Teleconverter Question

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
I ordered a TC-200 (2x) teleconverter from Roberts Used Photo Pro on a whim the other day when I saw they put it on clearance ($38), and it just arrived today.

I know the limitations of this thing: 2-stops less light, and no auto-focus with my D5500. But I was surprised by one issue.

The converter will not allow me to even manually focus my AF-P 70-300mm Nikkor. I can manually focus my three AF-S lenses: 40mm Micro, 18-55mm, and 55-200. If I want to focus on something with the AF-P I have to grab focus with the teleconverter off, then carefully detach the lens, attach the teleconverter, then re-attach the lens to that. Not great for flying bird shots!

Anyone know why this might be? I assume it has something to do with the internal workings of the P system, but for the life of me I can't figure out how it would affect the manual focus ring like that.
 

TwistedThrottle

Senior Member
@Dangerspouse
Af-s lenses are mechanically focused. Af-p lenses are electronically focused. There is probably some pin not included on the converter the lens needs to communicate with the camera body.
Nikon's website for teleconverter compatibility lists no af-p lenses, but also doesn't list the other lenses you say you had success with, so thats not saying much. I have heard of others having success with kenko teleconverters while using lenses Nikon claims are not compatible with teleconverters.
 

Chucktin

Senior Member
Most of the non-compitability issues with Nikon teleconverters/Nikon lenses was the rear element positioning i.e. collision. Not a good thing. But I think lacking the electronic contact thru the converter is probably what you're experiencing.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The others have given you some good info on the differences between the AF-P and AF-S lenses. I just want to point out that teleconverter is only a manual focus converter. So even if you used it on a more expensive body, you wouldn't be able to auto focus with it.

And as was mentioned, just be careful about putting TC's on any lens. Not all Nikon lenses will accept a TC. My 180mm AF-D lens doesn't have a rear glass element (it's the way the lens is designed). The back of the lens is longer than typical Nikon lenses and extends further into the camera body. If I were to try and put a TC on that lens, the back of the lens would hit the glass of the TC.

But it sounds as though you will have some success using it on other lenses! :) Have fun with it.
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Thanks very much gang, I appreciate all the great info! I did go to the Nikon page about lens compatibility, and also read through some of the threads in their service help pages, so I knew what I was getting into in that regard at least.

I think, so far anyway, it was 38 dollars well spent. If it only does not work on one of my lenses - and I want to reiterate that it actually works, it just disables the manual focus ring - then I'm well ahead of the game and plan to have some fun with it now :)

Thanks again, you guys are the best!

:encouragement:
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
That's good you did your research ahead of time. Here's my take on it although it's just my own personal opinion.

I really learned the nuts and bolts of photography (but not the editing part) by using a manual focus Minolta 35mm film camera. Back then most bodies offered either manual mode and shutter priority or manual mode and aperture priority. However, maybe the pro 35mm bodies offered all 3 modes. But my point is I learned by having to make my own setting choices and focusing manually.

Your TC will make you much more aware of focusing manually as well as developing a rhythm of panning while focusing on a moving subject. Initially it might be a big pain, but stick with it and most likely it will become second nature. Just remember, back in the dark ages before auto focus cameras were a reality, there were either point-and-shoot cameras (126 or 110 pocket cameras for example) or manual focus cameras. Anyone using an SLR had to focus manually on flying birds. ;) If you live near a river, you might want to try practicing on moving boats. They are a larger target and will require you to pan while keeping focus - much in the same way as birds but just a lot easier to work on the rhythm of nailing the shots since boats are so much bigger. :)

Here's a question for you: does the focus indicator light inside the viewfinder light up when you achieve focus? My guess is it might not. But regardless it will make you become more aware of how you are focusing.
 

Texas

Senior Member
Given the particular camera model (exposure sensitivity) and the resulting max f stop of the converter+lens combo it may indeed auto focus.

No problems AF with my Kenko 1.5X.
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Here's a question for you: does the focus indicator light inside the viewfinder light up when you achieve focus? My guess is it might not. But regardless it will make you become more aware of how you are focusing.

Great suggestion to practice on slow moving objects, Cindy! We do indeed have boats around here (although not many are on the water just yet), and I could always set up a mirror and take shots of myself doing housework. I can't really think of much else that moves slower.

And you're right: the focus indicator light is indeed also disabled by this bit of kit. Looks like it's time to calibrate my diopter and test how good my eye is :)

Thanks again!!
 
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Fred Kingston

Senior Member
Given the particular camera model (exposure sensitivity) and the resulting max f stop of the converter+lens combo it may indeed auto focus.

No problems AF with my Kenko 1.5X.

Big difference between the Kenko telconverter and the TC-200 he's using. The Kenko has elec. contacts and the TC-200 does not. The TC-200 can be made out of a block of wood and would retain the same electrical characteristics. ;)

Has nothing to do with the camera model. It's all in that P series lens requirements. There's a focus ring on the P series. It is not a manual clutch connection, it is an electric sensor connection... No elec. from the camera body and that lens will not manually focus.

Here's an exercise to try if you have a P lens. Put it on your camera and focus. Pull the battery out of the camera and turn the focus ring. I bet 2 internet bucks it won't manually focus.
 
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