300/2.8 Non-VR - Mark I or II and Teleconverters

There are some potentially good buys for a older, non-VR 300/2.8 - AFS Mark I or Mark II available. Since I shoot exclusively from a tripod and Wimberley sidekick (D300), I think I can get by without VR (with good technique, of course).

My question is whether the older 300/2.8s non VR and the newer TC1.4E-II and TC1.7E-II (I have both) will work well together. I've read some place that the newer VR1 and VR2 versions have slightly better optics that work better with Nikon's current teleconverters. Opinions?

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http://jamesfarrell.smugmug.com/