Best T/C for Nikon AF-S 300mm f4 ?

[Cage]

I have just hit the 'BUY" button for a D600 and an AF-S 300mm f4. :efelant::efelant:

Now I know this is a subjective question, but is there any stand-out T/C for this lens?

I'm also hoping that the wobbly tripod collar issue that I came across in my research has been resolved.

- - - Updated - - -

Ooooh, it seems funny seeing that yellow Nikon logo in my siggy instead of the red Pentax one.

[arthurking83]

LOL on the logo.

Look for the 1.4x TC-14E II.

Give you a medium amount of extra magnification, but IQ is still high enough to crop to 100%.
But it does so for a decent price.

So you get a 400mm-ish lens with f/5.6.

I dunno how well the 1.7x TC-17E II stacks up tho.

The much more expensive TC-20E III looks to be a real gem tho .. but of course you have to work with f/8 as your max aperture!
If that's not an issue for you(in terms of ISO balance and focusing accuracy) then this seems to be the one to get.

Of the three Nikon options, my choices would be:

irrespective of cost: 20E III
cost limited : 14E II

[cupic]

If you don't mind I have got a Kenko Pro300 1.4TC and I cant tell the difference its sharp enough communicates well with my 300 f/4.
But the diehards are right with the recommendation on the TC 1.4 Nikon version but the price is a 1/3 in some cases

cheers

[Cage]

@arthur..... Gee, a sharp 600mm f8 would be useful.. Just had a quick look on fleabay and they can be had for a tad under $500. Hmmmm..........!

@cupic...... I rather impetuously jumped in last week and bought a new Tamron 1.4X SP AF (5E) which I believe is pretty much the same T/C as your Kenko. I have the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4, and it worked really well with my Pentax glass. Lens hopefully arrives tomorrow so I can check it out. Otherwise the TC-20E III sounds very tasty.

Cheers

Kevin

[cupic]

Even the TC-20EIII will be accommodate well with the D600.

cheers

[salnel]

Hi Kevin..I have this lens and use the 1x4..I keep it on all the time and have not noticed any difference in quality. It is a beautiful lens..so sharp (when I get it right:D). I use it on a monopd as I find it pretty heavy but being a bloke you will probably be able to hand hold it better than I can:)You can also use it as a macro which is a real bonus!!
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6093/6267832540_484082f114_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/salnel/6267832540/)
3 bees in a line (http://www.flickr.com/photos/salnel/6267832540/) by salnel (http://www.flickr.com/people/salnel/), on Flickr

[Cage]

Hi Kevin..I have this lens and use the 1x4..I keep it on all the time and have not noticed any difference in quality. It is a beautiful lens..so sharp (when I get it right:D). I use it on a monopd as I find it pretty heavy but being a bloke you will probably be able to hand hold it better than I can:)You can also use it as a macro which is a real bonus!!
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6093/6267832540_484082f114_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/salnel/6267832540/)
3 bees in a line (http://www.flickr.com/photos/salnel/6267832540/) by salnel (http://www.flickr.com/people/salnel/), on Flickr

Hi Sally

Thanks for the input.

I've tried it with a Tamron 1.4X SP Pro and the results are pretty good.

I mostly shoot off a tripod with a remote release so stability is not a big problem for me.

My first impressions are that this is one very sharp lens. I'm delighted with it.

Cheers

Kevin

[salnel]

I think you will love it..it is SO sharp! I use it for all my bird shots and the detail it can capture is amazing ..things the eye just can't see. Have fun with it:D

[swifty]

I'm sure you're aware already but there're only 7 AF sensors (middle 5 + L and R of those) that'll reliably AF down to f8 and hence the implications for using the TC20eIII on an f4 lens.