I'm trying to buy a TC to use with my 80-20 2.8D (two ring). I'd like to ask for your opinions on the Kenko's and whether I'd loose important IQ using the 2X type. Is it better to stop at the 1.7X? Does your Kenko's allow to autofocus properly? Thanks.
The kenkoPro 1.4 (they don't make a 1.7) is a great tool. Playing around I've stacked it with my Nikon Tc.17 (see the post below "300 AFS @ 750". When I used it with my 80-200 I don't even notice any reduction in quality. Do a search on KenkPro and you find that it is the standard for non-AFS nikkors now.
If you use the Kenko 1.4x PRO300 (Tamron is apparently a Kenko) you should not really loose any noticeable IQ, but if you get the 2x, there is a high chance of soft IQ on the 80-200. Also you cannot use the latest Nikon TC as they will only work on AF-S lenses. But be aware that with the Kenko, it will not show up in the EXIF data that you have a TC attached... There are a few samples from a 80-200 (2-ring) with a Kenko 1.4x PRO300 TC.... https://www.nikoncafe.com/vforums/showthread.php?t=116669 Also if you go to Nikonian site and then the Nikkor Lenses posts, there is a post on "Teleconverter Compatibility Chart" http://www.nikonians.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=5525&forum=DCForumID6
TC for 80-200 28D Thank you very much. I'll go for the 1.4 Pro. BTW, do you know whether is possible to use it with the 18-200VR as well?
In theory, yes. But at the long end of the 18-200, you'd be operating at f/8 wide open and that is a bit slow for auto-focus (Nikon does not guarantee proper AF operation above f/5.6). The Kenko 1.4 Pro is compatible with pretty much any lens, unlike the Nikon TC (even when modified for operation on non-AFS lenses), because its design does not intrude into the space that a back glass element could use...
You can find a very reasonably priced Kenko PRO 1.4 (New) from a Hong Kong supplier on the great auction site.
