Nikon 80-400 with TC1.7

[barry]

Has anyone used this combination before and if so how did it perform. Was going to try it on my D700.

According to Nikon literature this combo is not mentioned. They recommend either the TC1.4 or the TC2.0.

Is there a technical reason why I shouldn't use this combo. I dont want to damage anything.

[photograham]

Barry, I'va checked this situation in the past, and my understanding is that you cannot use a teleconverter on the 80 - 400 due to the placement of the rear element in the lens. the way this has been made by Nikon prevents a tele converter from mounting.

[barry]

I was afraid that may be the case. Thanks photograham

[chrisk]

i dont think you can use any of the newer nikkor TC's on the lens. (tc14eII/17/20) as they are only for some afs lens'.

[barry]

Thanks Rooz

[aim54x]

Yep that is correct, you cant used the TC14E II, TC17E or the TC20E with the 80-400 but I do know a friend that uses the older TC20 (for manual lenses) with his 80-400

[Murray Foote]

The quality might not be too good, though. Most zooms don't go too well with teleconverters except for the higher end ones such as the 200-400 and probably the 70-200. This may be particularly the case with the 80-400 since sharpness falls off over 300mm where you are most likely to be wanting to add the TC.

Regards,
Murray

[losfp]

Even if it DID fit, you'd lose 1.5 stops, so at the long end it'd be f/9.5 or something. Not very bright at all......

[gstark]

Yep that is correct, you cant used the TC14E II, TC17E or the TC20E with the 80-400 but I do know a friend that uses the older TC20 (for manual lenses) with his 80-400

I think that one can also use the Kenko TCs with this lens, but as has already been mentioned, I'd wonder how usable this would be, from both viewpoints of actual f-stop acheived, as well as from the IQ aspect.

I think that a little bit of sneaker-TC if possible, coupled with good focus combined with a high res sensor and perhaps some judicious cropping, might be called for here.