Posted by Andy Richards on December 20, 2011 at 12:22 PM
I just acquired a new Nikon 70-200 VRII f 2.8 Nikon lens. I am 99% a landscape type photographer with only the possible occasional wildlife shooting opportunity (no serious bird photography). I am looking at the new TC20EIII or the TC17II (2.0 and 1.7) teleconverters. Any thoughts or advice from users out there?
I am familiar with the advice of not using a teleconverter on a zoom lens. I have been reading that the so-called "pro" lenses may fare ab bit better though
Posted by Jim DeWitt on December 20, 2011 at 12:49 PM
My experience with teleconverters and zoom telephotos is limited to the otherwise excellent Zuiko lenses made (formerly made?) by Olympus. The 1.4X TC is fine with the 50-200mm zoom, barely adequate with the 70-300mm zoom. The 2.0X TC is barely adequate with the 50-200 zoom and unacceptable with the 70-300mm. By contrast, the 300mm f2.8 fixed is excellent with both teleconverters; the 300mm fixed and a 2.0TC are my primary shooting rig.
Bottom line: you've got to test a specific teleconverter and a specific zoom to answer your question. I think there's a near consensus around here that a 2.0X teleconverter isn't sharp with a bigger zoom telephoto. That's certainly my experience.
Posted by Luke Ormand on December 20, 2011 at 3:21 PM
Check out Brad Hill's website - I'm sure he has reviewed this combo
Posted by Andy Richards on December 20, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Thanks, Luke. Found Brad's review and it was exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Posted by Walt Sterneman on December 20, 2011 at 8:16 PM
Based on Brad's blog I purchased a TC 20eIII to go along with my 70-200mm VRII and I love it. Photos come out extremely sharp. Of course it will only open up to 5.6 but in daylight when I mostly use this TC that is enough. Go for it!
Posted by Andy Richards on December 21, 2011 at 8:16 AM
Discussion
5 repliesI am familiar with the advice of not using a teleconverter on a zoom lens. I have been reading that the so-called "pro" lenses may fare ab bit better though
Bottom line: you've got to test a specific teleconverter and a specific zoom to answer your question. I think there's a near consensus around here that a 2.0X teleconverter isn't sharp with a bigger zoom telephoto. That's certainly my experience.