best teleconverter for Nikon 80-200 AF-D?

[mihut_ionescu]

I'd like to buy a teleconverter for my Nikon 80-200 AF-D

http://nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=1986. I'm

considering either a 1.4x or 2x converter, must maintain AF. Which

brand would you recommend?

[scott_linstead]

The Kenko pro 300 series will preserve AF on this lens and be of minimal optical compromise if you use the 1.4X. There are other Kenkos that are not adviseable, but there exists a Tamron equivalent to the Kenko pro series that is essentially the same thing with different cosmetics(one manufactures for the other) 1.4X is usual a safe bet, try to avoid 2X, it will make you feel bad about your lens.

[dabitz]

I have the same lens, love it. I was thinking about buying a teleconverter, but I am not sure it will retain AF capabilities since this is not an AF-S? It would be a great solution to make it an "almost" 300mm. I am awaiting for your advise as well. Great lens Mihut, I love mine.

[subhasis_laha]

I second what Scott recommended. I have the 1.4x Tamron version that is identical to the Kenko Pro version, except for the cosmetics. It retains AF and performs very well with my Nikon 80-200 AF-D (2-ring, non-AFS) lens.

[mihut_ionescu]

Why is it that Nikon doesn't make any teleconverters which preserve AF capability on AF-D lenses? They only seem to preserve AF on AF-S lenses.

[wilsontsoi]

Used Kenko Pro 300 series TCs, both 1.4x and 2x, with 80-200mm f2.8 AF-D Tripod-Collar this past summer with acceptable results and AF is retained. If you need the reach, I would not hesitate to use them. Stopping down to f5.6 to decrease CA.<div></div>

[mihut_ionescu]

Wilson, how is the quality when you use only the 2x converter? I don't plan to stack them, I only want to buy one converter, would you mind sharing a full resolution image?

[wilsontsoi]

Above is with 1.4x TC shot with high-speed crop (2x factor, but lowered res.) at ISO 200.<div></div>

[wilsontsoi]

Here's Kenko Pro 300 2X TC, but with a 300mm f2.8.<div></div>

[wilsontsoi]

And here's the full res.<div></div>

[ilkka_nissila]

The best TC is the 300/4 AF-S or 300/2.8 AF-S.

[wilsontsoi]

Agree, best would be prime. Good to have choices, yes?

[raymond_petty1]

If you check the archives, certain well-known reviewers, etc., the scuttlebutt with zooms is to try to stay at 1.4X for teleconvertors. With primes you have more margin for error.

I've heard the most comments about the Kenko brands, but I haven't used them. Anecdotally, I get more than acceptable results with the 80-200/2.8 AF-S + TC 14E, but that doesn't help you much, since you need to keep AF (and will lose it with a Nikon teleconvertor).

[dennismk]

When I had this lens, which I loved, but I now use the 80-400 VR. I used a sigma APO tele converter 2X with great results, I still use it with my Nikon 400mm and get very sharp images. hope this helps.

[greg s]

Kenko Pro 300 1.4x TC << very high quality product, thank goodness it exists