Nikon TC-20E Teleconverter Review

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Introduction

The Nikon TC-20E is a teleconverter for Nikons AF-I and AF-S lenses, it increases the focal length by 100% (2X) and reduces the lens aperture by two f/stops.The Nikon TC-20E will maintain full metering and focusing with compatible cameras and lenses. There is no optical difference between the TC-20E and the TC-20E II.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups

Included accessories:

Size and weight: L 2.2" Dia 2.6" 12 oz (L 56mm, Dia 66mm, 340 g)

Works with:

• 200mm f/2G ED-IF AF-S VR
• 300mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR
• 400mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S II
• 80-200mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S
• 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR
• 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S VR
• 300mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S
• 500mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II
• 600mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II

Autofocusing only possible when used with D1, D1H, D1X, D2X, D2XS, D3, D3x D100, D200, D80, D70, D70S, D2H, D2HS, D50, D40, D40X, F6, F5, F100, N80, N75 and N65 AF SLR Cameras.

Autofocus not possible with 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor, 300mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S Nikkor, 500mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II Nikkor, 600mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II Nikkor

price from: Discontinued

Manufacturers web site: www.nikon.com

Positives

• AF speed, On the 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S The AF speed is excellent.

Drawbacks

• The TC-20E will only mount on AF-S and AF-I lenses.
• Reduces lens aperture by two f-stops.
• Sharpness/contrast, You will loose some image quality.

The TC-20E will only fit on an AF-I or AF-S lens, unless you modify the converter.

By removing the "pin" you can fit any lens onto the TC-20E. (you do so at your own risk)

Verdict

The performance of the TC-20E is dependant on which lens you use. The Nikkor 300mm f/2.8 AI-S gives pretty good results with the TC-20E. You loose some sharpness and some contrast, but you will increase the focal length by 100% (2X). I cant say I like Nikon's thinking, when they made this converter. I don't see any reason for Nikon to make this converter to only fit the AF-I and AF-S lenses. The build quality is typical Nikon Pro grade equipment, it's really good. The reason I took off half a star on the build rating, is because its made to only fit AF-I and AF-S lenses. There is no optical difference between the TC-20E and the TC-20E II.

Features
Performance
Build
Value

Alternatives

Nikon TC-20E II 2x Teleconverter. From $439.95 USD.

Kenko 2x Teleplus Pro 300 DG. Price $224.95 USD.

Tamron 2x SP AF Pro Price: $224.95 USD

Tamron 2X Autofocus Teleconverter Price: $174.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 31, 2009

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.