I am interested in getting a decent 2X converter for use with the Nikon 28-200 2.8 (not the AF-S version, but the 2-ring tripod collar version). I need autofocus capability at a reasonable price for only occasional use. Has anyone used the new Sigma 2X APO or the Kenko AF 2X MC7? Any experience and recommendations on these or any other comparably price converters would be appreciated. Thanks.

-- mike strachn (mike.strachn@mail.house.gov), February 15, 1999

Answers

Mike, I did not test the Sigma 2X APO teleconverter with the older Nikkor 80~200mm f2.8 but I did test it with the AF-S 80~200mm and AF-S 300mm and it did not work. It could autofocus the lenses but it could not lock on to the subject. Manually focusing, the images made with the Sigma APO 2X teleconverter was about 2/3 stop under with the AF-S lenses.

If I am not wrong, this converter is suitable for the older version of the Nikkor 300mm f2.8 lens. I don't think it is suitable for a 80~200 lens but I could be wrong here. Suggest you check the instructions in the Sigma box.

-- Alan (afive@pacific.net.sg), February 16, 1999.

Sometimes there are things which one would like to have, but they are simply not possible.

I have never heard about a good combination of the older 80-200 with a 2X converter which even works in Autofocus. In the NIKON system AF of non AF-S depends on the camera, only the F90X and the F5 work reasonably well with the 80-200/2.8 (the F90X has already problems with the push-pull versions). I.e. a converter plus zoom version will probably only work with the F5, if at all. I am not talking about AF whicj is slower or less accurate than MF.

About optical performance, it is clear that a zoom plus a converter is problematic. The TC201 is probably the best choice, but it does not work very well with this specific lens. I would recomend to step down to a 1.4 converter. The TC14B works really well, probably also the TC14E (after the modification, non AF, but everything else). There is a posting that the SIGMA EX 1.4 works o.k.

-- siegfried boes (boes@first.gmd.de), February 18, 1999.

I have used the Kenko 2x MC-7 with the Nikkor 80-200mm "two-touch." This is the "D" lens prior to the AFS. It works well with no AF problems. HOWEVER, the only way that I could tell the light meter that I now had an f/5.6 lens was to go into manual exposure mode. I thought about changing the ISO by 2 stops, but can't remember if I used it - senior moment! This is based on a handfull of tripod mounted photos.

-- Ron Rogers (rcrogers@annapolis.net), June 30, 1999.