Any sample images using AF-S 300mm 2.8 with various TCs? (1 Viewer)

[mark_s]

Hi All,

I'm looking into the Nikon AF-S 300mm 2.8 G IF ED VR. I've read that it performs very well with the Nikon TC-14 and TC-17 and apparently still quite OK with the TC-20.

Has anyone done any comparative tests, i.e. images produced using the 300 on its own compared to ones produced using the 300 in combination with the TC-14, 17 and/or 20?

 

[Andy Bright]

I haven't got any side by side comparative shots, but having used this lens bare, + 1.4 and + 1.7, you really won't be disappointed... I can't really comment on the 2x though. The difference between 1.4 and 1.7 is very minor (which is why the 1.7x is so popular), you may just want to stop down a fraction with the 1.7x on, just to get the very best from the combination.
A few shots here with the various combinations.
http://www.digiscoped.com/Nikon300mmVR.html

cheers,
Andy

 

[mark_s]

I haven't got any side by side comparative shots, but having used this lens bare, + 1.4 and + 1.7, you really won't be disappointed... I can't really comment on the 2x though. The difference between 1.4 and 1.7 is very minor (which is why the 1.7x is so popular), you may just want to stop down a fraction with the 1.7x on, just to get the very best from the combination.
A few shots here with the various combinations.
http://www.digiscoped.com/Nikon300mmVR.html

cheers,
Andy

Thanks for the info, Andy, and also for your great review. Seeing the picture of you holding the 300 in your hand really highlighted how compact this lens is. Before seeing this photo, I was under the impression the lens was much larger (mainly due to its weight of around 2.8 kg, I suppose). It must be of a very high density!

I'm glad the image quality with the 1.7 is still good. Is there anyone on BF who has experience with this lens in conjunction with the TC-20 converter?

 

[nez]

I'm glad the image quality with the 1.7 is still good. Is there anyone on BF who has experience with this lens in conjunction with the TC-20 converter?[/QUOTE]

i have recently purchased this lens and it is truely magnificent i agree everything andy says about it what camera are you using with it it makes a whole lot of difference to the spped of autofocusing i use the d200 in conjunction with it andy uses the d2x which autofocuses faster and has more control over the d200 i always use continious autofocus with focus priority over frame rate this can be set via the menu on the autofocus option.unless the bird is static then i use single af.I have purchased the 2x converter and have been plesantly suprised at the results slow autofocus on my d200 though dont know how fast on the pro bodies like the d2h and d2x the image results are very good in good light i would prefer to use the 1.7 converter unless im really up against it you loose 2 full stops of light which gives you 5.6 on the AFS 300MM VR lens which is rated with an aperture of 2.8 as i say its good if you stop down to at least F8 to bring the sharpness at the corners back i prefer the 1.7 as my usual set up but its up to you here are some shots taken with the 2x combo hope this helps Neil

 

[yossi]

For that amount of money it's worth considering the 200-400 AFS VR. I find it a superb lens, even with TCs.

 

[mark_s]

i have recently purchased this lens and it is truely magnificent i agree everything andy says about it what camera are you using with it it makes a whole lot of difference to the spped of autofocusing i use the d200 in conjunction with it andy uses the d2x which autofocuses faster and has more control over the d200 i always use continious autofocus with focus priority over frame rate this can be set via the menu on the autofocus option.unless the bird is static then i use single af.I have purchased the 2x converter and have been plesantly suprised at the results slow autofocus on my d200 though dont know how fast on the pro bodies like the d2h and d2x the image results are very good in good light i would prefer to use the 1.7 converter unless im really up against it you loose 2 full stops of light which gives you 5.6 on the AFS 300MM VR lens which is rated with an aperture of 2.8 as i say its good if you stop down to at least F8 to bring the sharpness at the corners back i prefer the 1.7 as my usual set up but its up to you here are some shots taken with the 2x combo hope this helps Neil

Thanks Neil for the detailed info on your experiences with the 300VR. I use a D200 too, together with a 300 f/4 and TC-14 and a 70-300 f/4.5-5.6. Looking at your image attachments, I'm impressed with the performance of the lens with the 2x converter. It appears to work well. Do you use a tripod or monopod or do you hand-hold? If you use support, do you have VR switched on?

 

[mark_s]

For that amount of money it's worth considering the 200-400 AFS VR. I find it a superb lens, even with TCs.

Yes, I've heard great things about the 200-400, Yossi. The thing is, I expect the 300VR is more portable (and it's a bit cheaper too, err, I mean less expensive!). Is it possible to hand-hold the 200-400 for flight shots? It does seem to be quite a big lens.