To teleconvert, or not?....

[trackdemon]

For the majority of my work, a 70-200 f2.8 delivers all the reach I need.... but just occasionally, I could use a bit more. Not being flush with £££, I find the step up to a 400 a bit much, so have found myself pondering a 1.7TC (the 1.4 doesn't give enough extra, the 2.0TC reviews terribly and pushes the f stop / focal length / shutter speed conundrum too far). Therefore, the ability to occasionally get to 340mm, still below f5, would be very useful and worth the £150-200 it'd cost. BUT... will image quality take a serious dive (70-200 f2.8 on a D3) or will it be genuinely useable?

The other curveball is to use the 70-200 on my D7000 backup cam, and get an effective 1.6 boost on the DX sensor....

Thoughts?

[Turn7]

Non VR 300mm F4 prime for sub £500 ?

Ive not heard much +ve about the 1.7 and 70-200 1.7 tbh.

[GetCarter]

I use a D3 with the 70-200 f2.8 and the nikon 1.7 teleconverter. It's absolutely fine. You'll lose about a stop, but image quality is hardly noticeably any worse. Just a tad.

[trackdemon]

GetCarter said:

I use a D3 with the 70-200 f2.8 and the nikon 1.7 teleconverter. It's absolutely fine. You'll lose about a stop, but image quality is hardly noticeably any worse. Just a tad.

A stop is fine as it's still under f5, and would be used in daylight. ISO1600 is smooth so I'd easily shoot 1/800 and faster. Given I can pick one up for £150-200 probably worth a try, if I don't like it can just put it on ebay...

[trackdemon]

Turn7 said:

Non VR 300mm F4 prime for sub £500 ?

Ive not heard much +ve about the 1.7 and 70-200 1.7 tbh.

I think the 70-200 VR on D7000 would be a better option tbh; but will have a look anyway!

[Nigel_O]

I used a 1.7TC on a 200-500 and IQ seemed just fine, although it was a bright, sunny day, so the aperture reduction wasn't an issue. On a 70-200, there should be no discernible difference on anything taken in daylight

Whereabouts are you? If you're in the Midlands and want to try it, you're welcome to visit with your kit and try some test shots

[trackdemon]

Nigel_O said:

I used a 1.7TC on a 200-500 and IQ seemed just fine, although it was a bright, sunny day, so the aperture reduction wasn't an issue. On a 70-200, there should be no discernible difference on anything taken in daylight

Whereabouts are you? If you're in the Midlands and want to try it, you're welcome to visit with your kit and try some test shots

Very kind! I'm in Essex, but if I shoot in Midlands soon I'll give you a shout.... Most likely I'll just buy one and return if I don't get on with it. general feedback on image quality seems good.