Using Nikon S-series Teleconverters

A teleconverter (TC), also known as an ‘extender’ or a ‘multiplier’ is a device to extend the focal length of a lens.

- Rohinton Mehta

You simply attach the TC between the camera body and the lens and you are good to go. There is yet another advantage which most users are not fully aware of. When you attach a TC to any lens, the minimum focus distance does not change but the magnification does. This means that for the same minimum focusing distance, you get a much larger image; the image size will of course not match that of a true macro lens, but you get an image that is much larger than what you would have obtained without the TC. TCs are available as 1.4x, 1.7x, and 2x. A 1.4x increases the focal length by a factor of 1.4; a 1.7x increases the focal length by a factor of 1.7, while a 2x doubles the focal length of the lens it is attached to. There used to be a manufacturer supplying a 3x TC, but I have not seen any in recent years. Do keep in mind that TCs cannot be attached to each and every lens. Please check your User Manual or check with the manufacturer of the lens. TCs often have projecting lens elements on the side that mounts the lens and some lenses (usually non- telephoto lenses) have their rear elements very close to the lens mount. Trying to mount these together must be avoided as they will interfere and if you force the issue, you will definitely damage the lens elements on both the sides. The only way to be sure is to check the user manuals to see which combinations are permitted and which are not. Of course there is no such thing as a free meal in life! A downside to using TCs is that the amount of light reaching the imaging sensor is reduced. This can:

• Darken the viewfinder, making it a bit difficult to view the subject.

• Compromise autofocus speed and accuracy.

• Cause loss in image quality.