Nikkor 85mm 1.8 which converter

[petermmc]

I have just purchased a ne Nikkor 85mm 1.8. It is so crispy clear that I think a bit of extra reach cold be in order. Any advice on the use of a 2x or other converter?

Regs

Peter Mc

[johnd]

Peter, I don't have any actual experience with teleconvertors, but I understand from my reading that the Nikon TC-17 (1.7X) is sharper than the TC-20 (2X). And both about same price. 1.7 X 85 gives you 145mm, versus 170mm from 2X 85. I'd go for the TC-17. I assume they both work with your lens, but you'd need to check.

Personally, I'm saving for the TC-17.

[stubbsy]

Peter

I'd question the utility and value of a TC on the 85 . Consider this - a TC 1.7 (or a 2) costs about 65% of the price of a 24-120 VR. With the TC on the 85 you have reduced it between 1.5 and 2 stops and have a prime 144. For the extra $150 or so dollars for the 24-120 you get a zoom lens with VR at f3.5-f5.6. Of course the TC can be used down the track with other lenses, but to me the 24-120 is a better bang for the buck proposition than adding a TC to your 85 prime.

[Glen]

First point is none of the newer TC will work with that lens. I have both the lens and TC. A TC is about $500, for $600 MCWB has the 80-200 2.8 which is a past legend of a lens. That is how I would spend that sort of money, or buy an old TC for $50 but everything becomes manual. Buy Trent's 80-200 and you will be very happy (until you buy the 70-200 VR for $2,500 )

Reveiw sites for that lens are listed at the top of the equipment section.

[johnd]

Stubsy and Glenn comments sounds like very good advice to me.

[petermmc]

Thank you for those replies. I have been in Qld and not able to access email for a few days. I take the point about the 24-120 in terms of cost. I am very interested in sharpness and have read a number of articles that suggest 24-120 is a bit soft in some areas.

The other issue is weight. I am thinking in my next travels to Samoa in September that a converter could well be a good accessory instead of a bigger zoom like those mentioned (ie the 70-200 or the 80-200). The 1.7 seems to get a good wrap.

Regs

Peter Mc

[Glen]

Peter, the 1.7 is good, just wont work with that lens Maybe a s/h 70-210, about $250 -$450 and light

[Killakoala]

Also bear in mind that even though the 85mm 1.8 is classed as a medium telephoto lens, in fact it is designed with portriature in mind. If it is anything like my 85mm 1.4, you will find sharpness is best at portrait distances (10-30 feet) not long distance shots (+30 feet to infinity)