Teleconverter?

Just wondering what others would recommend? I'm considering getting a TC for my set up - to be used when I haven't the energy for the 50-500mm, and when I want some decent sharp images

Discuss
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I can;t really speak for Nikon specifically, but I use both a 1.4x and a 2x Canon converter and find they work really well with fixed focal length lenses. But personally I would never go above a 1.4x converter on a good zoom lens as you will lose 1 stop of light and a small drop in picture quality.

They can also add/increase CA at the edges of the frame.

Remember, not all converters are created equal get the best you can afford IMO.

Yes, of course! thank you. Does anyone have experience with the Kenko PRO series? I'm tempted by a certain very expensive Nikon one, but to be honest, can't justify the cost. This would mainly be used on the 105mm Macro lens.

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you also have to remember that with your 300s 1/2 frame sensor your 105mm lens is 157.5mm so a x2 on that is = 315mm

Might be worth checking the compatibility of said 'expensive Nikon TC' against the lens you intend to use it with. Bob went down this route and found it couldn't be used with his lens - there's a thread about it.

I have had Kenko 1.4X and 2.0X. I still have the 2X but to be honest don't really use it.

2X TC are really only suitable for lenses f2.8 or faster - anything slower you're better with 1.4X. From memory Nikon do 1.7 too.

General rule of thumb Most bodies require that the final aperture of the lens be f5.6 or faster in order for autofocus to operate. Since a 1.4x TC costs you 1 stop of aperture and a 2x costs you 2, this means that for a lens to AF with a 1.4x TC it must start out at f4 or faster, and for it to AF with a 2x it must start out at f2.8 or faster.

Canon 1D series bodies will autofocus at f8, so with them you can get AF with an f5.6 lens + 1.4x or an f4 lens +2x.

Thanks Phil - I knew about that From looking at the compatibility list, the lens I want to use works with the TC, but does not autofocus (despite being f2.8). This could be because, although it is f2.8, it isn't static ( a little thing they don't seem to advertise too much ) and depending on where you're focusing, it changes up to f4/f4.5 (I forget!). I know this has annoyed a fair few people *bad Nikon!*

Soo... I was thinking of getting a slightly smaller one, 1.8x for example (or 1.7) - as it would still give me a fair bit extra reach, but the AF should definitely work. Of course, it may only work if not focusing on something close
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I have the nikon 1.4, and there is no noticeable loss in sharpness. Had a play with the 1.7 and start to see a drop in quality and even worse with the 2.0.

These were all nikon made, so I'm with Ken. No higher than a 1.4 ideally the 1.7 at a push, but 2.0 defo no. Can't see other makes coming close on image quality so stay away from more than 1.4. If finances allow go Nikon.

Great Ste thanks for that. I might look at 1.4 and 1.6 (is there one? I thought there was, but now I'm not sure )

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I use TCs now and again and doubt if anyone could actually tell unless I pointed it out. Won't auto-focus with some of my lenses but it got me used to using my eyes rather than relying on the camera's auto-focusing system which can waste time in some situations.

Image quality depends entirely on the converter, how it matches with the lens and with the camera. What is certain is that moving the lens away from the sensor plane makes for a smaller relative aperture and hence longer exposure times with a given marked aperture.