TC-20E II 2x Teleconverter

[ATJ]

Does this teleconverter preserve aperture control and AF in the camera? I realise I will lose 2 stops, but want to make sure I can still control things from the camera.

Is there any reason I couldn't use it on my AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 2.8D? The specs seem to suggest it will work with AF-S and D-AF-I and I assume my micro is the latter.

[Yi-P]

Does this teleconverter preserve aperture control and AF in the camera? I realise I will lose 2 stops, but want to make sure I can still control things from the camera.

It will preserve all aperture control over nikkor lenses, AF will and only will work on AF-S and AF-I lenses (which has no screwdriver). Yes, things can be controlled via camera.

Is there any reason I couldn't use it on my AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 2.8D? The specs seem to suggest it will work with AF-S and D-AF-I and I assume my micro is the latter.

Your lens will still meter and aperture controlled via the body. But you will lose autofocus since this lens is not AF-S or AF-I.

[ATJ]

Your lens will still meter and aperture controlled via the body. But you will lose autofocus since this lens is not AF-S or AF-I.

Bugger. I wanted to use it inside a housing and won't be able to manually focus.

Anyone know of any third party 2X converters that would still allow me to focus and control aperture from the camera?

[ATJ]

Maybe Kenko Teleplus MC7 will do the trick, only I can't find a lot of detail.

[Glen]

Andrew,

A few rambling thoughts. In the Nikon tange the 2X TC is considered the softest of the lot, the 1.4 best, 1.7 in the middle.I believe the Kenko offers what you want but I dont have one.

TC are designed to work within a certain optic range and while a unit may physically work on a lens it may not be optimised for that focal length. This is most clearly illustrated in the Nikon range of TC before the present, they had a TC201 for 200-300mm and a TC301 for 300mm+, both providing 2X. Of course this was before consumer expectations of 'one size fits all', unfortunately physics doesn't change as fast as consumer expectations or electronics. I truly believe any TC on a 60mm lens is a compromise, and TC were never designed or optimised for that focal length.

I understand you take shots under trying conditions with issues such as water column etc, but for quality I would suggest a s/h 105 macro of any brand, NIkon, Sigma, etc. This is probably not much more than a Nikon TC and a 90mm Tamron through Poon is the same or less. I think a second hand 105 would provide a much better optical solution for roughly the same money as a Nikon TC.

Good luck in your choices.

[ATJ]

Thanks for your thoughts, Glen. I appreciate it.

A secondhand older Nikon 105mm 2.8D (non-VR) is another option I am pursuing. Now that I look a bit more deeply on the UW photography sites, the opinions appear to be mixed between the 60mm plus X2 TC and the 105mm. The latter will probably be easier to work with as it is f/2.8 but I believe the 60mm + X2 TC will give greater possible magnification and a little more working distance - but be an f/5.6.

One interesting thing is that I have found is that I could use the same housing port for the 60mm + TC and the 105mm, so I might end up with both.

Note, I think the UW people are using Kenko - but I need to find out.

[Yi-P]

I got a Kenko 1.4 TC and it does work with non-AFS autofocusing lenses.

[chrisk]

just a word of warning. i have the tc17eII and if the 20eII is the same construction, (and it looks like it is the same ie: protruding front element), it won;t fit on all afs/afi lens'. just make sure you check this out cos it threw me a curve ball originally.

these are the listed lens' it will fit onto.
AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR
AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF
AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF VR (manual focus only)
AF-S 200mm f/2G ED-IF VR
AF-S 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF (II)
AF-S 300mm f/4D ED-IF
AF-S 400mm f/2.8D ED-IF (II)
AF-S 500mm f/4D ED-IF (II)
AF-S 600mm f/4D ED-IF (II)

another good quality TC i have found that a mate uses is the soligor 1.7.

[ATJ]

I got a Kenko 1.4 TC and it does work with non-AFS autofocusing lenses.

Thanks Yi-P. Looks like the Kenko will do the job.

[Muzza22au]

Does this teleconverter preserve aperture control and AF in the camera? I realise I will lose 2 stops, but want to make sure I can still control things from the camera.

Is there any reason I couldn't use it on my AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 2.8D? The specs seem to suggest it will work with AF-S and D-AF-I and I assume my micro is the latter.

I have the 80-400mmVR lense and the auto focus works with the Tamron TC x2 (all be it with some focus hunting)! But it isn't too bad!

Scott

[MarkW]

I didn't think you could use a TC with any of the zoom lenes

[Yi-P]

I didn't think you could use a TC with any of the zoom lenes

You mean a 200-400VR can't fit a TC on top?

Telephoto zoom lenses mostly can fit a TC on top. But I doubt and will not try with wide angle zoom lenses.

If you look closely into your telephoto zoom vs wide angle zoom, the rear element of wide angle is much much closer or even sticks out when zoomed out wide. And putting a TC on top will risk to scratch that rear element!!