Worth upgrading converters? Kenko 1.4x to Nikon 1.4x II?

Joeturner11

Joeturner11

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Thinking about getting the Nikon 1.4x II Converter for my Nikon 300mm f/4 to replace my Kenko 1.4x PRO 300 Converter but is there a major difference and is it worth it?
 
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The advantage of Nikon is better build (metal vs plastic barrel). Also Kenko teleconverters are "electronically" transparent to the body. That means that the camera doesn't know that the teleconverter is there. As result of that it doesn't put the correct information about effective focal length to the EXIF. Also the exposure computation could be in theory less precise as the camera doesn't have the correct distance information. I think only the latest DGX line of converters has this fixed.

Some people say that the corner performance is better on Nikon as well as there is less vignetting. But I don't really care about corner performance when using tele lenses.

If you already have a Kenko that works well with your lens keep it.
 
I use a DG version of the Kenko 1.4TC and it reports the correct info (420mm, f/5.6 max) on my 300mm f/4 AF-S, but on my Nikon 60mm and Tamron 90mm it is transparent. The DGX version is supposed to fix this.
As to if the Nikon 1.4TC is worth it, unless the Kenko is not performing for you, and considering the substantial price difference, probably not.
 
If it works, keep it. There won't be a marked difference in image quality. If on the other hand you wanted to use a 2xTC, id go with Nikon. (the Nikon 1.7TC is very good if you're thinking about an extra TC)
 
With a decent TC, and the Kenko is pretty good, sharpness is 90% down to the quality of the mother lens. All the TC does is enlarge the centre of the image.
 
OldCarlos said:
If it works, keep it. There won't be a marked difference in image quality. If on the other hand you wanted to use a 2xTC, id go with Nikon. (the Nikon 1.7TC is very good if you're thinking about an extra TC)
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What lens do you use the 1.7x on? I have looked into it but people keep saying its a poor performer with the 300mm f/4 :shrug: I was debating if to get the 1.4x Nikon , 1.7x Nikon or a Sigma 150-500mm
 
Joe, I used it on the 300mm F2.8, so can't comment on the F4. My mate used the 2XTC on his 70-200mm & was happy with it.
It seems there may be a new Nikon 1.4TC coming out soon, so presumably better?
 
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