Customer Reviews

Nikon TC-20E II (2.0x) Teleconverter AF-S for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I use the TC-20E II with a 400mm f2.8 ED IF AF-S, and it's superb. I was concerned whether there would be a reduction in sharpness, and perhaps there is a touch (but perhaps that's also a product of shooting at 800mm and ANY camera shake being noticeable), but this 2x converter is much sharper than the TC-14E 1.4x I also own. Yes, these newer converters must be used with the newer lenses, as others have mentioned.

So I read the tree previous reviews and the two low scoring ones could have been prevented with some help. When doing background research, do not skip the brick and mortar stores or the manufacturer's web site. I researched this product extensively on DP Review and Nikonians, finshing up on the Nikon web site where they make the product manuals available for download. Usually in PDF format.

The product works as advertised. If there is image degradation, it is minor and will not be noticeable in most peoples 4x6 prints, though it may be perceptible in enlargements.

I bought this for my D300 and 70-200 2.8 VR. It works very well. The auto focus and the vibration reduction are not hindered at all by the TC. This increased my range from 300mm to 600mm @ 5.6, all with Nikkor quality, vibration reduction for $430, are you kidding me? If you can find a better Nikkor lenses at this focal range with VR for $430 please share it with us. Oh BTW, for the reviewers who bought this TC and found out that it does not work for your lens, please be patience and work on your reading skill.

This review will be short and sweet. I used this for one of the first times today at an outdoor swim meet. I was using a Nikon D200 with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. I used the same camera/lens last summer, but without the teleconverter. Today, the teleconverter allowed me to get great close up shots of the swimmers. The quality of the pictures was every bit as nice as the pictures I took last summer without the teleconverter. If you've got the right lens and you want more zoom, I highly recommend the TC-20E II teleconverter.

I was prepared to send this doubler back if it worked as poorly as the 2x Kenko Teleplus pro, which had significant chromatic aberration and softness issues with my 70-200 f/2.8. But I delighted with the quality of this glass. I can see almost no degradation of optical quality when used with the 70-200. With my D300 I can shoot hand held at ISO 800 in reasonable light with acceptable noise at f/5.6. Overall performance was way better than what I expected. A keeper.
It's worth noting that the reviewers who found this lens unacceptable did so because they had not verified that it would work with the lens they hoped to use it with. I understand the frustration there, but that is no reason to give the teleconverter a bad review. This is a terrific product when used with the correct lenses.

I've read mixed reviews for this teleconverter and there is now a newer model available. I can tell you I'm going to keep this TC-20E II. I'm happy with the results when I use this device with my D700 and my 70-200 F2.8 VRII lens. I only use this in good light but when I need the 400mm reach this baby comes in handy. I don't often need this reach so buying a Nikon 200-400 zoom for $6,000 isn't going to happen! For now I'm happy with the TC-20E II.

I have an older model of the TC-20E, stamped with "AF-I Teleconverter" which is the same unit as the one stamped "AF-S Teleconverter." Nikon only changed the name and not the manufacturing. If you find one used don't be scared away by it's potential compatibility. Firstly, I have used it extensively with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR model which cost around $1,600. The lens sold between 2003 to 2009 and as of this review, April 2011, Nikon is listing the same lens, refurbished at over $2,000 on it's website! In 2009 this lens was replaced by the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S model selling north of $2,400. That having been said, this teleconverter just works. Your lowest F-stop will be f/5.6 but you've turned your already great lens into a 140-400mm monster. If Nikon's digital sensor size is taken into account it is like having a 50% multiplier on top of that from the 35mm film days... 210-600mm lens with VR. It still amazes me. I've included the prices to demonstrate that money spent on quality Nikon lens is not wasteful. The original 2k spent has given me shots I would not have otherwise pulled off and the market price of the teleconverter and lens has gone up by more than 25%. In ending, this teleconverter works wonders with quality Nikon glass with a low F-stop. I'm glad I spent the money on this fantastic duo. I doubt I'd be as happy trying to combine this with a high F-stop lens (anything over f/2.8) or a Nikon want-a-be manufacture.

Be warned, this teleconverter does not fit all Nikon lenses. Read the specifications on Nikon's site before purchasing this teleconverter. I was disappointed to find out only a few lenses will fit this teleconverter. Nikon has added a small piece of metal to block use of other lenses.

I wish Nikon would allow other lenses to fit this teleconverter. They claim that the elements will touch. If that is so, then all they need to do is make this teleconverter slightly larger to fit without elements touching.

It would have made a great edition to any lens collection.