Nikon TC-20E III quality

[jon_savage]

<p>I notice (via a search that picked up a note off the pdreview forum) that the Nikon TC-20E III is out and about. Has anyone here had chance to try it yet? Specifically with the 70-200 2.8 VR.</p>

<p>I just sold my old car last week to fund a telephoto and I have until mid March before I plan to need it so I can wait if I must. I had more or less, although I need a deep breath to part with that much money, decided on the 300 F4 (£1000 in UK, or $1600) as the first step on the quest towards 400mm with getting a TC-14 (£300/$485) later. In the UK the TC-20III is £450 (~$725) so not far off half the price of a 300 f4.</p>

<p>Some advice here was to wait for the TC-20 III. While searching for info on this I see rumours of a 300 F4 VR later this year but I guess I could wait for ever for that.</p>

<p>I can't see me being able to afford a long 2.8 lens, not already covered by my 70-200 (sold my 70-300VR to fund it!), so it would be used only with that so it would have to be good. I guess my quality targets are better than a Sigma 120-400 and not much behind the 300 with/without the x1.4.</p>

<p>Probably asking too much for a converter but If anyone has tesed it I'd be interested in you views.</p>

<p>Cheers,<br>

J</p>

[jorgen_udvang]

<p>Here's one guy who seems to do well with the lens. The first two photos are done with a 300mm f/4 AF-S, one with the TC20 II and one with the TC20 III. It doesn't show how it will perform with the 70-200, but it does show the amount of improvement from the older version:<br>

http://www.pbase.com/twg/image/121190941<br>

http://www.pbase.com/twg/image/121190942<br>

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1030&message=34302101</p>

[paul_b.1]

<p>I think that is wise to use TC-14E, since the TC-20E 1, 2 and now 3, was always dedicated to 300/2,8 (same generation) , and is known to give their best results with these lenses.</p>

[jon_savage]

<p>Thanks for the links. Interesting images, especially the TC14II v TC20III. May be I'll hang on a bit and see if I can try the bits somewhere.</p>

[thomas_lozinski]

<p>I took some comparison shots between the TC-20e II and III and can't see any difference in the center of the image. The III is a little better in the corner. Will try to post shots of bottom right corner comparison on 400mm 2.8 (D90). My recommendation is that if you're cropping the corners off anyhow just go with the II. If you're shooting full frame or you are looking at corners at 100% go with the III version.</p><div></div>