Nikon TC-20E III hands on

ELinder

ELinder

Member
My Nikon TC-20E III teleconverter arrived today, and here's the result of a very quick tryout. I put it on a D90 with a 70-200mm f2.8G AF-S ED VR (not the one that just came out). First impressions? Well, I'm definitely going to have to practice good long lens technique. I've never used a 400mm lens, and the first thing that I noticed was how much movement is exaggerated when hand held, even with the VR active. Also, I'm going to have to be very careful of depth of field when not focusing on something far away. As for sharpness, well, it's really too early to tell. I'll have to try it in various lighting conditions, but from the first few pics, I'm definitely keeping it.

Here are 2 pics, a 100% crop from the RAW file with nothing at all done to it, and a reduced size of the full frame with some of my standard Photoshop adjustments. I focused on the bottom end of the dial needle just left of the number 30.5.

Erich

[expando]http://gallery.mac.com/erichlinder/100095/TC-20EIII-20test01-201/large.jpg[/expando]

[expando]http://gallery.mac.com/erichlinder/100095/TC-20EIII-20test01-20100-25-20crop/large.jpg[/expando]
 
Erich,

Here's some tips from Moose Petterson: Proper Long Lens Technique

I know he is talking about 400/600mm lenses but it should give you some ideas on how to handle your combination. ; For the time of day of the shuttle launch, you are going to want to use a tripod. ; For the 70-200VR, you leave the VR ON even on a tripod.
 
I presume you mean leave the VR on in Normal mode when actively panning while mounted on the tripod. Or do you mean that the combo with the 2x converter introduces enough vibration that you think I need to leave it in Active mode?

Erich
 
Right, I just wanted to make sure you hadn't noticed something different while using yours on the tripod. As for active mode on the AK jeeps, what is really needed is a computer controlled gyro stabilized gimbal mount. Those drivers are NUTS!

Erich
 
;D You got a point about those jeep drivers. ; Looking forward to seeing your photos from the launch, Erich. ; Hope the weather cooperates and you get great light.
 
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