teleconverter for D200 with 18-200VR

[cb4cb]

Hi all, can i use a 1.4 or 2x teleconverter on my D200 with a 18-200VR lens. Would appriciate any comments.

[cyclohexane]

Not one made by Nikon. They'd fit onto the lens, but when zooming out the rear element of the lens would smash into the front element of the teleconverter, and you'd likely have two broken sets of glass.

I haven't tried any of the third party options but the 18-200 is a f/5.6 at the long end; even a 1.4x TC would put you at f/8...

[badpickev]

i am thinking the kenko pro 300 series should work to some degree. that is you will be able to use the vr. its just the af might not work due to the light loss.

[pturton]

Your image quality will suffer greatly when using a TC on a zoom lens and to obtain an acceptable image may require stopping down at least 1 stop but probably 2 stops. Use of a TC on this lens will effectively turn it into a f/8 with 1.4x TC or f/11 with 2x TC that is difficult to focus and needs to be stopped down further to get an acceptable image. I often find my 300 f/4 lens too slow unless the sky is bright.

To get an idea how dark your lens will be with a TC, set your lens to f/8 or f/11 and press the DOF Preview button - now try to manual focus.

Tele-converters are generally designed for use with telephoto prime lenses that have a f/4 or wider aperture.

[cb4cb]

Thanks to all who responded, might try and find a nice used 400 or 500mm prime instead.
ptuton: I did the DOF preview button test and I see what you mean, - great example

[badpickev]

for old primes. the sigma and tokina 400mm 5.6 show up regularly on ebay and go for around $350. i have also seen a few sigma 500 7.2's as well