Teleconvertors which 1 and where to get?

[BBJ]

Hi All, been doing some reading on this subject and well not sure if anyone here has any other than the Nikon ones.
Been reading up on the Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 2.0X Teleconverter and also a 1.4, same tc with differant name is the Tamron as these seem to work with most lenses with AF. I believe some of the Nikon ones only work with AF.S allthough they say the 14A nikon works with the 80-400VR so it says on the specs page on Maxwels.
Anyhow this is a thought for later on down the track and well maybe some one might have or know if available in OZ, i see some on digital rev on ebay from Hong Kong so yeh would like to know your thoughts.
Cheers
John

[Jenno]

Hi BBJ,

I too have been considering TCs that can be used with both Tamron & Nikon lenes. How good are the Tamron/Kenko TCs?

Not keen to purchase 2

Be interested to see opinions of other members and also to find out which of the nikon TCs can be used with non-nikon lenses

Ray

[birddog114]

BBJ,
The TC-14A will cost you an arm and leg to put on your 80-400, my answer is NO.
The Tamron & Kenko are the same, grab a 2x at Vanbar around $200.00 or little bit over, but please remember, you will gain nothing on the 80-400. You'll loose 2 f stop and need 6 flood lights in the stadium to ligh up during the day for you to see the subject, it's damm darker thru the viewfinder!

Ray,
What lens are you like to use with the Tamron or Kenko TC?

[BBJ]

Thanks Birdy, Yes i would loose too much light but i probably wouldnt use it on the 80-400 but in the futre for the next lens lust an f/2.8 lens that could give just a little xtra reach i know of some 2.0x tc's can be a lil soft so a 1.4 or 1.7 would be ok as well i dont think there is a big problem with softness from the Kenko and tamron but know there is a lot of talk about it with the Nikon.
I was thinking that with either of these tc's are more compatable with third party lenses than the Nikon for example use with the sigma lens.

I am thinking of the sigma 70-200 f/2.8 could be my next one ok no VR but i would only use this for the track anyhow.
But something to think about.
Thanks
John

[birddog114]

Thanks Birdy, Yes i would loose too much light but i probably wouldnt use it on the 80-400 but in the futre for the next lens lust an f/2.8 lens that could give just a little xtra reach i know of some 2.0x tc's can be a lil soft so a 1.4 or 1.7 would be ok as well i dont think there is a big problem with softness from the Kenko and tamron but know there is a lot of talk about it with the Nikon.
I was thinking that with either of these tc's are more compatable with third party lenses than the Nikon for example use with the sigma lens.

I am thinking of the sigma 70-200 f/2.8 could be my next one ok no VR but i would only use this for the track anyhow.
But something to think about.
Thanks
John

The Sigma 70-200 HSM is a good lens, it's not perfect as the Nikon 70-200VR
If you have 2 x TC on it, again 2 f stop will be lost , quality is not same with 70-200VR, worst than your existing 80-400VR.
If you want to get a greater save your $$$ for the AF-S 300/2.8 with TC 1.7, it provides you a great distance + quality.

[Jenno]

Hi Birddog,

I was considering using it with the 180mm macro.
The loss in fstops is no big deal given I usually stop down as far as possible to max the DOF when taking closeups but a loss in sharpness matters.

Appreciate your advice

Ray

[birddog114]

Hi Birddog,

I was considering using it with the 180mm macro.
The loss in fstops is no big deal given I usually stop down as far as possible to max the DOF when taking closeups but a loss in sharpness matters.

Appreciate your advice

Ray

I have the Tamron 180Di and TC 1.7 + 2.0 + 1.4, you can try them out next Sat. to see what will work for you.

[Jenno]

Thanks Birddog,

I assume you are talking about the Nikon TCs?

Ray

[birddog114]

Thanks Birddog,

I assume you are talking about the Nikon TCs?

Ray

Yes, I have all Nikon TC and Matt.K has the Tamron/ Kenko 2x

[Matt. K]

The Tamoron 2X SP has 95% of the performance of the Nikon TC but at half the price. All auto features are retained.