Has anyone tried the new TC-14E III teleconverter and compared it to the TC-14E II

haroldp

Has anyone tried the new TC-14E III teleconverter and compared it to the TC-14E II, I am thinking of upgrading if the improvement is signficant.
I would use it on 400/2.8G VR, 200-400/4 VR1, and 80-400 G.

Thanks for the help.... Harold

ano

same feedback wellcome too : uses 300 2.8 VRII & 500 F4 with TC14E II

Photobug

I believe Tommie uses the TC-14E II. Perhaps she has some extra cash laying around after buying that "silver bullet camper". :-SS Would love to see her comparisons.

framer

The TC-14E I and TC-14E II are both very good IMHO very little improvement will be seen. I plan no upgrade on that one.

framer

Ironheart

Worth a read, but stay tuned:
http://photographylife.com/nikon-tc-14e-iii-announcement

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/teleconverters/af-s_tc-14e_3/spec.htm:
Compatible lenses:
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF ED*1
AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II
AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED
AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED V II
AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED
AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR*2
AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR*2
*1: AF not possible
*2: Can be used when attached to f/8-compatible camera body

Lenses compatible with the TC-14E II, but incompatible with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III:
AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED II
AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED
AF-I Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED II
AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF-I Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED II
AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED
AF-I Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II
AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED
AF-I Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED
AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Because the maximum aperture coupling ridge and minimum aperture signal post are eliminated with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III, “FEE” is displayed on the camera body when these lenses are used, disabling shooting.

Gareth

^^^ Is it clear why they did that?

NSXTypeR

Whoa, that's really stupid- why would they shoot themselves in the foot and make it compatible with lower end lenses but none of the high end exotic stuff?

haroldp

^^^ Is it clear why they did that?

It seems to me that the list of compatible lenses are 'G' models or equivalent which means they use afs focusing with a motor in the lens.

The lenses not on the list are 'D' lenses which use a focusing motor in the camera body and a 'screwdriver' mechanical connection to the lens (why they cant be used with Nikon's smallest consumer bodies which have no motor).

Most likely, Nikon did not want to have two AF couplings, one electrical for afs, and one mechanical for 'D'.

The 'D' coincidentally means that the lens communicates the focus distance to the body to help in exposure algorithms, which early auto focus lenses did not do.

@framer

I am currently using the TC-14E II, and I agree that is very good on the 400/2.8, the 80-400 G, and the 70-200/2.8 VR 1.

I believe that the TC-14E II and TC-14E I use the same optical formula with the TC-14E II adding VR support.

I am astounded at how good the TC-20E III is on the 400/2.8VR, and Nikon is claiming a similar optical formula for the TC-14E III, and am therefore hoping that this will result in some marginal improvement.

Given how much I pay for the entire imaging system (body,lens, support system etc.) and the cost of getting to where I can photograph wildlife, to me, any improvement that is noticeable for the cost of a TC (USD $500) is well spent.

I just upgraded from D800e to D810 because of the hope that the faster frame rate, greater buffer capacity, and AF improvements may marginally improve my 'hit rate'.

I cannot opine as to what is or should be 'worth it' to anyone else.

I would like to thank all of the members of the forum for helping one another to make informed decisions.

Regards ... Harold

framer

^^^ Is it clear why they did that?

@framer

I am currently using the TC-14E II, and I agree that is very good on the 400/2.8, the 80-400 G, and the 70-200/2.8 VR 1.

I believe that the TC-14E II and TC-14E I use the same optical formula with the TC-14E II adding VR support.

Regards ... Harold

This is pasted off the NikonUSA site:

The distinction of II in the name of Nikon teleconverters means that the newer versions use lighter metals in their construction. There is no difference between the original versions and the newer ones in terms of functionality or optical performance.

The original TC-14E works perfect with VR.

framer

haroldp

@framer

A day when I learn something new is a good day.. thank you.

... H

scoobysmak

^^^ Is it clear why they did that?

It seems to me that the list of compatible lenses are 'G' models or equivalent which means they use afs focusing with a motor in the lens.

The lenses not on the list are 'D' lenses which use a focusing motor in the camera body and a 'screwdriver' mechanical connection to the lens (why they cant be used with Nikon's smallest consumer bodies which have no motor).

Most likely, Nikon did not want to have two AF couplings, one electrical for afs, and one mechanical for 'D'.

The 'D' coincidentally means that the lens communicates the focus distance to the body to help in exposure algorithms, which early auto focus lenses did not do.

d

Maybe I am understanding this wrong but your explanation is not making since to me. I might be wrong but I thought AF-S means the focus motor was in the lens. So if I go out and purchase the "AF-S" 300 F4, it has the AF-S internal motor, but this shows up on the NOT compatible list?

I do agree that I think its dumb to remove some of the exotics from being able to use the new TC but the only lens that is still produced today that can use the old TC and not the new TC is the 300 F4. All the other exotics Nikon stopped making a few years ago. I can still see where the guy with a 400mm F2.8 or 500/600mmF4 ED II lens would be a bit upset, basically one version away but can't use it even if the optical formula is better.

haroldp

You are correct, AFS means the focus motor is in the lens, I believe all of the 'G' lenses are AFS.

It still appears to me that the primary pattern is no support for lenses with 'screwdriver' focus.
This does not mean that it is the only issue.

It is possible that the 300/4 may have other issues like clearance of back elements or an incompatible optical formula, but until someone actually has the combination we cannot know.

Regards ... H

PB_PM

I believe all of the 'G' lenses are AFS.

There are a few exceptions, but generally speaking that is true. There are five "G" lenses that are not AF-S, the 10mm F2.8G DX fisheye, AF 28-80mm F3.3-5.6G, AF 28-105mm F3.5-5.6G, AF 28-200mm F3.5-5.6G and AF 70-300mm F4-5.6G.

hghareeb

Hi ,, This is my first post in this forum, as I notice this post was about TC14iii and the older ver. II comparison and want to share my openion so it might be beneficial to others.

2 days ago I recieved my new TC 14III, I already have the 14II for long time and its almost glued to my 600 vr., for the first time I used 14III I could notice that it focus quicker than the old one however I couldn't notice any difference in image quality comparing to 14II.
So I made a quick test head to head with the same setting and object, and view it on my PC again the difference is negligible at least to my eye and by zooming to 100%, I'm not even sure if there is a difference in sharpening, However and agin the focus speed is noticeable.

Regards,

manhattanboy

2 days ago I recieved my new TC 14III, I already have the 14II for long time and its almost glued to my 600 vr., for the first time I used 14III I could notice that it focus quicker than the old one however I couldn't notice any difference in image quality comparing to 14II.
So I made a quick test head to head with the same setting and object, and view it on my PC again the difference is negligible at least to my eye and by zooming to 100%, I'm not even sure if there is a difference in sharpening, However and agin the focus speed is noticeable.

Thanks for posting; helpful to know.

As for the 300 f4:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

The NEW 1.4TCIII is listed as COMPATIBLE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS for the 300f4.
I still am not going to get one just because the pixel density of the 7100 is already too demanding with the bare lens, but for those that shoot the 300f4 on FF, the new TC is a probably good addition.

scoobysmak

Thanks for posting; helpful to know.

As for the 300 f4:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

The NEW 1.4TCIII is listed as COMPATIBLE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS for the 300f4.
I still am not going to get one just because the pixel density of the 7100 is already too demanding with the bare lens, but for those that shoot the 300f4 on FF, the new TC is a probably good addition.

.

I admit I based my comment on the previous post here that the AF-S 300 F4 was not compatible but from the chart you posted it looks like it is compatible. I am just totally confused why the rest of the lenses wouldn't be compatible that say they are not. The AF-S 300 F/4 has a product # of 1909, all the rest of the lenses were made after that and I would assume (yep I know dangerous statement) that all the connections would be the same as the 300 mm F/4. My question at this point would be, what makes the 300mm F/4 so different that it works with the new 1.4 TC.

Golf007sd

Thinking about getting this new TC. Anymore input is welcomed.

framer

Thanks for posting; helpful to know.

As for the 300 f4:
http://www.nikonusa.com/en_INC/IMG/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

The NEW 1.4TCIII is listed as COMPATIBLE WITHOUT LIMITATIONS for the 300f4.
I still am not going to get one just because the pixel density of the 7100 is already too demanding with the bare lens, but for those that shoot the 300f4 on FF, the new TC is a probably good addition.

Re-read the chart, It says "Not Compatible" The 1st column is the TC14E II the 2nd column is for the TC14E III.

framer

Photobug

FYI - Nasim Mansurov wrote an excellent article on the image degradation with Nikon Teleconverters.
http://photographylife.com/image-degradation-with-nikon-teleconverters
It's an excellent article and I admit learned a lot about the TC14II, TC 17EII, and TC-20EIII. According to his data, the TC-14E II results in a 5% sharpness loss. The TC-17E II results in a 17% sharpness loss and the TC-20E III a 26% sharpness loss.

Key learning's for me from the article and readers & Nasim's comments:
++Nasim does not recommend the use of the TC-17E II or the TC-20E II with the 300mm F/4 or 200-400 F/4 lenses. In less than ideal conditions, the F/4 lenses will hunt a lot and AF accuracy and speed surfer greatly.
++With F/2 and F/2.8 lenses, the longer TCs work great and resolve plenty of detail.
++Good images can be made with the 1.7x TC on the 300mm F/4 but the number of keepers is very low.
++Nasim recommends the 1.7X and the 2x on the 300mm F/2.8 lens.
++The 500mm + 1.4x combo at F8 works well with the D300 and D4. It is so good with the FX sensor in good light and the TC should be removed in very poor light.
++The 500mm + 1.4x combo on a DX sensor works when light is very good. Below that the AF speed suffers.
++The 300mm F2.8 and 1.7x TC works very well. He recommends the 1.7E II with any F2.8 prime lens.
++ For F/4 lenses he recommend you avoid the use of the TC-1.7E II. For F/4 lenses he recommends the TC-1.4 TC's.
++He recommends the TC-1.4E II for the 300mm F/4.

I did not read the read this article before buying my 1.7 TC and was happy to learn it's highly recommended for the 70-200 F2.8. Since a 300mm F4 is in my future, looks like I need to also buy a TC-1.4x. Speaking of that, I urge readers to understand the difference between the newer TC-1.4E III and the older TC-1.4E II. The newer model is NOT compatible with the 300F4 due to the rear lens position.

PB_PM

The newer model is NOT compatible with the 300F4 due to the rear lens position.

Nonsense, the rear element of the AF-S 300mm F4D IF-ED is literally half way inside the lens body. The real issue is that the TC14EIII does not have the metering tab to work with AF-D lenses, nor the correct CPU pins.

heartyfisher

I think his TC tests do not take into account the new D750 and D810 advanced AF systems.. so the 1.7 and 2.0 TC AF performance may be slightly outdated. i think I have read that the AF for TC2.O + 200-400 F4 may be acceptable on the D750. but I am not sure at this time. will need some one to confirm.

Photobug

The newer model is NOT compatible with the 300F4 due to the rear lens position.

Nonsense, the rear element of the AF-S 300mm F4D IF-ED is literally half way inside the lens body. The real issue is that the TC14EIII does not have the metering tab to work with AF-D lenses, nor the correct CPU pins.

Opps I am wrong on that point and your right. What I remembered was a comment about the lens element hitting the lens on the TC...but that was a different lens. Thanks for pointing that out.

Golf007sd

Photographylife initial review of this TC.

Nikon TC-14E III vs TC-14E II Performance Comparison

haroldp

My Nikon TC-14E III is slghtly better than my TC-14E II on the 400/2.8 VR (not fl), and notably better on the 80-400g, particularly wide open. Down a full stop they are much closer.

I do not have percentages, but the differences justify the cost to me given the total cost of the whole rig.

... H

Msmoto

I guess I will just keep my TC-14EII.....

Vipmediastar_JZ

If needed I shall buy a TC-14EII instead. Good review from Nasim.