Zoom Micro Nikkor 70-180 and Teleconverter

I have two basic questions:

1) For those who own the Nikkor 70-180, which is the correct Nikon TC to use. Since BH photo doesn't list this lens anymore, I couldn't tell, and it isn't listed under the Nikon TC's on their website.

I know this is a D lens and not an AFS lens, but the TC14E 1.4, for example, is for 'D-AF-S &AFI'...

The Nikon TC-14A is for 'AIS'... so I'm confused.

2) Any comparison's by use compared to a Tamron (old style, not Pro) TC 1.4 and 2x??

I also would be using whichever TCs I buy for the Sigma 300-800, and I already know from research and kind actual user responses that only the Nikon TC's and the old Tamron (not their newer SP line) will AUTOFOCUS with the Sigma 300-800mm.

But I also love macro and want to extend the capability of my beloved 70-180mm (it is my favorite lens). While I like to stick with Nikon glass whenever possible, I have read only good about the old Tamron TCs optics, and the Tamron 1.4 is $80; Tamron 2x is $150, and the Nikon TC 1.4 alone is either $250/AIS version or $400 for 1.4 AF-s version and $415 for the 2x AF-s version, so the cost difference is compelling.

So, is Nikon that much better in their teleconverters (anyone with actual experience in both of these?)

I plan on getting both 1.4 and 2x for use on the Sigma 300-800, though would most likely only use the 1.4 on the 70-180mm for macro. I don't suppose you could stack a Nikon TC 1.4 to a Tamron 2x??

Thank you for any thoughts, and for which Nikon TC is the one to get for the 70-180mm (It looks like I could use any Nikon TC with the Sigma 300-800mm as long as I do the modification).

Has anyone actually used the 'old' Tamron TCs with the Nikkor 70-180mm?? Does it maintain autofocus (AF very important to me).

Thanks for any info.

I've had a 70-180 for about two weeks now.

My newer Tamron 1.4X TC works fine and retains autofocus. It's the Pro model ($190). I'd assume that the cheaper one works too. Likewise all TC-14A/B, 201, 301 converters should mount just fine. You won't have autofocus, though. Regardless of what their marketing says about lenses less than f2.8, if you're going to get the tamron/kenko (same thing) get the Pro model.

AF is pretty useless in macro territory with this lens, though.

Congrats on your Nikkor 70-180mm! It is so razor sharp and a real pleasure to use.

I can't use the Tamron SP on the Sigma 300-800... (won't AF, but the older Tamron TC will), so that's out.

I've now learned the Nikon TC's won't AF with the 70-180 Nikkor...

So I guess I just need to verify with anyone who knows whether the old Tamron TCs will maintain AF with the 70-180...

Thank you, I appreciate your post!

It is not dependent on the brand of the TC. It may or may not AF if the AF system of the body being used is getting enough light to AF. I found that the 80-400 VR lens will AF with 1.4x TCs, if the subject is bright enough (getting direct sunlight) and has something I can focus on. So, it is a function of light, whether the subject has distinct lines the camera can AF on, and the sensitivity of the camera's AF system.

...TC-201 and TC-14A
--
-Kent

Life is too short for slow glass.
http://www.pbase.com/kjoosten

Oh man, my bad... I should have checked my manual.... thank you though, very much

In general, I agree, but some TC's will not AF with some lenses, light issues aside. Thank you , though, for your reply.

I shoot with the Nikon D2x.

If anyone has used the old Tamron TC with the Nikkor 70-180, I would still be grateful to know if you had AF with it.

Thanks...