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Teleconverter?? (Can only afford 1)

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JimmieD

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Hello Nikon folk,

Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch. I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure! Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the 950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own 2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get? The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
 
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
Jimmie,

As of last week, I have all three (I just purchased the TC-E2). The Nikon 2x is quite versatile because you can hand hold it without any problems. The OpticZoom CAN be hand held, but should be rested on a sandbag, beanbag, tripod, etc. to get the best out of it. The Kenko definitely must be supported to get good results. The Nikon lens doesn't require any additional focus and will perform perfectly with autofocus. The OpticZoom is considerably easier to focus than the Kenko and is better glass and much better construction. Probably if I could have only one, I would take the OpticZoom because you can later add an additional 2x (probably an Olympus B-400) to the end of it and have a little more range than the Kenko 8x32 (I assume this is the Kenko you refer to). It's kind of the best of both worlds. However, if you want to use the teleconverter indoors, the Nikon 2x is your best bet.

It's a tough call because they all have their advantages and disadvantages. It really depends on why you want a teleconverter. If you are most interested in wildlife, etc., the OpticZoom (Eagle Eye) lets you have the most versatility because of the threaded front end which you can attach any filter or an additional lens to. If your budget is tight, the Kenko 8x32 offers a good value and decent performance. I paid top dollar ($200) for the TC-E2, but I understand it can be purchased for less. With the OpticZoom being sold for a very small amount above the MSRP on the Nikon, it's probably the most bang for the buck. The 8x32 is cheaper, but it is a bit harder to use and much less versatile.

Remember, if you get the Kenko or OpticZoom you will definitely need to also get an Xtend-a-View loupe/sunshade. Since both these lenses must be focused independently of the autofocus, you have to be able to clearly see the LCD in sunlight. You probably won't be able to do that without one, so budget another $16 for it. Also, if you get the OpticZoom or Kenko, I would strongly suggest getting the Eagle Eye "Wing" swivel joint support.

Lin
 
Lin Evans said:
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Correction: I just read my post and realized I suggested the Olympus B-400 (there is no such lens - it's the Olympus B-300 1.7x). The reason I suggest this instead of the Nikon 2x is because the Nikon TC-E2 has a tiny front end designed to screw directly to the CP900, 950 and 990. The front end of the OpticZoom is a much larger glass and the camera side of the Olympus B-300 is even larger than the OpticZoom, so there is no loss and no vignetting problem using it. I have not tried the TC-E2 on the front of the OpticZoom, but it would be an awkward step-down to make it work. The Olympus B-300 is every much the equal or probably even superior to the TC-E2 and doesn't introduce any strange anomaly.

Lin
 
http://members.tripod.com/~tawba/dbltele.htm
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
 
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
Get the one you will use the most.

The 2X Nikkor is easy to use, super high quality, lets you zoom all the way back
to the edge of the image where it vignettes and gives you a hand-held, bright
230mm lens equivalent. It's about 160 bucks.

The Kenko 8 x 32 is hard to use, modest quality, lets you zoom a tiny bit before
vignetting, must be braced rigidly, cuts the exposure down significantly and
gives you a 920mm lens equivalent. It's about 150 bucks.

I use the Kenko once in a great while. I use the Nikkor fairly often.

But the one I use the most is the WA-E24 which converts the camera into
a 24 to 72mm zoom...

-iNova
 
Thanks Peter,

From your comments, I believe you're right...I would use the 2X Nikkor the most. And as I think about my previous work with a 35mm analog camera, the biggest lense I ever used was a 75-250 zoom. That surved my purposes well and so getting 230mm equivalent with the 2X converter with no hassles seems like the logical choice. Thanks for helping me think that one through.
JimmieD
Peter iNova said:
Get the one you will use the most.

The 2X Nikkor is easy to use, super high quality, lets you zoom all the
way back
to the edge of the image where it vignettes and gives you a hand-held,
bright
230mm lens equivalent. It's about 160 bucks.

The Kenko 8 x 32 is hard to use, modest quality, lets you zoom a tiny bit
before
vignetting, must be braced rigidly, cuts the exposure down significantly and
gives you a 920mm lens equivalent. It's about 150 bucks.

I use the Kenko once in a great while. I use the Nikkor fairly often.

But the one I use the most is the WA-E24 which converts the camera into
a 24 to 72mm zoom...

-iNova
Click to expand...
 
Lin Evans wrote:
Thanks Lin,

It the OpticZoom seems like a good choice. After thinking about it and reading the comments here I think I will go with the TC-E2. I've seen it for about $140 and believe it will serve my needs the best.
Thanks again,
JimmieD
Member said:
Jimmie,
As of last week, I have all three (I just purchased the TC-E2). The Nikon
2x is quite versatile because you can hand hold it without any problems.
The OpticZoom CAN be hand held, but should be rested on a sandbag,
beanbag, tripod, etc. to get the best out of it. The Kenko definitely
must be supported to get good results. The Nikon lens doesn't require any
additional focus and will perform perfectly with autofocus. The OpticZoom
is considerably easier to focus than the Kenko and is better glass and
much better construction. Probably if I could have only one, I would take
the OpticZoom because you can later add an additional 2x (probably an
Olympus B-400) to the end of it and have a little more range than the
Kenko 8x32 (I assume this is the Kenko you refer to). It's kind of the
best of both worlds. However, if you want to use the teleconverter
indoors, the Nikon 2x is your best bet.

It's a tough call because they all have their advantages and
disadvantages. It really depends on why you want a teleconverter. If you
are most interested in wildlife, etc., the OpticZoom (Eagle Eye) lets you
have the most versatility because of the threaded front end which you can
attach any filter or an additional lens to. If your budget is tight, the
Kenko 8x32 offers a good value and decent performance. I paid top dollar
($200) for the TC-E2, but I understand it can be purchased for less. With
the OpticZoom being sold for a very small amount above the MSRP on the
Nikon, it's probably the most bang for the buck. The 8x32 is cheaper, but
it is a bit harder to use and much less versatile.

Remember, if you get the Kenko or OpticZoom you will definitely need to
also get an Xtend-a-View loupe/sunshade. Since both these lenses must be
focused independently of the autofocus, you have to be able to clearly
see the LCD in sunlight. You probably won't be able to do that without
one, so budget another $16 for it. Also, if you get the OpticZoom or
Kenko, I would strongly suggest getting the Eagle Eye "Wing" swivel joint
support.

Lin
Click to expand...
 
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
Well personally I own the Nikon 2x teleconverter and also the Kenko 8x32. I love the teleconverter, it was the smartest purchase I made to go with my Nikon. It is so sharp, it is unreal. I have had the Kenko for about 6 weeks, maybe it is me, that I am not totally educated in its use, but I really don't see what the big deal is about it. You have to be so steady, and it is awkward to use with the swivel lense of the Nikon, I have never got anything that has been sharp with it. I would go for the Nikon teleconverter you won't go wrong.
 
In case you haven't heard, Nikon has announced that they will be releasing a 3x teleconverter for the Coolpix line. No one seems to know the release date. FYI, they are also making a new wideangle converter that covers a range similar to the WC-E24, but it's a higher quality lens.
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
 
Lin Evans said:
... With the OpticZoom being sold for a very small amount above the MSRP on > the Nikon, it's probably the most bang for the buck.
Click to expand...
I believe that's not quite so: regardless of the MSRP, the Nikon is available for under $140 ($125 plus shipping at ecost.com), while the Opticzoom, as far as I know, is $300 or more with shipping - that seems like a significant difference.

Misha
 
Misha said:
Lin Evans said:
... With the OpticZoom being sold for a very small amount above the MSRP on > the Nikon, it's probably the most bang for the buck.
Click to expand...
I believe that's not quite so: regardless of the MSRP, the Nikon is
available for under $140 ($125 plus shipping at ecost.com), while the
Opticzoom, as far as I know, is $300 or more with shipping - that seems
like a significant difference.

Misha
Click to expand...
I stand corrected on the Opticzoom price - it turns out there's a US reseller selling it for $288 plus $4 shipping.
 
I have both the Nikon 2x and the Kenko 8x32 and if I had to choose only one, it would be the Kenko. The Kenko is a lot more fun to use than the 2x. I find that by the time I screw on the 2x, I could have just walked up closer to the subject to take the same shot. With the Kenko you would have to get in your car and drive over to get the same shot. Even though I probably use the 2x more than the Kenko, I would still take the Kenko over the 2x just because it is more fun to use once you are set up. I have no problem focusing my Kenko. It is a little tricky, but once you master it, the pictures come out great. The first thing I do before I screw on the Kenko is look through it and focus on my subject. Then I screw it on the front of the 950 and put the camera in autofocus. Then I turn on digital zoom and zoom it all the way and the subject comes in super close. Then I fine tune the focus on the Kenko. You will need some kind of magnified shade for the LCD. I built my own or you can buy one. Once you have the Kenko focused with the digital zoom, turn off the digital zoom and take the picture. If the picture doesn't come out in focus using this method, then you are not holding your mouth right:-) If you are like the rest of us, you are going to end up with both of them so just by one now and save up for the other one.
Ralph
JimmieD said:
Hello Nikon folk,
Well after panicing that I might not be able to find a 950 left at a
reasonable price, I ended up finding one for $560 before rebate (sorry
prospective buyers...I got the last one for this source) . Anyway, I
received it yesterday and am enjoying it immensely. I had and Epson 850z
which I also liked, but the Nikon was the camera I really wanted when I
originally purchased and so when the price came down I made the switch.
I sold my 850z for $650. So I actually came out ahead...go figure!
Anyway, I want to put that profit to use buying a teleconverter for the
950. I've been reading about the Kenko 8x32, the EagleEye, Nikon's own
2x converter and other possiblilities on this forum.

My question is this, if you could only have one, which would you get?
The samples with the Kenko look great, but it sounds like you really have
to work to get the focusing right (Am I misperceiving this?). Does the
EagleEye take the same effort to focus? Does the Nikon converter provide
crisp images? (I know comparing it to the Kenko is apples and oranges
but....???)

I'm hoping that maybe someone who has the Nikon converter and one of the
others might suggest which one you'd hang on to if you had to get rid of
the rest.

Thanks in advance,
JimmieD
Click to expand...
 
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