The Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter is an exceptional teleconverter optimized for use with FX and DX digital SLR cameras. It doubles the focal length of compatible Nikkor lenses. The TC-20E III is constructed of 7 elements in 5 groups and with Nikon's Integrated Coating (IC) you will see improved color and reduced flair. It has one aspherical lens element which virtually eliminates lens aberrations.
The 2x extender (also known as a teleconverter) will double the focal length of your existing lens, and will cut back the amount of light by 2 f/stops. For example, using this teleconverter with a 300mm lens will effectively increase the focal length to 600mm. A lens set to f/2.8 will now be f/5.6. Teleconverters are best used with longer telephoto lenses and are not recommended for lenses wider than 50mm, e.g. 28-105mm (35mm format).
| Magnification | 2x |
| Lens Elements/Groups | 7/5 |
| Light Loss | 2 f/stops |
| Length | Approx. 1.9" (48mm) extension from the camera's lens-mounting flange |
| Diameter | Approx. 2.6" (66mm) |
| Weight | Approx 11.6 oz (330 g) |
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Most Liked Positive Review
Highly useful product - with drawbacks
I use this teleconverter with the Nikon 70-200 mm VR zoom lens. It is wonderful to have a 2x extension. The obvious disadvantage of using a Teleconverter at all, is the loss of...Read complete review
I use this teleconverter with the Nikon 70-200 mm VR zoom lens. It is wonderful to have a 2x extension. The obvious disadvantage of using a Teleconverter at all, is the loss of light, not to be underestimated as this one delivers a loss of two full steps. In addition there is significant vignetting. This can be rectified fairly easily in Adobe Lightroom (and Apple Aperture I assume), but requires individual adjustment for each focal length. Other than that, copy specific settings to save time with stacks of photos. Despite these drawbacks of a two-step light loss and vignetting, it is useful to close in on a subject in a cheaper way than buying an extra lens. No comparison to the latter, though.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Soft Images and Poor Focus
I use this with my 70-200mm fF2.8 telephoto lens. The best way to describe this teleconverter is "inconsistent." Too many photos have a "washed out" look, and focus...Read complete review
I use this with my 70-200mm fF2.8 telephoto lens. The best way to describe this teleconverter is "inconsistent." Too many photos have a "washed out" look, and focusing takes longer and is not always accurate. I have not used this under challenging situations yet (i.e., sports, wildlife, etc.), but the few times I have used it to shoot people and places outdoors, I have been somewhat disappointed. I have used it in poor indoor lighting with a tripod (stage productions), and the results were o.k. Either way, it's an inexpensive way to get 400mm from a good 200mm lens.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
This Teleconverter is an asset to shooting in telephoto. It contains an aspherical element which produces clear, sharp images. Combined with a telephoto lens, It doubles the image size, so a 300 MM F 2.8 lens now becomes a 600 MM F5.6 lens.
This unit will only fit Certain Nikkor lenses. Check before you buy.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
The nikon x2 teleconverter is very soft.
It was tested in comparison with the nikon x1.7 using the same conditions. The results of the x2 were significantly inferior to the x1.7.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
A great budget solution for those who need a longer zoom lens without the $5k for the 200-400mm F/4. Provides 140-400mm equivalent zoom @ F5.6 from my new 70-200mm F2.8 with no noticeable degradation in image quality. Strongly recommend using a tripod with that combination and would avoid using a battery grip if possible to reduce strain on the mount, but gives much needed zoom without compromising the autofocus, VR, etc. as tested.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Have used this teleconverter in conjunction with a 70-200mm to shoot birds, the moon, etc. I am very pleased with its sharpness. Best on a tripod, but I have had luck using hand held as well. This is a very affordable path to extra reach. The 2-stop loss is noticeable so definitely best with well lit subject matters.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Used with a Nikon 300mm f/2.8 and the results are amazingly sharp
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Going to Africa! Decided to use Nikon 2.8 70-200II + 2x tele-extender rather than the slower 80-400 or the much more expensive 200-400. Read the reviews and tried the MkII. Tried the MkIII. The MkIII seems crystal clear even with the D300 and lens pushed out to 200! That's = to 600. The eyes of the animals are to be captured.
Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Nice construction, but the ring makes a clinking noise when not attached to body.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I use this coupled primarily with my Nikon 300mm 2.8 VRII. I must say except for the aperture drop to 5.6, if there is adequate light, you can barely notice any change in image quality from using a 1.4TC-II. The additional reach is amazing on my D300 and I am sure I will be able to hand-hold this rig on my new D700 for birds-in-flight, which is my primary subject matter
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I use this TC-2EIII 2X Tel-converter for my Nikkor
70-200mm AF-s and 80-200 AF-I lens. I understand the F2.8 will change to F5.6, but for landscape is good enough. I do not need to spend more money for 400mm lens. and the device is light enough for me to carry on a trip. The only thing I have to point out here is that there is a metal clip in the lens if you did not connect to the main lens it will create a noice. It is not broken. Once you connect to the lense, you hear no moise. The picture came out are as clear as a normal lense.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I bought it for my Nikon 70-200 Vr 1 in order to begin with birding and fauna.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
This is a great addition for wildlife photography. It's a good compromise to purchasing a larger lens. Works well with the Nikon 70-200 VRII and the 300mm f4. The focus is a bit slower than I had hoped for, but overall I am very pleased the extra reach and sharpness.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I guess it depends on what you are looking for. Personally I owned (yep past tense) an 80-400 that although very sharp was dismal in focus performance. I had "hoped" that I could put this TC 20e III on my Nikon 70-200 VR II and get way better performance at least in the focus speed dept. Well... Sharpness was equal or better at the same f-stop, and in good light the 70-200 with the TC 20 was faster at focusing but in low light the 70-200 with the TC was actually slower, it would hunt more often than the 80-400 and that is not saying much. The other disappointment for me was that in closer focusing, there is no way it was close to 400mm on the 70-200. Compared side by side with my 80-400 it was probably more like 375mm it was noticably differnt.
All those factors led me in a differnt direction altogher. In the end, I sold my 80-400 and returned this. My new plan for a 400mm lens is a used 300 f/2.8 with a 1.4x TC. I want 400mm and fast focusing, I was willing to settle for the f/5.6 speed but only if it really worked, and impressed me. It was always more of a luke warm impression. I did take it out for a BIF session in cloudy weather and although I got some keepers, I don't think my keeper rate improved beyond my 80-400.
I would recommend this in an "it depends" mode. Used on the right lens, yep should be great, on the 70-200 for what I wanted....just so-so.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Added reach for my 70-200 f/2.8 Nikon. Still sharp! And a better price than the equivalent telephoto.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
The Nikon 2X Teleconverter is a handy piece of equipment to have in your bag (or in my case, my pocket) when my long lens is not long enough. After using cheaper off market brands, I came to the realization that my Nikon lenses are the best quality (and expensive) and those lenses should be
attached to equally fine optics. The Nikon 2X teleconverter was about double the price of my off market 2x, but has more than proved it's value.
In low light the teleconverter generally needs to be manually focused.
I am using the Nikon 2X teleconverter on a D2X, D700 and a D3s.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I use it for outdoor wildlife. I love the extension it gives me. It does take away a bit of speed (two stops) but I knew that before I bought it. You will need more light for action shots - like birds flying early in the morning or early evening.
Typical Nikon quality.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I gave it to my wife and expected the pictures to be grainy. NOT the case at all. Great addition to her 400 for sports shooting.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Used mostly with 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II. The result is sharp, but there's definitely a noticeable degradation in quality. The extra reach is amazing, but losing that many stops is questionably worth it.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I bought a converter for my 70-200 VR II zoom.
Drawing is much sharper and shows more detail than the previously used Nikkor 80-400 VR. In particular, the "long end". I am very satisfied. Perhaps I can sell my 80-400. On the other hand, the older lens is much lighter. On long trips and for my nature photography now prefer using 70-200 with converter is more usefull compared with 300/F4.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
Nikon quality glass that gave me 400mm f5.6 (from a 70-200 VRII) a lot cheaper than getting that lens.
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Comments about Nikon TC-20E III 2x Teleconverter for AF-S & AF-I Lenses:
I use this TC with my Nikon 70-200 VR2 2.8 with my D700.
Very good option to use when you're okay with losing the low F capability. When that's not an option, I use my D300 without the TC.
I felt that overall the quality with this TC is very good (although this is the first TC I owned).
The only thing to really consider before buying this, is that it only works with a limited range of lenses.
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