Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
p.2 #1Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
mitesh wrote:
I had this happen to my 200-600 while on safari in Africa. Same symptoms as described by OP. Didn't have a JIS screwdriver to fix it, but once I got home, I tightened two of the screws on the lens mount and that solved the problem. Glad the OP got a replacement quickly.
Thanks and it's interesting to learn this happens. I need to pick up the screwdriver to keep in my bag.
Hatch
arbitrage wrote
Good to hear you got a new copy so fast. I wonder if the 1st copy had a loose mount or some other issue? I guess we will never know. But I will say I have seen many cases over the past couple years both locally and online where slightly loose screws has been the issue.Thanks and it's interesting to learn this happens. I need to pick up the screwdriver to keep in my bag.
Hatch
Sep 04, 2026 at 09:17 AM
p.2 #2Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
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Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr
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Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr
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Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr
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Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr
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Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr
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Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr
A few quick shots this morning after filling up the feeders. I wanted to see how well the 2xTC performed, no complaints. I was at about minimum focusing distance so the DOF is very shallow, the combo is very sharp and holds a ton of detail in the image. The AF was plenty fast trying to keep up with the hummingbirds. If the 2xTC is performing this well, the 1.4xTC will be amazing.
Enjoy the weekend.
Hatch
Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr02
Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr03
Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr04
Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr05
Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on Flickr06
Sony A1II + 300 f/2.8 + 2xTC by hatch1921, on FlickrA few quick shots this morning after filling up the feeders. I wanted to see how well the 2xTC performed, no complaints. I was at about minimum focusing distance so the DOF is very shallow, the combo is very sharp and holds a ton of detail in the image. The AF was plenty fast trying to keep up with the hummingbirds. If the 2xTC is performing this well, the 1.4xTC will be amazing.
Enjoy the weekend.
Hatch
Sep 04, 2026 at 09:19 AM
p.2 #3Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
Ok... I think the Universe doesn't want me to own this lens. 
I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near, same situation... it's getting hung up and then locks up... I power cycle the camera, close focus... take all the shots I want... focus on the hills in the distance... locks up the AF and I'm in the same boat.
Has anyone experienced this with the 1.4xTC on the 300 or any other lens? I have firmware 4.0 on the camera. The TC is...I think.. four years old? Never had an issue with it before.
FUN!
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Hatch
*** tested the 1.4x on the 100-400 with no issues.
*** tested the 2x on the 300 -- all distances -- no issues.
The 2x mounts tight on the camera... the 1.4 isn't lose but not as firm.
Going to clean the contacts on the TC. If no change -- I'll buy or rent another TC and see how it goes.
GOOD TIMES!
I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near, same situation... it's getting hung up and then locks up... I power cycle the camera, close focus... take all the shots I want... focus on the hills in the distance... locks up the AF and I'm in the same boat.
Has anyone experienced this with the 1.4xTC on the 300 or any other lens? I have firmware 4.0 on the camera. The TC is...I think.. four years old? Never had an issue with it before.
FUN!
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Hatch
*** tested the 1.4x on the 100-400 with no issues.
*** tested the 2x on the 300 -- all distances -- no issues.
The 2x mounts tight on the camera... the 1.4 isn't lose but not as firm.
Going to clean the contacts on the TC. If no change -- I'll buy or rent another TC and see how it goes.
GOOD TIMES!
Sep 04, 2026 at 12:21 PM
p.2 #4Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
I've used both teleconverters on this lens and had no issues with either. From memory I think both mount on the lens with the same amount of firmness.
Sep 04, 2026 at 01:22 PM
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p.2 #5Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
hatch1921 wrote:
Ok... I think the Universe doesn't want me to own this lens.
I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near,...Show more →
That sucks.
I haven’t had any problems with the 1.4TC. It performs AF faster than with the 2xTC. Slightly slower than bare lens. No difference in noise.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would check the screws on the camera’s lens mount even if it works fine with the 100-400 lens. Also worth checking the screws on the 1.4TC.
I sold my A1 to a friend and within his first week with the camera he was having weird issues. I’d had that camera for 5yrs using much heavier lenses than he was using. I was using 600GM and he was 200-600. We tightened the A1’s lens mount and solved all his issues. I can’t imagine the screw(s) only loosened right when I sold it to him. Just a difference in the tolerance between the different lenses on the same loose mount.
Ok... I think the Universe doesn't want me to own this lens.
I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near,...Show more →
That sucks.
I haven’t had any problems with the 1.4TC. It performs AF faster than with the 2xTC. Slightly slower than bare lens. No difference in noise.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would check the screws on the camera’s lens mount even if it works fine with the 100-400 lens. Also worth checking the screws on the 1.4TC.
I sold my A1 to a friend and within his first week with the camera he was having weird issues. I’d had that camera for 5yrs using much heavier lenses than he was using. I was using 600GM and he was 200-600. We tightened the A1’s lens mount and solved all his issues. I can’t imagine the screw(s) only loosened right when I sold it to him. Just a difference in the tolerance between the different lenses on the same loose mount.
Sep 05, 2026 at 06:32 AM
p.2 #6Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
arbitrage wrote:
I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near, same situation... it's getting hung up and then locks up... I power cycle the camera, close focus... take all the shots I want... focus on the hills in the distance... locks up the AF and I'm in the same boat.
Has anyone experienced this with the 1.4xTC on the 300 or any other lens? I have firmware 4.0 on the camera. The TC is...I think.. four years old? Never had an issue with it before.
FUN!
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Hatch
*** tested the 1.4x on the 100-400 with no issues.
*** tested the 2x on the 300 -- all distances -- no issues.
The 2x mounts tight on the camera... the 1.4 isn't lose but not as firm.
Going to clean the contacts on the TC. If no change -- I'll buy or rent another TC and see how it goes.
GOOD TIMES!That sucks.
I haven’t had any problems with the 1.4TC. It performs AF faster than with the 2xTC. Slightly slower than bare lens. No difference in noise.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would check the screws on the camera’s lens mount even if it works fine with the 100-400 lens. Also worth checking the screws on the 1.4TC.
I sold my A1 to a friend and within his first week with the camera he was having weird issues. I’d had that camera for 5yrs using much heavier lenses than he was using. I was using 600GM and he was 200-600....Show more →
Thanks for the info. Being this is lens #2 it's either the mount on the camera or the 1.4xtc mount. AI describes the situation as basically a "brown out" where it's making enough contact to provide power but the lack of a solid contact is breaking the power flow an the lens can't /doesn't focus correctly.
Did you have to tighten the screws to a certain torque setting or just used a normal screwdriver appropriate for the tiny screws?
I'm going to clean the contacts today and possibly rent a 1.4x to see if get the same results.
1st world problems... will work through this.
Appreciate the suggestions as always.
Hatch
hatch1921 wrote
Ok... I think the Universe doesn't want me to own this lens. I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near, same situation... it's getting hung up and then locks up... I power cycle the camera, close focus... take all the shots I want... focus on the hills in the distance... locks up the AF and I'm in the same boat.
Has anyone experienced this with the 1.4xTC on the 300 or any other lens? I have firmware 4.0 on the camera. The TC is...I think.. four years old? Never had an issue with it before.
FUN!
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Hatch
*** tested the 1.4x on the 100-400 with no issues.
*** tested the 2x on the 300 -- all distances -- no issues.
The 2x mounts tight on the camera... the 1.4 isn't lose but not as firm.
Going to clean the contacts on the TC. If no change -- I'll buy or rent another TC and see how it goes.
GOOD TIMES!
I haven’t had any problems with the 1.4TC. It performs AF faster than with the 2xTC. Slightly slower than bare lens. No difference in noise.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would check the screws on the camera’s lens mount even if it works fine with the 100-400 lens. Also worth checking the screws on the 1.4TC.
I sold my A1 to a friend and within his first week with the camera he was having weird issues. I’d had that camera for 5yrs using much heavier lenses than he was using. I was using 600GM and he was 200-600....Show more →
Thanks for the info. Being this is lens #2 it's either the mount on the camera or the 1.4xtc mount. AI describes the situation as basically a "brown out" where it's making enough contact to provide power but the lack of a solid contact is breaking the power flow an the lens can't /doesn't focus correctly.
Did you have to tighten the screws to a certain torque setting or just used a normal screwdriver appropriate for the tiny screws?
I'm going to clean the contacts today and possibly rent a 1.4x to see if get the same results.
1st world problems... will work through this.
Appreciate the suggestions as always.
Hatch
Sep 05, 2026 at 09:02 AM
p.2 #7Ok Camera Wizards -- 300 F/2.8 arrived DOA
hatch1921 wrote:
I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near, same situation... it's getting hung up and then locks up... I power cycle the camera, close focus... take all the shots I want... focus on the hills in the distance... locks up the AF and I'm in the same boat.
Has anyone experienced this with the 1.4xTC on the 300 or any other lens? I have firmware 4.0 on the camera. The TC is...I think.. four years old? Never had an issue with it before.
FUN!
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Hatch
*** tested the 1.4x on the 100-400 with no issues.
*** tested the 2x on the 300 -- all distances -- no issues.
The 2x mounts tight on the camera... the 1.4 isn't lose but not as firm.
Going to clean the contacts on the TC. If no change -- I'll buy or rent another TC and see how it goes.
GOOD TIMES!That sucks.
I haven’t had any problems with the 1.4TC. It performs AF faster than with the 2xTC. Slightly slower than bare lens. No difference in noise.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would check the screws on the camera’s lens mount even if it works fine with the 100-400 lens. Also worth checking the screws on the 1.4TC.
I sold my A1 to a friend and within his first week with the camera he was having weird issues. I’d had that camera for 5yrs using much heavier lenses than he was using. I was using 600GM and he was 200-600. We tightened the A1’s lens mount and solved all his issues. I can’t imagine the screw(s) only loosened right when I sold it to him. Just a difference in the tolerance between the different lenses on the same loose mount.Thanks for the info. Being this is lens #2 it's either the mount on the camera or the 1.4xtc mount. AI describes the situation as basically a "brown out" where it's making enough contact to provide power but the lack of a solid contact is breaking the power flow an the lens can't /doesn't focus correctly.
Did you have to tighten the screws to a certain torque setting or just used a normal screwdriver appropriate for the tiny screws?
I'm going to clean the contacts today and possibly rent a 1.4x to see if get the same results.
1st world...Show more →
Just use a JIS 00 and hand tight. A PH00 will fit but is at risk of stripping the head.
arbitrage wrote
hatch1921 wrote
Ok... I think the Universe doesn't want me to own this lens. I don't think it's the lens... it's likely the TC.
Bare lens = awesome = zero issues.
Lens with 2x TC = pretty awesome = zero issues
1.4xTC on the lens = awesome * when it is not struggling to focus.
Something is going on where I can hear the AF working where it's silent with the bare lens. If I go from close to distant... it locks up for lack of a better term. If I start with the focus out at distance and focus near, same situation... it's getting hung up and then locks up... I power cycle the camera, close focus... take all the shots I want... focus on the hills in the distance... locks up the AF and I'm in the same boat.
Has anyone experienced this with the 1.4xTC on the 300 or any other lens? I have firmware 4.0 on the camera. The TC is...I think.. four years old? Never had an issue with it before.
FUN!
Thoughts anyone?
Thanks,
Hatch
*** tested the 1.4x on the 100-400 with no issues.
*** tested the 2x on the 300 -- all distances -- no issues.
The 2x mounts tight on the camera... the 1.4 isn't lose but not as firm.
Going to clean the contacts on the TC. If no change -- I'll buy or rent another TC and see how it goes.
GOOD TIMES!
I haven’t had any problems with the 1.4TC. It performs AF faster than with the 2xTC. Slightly slower than bare lens. No difference in noise.
Not to beat a dead horse, but I would check the screws on the camera’s lens mount even if it works fine with the 100-400 lens. Also worth checking the screws on the 1.4TC.
I sold my A1 to a friend and within his first week with the camera he was having weird issues. I’d had that camera for 5yrs using much heavier lenses than he was using. I was using 600GM and he was 200-600. We tightened the A1’s lens mount and solved all his issues. I can’t imagine the screw(s) only loosened right when I sold it to him. Just a difference in the tolerance between the different lenses on the same loose mount.
Did you have to tighten the screws to a certain torque setting or just used a normal screwdriver appropriate for the tiny screws?
I'm going to clean the contacts today and possibly rent a 1.4x to see if get the same results.
1st world...Show more →
Just use a JIS 00 and hand tight. A PH00 will fit but is at risk of stripping the head.
Sep 05, 2026 at 11:24 AM