Telephoto with teleconverter

[hark]

For those of you who use a telephoto zoom with a teleconverter, do you notice any play between the teleconverter and the body or the teleconverter and lens? Today I used my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 with the used Nikon Teleconverter TC-14E II, and I noticed a little play after I snugged everything down on the tripod. Not sure whether the movement was from the front or back end of the teleconverter.

I know not to hold the combo by the body--I supported it solely by the lens. Just wondering if anyone else with a teleconverter (Nikon or other brand) ever noticed movement with a somewhat heavier lens. Thanks!

 

[canuck257]

There is a little rotational play with several of my lenses on both my D500 and D7100. It does not seem to adversly affect performance though.

 

[hark]

Thanks for the info, canuck257. Maybe a better way to describe what I saw is that the camera and lens flexed or seemed to want to bend downwards slightly where the teleconverter was attached.

 

[Whiskeyman]

Thanks for the info, canuck257. Maybe a better way to describe what I saw is that the camera and lens flexed or seemed to want to bend downwards slightly where the teleconverter was attached.

That doesn't sound right to me. If you have a local camera shop, you might take it to them to ask. From what I've read elsewhere, Nikon will likely tell you that the camera and or lens need inspection and repair, and will be happy to do the job for a fee. I'm not sure of their opinion on the matter if the equipment is under warranty.

WM

 

[hark]

That doesn't sound right to me. If you have a local camera shop, you might take it to them to ask. From what I've read elsewhere, Nikon will likely tell you that the camera and or lens need inspection and repair, and will be happy to do the job for a fee. I'm not sure of their opinion on the matter if the equipment is under warranty.

WM

I purchased it used from my local store but didn't notice it at the time I tried it out there. I might see what they say. If it needs to be fixed, I believe they offer a 30-day warranty. Just wondering if it is normal.

 

[STM]

There is a very slight amount of rotational play between my 600mm f/4 and my TC-300 but it is only a couple of degrees and it does not seem to have any effect on sharpness. The two actually make for a very good combination!

 

[Whiskeyman]

There is a very slight amount of rotational play between my 600mm f/4 and my TC-300 but it is only a couple of degrees and it does not seem to have any effect on sharpness. The two actually make for a very good combination!

That combo will get you close! How difficult is it to find a subject in the viewfinder, though?

WM

 

[BackdoorArts]

If it's been used on bigger lenses there's a chance that it's been at the end of some heavy glass which means it could have been stretched a bit. I would not expect there to be wiggle room in the mount and if you have the opportunity to return/exchange it you may be better served to do it while you can.

 

[Roy1961]

I had this on my 50-500 from day one, about 1 month ago it got real noticeable, turned out 3 of the 4 small screws on my lens at the joint were a tad loose, $1 glass screw driver kit from the dollar store fixed the problem.

 

[hark]

If it's been used on bigger lenses there's a chance that it's been at the end of some heavy glass which means it could have been stretched a bit. I would not expect there to be wiggle room in the mount and if you have the opportunity to return/exchange it you may be better served to do it while you can.

Unfortunately they only offer a 7-day return policy (store credit only), and of course I didn't try the teleconverter until day 10 (didn't notice it in the store when I bought it). That's my own fault for not using it sooner. I'll take a look at Roy's suggestion about the screws to see if there is a fix. Otherwise, supposedly they offer a 30-day warranty although I'm not sure if they will do anything. Was not aware anything like that could happen. Now I know.

I had this on my 50-500 from day one, about 1 month ago it got real noticeable, turned out 3 of the 4 small screws on my lens at the joint were a tad loose, $1 glass screw driver kit from the dollar store fixed the problem.

Will take a look later today to see if there is anything on the teleconverter that can be tightened. When the lens is mounted directly on the camera, the problem isn't there so it's definitely the teleconverter. Thanks for the suggestion!!!

 

[hark]

I tightened the screws on the teleconverter and no more flex. The teleconverter does rotate slightly side-to-side when it is mounted so I stopped in at the camera store where I was told this is normal. She said all lenses will do that. Let's just say the side-to-side rotation was barely perceptible with my 70-200mm f/2.8 mounted directly onto the camera, but I can live with it. At least no more flex. I'd rather leave the flexing to my muscles.

 

[STM]

That combo will get you close! How difficult is it to find a subject in the viewfinder, though?

WM

That can be a problem. My 600mm has a separate hood and there is a knob to tighten it down. I always put the knob at the 12 o'clock position when I mount the hood. That way I can look down the lens and use the knob in the same way as you would use a front sight on a firearm. It works like a champ

 

[Whiskeyman]

That can be a problem. My 600mm has a separate hood and there is a knob to tighten it down. I always put the knob at the 12 o'clock position when I mount the hood. That way I can look down the lens and use the knob in the same way as you would use a front sight on a firearm. It works like a champ

I hadn't thought of that. What a great technique! I'm going to try it with my 300mm, which can be tough enough! Thanks!

WM