Nikon 200-500 5.6 VR, picture quality degradation after using with the TC 14E iii

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Abinoone said:
Your question is an interesting one to me because I'm having the same issue. I've been thinking maybe it was me rather than the lens/tc combination. I also tried AFFT but didn't have much luck. It is very disappointing since the tc was $500, and was advertised as compatible with the 200-500. Please let us know what you end up doing - I may follow your lead. Good luck!
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If you own the TC and want to make it work with the 200-500, only use it with very good light. Use the center AF point - or if you are using the D850 or D5/6 you can use the adjoining AF points. Be sure to use long lens technique with a tripod and a hand over the lens barrel to dampen vibration. Don't even consider a cable release without a hand on the lens barrel. Use this combination for reasonable distances - inside 100 yards - not for distant subjects. Forget birds in flight. You might have some success at less than 500mm.

The TC works very well with the 200-500 and the Z cameras. You can eliminate shutter movement with Silent mode, and you can focus anywhere in the frame as long as you have adequate contrast. AF fine tuning is not needed.

It's not the lens and teleconverter that is the problem - it's using it with a DSLR creates some issues and the high magnification requires great technique.
 
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I use the 1.4 TC on my 200 - 500 on my D500 and I have been very pleased with it. At 500 mm (now 700 mm) I obviously have to shoot from a solid tripod at the highest shutter speed I can get away with. I have found that using the back monitor screen is really helpful in getting it to autofocus and then trigger the shutter. I have the 3 sec delay set to eliminate (hopefully!) and camera shake.

The shot below was off 2 Bald Eagles a LONG way away from me D500 @ 700mm f/8 1/1250 sec ISO 140 -1EV. The image is also heavily cropped.

2 Eagles on a tree.jpg
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Thank you, Eric. I've been using the 1.4 tc with the 200-500 on my D850 mainly for BIF, and this is where I'm seeing the softness. I usually shoot mounted in a Gitzo tripod with a gimbal head. Interesting that you mention to forget using the combo for BIF. I have an opportunity to buy a used 500mm f4 for a very reasonable price, and I'm hoping that it will give me better results with the 1.4 tc.
 
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Abinoone said:
Your question is an interesting one to me because I'm having the same issue. I've been thinking maybe it was me rather than the lens/tc combination. I also tried AFFT but didn't have much luck. It is very disappointing since the tc was $500, and was advertised as compatible with the 200-500. Please let us know what you end up doing - I may follow your lead. Good luck!
Click to expand...

Hi Abinoone,

Sorry to hear that... :)
I am basically trying to get my lens back to deliver the result it used to.. before I paired it with the TC and the blunder of taking it to the nikon service to make them calibrate the kit for sharp results... I have now realised that sharp picture quality with this lens and the TC is simply a myth. So i have decided to sell my TC. (or buy a 400 2.8 :) ... )

Like I have mentioned earlier, I have reset my D500 and the pictures are little better but not what they used to be.
I believe the Nikon guys may have changed calibration on the lens the last time, so I am going to them on Wednesday to see and hear what they have to say. They are quite cooperative and are willing to listen and help. So lets see how it goes. I will keep you posted here.

Cheers,
Imtiyaz
 
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