This 1.4x tele-converter fits between a lens and your Nikon camera, increasing the focal length of the lens by 40% and reducing the maximum aperture by one stop. This is Nikon's third generation 1.4x converter, which adds support for lenses with an electromagnetic diaphragm, as well as sporting a new optical design that promises to reduce chromatic aberrations created by the converter itself. In this review we will test the converter with a Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens to see how it performs. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Handling and Features Weighing only 190 grams, this 1.4x converter is an ideal way of adding extra focal length, without adding much extra weight to carry around. The Build quality of the converter is excellent, with a robust weather sealed construction being employed. There are few controls on the converter, with only a release latch for locking a lens to the front bayonet sticking out of the side.
A rubber gasket on the rear of the converter provides a seal against the camera body to help prevent the ingress of dust and moisture. The seal on any weather resistant Nikon lens then presses against the flat front of the converter.
Nikon have applied a fluorine coating to lens surfaces, which is designed to repel dust and moisture too. This teleconverter has the full compliment of electronic contacts to support AF-S lenses, and newer Nikon lenses that have an electromagnetic aperture diaphragm, such as the new AF-S 400mm f/2.8E lens. There is also a mechanical linkage for operating the aperture on legacy lenses.
Screw-driven autofocus lenses and third party lenses can not be mounted on the teleconverter, as there is an extra metal tab on the front bayonet mount to prevent any lens that isn't an AF-S lens being attached. The converter is easy to fit, and the minimum focusing distance of the mounted lens remains unaffected, allowing more of the frame to be filled with less of your subject. When used with the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, focus speeds seem largely unaffected, even in relatively low light conditions. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Performance To test the converter, we checked the clarity produced with the 70-200mm lens at 200mm, with the converter as well as without to see how much effect it has on image quality.
Overall, sharpness is reduced compared to using the lens on its own, but only by a very slight, almost imperceptible margin. The lens and converter combination is capable of delivering outstanding sharpness levels when stopped down to by one stop, which is similar to how the lens performs on its own. How to read our charts The blue column represents readings from the centre of the picture frame at the various apertures and the green is from the edges. Averaging them out gives the red weighted column. The scale on the left side is an indication of actual image resolution.
The taller the column, the better the lens performance. Simple. For this review, the lens was tested on a using.
Levels of chromatic aberrations are increased, but again the difference is almost imperceptible. Fringing only exceeds half a pixel width with the lens stopped down to f/22.
How to read our charts Chromatic aberration is the lens' inability to focus on the sensor or film all colours of visible light at the same point. Severe chromatic aberration gives a noticeable fringing or a halo effect around sharp edges within the picture. It can be cured in software. Apochromatic lenses have special lens elements (aspheric, extra-low dispersion etc) to minimize the problem, hence they usually cost more. For this review, the lens was tested on a using.
Falloff of illumination towards the corners of the frame is noticeably reduced with the converter in place. Without the converter, the corners of the frame are 2.31 stops darker than the image centre at 200mm and maximum aperture. With the converter this is reduced to 1.75 stops. Pincushion distortion is increased ever so slightly, with only 0.719% present. Without the converter, Imatest detected 0.239% pincushion distortion at 200mm. With the converter in place, contrast is pretty much the same as without, even when shooting into the light at maximum aperture. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Sample Photos.
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Verdict Some people are nervous about using a teleconverter, as they have a reputation of reducing image quality by a noticeable amount. This new converter from Nikon proves that doesn't have to be the case. Unfortunately, the price means that unless you intend to use it with one of Nikon's latest lenses that have an electromagnetic aperture diaphragm for shooting at high frames rates, the cost may be difficult to justify, especially as the MkII version is still available for just over half the price of this optic. Even so, the fluorine coating applied to lens surfaces to repel dust and moisture may be worth it on it's own, if you tend to work out in all weathers, or in dusty and dirty environments. After all, the performance delivered by this accessory is excellent. Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Pros Reduction in sharpness with converter is almost imperceptible Excellent build quality Reasonably lightweight and compact Reduced falloff with converter Weather sealed Support for Nikon's latest lenses with electromagnetic aperture Fluorine coating on lens surfaces to repel dust and moisture Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Cons Price could be difficult to justify if you don't own a lens with an electromagnetic aperture Extra tab on front bayonet mount prevents mounting third party and older lenses on the converter.
FEATURES HANDLING PERFORMANCE VALUE FOR MONEY VERDICT. I am testing the TC14 EII versus EIII on a 80-400 AFS VR, 200-400 f4 AFS VR, and 400 f2.8 AFS VR (not the fl).
Test object is a 5' plastic owl at 65 feet, robust tripod, MUP mode, cable release,i TTLBL on SB910. I previously checked all lenses for back focus and have found none with either converter. So far results are disappointing.
On the 400 they are equal. Would use either one.
EII is favored on the 200-400, and is good. They are equally bad on the 80-400. Wouldn't use either. Further tests in progress, including field use when it stops raining. Good idea to check EIII against EII on your lenses if you have one. Would love to see these comparisons down with a professional setup. I am testing the TC14 EII versus EIII on a 80-400 AFS VR, 200-400 f4 AFS VR, and 400 f2.8 AFS VR (not the fl).
Test object is a 5' plastic owl at 65 feet, robust tripod, MUP mode, cable release,i TTLBL on SB910. I previously checked all lenses for back focus and have found none with either converter. Sketchup pro 2013 free. So far results are disappointing. On the 400 they are equal. Would use either one. EII is favored on the 200-400, and is good. They are equally bad on the 80-400.
Wouldn't use either. Further tests in progress, including field use when it stops raining. Good idea to check EIII against EII on your lenses if you have one. Would love to see these comparisons down with a professional setup.
Nikon teleconverters and automatic tubes November 3, 2013 It seems as if Nikon never had great ambitions to build teleconverters and automatic tubes. They introduced their first teleconverters for the F-Mount in 1976, much later than the third-party manufacturers did. Moreover, in contrast to Sigma, Kenko and so on Nikon never offered teleconverters that support the 'screwdriver' AF. Nikon already started with automatic tubes in the 60s. But for more than 25 years there have been no news to report. Especially for the 'G' lenses - Nikon's default lens interface for more than ten years now - there are no tubes available! Group photo: some of the tubes and teleconverters Nikon has produced over the years.
Aperture lever mechanism of a Nikkor M tube. Automatic tubes First of all: what does the word 'automatic' mean in this context? An automatic tube has a mechanism that transmits the movement of the camera's aperture lever to the lens, just as if the lens would be directly mounted to the camera body. Thus, the lens will be automatically stopped down to the aperture value you have selected on the lens immediately after you have pressed the shutter release button. This 'automatic' is fine for focussing.
But because the early automatic tubes (Nikon/Nikkor M and M2) had no further coupling, metering had to be done stopped down. The M and M2 tubes with their extension of 27.5mm were designed for the 55mm Micro-Nikkor in order to enable life size photography (the lens itself goes from infinity down to 1:2, in conjunction with the tube you have the range from 1:2 to 1:1).
But of course, these tubes can be used in conjunction with other lenses as well. The tubes of the second generation have an an old-style coupling shoe and pin to enable open-aperture metering (more information about the old-style coupling technique can be found ). This generation consists of four tubes: Nikon PK-1 (8mm extension), PK-2 (14mm), PK-3 (27.5mm) and PN-1 (52.5mm, with an integrated tripod mount). Three generations of automatic tubes: Nikkor M, Nikon PK-3 and Nikon PK-13. As of October 2013 a fourth generation that supports 'G' lenses is still missing!
Exposure metering coupling: none, old-style coupling with shoe and pin, AI coupling. Nikon's current automatic tube lineup. Together with the AI-coupling system Nikon introduced the AI counterparts of the above-mentioned tubes and named them PK-11, PK-12, PK-13 and PN-11. In 1986 (introduction of AF) they replaced the PK-11 with the PK-11A: an AF Nikkor must not be mounted onto the PK-11, while the PK-11A is compatible with many AF Nikkors (BTW: the combination of PK-11A and AF 24mm f/2.8 is marvellous!). If you need an automatic tube for your DSLR please note: the second generation is not compatible with modern cameras (exceptions prove the rule)! In contrast, the M and M2 tubes are usable, but you have no exposure metering, even if your camera has an AI-interface.
Thus, go for the AI versions (but skip the PK-11)! Early third-party teleconverter (poor perfomance due to only three lens elements).
In terms of interface it corresponds to Nikon's early tubes (M and M2). The two types of 2x converters (shown here the AI-S versions): the left one with its impressive front element is for 300mm and longer, the smaller one is for 300mm and shorter. BTW: for my AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4 Nikon recommends the usage of the TC-300/301.
But in my opinion the TC-200/201 is slightly better optically and much better in terms of handling! MF teleconverters Nikon introduced their first teleconverters in 1976: two 2x converters, the TC-1 for lenses shorter than or equal to 300mm and the TC-2 for lenses of 300mm and longer.
They employ an old-style coupling for metering that matches the one of the second automatic tube generation (with shoe and pin). Due to the upcoming AI technique these early converters were only produced in a relatively small number. Today they are hard to find, I guess most of them can be found on a collector's shelf. Moreover they are mostly useless in conjunction with modern cameras. Shortly after that, AI versions of the two converters came on the market. The TC-200 was the AI version of the TC-1 and the TC-300 was the TC-2's counterpart.
By the end of the 70s Nikon announced a 1.4x AI converter for focal lengths of 300mm or longer, the TC-14. These three converters employ the same interface as the above-mentioned tubes of the third generation. In the 80s Nikon introduced new teleconverters, the AI-S converters. The TC-200 was replaced by the TC-201, the TC-300 by the TC-301 and the TC-14 by the TC-14B. Two additional 1.4x converters joined in: the TC-14A for lenses of 300mm and shorter and the TC-14C that was designed for the Nikkor 300mm f/2 (the TC-14C is extremely rare today, just like the 300mm f/2 itself). Optically the TC-1, TC-200 and TC-201 are identical, also the TC-2, TC-300 and TC-301 and also the TC-14 and the TC-14B. In conjunction with a DSLR it does not matter if you are using an AI or an AI-S converter.
But please note: AI and AI-S converter does not work with 'G' or 'E' lenses! Now, let's take a closer look on the interfaces of an AI and an AI-S converter. I recommend to read my articles and first! On the left: the TC-200 AI converter. On the right: the TC-201 AI-S converter.
The arrows point to the coupling elements: Blue: aperture lever. Red: AI coupling. Green: lens speed index post. Yellow: AI-S detection. Pink: focal length indicator Let's begin with the AI-S converter. The name is justified! As you can see the converter has every coupling element of an AI-S lens.
Two remarks on that: 1. The focal length indicator is fixed and therefore always signals a focal length of 135mm or longer to the camera. Although a converter decreases the lens speed, the AI-S converter has no conversion in the speed index (e.g.
If you have a 105mm f/2.5 on the TC-201, the camera reads a lens speed of f/2.5 and not f/5). In contrast the AI converter does not behave like a AI lens! It lacks the coupling elements for the lens speed index post but that post is part of an AI lens. Thus, an AI converter behaves like an AI-modified lens. You don't have matrix metering with the F4 or FA! For both AI and AI-S converters one restriction must be stated: due to the lack of an EE servo coupling post the converters can not be used in conjunction with the F2AS and the DS-12 EE Aperture Control Attachment. I guess you can live with it;) MF to AF teleconverters My TC-16A.
I removed the CPU contacts in order to make the converter usable with my DSLRs. The white arrow points to the 'screwdriver' AF coupling. In 1983 Nikon introduced their first AF camera for the F-Mount: the F3AF. Together with the camera two AF lenses and the TC-16 1.6x teleconverter were introduced. Have a look at my article. The TC-16 is a clever tool.
The lens system of the converter is focussable. For example an MF 50mm f/1.8 mounted onto the converter makes an AF 80mm f/2.8 on your F3AF. Like the F3AF itself the TC-16 is very rare. Moreover it is almost useless today, only the F3AF and the F4 support this converter. Today more useful is the TC-16A.
Optically identical, but based on the 'screwdriver' AF introduced in 1986 with the Nikon F-501 (US: N2020) instead of the AF motor inside the TC-16. This converter is usable with the F-501 (US: N2020), F-801/F-801S (N8008/N8008s), F4 and F90/F90x (N90/N90s). If you remove the CPU contacts like I did (it's easy!) you have an ordinary AI-S converter. 1.6x is a good compromise between 1.4x and 2.0x. And the optical capability is just fine.
If you must adjust the internal focus system of the converter you can just do it by simulating AF with a small screwdriver! AF-I/AF-S teleconverters Nikon's current generation of teleconverters works with AF-I/AF-S lenses only. The first one was the TC-20E in 1993. As of October 2013 Nikon offers the 2x converter TC-20EIII, the 1.7x TC-17EII and the 1.4x TC-14EII. Each AF-I/AF-S converter has a protruding front element and is therefore especially suitable for longer lenses.
All the AF-I/AF-S converters share the same interface. A detailed view on the TC-14EII's interface.
The arrows point the coupling elements: Blue: aperture lever. Red: AI coupling. Cyan: EE servo coupling post. Orange: disconnected flange, only AF-I/AF-S lenses can be mounted. Thanks to the AI coupling these converters are backward compatible. If you mount an AF-I or AF-S lens with an aperture ring the converter behaves like an AI converter on a non-CPU camera. My AF-S 300mm f/4 is such a lens and I can use the combination for example in conjunction with my F2AS.
On the other hand, if you mount a lens without an aperture ring ('G' or 'E' type) onto your converter, the combination behaves like a 'G' or 'E' lens and is therefore not usable in conjunction with older cameras (for details see and. Why do these converters have an EE servo coupling post?
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Does Nikon want to do the owners of an F2AS with a DS-12 EE aperture control attachment a favour? The EE servo coupling post has a second function on cameras with a CPU interface only: it gives the camera a signal that the aperture ring of the lens (if existent) is set to the greatest number, see my article. Because the AF-I/AF-S converters also work on CPU interface only cameras, they must transmit that signal. Besides: in my opinion the post on the camera side of the converter has too much play to properly work with the DS-12!
The disconnected flange in the bayonet mount ensures that only AF-I/AF-S lenses can be mounted. On the Web you'll find instructions for sawing off the smaller part of the disconnected flange. That should make a kind of AI-P converter for lenses other than AF-I/AF-S from your TC. I would not do that because nobody outside Nikon's development department really knows what kind of problems could occur. I use my TC-14EII solely in conjunction with either the AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 or the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4.
Both combinations deliver first class results! At last I have to name the TC800-1.25E ED. This 1.25x teleconverter is a supplied accessory of the recently released AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 E FL ED VR, Nikons first pure 'E' lens. Nikon says the converter must only be used in conjunction with the 800mm E. So I guess this converter has neither an AI coupling nor an aperture lever.
Some High Quality Telephoto Converter Lenses Other High Quality Telephoto Converter Lenses This page briefly discusses some high quality telephoto converter lenses: Canon TL-55 1.4X, Olympus TCON-14B 1.45X, Minolta ACT-100 1.5X, Nikon TC-E15ED 1.5X, Olympus TCON-17 1.7X and Sony VCL HGD1758 1.7X. Canon TL-55 1.4X The Canon TL-55 1.4X is the smallest and lightest converter lens discussed on this page. Its lens power is 1.4X, which brings the FZ-10 maximum focal length to 588mm = 420×1.4. The Canon TL-55 has a rear thread size of 55mm and no front thread.
Therefore, you will need a 62-55mm step-down ring if your have a 62mm adapter ring, or other step rings to use the TL-55 on your adapter ring. See the page for the details. The left image below shows the lens and the right one has a TL-55 mounted on a FZ-10 with the help of the PD62 adapter and a 62-55mm step-down ring. With this TL-55, you can zoom the camera lens to about 3X without getting vignetting. This is an advantage if you do not wish to remove the converter lens frequently. At 3X, the actual focal length is 147mm = 35mm×3×1.4.
Hence, there is no focal length gap with this Canon TL-55. In other word, you have the coverage from 35mm to 588mm! Olympus TCON-14B The Olympus TCON-14B is a large and heavy telephoto converter lens with a lens power of 1.45X, which brings the FZ-10 maximum focal length to 609mm = 420×1.45. The TCON-14B has a rear thread size of 62mm and a front thread size of 86mm. Therefore, it does not need any step rings to be used with a 62mm adapter ring.
For other adapters, you may need a step ring. For example, if your adapter has 55mm thread, you will need a 55-62mm step-up ring. See the page for the details. The left image below shows the lens and the right one has a TCON-14B mounted on a FZ-10 with the help of the PD62 adapter.
With this TCON-14B, you can zoom the camera lens to about 3X without getting vignetting. This is an advantage if you do not wish to remove the converter lens frequently. At 3X, the actual focal length is 152.25mm = 35mm×3×1.45. Hence, there is no focal length gap with this TCON-14B. In other word, you have the coverage from 35mm to 609mm! Minolta ACT-100 1.5X The Minolta ACT-100 1.5X is a also large and heavy telephoto converter lens with a lens power of 1.5X, which brings the FZ-10 maximum focal length to 630mm = 420×1.5 and is slightly longer than that of the TCON-14B. The Minolta ACT-100 has a rear thread size of 49mm and a 86mm front thread.
Therefore, you will need some step-down rings to use this lens with your adapter ring. For example, if your adapter has 55mm thread, you will need a 55-49mm step-down ring. See the page for the details. The left image below shows the lens and the right one has a Minolta ACT-100 mounted on a FZ-10 with the help of the PD62 adapter and a 62-49mm step-down ring. With this Minolta ACT-100, you can zoom the camera lens out to about 4X without getting vignetting. At 4X, the actual focal length is 210mm = 35mm×3×1.5. Hence, there is no focal length gap with this Minolta ACT-100.
In other word, you have the coverage from 35mm to 630mm! Nikon TC-E15ED 1.5X The Nikon TC-E15ED 1.5X is a reasonably light weight and compact telephoto converter lens with a lens power of 1.5X, which brings the FZ-10 maximum focal length to 630mm = 420×1.5 and is slightly longer than that of the TCON-14B. The Nikon TC-E15ED has a rear thread size of 50mm and a 58mm front thread. Since 50mm is not a popular thread size, a special step-down ring is needed to bring the 50mm size to a popular one ( e.g., 62mm). Fortunately, made a 62-50mm step-down ring for the Nikon Coolpix 8800 to use the TC-E15ED. Thus, this may push you to use a 62mm adapter tube. See the page for the details.
The left image below shows the lens and a Nextphoto 62-50mm step-down ring, while the right one has a TC-E15ED mounted on a FZ-10 with the help of the Chen adapter and a 62-50mm step-down ring. The rear glass element of the TC-E15ED is deeply recessed to allow the Nikon Coolpix 5700's lens close to the converter. This is shown in the left image below. However, when a TC-E15ED is mounted on a FZ-10, its rear element is farther away from the FZ-10's front glass element (because FZ-10's lens does not extend when zooming in), and, as a result, some vignetting can be seen (below right). This is slightly worse than that of the TCON-17 1.7X to be discussed below; however, in general shooting, this is usually not a significant problem. This is a major disadvantage of using the TC-E15ED on a FZ-10, even though the lens is very sharp.
Olympus TCON-17 The Olympus TCON-17 is a light 1.7X converter lens with a plastic barrel. It extends FZ-10's focal length to 714mm = 1.7×420. The TCON-17 has a 55mm rear thread and has no front thread.
Therefore, you will need a 62-55mm step-down ring if your have a 62mm adapter ring, or other step rings to use the TCON-17 on your adapter ring. See the page for the details. The left image below shows the lens and the right one has a TCON-17 on a PD62 adapter with the help of a 62-55mm step-down ring.
With this TCON-17, you can zoom the camera lens out to about 7X without getting vignetting, and below 7X light fall-off and vignetting will occur. At 7X, the actual focal length is 416.5mm = 35mm×7×1.7. Hence, there is no focal length gap with this TCON-17. In other word, use the TCON-17 if the on-camera lens cannot get you the shot. Note that this TCON-17 does have light fall-off. The following image shows the light fall-off at the corners of TCON-17.
The on-camera lens is at 420mm and the combined focal length is 714mm. This is a major disadvantage of using the TCON-17. Sony VCL-HGD1758 This Sony VCL-HGD1758 is a 1.7X converter lens and is the heaviest and largest of all converters discussed on this page. It extends FZ-10's focal length to 714mm = 1.7×420.
Sony 1.4x Converter Gm
The Sony 1.7X has a 58mm rear thread and has no front thread. Therefore, you will need a 62-58mm step-down ring if your have a 62mm adapter ring, or other step rings to use the Sony 1.7X on your adapter ring. See the page for the details.
The left image below shows the lens and the right one has a Sony VCL HGD1758 on a PD62 adapter with the help of a 62-58mm step-down ring. With this Sony VCL HGD1758, you can zoom the camera lens out to about 4X without getting vignetting, and below 4X light fall-off and vignetting will occur.
At 4X, the actual focal length is 238mm = 35mm×4×1.7. Hence, there is no focal length gap with this Sony VCL HGD1758, and, moreover, the Sony VCL HGD1758 has a wider focal range than the Olympus TCON-17. Technical Data The following technical information is taken from Canon, Minolta. Olympus and Sony user manuals. This information is for the FZ-10 only, and should be different for other cameras. Item Canon TL-55 TCON-14B Minolta ACT-100 Number of lenses 2 elements in 2 groups 5 elements in 3 groups 5 elements in 3 groups Magnification x1.4 x1.45 x1.5 Combined focal length 588mm (35mm equivalent) 609mm (35mm equivalent) 630mm (35mm equivalent) Angle of View approx 5 degree approx 5 degree approx 5 degree Combined max.
Total Condition Mint Serial Number 214102 Appearance Appearance is beautiful. It shows like new.Please check photos. Optics Beautiful condition.
There is no fog/haze. There is no fungus. There is no scratches. There is no balsam separation. There is a few tiny dusts. No problem in the shooting.
Functional It works properly. Bundled Items Front and Rear lens caps All you can see on the picture will be included in a set of a package.
1.4x for Ai-s MF Lens from Japan. Any other item you would be looking for. Great budget converter if you dont need AF with your nikon lenses. I use this Nikon TC-14b 1.4x converter on my Nikon 400mm F3.5 EDIF and Nikon D800. It gives me a 560mm F5 full frame.
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On that camera with that lens it does not seem to loose much quality with the converter. Maybe if anything a little softer in corners but I am being picky. Also I now have to stop down one stop to get the most out of the combo when before I could shoot the lens wide open in most cases and do well.
These are not unexpected results though and I am more then happy with the combo. Especially for the price! Meant f/Nikkor long teles-Works GREAT w/ my Tokina 300 Did a bit of investigation between Nikon teleconverters and which lenses they were designed to work best with. I own a Tokina SD-ATX 300mm f/2.8 and getting so-so results with my TC-201. Decided the TC14B would be the best way to go and not lose as much sharpness.
Nikon Tc-14b 1.4x Teleconverter Review
And I was completely correct in that assumption. Ran tests both on film and digital, heavily damped tripod w/mirror lock up. Aperture settings from wide open to 4 stops down. Immense improvement over using the TC201. Next I'm going to try out a TC301 and see what I can get with that combo.
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