. I will continue to use this and print the results at a3 size. I appreciate to a pro the image quality will not be on a par with the top pro glass but who can really afford that. As a keen amatuer and believe me very obsessed with sharpness I am delighted with my purchase so far.

I have never written a review before but i deliberated on buying this for so long and was frustrated by the lack of reviews i could find to advise me I decided to take the plunge and very happy i did and thought other people with a similiar dilemar may find my experience helpfull. I have given 5 stars for optical quality comparing against other telepho convertors not equivalent length pro lenses as this would be unfair. Similarly have given 5 star to value for money when compared to the alternative of a pro glass lens.

I would recommend this product although expensive it is top quality and i have been very impressed with the results and when you consider the alternative being the 200 - 400 f4 at 5k or a 400 f2.8 at closer to 6 it seems a very good buy.