Nikon 1.4 vs 1.7 Teleconverter

Is there any noticeable optical difference between these 2 TC's (other than magnification factor)? Currently using a Tamron 1.4 TC on 80-200/f2.8 lens. Wondering if an upgrade is worthwhile. Thanks for your input.

The Nikon AFS teles are very good - but because of their construction cannot be used on many lenses - and will not autofocus with non-AFS lenses. I have no experience with your lens, so I am not sure.

Many of them have been designed with particular partner lenses in mind. For example the newly announced 2x III is designed to work especially well with the 300mm F2.8. The 1.7x II is designed to work especially well with the previous 70-200mm. The all fit and work on other AFS lenses, sometimes brilliantly, sometimes not so brilliantly

I have a 1.7x II which I got because Nikon reps advised me it was the way to go with my 70-200mm, I use with the 70-200mm, 150mmVR and my new 200-400mm. All work very well. In fact the previous generation 70-200mm is widely reported to perform better with FX cameras with the 1.7x teleconverter on than without it!

Alex

In fact the previous generation 70-200mm is widely reported to perform better with FX cameras with the 1.7x teleconverter on than without it!

I would caveat that a little bit. The 'old' 70-200 works very well with the 1.7x and I use that combo a lot.

When using the TC, the smeary corners and light fall-off are ameliorated at the cost of center sharpness. I find I need to stop down quite a bit to get sharp images (to at least f/8 and usually beyond) and even then there is a certain lack of sharpness compared to what I see when I use the lens without the TC. That said, there are time when having the reach is worth the trade-off and I have some keepers shot at 340mm.

Here's some lens testing results that includes some with all three TCII converters ...

http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/457-nikko...0_28_ff?start=1

Is there a good one to use with the 105vr Macro?

Jack

Nikon's first for the new 2x TC is an aspherical lens element which supposedly significantly improves corner performance. I've ordered one to use with my new 70-200, so I'm hopeful that the excellent sharpness of this lens will be maintained with the TC. I've got a few large animal trips scheduled in 2010, whales and South Africa great whites and game parks, and it will be great if it works out well.

Is there a good one to use with the 105vr Macro?

 

Jack

I wonder about this as well, including the new MkIII model. With the prime lens at 1:1.

I was told years ago that TCs work better close up than at infinity. That was quite a few years ago so am not sure if still true.

my new 200-400mm

bring it next time you come.... it may not go back!

Is there a good one to use with the 105vr Macro?

 

Jack

I've seen excellent results with the 1.7x TCII ... both with and without additional diopters on top of that.