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Archive 2015 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors

  
 
Delta Golf
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


I was thinking of picking up a Nikon 180 f2.8 to use with a D600 and Df. I hear its quite a good lens. I wonder if anyone has any experience of using it with convertors, either a 1.4 or 2x. I don't think you can use any Nikon convertors - unless some really old ones would work? So advice as to what brand to look for. Kenro perhaps?

I only want the convertor for occasional use, I'll mostly use the lens without but would like to have one in the bag 'just in case'. I'm more likely to use this lens for long distances. Thanks.




Aug 13, 2015 at 11:41 AM
Delta Golf
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


Sorry, I should say I'm talking about the 180 2.8D ED-IF AF Nikkor, the 'current' version, not an old manual focus!!


Aug 13, 2015 at 12:00 PM
Bill Graham
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


The 180 is quite a good lens but the problem with adding a TC for more reach is the quality of the TCs available. I tried the Kenko and Sigma 1.4x converters on both the 180 and the AF-300/4D lenses and was never happy with the results, resolution took a big hit with both.

Maybe I had a bad copy, the Kenko at least gets some good press but my experience definitely wasn't so good.

I'd say if you're looking for reach in that FL range, maybe try a Sigma 120-300. I've never used one and it's pretty heavy but all the different versions get good reviews, the later the version the better. Or pick up a used AF 300/4 to go along with the 180.

My thoughts, HTH.

Bill



Aug 13, 2015 at 06:05 PM
RoyC
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


If I remember the 180 f2.8 correctly, the back of the lens does not have a round opening. I do not think any Nikon TC would come close to fitting.




Aug 13, 2015 at 06:29 PM
Delta Golf
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


Thanks Bill and Roy. I had forgotten about Sigma convertors, I wonder if they work with the older screw-drive AF Nikkors. I used to have s Sigma 1.4 when I had Canons and it was really nice with my 200 2.8. I remember it was not very sturdy and always worried about it breaking in half! But - on film! - it was very good.

I know the quality will take a knock but I just want to add it to my lightweight kit for occasional use. I do plan on getting a 300 one day as well. The 120-300 zoom would be too big for me, its the size and weight of the 180 which is its attraction.

As far as I know there aren't any Nikon convertors which work with the 180 because it has the old screw-dive type AF. I don't know about any of the older Nikon convertors but there must have been some for the 300 and 400. But as Roy says maybe these never worked on this lens anyway.



Aug 14, 2015 at 04:04 AM
kipi
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


A modified TC-16A could work.


Aug 14, 2015 at 04:25 AM
Jorgen Udvang
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


I did the exact test you are asking for just last week with a Tamron 1.4x TC, which as far as I know is the same as the Kenko. Be aware though, that there are two versions, one cheap and one slightly more expensive. Mine is "Tamron SP AF Tele-Converter" "140F-FNs 1.4x". It comes in a red an white box. If I remember correctly, the cheaper one comes in a blue and white or green and white box.

Sharpness:
f/2.8 Good center sharpness, acceptable edges and corners.
f/4.0 Very good center sharpness, good edges and acceptable corners.
f/5.6 Excellent center sharpness, and almost as good edges. Corners very acceptable.

Contrast is fine at all apertures, but better when stopped down. If you shoot RAW, the new anti-haze filter in ACR is excellent for increasing contrast, particularly if the image is slightly over exposed. The 180/2.8 is indeed a very nice lens, and the compact size makes it an excellent travel companion. The fact that it works well with the Tamron TC makes it even more versatile. The Tamron works well with screw drive lenses as well as AF-S lenses.

As for the mentioned Nikkor 300mm f/4 AF (not AF-S), that lens performs very badly with teleconverters. I've tried it, and my old 500mm f/8 Reflex was sharper with more contrast.

I think this is the one I have, except that mine is white:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/185152-REG/Tamron_AF14PN700_1_4x_SP_Pro_Teleconverter.html

Edit:
I forgot to say; I use this combo on a D810. On cameras with less MP, it will obviously work even better.



Aug 14, 2015 at 04:27 AM
Delta Golf
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


Thank you for that info, Jorgen, exactly what I wanted to know.

The Tamron and Kenko do look similar and I think there are two Kenko versions too. I will research more. I'd be very happy with the results you report.

My plan was to get a new 300 f4 E eventually. But at the moment they are hard to find. I doubt I'd use a convertor on it much as its down to f5.6 which is getting slow for the light in my part of the world. But word is that lens works well with the Nikon 1.4x.



Aug 14, 2015 at 05:24 AM
trenchmonkey
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


The 180 f2.8's rather anemic AF will be exacerbated by any TC implementation.
Just say no...especially if you plan on any sports/BIF in less than ideal light.



Aug 14, 2015 at 05:44 AM
Jorgen Udvang
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


trenchmonkey wrote:
The 180 f2.8's rather anemic AF will be exacerbated by any TC implementation.
Just say no...especially if you plan on any sports/BIF in less than ideal light.


That's right. It's OK for general travel photography, but not so good for things that move. A lightweight alternative to this is the Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro. The old version, without OS, is similar in size and weight to the Nikkor 180mm, and takes the Sigma 1.4x and 2.0x TCs without problems.



Aug 14, 2015 at 08:50 AM
morris
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Nikkor 180 2.8 and 1.4 or 2 x teleconvertors


This is my goto combination when I'm traveling and don't expect to be doing much wildlife photography. I love the 180mm f2.8 for portraits, macro with and without a tube and isolation landscapes. I have the Tamron SP AF 1.4x PRO teleconverter which works with both screwdriver lenses and newer AFS lenses. It's quality is superb and paired with the 180mm I get excellent results. Focus speed is acceptable and I have shot flight with it on both my D200 and D300. I like this combination for traveling light, it's not a substitute if you have a need for 300mm regularly if you need fast focus. For occasional use with a TC and used by itself most of the time you will probably love the lens. The bokeh is in line with the 70-200 VR @200mm and it's much lighter though focus is not as fast as the 70-200.

Here are a few images, no TC:

012115DSC_9810 by Morris Altman, on Flickr

012115DSC_9873 by Morris Altman, on Flickr

012115DSC_0220 by Morris Altman, on Flickr

This is with the TC and taken through a double pain window:

111713DSC_2389 by Morris Altman, on Flickr

180 + TC, I believe cropped a bit:

072714DSC_7818 by Morris Altman, on Flickr

Morris



Aug 16, 2015 at 01:10 PM





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