I'm at a point where I need to make a decision between a TC1.4IIE and a TC1.7IIE for use with a 70-200VR2 primarily on a D700 body. I don't own any AF fixed telephotos, although, I do have a D300 body. I already own the TC1.4; but now have a D700 and a friend offering to sell me his TC1.7. I'm not a 'birder' and shoot primarily portraiture with some occasional general landscape, architecture & amateur sports. I guess I'm looking for 'all around' versatility with the highest IQ possible.
I would appreciate hearing of the experience from those with a similar setup or decision scenario.
The VR II takes the TC-14E II so well, even wide open that it's IQ is gonna be tough to beat.
Couple that with only losing a stop and the type of shooting you do...unless he's giving it away I'd say don't.
Optically your TC-14E is the same, so it sounds like you're all set.
Here's a shot with the D7K that was handy. Have tons with the D3 that are even better
I'd say if great autofocus is a priority, I'd stick with the TC-1.4. I messed up this day in the field ant had the 1.7x mounted on the camera when I thought it was the 1.4x. Autofocus does slow with the 1.7x.
IQ is good with both. This is D3s/TC-17IIE/70-200 VRII at 340mm f8
I've used the 1.7 with a D700 and 70-200 VRII (as you mention). I've been surprisingly pleased. Conventional wisdom says not to use a TC with a zoom, but this lens really shines and can pull it off. 1.4 would be better than 1.7, but I wouldn't really hesitate with the 1.7 if that is what you have.
Nice capture trenchmonkey! Thanks for your input. Yeah, I'm kind of leaning toward just keeping the TC14 for the speed advantage. Not quite the pull on the D700, but I've always got the DX body.
If the image isn't sharp due to shake or focus, it's a total loss. The alternative is some cropping from a useable image.
And, I assure you he's not giving it away; another reason to stay put.
fldspringer, good call on the focus-speed issue, I hadn't thought of that being a deciding factor. But, again, sounds like the keeper rate would go up with the TC14. Looks to me like you nailed your shot. Man, he/she looks well trained; waiting for your next command(?). My dogs (rescues) are an unruly bunch, even more so as a group. :-\
Grantland wrote:
does anyone have experience with the 70-200 VRI and 1.4x?
Ya, about 2 years worth. IQ took a little more of a hit (especially when cropping) and the most noticeable
difference was in the bokeh & background blur...not nearly as smooth as when paired with the VR II.
trenchmonkey wrote:
Ya, about 2 years worth. IQ took a little more of a hit (especially when cropping) and the most noticeable
difference was in the bokeh & background blur...not nearly as smooth as when paired with the VR II.
You will get faster AF with the 1.4 as it provides 0.5 f-stop more light to the AF sensors. For sports photography I would stay with the 1.4x even with the VR II lens.
I do wildlife so compromise a bit different - I tested various extenders from range of manufacturers and found that the 'new' TC-20EIII with the 70-200VRII worked far better than many -sharp, speed of focus etc than some other 1.4/1.7/2.0 that I tried. Obviously the loss of f-stop speed was still there but VRII allowed some staggering surprising 'poor light' results! The other interesting use was with landscape and panorama stitching to join up - large file sizes, but tremendous 'close up zoom' detail within wide angle view and surprising depth of field - also effective with large groups of people eg weddings/family gatherings - usually without TC-2, but few occasions was good option.
alecw wrote:
I do wildlife so compromise a bit different - I tested various extenders from range of manufacturers and found that the 'new' TC-20EIII with the 70-200VRII worked far better than many -sharp, speed of focus etc than some other 1.4/1.7/2.0 that I tried. Obviously the loss of f-stop speed was still there but VRII allowed some staggering surprising 'poor light' results! The other interesting use was with landscape and panorama stitching to join up - large file sizes, but tremendous 'close up zoom' detail within wide angle view and surprising depth of field - also effective with large groups of people eg weddings/family gatherings - usually without TC-2, but few occasions was good option. ...Show more →
Guess you missed this part I'm not a 'birder' and shoot primarily portraiture with some occasional general landscape, architecture & amateur sports. I guess I'm looking for 'all around' versatility with the highest IQ possible.
The TC-14E II is flat out the best IQ & AF speed, your long tenure on FM notwithstanding...you might yield to more experienced members actually answering the question.
