Teleconverter question

[Willsy]

I have a new 70-200m f/2.8 VR lens with my new D700 body, and will be going off to a motorsport event in the next couple of weeks where I want to have a decent attempt at some shots. I have figured a little more reach would be a good thing, and with out spending a lot of $$$ I figured a teleconverter could be the go?

It is not something I am doing a lot of at the moment, (motorsport), but if I decide to keep going down this route I might get another longer lens in the future to suit, but not yet.

I was looking at the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II, and have read typically good reviews with it mated to my lens with the odd one not sure about it when at full zoom.

I read the TC-14E II is a great one through the whole range, though with the 17, why not have this and have the extra reach if you want it? It sounds that it is probably as good past where the 14 range ends, just not as good at the end of its own range? At least its there if you want it. Am I far off on this comment?

Is there any other options around that could help me instead, or is it all a waste of money?

So far I have found people here very helpful with my questions, and really appreciate the help. I look forward to be able to repay the help when I learn more in the photography field.

Thanks in advance!
Simon.

[Douglas]

theres always the 70-300 VR lens. Its a full frame lens. There has been so much talk that on a dx camera, that the 70-200 is THE lens, but not so much on a full frame camera. Ive never heard a bad review about the 70-300 though. And you arent putting another piece of glass between your sensor and your lens. Also, while you are losing the flat 2.8 with the variable app of the 70-300, the teleconverter is going to bump it anyway to a similar stop.

[Willsy]

Thanks Douglas, what is the cost difference between the two?

I was looking at a cheaper way to have a go for now, then if I take a shine to it, down the path I was thinking something like a 300m f/2.8 or the like could be the go. Rather than buying another lens, I thought the teleconverter could be added to what I purchase later on down the track if it suits.

As I have spent about 16k AUD in the last few weeks on equipment, I thought I should be careful before jumping into another large buy...

[swampler]

Probably won't help you much, since I use Canon stuff, but I have the Kenko 1.4x and 2.0x TC that I use on my 70-200 f/2.8L lens. I put an example and link to the 2x TC here. Some of my 1.4x shots are here. Don't know if it will help much, but Kenko does make Nikon converters, so maybe it will give you an idea?

[badpickev]

ok let me try this one.

tc's do help to a point. the quality steps are noticeable and the price is also a major factor when deciding which one to buy. with the nikon af-s lenses, the nikon tc's are the best and the only one that comes ina 1.7x range. the next best for the 70-200 vr will be the sigma hsm tc's, they work with afs lenses, well as they were tested on my fuji they do.

the next group in quality wise are the kenko 300 pro series, no 1.7 but there is a 3x ( not gonna go there). the tamron sp line of tc's are the same as the kenko's. the next group are the mc-7 line by kenko, tamron, and tokina, once again all the same you do get a 1.5x, but no 1.7. the next level down are the mc-4 line, same as the mc-7 but has 4 elements and the quality is about kit lens level.

while a 1.7x will work fine on a 70-200 f2.8 the lens becomes a 120-340 f4. this is a pretty dencent working range for automobile racing. if the reach is not enough, you can try the 120-300 f2.8 by sigma, i use this with a 2x and 1.4x sigma tc's and from the top seats pit lane is more than close enough on my fuji's.

btw i have the sigma 1.4 and 2x, kenko 300 pro 2x and mc-7 2x

[Willsy]

Really appreciate the help all!

So the 17 with my set up of 70-200mm f/2.8 and D700 should do fine but not fantastic. I think it seems the go for me.

Next question then is, a guy is selling his gear on ebay, one item being a TC-17E II which is a few years old. He feels it is near new and looked after well, and best of all lives in the same suburb! This converter is starting at $440 AUD where a new one seems to go around $560-580 AUD.

Bad idea, or not? The seller seems to have the right intentions, just has finished up with photography and onto his next thing. Should I just pay the extra fora new one and piece of mind?

Thanks again.

[NikonMarty]

also take into consideration usability..
check out what lenses can be used with the 1.7 and the other TCs Nikon makes
the list is a lot shorter than 1 might think

i bought the 1.7 a few months back, have used it maybe once shooting weddings etc and even then i can't even remember the circumstance

[Willsy]

Originally Posted by NikonMarty

also take into consideration usability..
check out what lenses can be used with the 1.7 and the other TCs Nikon makes
the list is a lot shorter than 1 might think

i bought the 1.7 a few months back, have used it maybe once shooting weddings etc and even then i can't even remember the circumstance

Yes that is a consideration too. I want to get into some more sporting photography, including balls sports along with the motorsport. I can see myself using it for a bit if it works well, then upgrading to a more suitable Lens if I like where I am going. Cheers!