Nikon TC-16A Review

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Introduction

The Nikon TC 16A was introduced in 1985 to provide limited AF capability for Nikon MF lenses up to 300mm, with a aperture of f/2.8 or faster. At the time Nikon was behind on making AF lenses, so they had to make a compromise to keep photographers happy until Nikon was able to supply AF lenses.

Note! This converter does not work on all Nikon cameras*, it was made especially for Nikon F401, F501 and F801 (MIR suggests F4 and F90) . It will work on some other cameras , but you try this at your own risk!. It works with my D2H, and F5, but it does not work with my D1X or my D200.

*Oliver Perialis have made a DIY tutorial on converting the TC-16A to work with other cameras. go to www.foolography.com and check under 'free stuff'

Specifications

Lens Construction: 5 elements in 5 groups

Magnification: 1.6 x

Aperture: -1/3 Stop.

Included accessories: Front cap, Rear Cap.

Size and weight: Approx. 67mm, x 71mm, x 21mm, 150g

Diaphragm: Automatic

Price from: $ Discontinued

Price Paid: $ 41 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• Optical quality(tested on DX).
• AF with MF lenses.

Drawbacks

• Only Limited AF with MF lenses.
• Only works on a few cameras*.
• AF speed. not the worst I've seen but not the best either.

Verdict

A very smart little device, the optical quality is close to superb. It's too bad the TC-16A doesn't work on all AF cameras*, and that you only get limited AF. The TC-16A brings life to old MF lenses. The performance on the Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 is excellent from f/4 to f/16. The AF speed could be a little faster. Some sites suggest that the TC-16A only works on AI lenses, in my tests I had no problems using it on AI-S, AI'D and AI lenses with the D2H and the Nikon F5.

*Update: Oliver Perialis have made a DIY tutorial on converting the TC-16A to work with other cameras. go to www.foolography.com and check under 'free stuff'

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

None.

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.
Camera: Nikon D2H
Lens: Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AI-S, Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/3.5 Pre-AI
Note: the f/ values for the TC-16A + the 300mm, should be 1/3 stop slower.

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