Nikon 200 500 and extension tubes.

[Squaredoch]

Hello all, I am thinking of having a try with extension tubes. Has anybody tried using the 200 500 with tubes and if so with what result. Also, do the Kenko tubes work with that lens as I have read there can be problems with them and some lenses.
Thanks for any advice

 

[Kevin H]

Tubes or Tele's???

 

[Squaredoch]

Hi Kevin Tubes, on a D750 or D7100

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

So you are wanting to do macros with the 200-500 ?

 

[Squaredoch]

Not so much macros but insect a t a bit longer range. Only a thought at the moment, I was wondering if anybody else had tried the combination before I jump and buy a set of tubes.

 

[WayneF]

Longer range means what to you? Tubes might give a bit closer focus distance, but definitely Not longer distance (the opposite). Whereas teleconverters give greater focal length for more range.

But extension tubes have less effect on longer lenses.

50mm is a lot of extension tube, and on say a 50 mm lens, it effectively doubles its focal length, and the combination should reach 1:1 macro (which is generally how the tubes are used). But 50 mm on 200mm is 25% increase, and on 500 mm is only 10% increase (not double), and will only have minor effect. Use with 20mm would be much more common than use on 200mm.

It is not sounding right. If you only want to focus at a closer distance (which is what tubes do), then compared to sticking with a 200-500mm lens, I'd suggest a shorter lens instead of the tubes.

If you want a lens longer than 500mm, then that's what teleconverters do.
Here is a list of Nikon teleconverter compatibility.
https://www.nikonusa.com/Assets/Common-Assets/Images/Teleconverter-Compatibility/EN_Comp_chart.html

The 200-500 is Not on that compatibility list. There are TC of other brands that might work.

 

[singlerosa_RIP]

According to the compatibility list, the TC-14E II and III will work with the 200-500.

 

[WayneF]

You're right, my mistake, sorry. Compatibility list does show the 200-500 as being compatible with the 1.4 TC on some cameras. A TC 1.4 adds one stop, so the f/5.6 lens is converted to f/8, and some of the camera models can auto focus at f/8. Same issue will apply to any brand of TC.

 

[Blacktop]

According to the compatibility list, the TC-14E II and III will work with the 200-500.

A Kenko 1.4 TC Teleplus Pro 300 is the bees knees at around a 130 dollars. Plus it will work with non Nikon lenses as well.

Do not get the older cheaper Kenko 1.4. Make sure it's the Teleplus Pro 300

Here is a shot of a dragonfly with the D750 +the 200-500mm Nikon + Kenko 1.4 Teleplus Pro300

 

[Squaredoch]

Thanks for that info. Does the Kenko allow all the functions of the lens like Autofocus VR and the rest or does the lens become manual?

 

[Blacktop]

Thanks for that info. Does the Kenko allow all the functions of the lens like Autofocus VR and the rest or does the lens become manual?

Yes it's all functional, but like with all TC's the focus will be a little slower.

 

[salukfan111]

Thanks for that info. Does the Kenko allow all the functions of the lens like Autofocus VR and the rest or does the lens become manual?

Not sure about 200-500 but on the 80-400 G and 600 VR it works perfect. For whatever reason, the 2.0x version of Kenko 300 works great on 180mm f/2.8 (don't ask how I figured this out long story) but won't even work on my 600 VR.