Home > Consumer Reviews > Nikon TC-17E II (1.7x) Teleconverter AF-S for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

This is a very good teleconverter, which of course gives a 1.7 times magnification to your lens. It is said to have been specifically been designed to go with the Nikkor 70-200 VR lens (and it also is compatible with certain other Nikkor lenses; see the Nikon website for a compatibility chart).

Nikon makes three teleconverters in this series, the TC 14E II, the TC 20E II, and this TC 17EII. The former two teleconverters give a 1.4 times, and 2 times magnification, respectively.

After considerable research, I went with the TC17E II on the theory (which is the common impression of many Nikon photographers) that this teleconverter is the best trade-off between image quality and extra reach. Of course, the more magnification that a teleconverter affords, the more degradation of image quality it will introduce.

After several shoots using the 70-200VR, the TC17E II, and the Nikon D200, I have been able to form some pretty good impressions, most of them favorable. All teleconverters will adversely affect image quality, which degradation will range from the imperceptable to the significant. My impression of this TC is that if you stop the lens down to around F8, the degradation is imperceptible, i.e. essentially nonexistent. With the lens wide open and at maximum zoom, there is some degradation of sharpness, although it is still possible to produce acceptible images under those conditions. Bottom line is that the TC 17E II is fine under reasonable light conditions. I have used it to shoot fast-moving birds under early morning light conditions, and the 70-200VR/TC 17E II combination has produced some extremely satisfactory images--and giving the lens the extra reach that was necessary to produce these images at all. Accordingly, in my opinion the TC 17E-II fulfilled its purpose--to give extra reach to the zoom without significantly degrading image quality.

The TC is beautifully and solidly built, with the same level of durability that went into the superb 70-200VR. I use this TC with my 70-200VR most of the time.

A fine teleconverter for those who need extra reach for some of their applications and this is a viable and economical alternative to buying a second, longer lens.

I bought this TC to go with my 70-200/2.8. I needed something with some more reach in medium light situations on my DX body (D90). The 70-200 w/TC is still very sharp. Occasionally, if the focus is on the wrong end, it hunts a bit. Focus with the TC is a bit slower than without, but not by much. In those very few situations where this matters, I roughly pre-focus with the 70-200's excellent focus ring.

Overall, I am very happy with the 70-200 & TC combo. As an added bonus, the TC17 also works great with my 105/2.8 AFS micro. This lens is slower focusing to begin with, and I don't notice any significant slowing down of focus or reduction in IQ with this combo for portraiture and other medium distance work. Some reduction in quality at far distances/infinity, but a great combo in macro work.

Always wanted a bit more punch from my 70-200 2.8 VR. I could get an off brand 200-5-- zoom or add the teleconverter. I added the teleconverter and never looked back. Very little given up in sharpness. Small and easy to use. F stop loss is manageable. Great choice and enabled me to stay with Nikon Brand

Works very will with the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens. Used it for photographing eagles in Alaska, polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, and penguins in Antarctica with great success. Maintains the outstanding image quality of the lens.

Works great with my 70-200 vr, but is a little soft wide open at 320mm. Excellent performance at f7.1, so it needs plenty of bright daylight for optimum results. It is a good compromise for extended telephoto performance but rather slow for low light, evening and "magic hour" photography.