DSLRUsers.com

Len Shepherd, the Nikon mastermind on that other forum, had made some useful posts regarding TC comparisons (pulled from several threads, I can't for the life of me remember where now, but searching the forums might extract the source).

1) AF speed of 17E is similar to 14E.

2) With Velvia 100 film, could not detect any resolution differences up to his test limit of 110 lp/mm between no converter, with either 14e or 20e. (IIRC, the D70's 6MP sensor resolves upto 54 lp/mm, so this is well in excess of what you'll notice)

3) With 20E, slight softening of edges noticeable at wide apertures (on a 500mm prime).

4) "Your biggest problem (with TC20E) is eliminating camera shake, not the slight loss in image quality." <-- if that's the 2x TC, the 1.7 would fare much more favourable IMHO.

5) Consensus from users: the 17e has very little AF speed reduction and no detectable quality reduction compared to 14e.

6) There's also the extra half stop loss of light to worry about, 17e vs 14e - which could turn a shot with marginal shutter speed into a no shot, but you have VR on the 70-200 on your side on this point.

Wow look at the time, it's 3:30am....

Thank you big time Onyx, we were both trawling the same site and doing the same research at the same time! I dont really go to Nikonians very often (why would I when this beautiful site is here with my friends) so headed over there last night to check out the 1.7 v 1.4 situation after you mentioned it yesterday. I agree with you, the 1.7 seems a better fit with my other lenses, I was just worried that I was sacrificing quality for reach, and a shame to prostitute (interesting choice of words, I am going to a brothel today, of course in my function of arranging finance) a great lens. It seems the 1.7 is just a smidge behind the 1.4 and light years in front of the 2, so my choice is made. Now which holiday shall I claim this one for?



Onyx, just realised what I just wrote, I would actually have a piece of modern Nikon equipment Birddog doesn't have! Then again he may make it a double order

Glen,

Glen wrote:I was just worried that I was sacrificing quality for reach, and a shame to prostitute (interesting choice of words, I am going to a brothel today, of course in my function of arranging finance) a great lens.

Don't forget to take the camera.

Action pix is what we want.

I'll use the D70's movie mode

Onyx, just realised what I just wrote, I would actually have a piece of modern Nikon equipment Birddog doesn't have! Then again he may make it a double order

Glen,
I ordered one for myself last night after I posted its price for you.

Thanks Glen for E-mailing me and reminding me last night of this Forum in OZ.

You said on your E-mail about Lenses that BirdDog is organising ?

Thanks,

Mic.

Mic, you have a pm

Birddog, also noticed Ron resnick has a 1.7 now to go with his 1.4. Must be ok, he is fanatical about his gear

Glen wrote:Birddog, also noticed Ron resnick has a 1.7 now to go with his 1.4. Must be ok, he is fanatical about his gear

Glen,
Have spoken with Ron Reznick few times over the phone and many exchanged emails with him in the past.
I've learned from him alot, thay why I lust my 28/1.4, I have had a good "love" of all his photos taken in Washington DC and Japan.
Thought about bring him here for one or two workshops for our member but look: very costly to have him here as discussed with Gary before.

How about a Matt K walkaround workshop instead?

Glen,
We're in negotiation with Matt atm, I already asked him and he's willing to offer his helps.
We were talking about half day out for shooting and hafl day back to my base for working on the photos taken of that morning.

Great idea Birddog