Camera Labs

Hi folks,

haven't seen this kind of discussion here yet, so I thought I'd have
a go: I want to extend the focal length of my AFS 105 2.8 VR MICRO a
bit to get those insects bigger (or, also, myself not so close to them),
and I would like to have a go with a TC. Now there is some information
and even some reviews out there, but by far not as comprehensive as
on lenses. So, would anyone like to give his opinion here on the
questions:
- Just how bad does the image-quality get with the NIKON TC-20EII ?
- Dito for the TC-17EII
- Or should one play it safe and go only for 1.4 magnification? If
so, any opinions on the question TAMRON(or Kenko) vs NIKON?

Tanks a lot for any answers!

Maybe that's actually an interesting thing to look into with a little review
or two? I can imagine how busy you are, Gordon, but it may really fill
a gap in the review-world.

Cheers,
Matthias

_________________
Matthias Messer

For an assessment of Nikon TCs looky here, Matthias!
You have to be careful as even the BEST TC will magnify the problems of each and every lens. So the 2x TC is only for emergency situations, but in that case it's perhaps better to digitally zoom in.
With the micro-Nikkor 105/2.8 VR the resolution is not at the absolute peak so I think that lens is perhaps only good for 1.4x.
See what happens to the very good 300/4.0 Nikkor when used with 1.4x and 1.7x Nikon TC here.
As to the other makes: I'm not sure what happens if you mix and match e.g. Sigma RCs with Nikon lenses
A Sigma 1.4x TC was tested there on a Sigma 100-300mm

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Hi Thomas,

thanks very much for that super-quick reply!
I will follow all those links you gave, but this just
once more points into the direction: go for a 1.4, if any.
So far I have read only good things on the (identical) TAMRON
and KENKO TCs, people are not so hot on SIGMA TCs it seems
to me...
As soon as I've made my move, you'll get some comparisons in
the lens-gallery.

Cheers,
Matthias

_________________
Matthias Messer

with Nikon cameras and lens only use Nikon or Kenko TC as Sigma TC DO NOT work with Nikon lens......

Nikon cameras and Sigma TC's with Sigma lens work very well.......

Do you have/use TCs, Big Pix? Which one(s)? With which lens(es)?

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

1.4 Kenko TC used the odd time on my Nikon glass only. I have found this setup to be quite sharp

1.4 Sigma used on my Sigma 300 2.8 for a tad more reach rather than take 2 lens. This TC and lens combo are very sharp. Sometimes used on the Bigma for good results

2 X TC Sigma for the rare time that I need very very long glass....... saving my pennies for a 800mm lens

Nikon glass use Nikon or Kenko TC's only

Sigma Glass use Sigma TC's only

I finally acquired a Kenko 1.5x TC, see my review here.
It has all contacts and a mechanical AF-coupling, so should work with all lenses with Nikon mount. But be careful, I've already identified two lenses that won't AF with the TC: The Sigma 150/2.8 macro and the Sigma 100-300/4.0. Both have HSM-drives (the Sigma equivalent to AF-S or SWM) and both try to focus, but keep on oscillating around the correct focus-point

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses