bit-tech Shopping: Nikon TC-17E II 1.7x Teleconverter for AF-I & AF-S Lenses ONLY

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Extends focal length of certain Nikon lens by a factor of 1.7 at a cost of 1.5 F stops. Makes a 70-200 2.8 a 120-340 4.8. Allows VR (vibration reduction) model lens to function with VR capability.

Weaknesses: Works with a limited number of Nikon's catalog of lens.

Summary: It was hard enough justify $1600 on a 70-200 2.8 VR lens, spending $5500 for a 200-400 F4 VR was out of the question. Still there are times when 200 isn't quite enough reach to get the picture you want. The $420 for a TC-17E was a compromise that I could live with. The camera while heavy with the 70-200 and TC-17E attached, can still be hand-held and sharp pictures obtained if shooting outdoors in fairly bright conditions. Where possible, better results and less fatigue will be achieved by shooting from a tripod. See http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=5&productNr=2151 to determine what lens can be used with this teleconveter.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 14 Days

Strengths: Good Value for zoom

Weaknesses: Slighly degrade f stop

Summary: I like this TC 1.7 - good value for zoom extension 1.7x. Little bit heavy but still very usefull if you don't want to spend fortune on expensive lens

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Great combination with 70-200mm lens

Weaknesses: Only works with a few Nikon lenses

Summary: I've been using the TC-17E for several weeks mostly for action shots. Coupled with my Nikon70-200 VR lens I get results that are exactly what I need. Images from this combination are crisp and clear. I have used it for landscape photography as well with wonderful results. The only problem I had with the the TC-17E was putting the cap on the lens end of it (vs the body cap). I put it on in a hurry and somehow got it on incorrectly, getting it off was a nightmare. Since then I've been careful to line up the marks and I've not had that problem happen again.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: works great with Nikkor 70-200VR and soon with 200-400VR lens...

Weaknesses: Cost..

Summary: I went with the TC-17E II 1.7x Teleconverter for AF-I & AF-S Lenses because it was less light loss than the 2.0X converter. This lens allows for 1.5 stops of light loss compared to the 2.0X. Also in regard to the 2x converter the images are much sharper with this converter...

Rating: 10

Time with product: 9 Weeks

Strengths: Excellent image quality with very little loss in camera responsiveness or utility.

Weaknesses: None that I know of.

Summary: When considering a teleconverter to work with Nikon AF-I & AF-S Lenses you basically have three choices. You can get a 1.4X, 1.7X, or a 2X TC. I decided on the middle of the road 1.7X TC and I have been very happy with its performance. I have mostly used it with a Nikon D2H Digital Camera and the Nikon 70-200 AFS VR Lens. Pictures taken with this combo generally have been tack sharp with little loss in camera focusing speed. Of course you lose a little in your F-stop capability but any Teleconverter does that. The extra reach of the 1.7X TC over the 1.4X TC and the better performance compared to the 2.0X TC makes this Teleconverter a very smart choice. Of course if you have the funds get all three TC's and enjoy the ride. I look forward to using the Nikon 1,7X TC with many other Nikon AF-I & AF-S Lenses in the future.