Let's talk teleconverters

[arshuter]

Keep in mind I know little to nothing about this subject. I was surfing Craigslist earlier and came across an 800mm Nikkor lens that in the listing said "lens only no converter." Can someone please explain this setup to me? Second question, will a third party converter work ? Question 3, can the converter be used on other lenses? Lastly can the lens be used without a converter if so what would it be, ie 400mm, 600mm, ? Thanks, Alan

 

[fcotterill]

and came across an 800mm Nikkor lens that in the listing said "lens only no converter." Can someone please explain this setup to me?

see review by Nasim Mansurov - link below, for details

Each copy has a matching bespoke TC800-1-25E-ED

Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED

photographylife.com

I have read somewhere that one has to ship the lens back to Nikon in Japan for the TC to be replaced /repaired, as it has to be optimized to "its" lens. It explains why the lens and TC share a serial # as a bespoke pair.

Second question, will a third party converter work ?

Not in the role of the bespoke TC125 for this particular copy.

Lastly can the lens be used without a converter if so what would it be, ie 400mm, 600mm, ?

Yes, apparently. It has been tested with TC14, so one can use one of these subject to AFFT for one's camera(s). I tested a Used 800mm on my Z7 in a local shop and my short time with it confirmed, well.... it is one of Nikon's very best ever made. Pity one's needs a lottery win to own one!
[Edited, unexpectedly since late 2021, the 800 f5.6E became relatively affordable with Used F-mount reaching unprecedented pricing due to the release of new Z-mount telephotos at competitive prices ]

Here are a few links I've archived
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-800mm-f5-6e-vr

https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/nikons-biggest-gun-a-review-of-the-800mm-f5-6-lens/

https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/interview/621449.html

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1466543/2