Nikon TC-20E III 2x AF-S Teleconverter - Refurbished by Nikon U.S.A.

2021-10-24T08:36:37

Had zero concerns ordering a refurb item such as this given it was refurbed by Nikon themselves and purchased from Adorama.. On the quality side it's been awesome as I cannot afford a 600pf/F4 so this paired w/my 300pf/F4 has been a great step up to 600mm though at F8 it's still considerably better than a cheaper 150-600 I previously used until I can justify the cost of a larger 600pf/F4

DEAN J.

2020-01-21T19:00:00

I purchased this TC to use on my AF 200-400, which is a fantastic lens. Optically, the combination produces amazing image quality, BUT, due to the effective f/8 max. aperture, AF performance is unreliable. To be sure of focus you MUST use live view. Nikon literature says this combination should work on my D800's, but full sunlight seems to be necessary for it to work properly. Low light situations defeat the AF. If you really need AF you must stay with an effective max. aperture no slower than f/5.6.

Bronto48

Originally posted at

2019-09-28T16:24:34

This lens has very clear glass and works great with my 70-200 2.8 af Lens giving me the equivalent of a 140-400 with great clarity

Tim M.

2019-04-23T08:02:47

Before purchasing I looked at the mixed reviews. I am very pleased with the quality of the converter and it's operation and performance. I am using it on my Nikon D180 with the 70-200 lens, the lens being operated at 200. I am also using it on a Tripod, with this much zoom, I want to make sure it is steady. So far I am very happy !

KATHY S.

2019-02-01T19:00:00

This teleconverter works very well optically, but one does lose some light. Because of this, auto focus is not possible on many lenses. I use it with my Nikkor 200-500 mm lens to increase my reach to 600-1000, and it does work well optically. One must remember that he/she will be focusing manually using the teleconverter, and that is a challenge at 1000 mm! Still, this is what I bought it for, and I'm very happy with my purchase. I will also be using it with my Nikkor 105 mm Micro lens. I haven't yet had the opportunity to work with this teleconverter/lens combination, but I'm looking forward to it. I use this lens mostly for macro shots, which require manual focusing anyway. Auto focus is not possible on this lens either. Based upon my experience with the big zoom, I'm certain the optics will be stellar. This is a wonderful product. I only wish I had the lenses with which it will auto focus. Still, it is a great addition to my equipment for my needs, and I am pleased with the quality optics I've come to expect from Nikon.

drjim

Originally posted at

2018-12-19T19:00:00

I purchased this lens a couple years ago & really enjoy it. It's quick and sharp! Using the TC-20E III teleconverter is a game changer :-)

dje1969

Originally posted at

2018-10-08T14:48:11

I have both the 1.4 and 1.7 and heard that the 20E may not be as good. It was not only as good but it was excellent. I am so happy with this teleconverter. I was set up to shoot a sunset with my 300 2.8 only to find out that the foot did not fit in my RRS head. Instead I pulled out the 20E and attached it to my 70-200 F4 and got an award winning photo.

Jon L.

2017-07-10T20:00:00

I recently rented the TC-20 for use on a European vacation. It was paired with my AF-S 70-200 f/2.8 VR1 on a D810 and I was quite impressed with the overall quality of the images. Most were taken hand-held;others taken on a sturdy Gitzo. My expectation was properly set after doing a lot research and reading many accounts of the TC's use in the Nikonians website forum. As expected, there was a little softness on the edges, but the overall images were very good. A little cropping took care of the soft edges. Taking into account the known minor shortcomings of teleconverters (soft edges, loss of light), I was very satisfied with the TC 20's performance, so much so that I purchased the TC from the rental company after my return from vacation.

BroadwayBob

Originally posted at

2016-11-23T19:00:00

I am a Nikon lover but I never got convincing results while using the TC-20E III on my Nikon 70-200 VRII, the images aren't sharp enough for me (at any apertures, mirror up, remote shutter, steady tripod, manual focusing on live view etc.). It must be a better fit on a 300mm or 400mm 2.8, if you really have to get this extra length. Otherwise, always better to get a 500mm or 600mm indeed!

julianklimt

Originally posted at

2016-09-02T20:00:00

Had a chance to test this TC on my 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II. Then bought a refurb and thrilled with results. Tested vs. (old model) 80-400mm f/4-5.6. At the same apertures, the TC + 70-200 tested better.

LarG

Originally posted at

2016-08-24T20:00:00

The only people who have had a problem with this product have not paired it with the right lenses. ((( This TC Converter is designed for fast f/2.8 lenses. ))) I have two Nikon cameras (D810 and D500) and this 2x TC III doubles my reach and keeps the quality extremely high. Between the two cameras, and the TC on (or off) my 300mm, I have variable focal lengths of 300mm, 450mm, 600mm, and 900mm, with the last two extreme focal lengths made possible by the 2x TC III. The difference in quality is negligible. A picture is worth 1000 words, so I will end this review, with some images taken with the TC on.

JohnK007

Originally posted at

2016-08-09T11:57:12

On a D810, using a 105 2.8 ED combined with the teleconverter, the results were a little better than my micro nikor 60 alone. More magnification but soft focus. All shooting was on a good tripod with shutter delay and plenty of light.My other lens that it fits is a 300 1:4D. The focus is too soft to be usable in this combination. Maybe the newer lenses are better? But the 105 is pretty new. I am not an extreme gear head but I need sharp focus and this 2x tele isn't doing it for me no matter what I have tried.

PETER K.

2015-10-31T20:00:00

There's no such thing as a free lunch and that is totally true of teleconverters. Any time you put extra glass between the lens and the sensor there will be loss some loss in contrast and sharpness. On top of that you will lose 2 full F-stops of light! Still, the Nikon TC20 E-III does an admirable job delivering twice the original focal length - if your expectations are realistic! I'll let the sample image speak for itself: it was taken with a Nikon D810 (in DX crop mode) with Nikkor 70-200 F4 G + TC20 E-III = an effective focal length/aperture of 600mm @ F8. Hand-held with VR and ISO 4500. I personally think it turned out pretty good.

TheNotSoAngryPhotographer

Originally posted at

2015-05-17T20:00:00

I had read many negative posts on forums about teleconverters in general, so I bought this with some trepidation. I did not get to test it first as the shop where I buy my gear was always out of stock. Hmmmm. Always out of stock. So it can't be that bad. Anyway, when it came in I went out the next weekend to get some nice wild bird shots. Using a 2.8 Nikon 70 - 200 I found it focused fast and dead on, vibration reduction did not falter at all, and of most importance, the shots were so clear even when cropped in Lightroom. I rented a Nikon 2.8 400mm a few weeks later and same results. Dead on focus. It also will auto focus past f 8.0. I'm looking forward to pairing it up with the Nikon 2.8 300mm which I have been saving up for and will have in my hands in about a weeks time. If you have any doubts please believe me and many of the other posts in this area and buy with confidence.

brianf

Originally posted at

2014-08-30T20:00:00

He utilizado este teleconvertidor con el 70-200 2.8 y me sorprendió ver la rapidez en el enfoque, automáticamente el f más grande se establece en 5.6 y la calidad de la imagen es formidable. También lo utilicé con el 105 2.8 macro con las mismas bondades antes expuestas.

Claudio

Originally posted at

2014-07-07T21:00:00

I use it with my 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom. With my DX camera, it's equivalent to a max of 600mm. There's a slight loss of sharpness and contrast compared to the lens without the extender. Still far better than the third party zooms I used before. The D7000 does have problems focusing in dim light. Probably not a problem with newer bodies.

VINCENT K.

2014-05-20T20:00:00

I ordered this converter lens yesterday, 5/20/2014 and Nikon delivered it the very next day, 5/21/2014. I was so thrilled about this. Then, when I tried it on my camera, a Nikon D4s, it fit beautifully. Then when I attempted to use my lenses, the Nikon 18-300 AF-S DX VR lens, it would NOT fit. Then I tried it on a dedicated 400mm lens, Sigma, that I also use and no go. So with that in mind that I know the lens will most likely not fit the new lens I just ordered, the Tameron 150-600mm that is yet to arrive, I'm now in the process of working with Nikon on returning this lens converter. I have had the lens in my hands for 20 minutes now and I am so disappointed that I cannot use it. Had I known that this converter will only work with a limited number of dedicated lenses, I would have kept my $500+ dollars. Now, I'm waiting to get approval from Nikon to return it, as I cannot use it and the Nikon website here, did NOT say that this converter will only work with a limited number of special lenses. So, just to save someone else from this same problem, you must look at the manual, under the "Support" tab, to see if you have the right lens that this converter will work with, before you buy. Just wish I had known this before I ordered. So disappointed.

DNash

Originally posted at

2014-04-22T20:00:00

I shot the foto, below, of the moon mid day, useing my Nikon D800 and my Nikon 70-200 VR 2.8 Series 1 lens, and useing the AF_STC20E 111 Tele Converter, the results truly are stellar.......

Owen

Originally posted at

2014-04-21T21:00:00

this lens fits the high end zooms lens check the lens ask the custermer service be sure you give them all the info you can so just likr Santa Claus check you list twice.

Dick

2013-07-15T21:00:00

I am using the TC-20E III with my D7000 and 70-200 Nikkor. Autofocus is fast and precise; image quality is a bit soft at f/5.6 but is sharp at f/8 and f/11. If you have the 70-200 and are looking to reach longer, this is a viable (and cheaper!) alternative to adding the 80-400 to your lens collection.

Steven R.

2013-05-11T21:00:00

I use this TC lens with my Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens, it will change my f/2.8 to f/5.6 and it preserve the clearity of 70-200mm lens. When I pick up this lens I heart rattleling inside, but it work just fine.

VARUM K.

2013-04-29T20:00:00

I recently purchased the TC 20E III along with the Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II. During the six months I owned it, I had little opportunity to use this equipment. During the few times that I did make some test images, I could detect NO additional detail in pictures taken with the 300mm alone and in combination with the TC. A few days ago, after also adding the TC 14E II and the Nikon 70-200mm VR II, I was able to spend many hours shooting ducks with all possible combinations of these two lenses and these two tele-converters. The result is that I am very disappointed in the quality of my 2.0 converter. The 1.4 TC clearly added more fine detail of the birds’ feathers to photos of the birds taken with both top notch lenses without TC’s attached. The images taken using the 2.0 showed LESS detail than the 1.4 and perhaps less than the lenses without any TC attached. This is the first Nikon product I have ever owned which has required repair.

Kennebunk L.

Originally posted at

2013-03-27T20:00:00

Purchased a refurbished sample from my favorite store in NYC. Excellent teleconverter for 70-200 f/2.8 G lens, at least when paired with my D3s. Extremely sharp and fast focusing. I have even gotten good results in the 1.2x format (480 mm) and DX setting (600 mm) hand held but typically use with a monopod or tripod for best results.

Dean

Originally posted at

2013-03-22T21:00:00

Excellent pairing for the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR lenses- extremely sharp, fast focusing

Dean P.

2013-01-28T19:00:00

As expected the loss of lighting from doubling the aperture is important to keep in mind when purchasing. That is if your current lense has a f/2.8 aperture, with this converter added your effective aperture will be f/5.8 and so on.

branwood

2012-12-25T19:00:00

I/Q is just not there as it is with 1.4 tele. I guess I am very spoiled after shooting the long lenses that I have without this converter . Don't get me wrong, in a pinch for that bird high in a tree ect. this comes in very handy. I use it on my 300mm2.8 and 200-400 mmF4.

RSC3516

Originally posted at

2012-02-05T19:00:00

This is a highly useful accessory to have in your bag. With the correct light it enables more close up creativity and reach. Useful outdoors mostly with specialized use indoors (d7000 sensor or better).

TIM P.

2012-02-05T19:00:00

We paired this with a Nikon D300 for wildlife and it is perfect. We have the VRI and The VRII and both work very well with the TC20E III. The D700 does not get as tight as the D300 so if you have a D300 and want to get in real close for a fraction of the price of a 400mm this may be for you. Excellent build and finished product as expected from Nikon.

KayOssCapt

2011-12-16T19:00:00

I use this occasionally on my 300/4 AF-S and 105/2.8 VR macro (on D7000). While AF can work in good light, I usually manually focus. The fact that the minimum focus distance doesn't change results in 2X life size with the 105 and 0.5X with the 300 (at 600mm it's my longest "macro" lens). I have used both combinations wide open, and had acceptable results, but a stop or two helps with IQ. If you need reach and can't afford the 600/4, this gets you there. If you want more than 1:1 with your 105VR (and a 210mm focal length) this gets you there. If you want a 600mm 0.5X macro lens, this gets you there. If those are places you want to go, get the TC.

pictureted

Originally posted at

2011-09-03T21:00:00

works great with my Nikon 300 2.8 VRII and 70-200 VR lens. Very sharp and fast.

Sharkman