All About Teleconverters (TCs)

This time around I thought we’d take an in-depth look at teleconverters. Not just what they do - but how they work, how to get the best results, how they affect AF speed and accuracy, the best way to use them and more. Even if you think you know all about teleconverters, there’s probably something new for you in this video.
Plus, as a bonus, towards the end I even show you a few field tips to help you manage your TC in the shortest amount of time (Hint - using the techniques I describe, I can have a TC on or off in less than ten seconds!)
Also, here's a link to the blog post for this video (with the links mentioned in the video):
backcountrygal...
Books / how-to videos:
backcountrygal...
Main site:
backcountrygal...

[@johntoolan7243]

I’ve read all of Steve’s books and I recommend them to everybody I meet with a camera. This video is just a sample of what can be learned from his books. I’ll be reading those books for a second time because I couldn’t absorb all the information on the first go through. I’m not an amateur. I’ve been taking pictures since high school ( class of 74 ) and earned 12 college credits in photography. I’ve improved immensely in wildlife photography because of Steve Perry. Thank you Steve!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the kind words!!

[@Slabbert90]

@@backcountrygallery I need your help. I shoot a lot of wildlife in South Africa and very little birds but am on limited budget so need to know if you would recommend a tamron 70-200 G2 + 2.0 TC VS a nikkor 200-500? What is the comparable image quality at 400mm on both options?

[@backcountrygallery]

@@Slabbert90 I'd recommend the 200-500 - but - I have never used the Tamron. However - every time I've seen people try to use a 70-200 2.8 + 2.x TC, the results are never up to par in my opinion. The 200-500 will almost certainly do a better job.

[@markkemper]

Note that Canon CPN has stated "To get the best out of the new lenses and the Mark III extenders photographers must ensure they attach the extender to the lens first, before attaching the whole unit to the camera. This ensures that the combined lens information is transmitted correctly to provide the optimum image quality and focus performance."

[@billyy123]

Yes I believe this to be correct and was told this from the person or bought a 300mm and 1.4 tc from I just thought he would have none best since he had been using it as part of his job . Ps it was nikon combination

[@MeaseMedia]

Steve is the BEST photography teacher! If you haven't watched many of videos or read his books, you are definitely missing out. Keep up the excellent work!

[@AlexanderSogliero]

Agreed. Great teacher and author.

[@robb7342]

Just siftting through the plethora of videos that you have done and this one was yet again another treasure trove of info. As a bandaid, I did opt to get the 1.4TC for the 200-500 lens. I think your advice about using it to fill the full-frame of the D850 is spot on and something that I' m just discovering as well. This video along with the ISO and cropping tips confirm that the TC is usuable with decent lighting and the subject filling most of the frame. I should add, that I do hope to eventually pickup a 600mm F4. Thanks.

[@lescobrandon3047]

Recently, I mounted my Nikon 1.4 TC on my new Z7 and added a Nikkor 300mm f/4 VR. The idea was to capture jet plains of the US Thunderbirds at the annual air show at Jones Beach, Long Island, NY. And it worked like nothing I ever got before. Through the years, I found that TC to lose nothing of the image except for the loss of a stop. But when shooting at the clear sky in shutter priority, who cares that I only had a 5.6 aperture? The Z7 VR shut off and allowed the lens VR to help. Great tips as usual by Steve.

[@lenf3641]

This video makes me reconsider buying TC.

[@sixxroldan356]

Dude, this video was awesome. Concise, accurate, informative and very thorough without wasting my time. THANK YOU! You got a new subscriber here.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks!!

[@rachelg7371]

You’re the Best! I love how you explain and then show us with visuals. You definitely answered questions I had, and then some! Last year I rented the 300Pf and the 1.4TC for a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. It worked out well. I ended up purchasing the lens but not the TC. Now knowing that I can also use it with my 105 macro makes me want to shell out the $ for it. Thanks for all the great tips on this! 👏👏😊

[@brianthomas6500]

I am a Canon user, they recommend fitting the TC to the lens and then fit the combo to the camera. I have a 1.4 almost all the time on my 500mm. Another good vid. Thank you.

[@scorpio4230]

Your videos, while super informative, are easy to understand and make the entire process of being behind the camera (including post processing) much more fun and productive. I've recently returned to photography (beyond simply family and friend events) and as a result of watching (and on a great occasions, re-watching them on my mobile devices, when either about to shoot a scene or in the midst of doing so) I have received great feedback regarding the quality of my photos and have even been recently published! Will be ordering all of your ebooks!!! Thanks again for the outstanding videos and please keep them coming!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you is much for the kind words - really appreciate the feedback- and thanks in advance for the book order :)

[@dychui]

This is the most informative photography channel on KZbin !!! Thank you Steve

[@ahmedawad563]

Another great video from my favorite photography educator! thanks Steve!

[@jackpalmer5185]

Another fine piece of work by, in my opinion, the most capable and professional of professionals out there. Thanks Steve.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks :)

[@jeremiahyoung5931]

Thank you Steve. This is by far the most informative video I've seen on using teleconverters.

[@ianbachanek2538]

Most informative videos on YT. Great as always! A TC was on my radar but I was completely unaware of its impact on macro photography.

[@antonoat]

Great video Steve, your diagrams make things easy to understand.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks - they are a lot of work on my part to get right, so it's always nice to hear they make s difference :) Thanks!

[@ghlocal1]

Oh my god I learned something new in the first 5 seconds of this video! Glad to know I don’t have a broken TC!! Thanks!!

[@Christ_died_for_your_sins_777.]

You are pathetic for saying "omg"

[@robertportersr6924]

Many thanks Steve. Im a begging wildlife photographer and was searching what the teleconverter is - and how to use it without making my own ton of mistakes and getting frustrated. And thank you for the field tips....Im subscribed and going through a ton of your KZbin’s...wow...many many thanks.

[@stevewilliams3645]

I really like your help with any camera or photography question that I have because you are so explanatory and cover every angle or answer

[@cathco9]

This is a great tutorial. Most of this I already knew but it was still informative. The best part for me was how to take the teleconverter along off the lens and change in the field. Many times I've had the tele on and wish I didn't. No place to put it once out in the field. I checked out your link for the Running Buddy XL on Amazon. Wait a minute! I have one! Bought it a few years back from QVC and never used it. This little pouch will be perfect for not only the tele but an extra CF or SD card as well. Thank you so much for sharing this tip. I've subscribed as well.

[@cathco9]

PS ... I'm a Canon user but I could totally understand your Nikon to Canon comparison.

[@peterlemke3468]

Very well explained and in depth as always, thanks Steve. Watching you pull that TC from the pouch reminded me of a gunslinger in action.

[@backcountrygallery]

LOL, fastest TC in the west :)

[@kontrolla1]

Thanks for another excellent video Steve. I have and use all 3 Nikon TC's but as usual your knowledge is so thorough that I learnt a lot here. In particular I had not considered putting a TC onto the 105 2.8 macro lens. I shall be trying that out. Also your tips for getting a TC on and off quickly are going to get me using my TC's a lot more. Always a treat to see a new blog post or video from you - keep up the great work.

[@HampshireHog63]

I’m thinking exactly the same thing with the 105 macro - would never have thought about using it with a TV

[@santoshmahalik]

Thanks for the very informative videos on TCs..It cleared many of my doubts

[@ryanyu5051]

The best video about TC! Appreciate the great job!

[@pc1189]

Your content and books always help me improve the photo experience Steve. The idea of carrying the tc without the covers was intriguing. So today I’m out and needed extra reach it was so handy and quick to add to the camera I really was happy I tried your tip. Anyway I had moved on to a different location and realized the pouch on my belt was unzipped and had a panic attack because it was empty I’d forgotten the tc covers weren’t part of the setup 🤣

[@larrycitra300]

Very concise and informative video Steve, going to pass a link along to my students. On the subject of compatibility of the TC with some Nikon lenses, I have used a Tamron 1.4 TC ON my 80-400mm Nikon lens with very good results. In most cases if you didn’t remember how far away you were with a particular shot you wouldn’t know the difference. Super videos Steve, keep up the good work!

[@schwartzmatthewe]

Great video Steve. You make probably the best videos of anyone. I actually just got an Eos 1dx Mark ii and just ordered the 600mm is v ii so that I can use a 2x teleconverter and use ALL of my af points. A rarity for cameras even on the pro side.

[@davidarcherimages]

Another great video with plenty of things to think about. Thanks!

[@SusanScharenberg]

Thanks Steve, very comprehensive and easy to understand. 300% more info than I'd known about my TCs!

[@GeoffCooper]

Excellent video Steve! I realy like the idea of the belt pouch - the faff of taking the caps off and putting them somewhere clean while mounting a TC have put me off using them more than a few times..

[@HampshireHog63]

Excellent video, Steve. The tip about keeping the TC caps off and keeping it in a soft pouch is one I’ll be using as of now! I also like the tip of using the locking lever as a datum for mounting the TC. These are the things you bring to the table that few other KZbin educators do. Recently downloaded your Z series autofocus ebook - that’s gonna be my afternoon read, with a steaming hot cup of tea, as it’s raining cats and dogs in the UK at the moment.

[@michaelvail2446]

Excellent topic, excellent information and excellent delivery.

[@wut2339]

This video is absolutely awesome! Thanks! About macro and TC is something what I always asked myself! Awesome!

[@dance2jam]

Excellent review (as always) Steve. I continue to recommend your videos for anyone interested in a relatively quick, succinct, and accurate (tested) review. Love the "preset" setup for the TC. Reminds me of setting up equipment for procedures I do. Set up just as I need it in advance so I can perform things quickly and accurately consistently. AWESOME. Thanks again Steve.

[@LilioCamere]

Great video Steve! Concise and effective as always!

[@parthabapi1]

Excellent video Steeve! I really like your style of lectures and demos that are so practical. Thank you.

[@pelafotofotografia]

Your videos are always efficient and didactic. Matters always relevant. Thank you for sharing your professional knowledge and experience. From Brazil I send my greetings ...

[@cii1072]

A lot of good information. I have the Nikon 1.4 TC and it's fun to work with. There are pros and cons as Steve points out.

[@alexmarnoch870]

Thanks for all your hard work Steve.

[@brianglenville386]

Absolutely excellent ( as usual) . It’s actually made me decide not to get a TC . My 500mm 5.6 PF is just Ok for aperture ... I don’t want f8 especially for dof let alone light considerations.

[@backcountrygallery]

Been there, done that :) I have a 500PF and while the 1.4TC is sharp on it, I very seldom use it - at F/8 the AF does become a little frustrating IMO. I missed more than a few shots trying to use it while the camera hunted.

[@diatomsaus]

f/8 is pretty much the smallest "diffraction free" aperture on the D850. I'd love to have the 500PF, tried it and can't believe how light it is. It felt lighter than my 70-200 FL.

[@laurencemoss8049]

You could always buy a NIKON 500mm F4......

[@mikkelstormhansen9733]

@@laurencemoss8049 Ah yes, because the 500 f4 is just as light and small as the 500 pf

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Another great informative video. If you are thinking about getting any of Steve’s ebooks go for it. They have vastly improved my photography with my Nikon.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you!

[@spokesdog9958]

Another informative video, thank you. I mainly use the TC 1.4 with my 300f4 PF and find it a great combo on both the D850 and the D500.

[@andersonboy620]

This is the most informative video on TCs, thanks so much!

[@robwasnj]

I didn't think I'd learn anything but I did! Never thought about it but increased magnification and doing macros makes a lot of sense especially when the subject may sting or bite.

[@jody1622]

Thank you. This was the best explanation of tcs.

[@RogerZoul]

Wow. I did learn a couple of important things about TCs. Thanks.

[@stefannantz]

Hi Steve, love the technical stuff without the noice, you are down to the point. 👍

[@akkasbashy]

Thank You very much dear master. It was a complate course about teleconvertors

[@stephendean7756]

great video steve now I understand the concept of teleconvertors.have purchased your ebook just haven't had time to read it all but so far learned a ton of stuff from that and your videos.great job steve.

[@abdmasoud]

Thank you very much for your explanation and your time

[@tedmeisel8083]

Great TC video. Thank you. You made it understandable

[@JackBeasleyMedia]

Hey Steve, another thorough and well-made video.

[@derrickdu]

Impressive with the no-look ON/OFF teleconverter Steve! Enjoyed your video as always. Especially with someone that owned a Nikon. Many thanks.

[@marckriggins4658]

Thanks Steve! I always find your work inspiring and your videos concise and informative. Since I cant afford the Nikon telephoto I want, I've seen very good reviews on the Tamron 18-400-- mm F 3.5 and want to mate it with a proper TC for shooting the moon... I'll have to check compatibility Thanks again, Steve!!!

[@PhilipWalker]

This is a ridiculously useful and well-organized video. Thank you so much! Instantly subscribed.

[@StephenHOutdoors]

Very helpful. Lots of great information as usual, yet easy to understand. Thank you!

[@usernamemykel]

Terrific communicator.

[@AndrewTurpin]

Fantastic info in that video, Steve. Really gave me some things to think about. 👍

[@csimet]

Great video. I have both the Nikkor TC-14E III & TC-17E II and they are always in my bag when I have my AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and/or AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR with me. Both work great and I'm a manual focus shooter, so the 1 & 1.5 stop loss is not so impactful, other than a dimmer viewfinder. The TC-17E II on the 200-500mm is very useful for me, in particular, providing an effective 850mm reach. I've used it to capture astro images like solar eclipses with great results.

[@jaikishenkunjakkan7391]

simple and easy to understand explanation.. enjoyed watching the video

[@robertrogers7775]

Thanks for the tips Steve.

[@joejia1353]

BEST TC GUIDE FOR NIKON USER

[@amitdutta8768]

Brilliant tip !! Thanks Steve 😀

[@felixtorres2482]

Excellent video as always Mr.Perry, just in time as well I was considering buying a 1.4 tc soon

[@StephenBridgett]

Excellent Steve thank you

[@adowolf]

Thanks Steve for the insightful video as well as the useful tricks. All my questions are now answered :)

[@albert3316]

My favorite channel👌

[@alanalain4884]

By far...

[@MrDubicz]

Great tutorial. Thanks very much

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Great stuff as usual Steve.

[@seandavis6458]

Great information as usual. Thanks Steve

[@ninoliberatore1491]

Another great video thanks Steve your videos are excellent learning steps for me

[@frankthespank]

Just found this channel, so.... did you ever stop believin’? Sorry couldn’t resist, being Portuguese Steve Perry the singer is a hero!

[@jyotin.sengupta3712]

Extremely informative and helpful as always from Steve Perry

[@ankitkumar_22]

Excellent as always!

[@dunnymonster]

Brilliant information and great tips, thanks 😊

[@simons9952]

another great video Steve. Keep up the good job

[@mchjubjub6915]

Brilliant presentation as always and I bet you could even make paint drying really interesting👍 Just bought a 200-500 to use with my Z7 and wondering should I have purchased the 300 with a converter! I'll stick with it for now but resale value of the 200-500 is very good. Thanks for making everything so intuitively informative 👍

[@JgHobley]

Brilliant video!!

[@tammtraining]

Thanks, Steve!

[@FreekOosting]

Thanks Steve, very interesting.👍

[@WhittyPics]

great tips

[@theyetiinoz1478]

Thanks Steve, another great video.

[@grassrootsphotographysean4474]

Hands down the best photography channel on You-Tube!

[@P_Anthony876]

Thanks Steve.

[@rvnmedic2709]

Very nice. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Learned a lot. I wish you had books or videos using m43 cameras like Panasonic or Olympus.. Not that I can't extrapolate the info from here. Thanks again and be well and stay safe.

[@dah7772]

Another excellent video. Totally agree with your statement about cropping in too much and not being happy with results. I experienced that same issue. I thought it was just the version two of Nikons 1.4 TC vs v3 but sounds like expected issue and would happen with either. Thanks for info.

[@VhazUp]

Very indepth and informative noice

[@tyronnehulten490]

Thanks Steve! After your recomendation I swaped my 300 PF to the 500 PF, after that I have not used my TC 1.4. Perhaps more interesting is in fact that I prefer to use the 500 PF on my D500 over the D850. That combo gives me a ”TC 1.5” with 750 f5.6, my need of croping is much less than attached to the D850.

[@gewglesux]

I have heard many people with the same result in regard to using the 500PF on their 500 rather than on the 850.

[@sctm81]

I'm not sure what the difference is. D500 does the crop for you. D850 allows you to potentially have a much higher res image if you can come close enough. With a prime the d850 offers more flexibility.

[@lyndons.grondiano6654]

Thank you for the information sir.

[@234cheech]

great info

[@tectorama]

I have the 1.4 for my 200 - 500 lens, I must admit I rarely use it. I now have on order the 2 x for my Z mount 70 - 200. It will make it an f5.6, but I can cope with that. One of the issues with image degradation with the longer focal length can be the introduction of atmospheric distortion, especially over water.

[@johnsholian4318]

Love your videos Steve. They are always helpful , especially to a fellow Nikon shooter but your tips carry over to the other manufacturers models. I rarely use my TC because the image quality is just not to my liking most of the time due to lesser quality of my lenses. Haven’t shelled out the high dollars yet for the fast primes ...

[@shaneliu4170]

good one on TCs really clear explanation

[@husti1404]

That no-look mount - priceless 😂

[@marisamacc]

Thank you for the great videos!

[@theimposter3984]

Great video.

[@Bwanar1]

Steller info as always! Thanks Steve.

[@jjjkenny]

Excellent. Another TC effect with a DSLR is a reduction in brightness in the viewfinder.

[@backcountrygallery]

Good point!

[@christosphillips3568]

Steve 👏👏excellent upload once again.......truly an eye opener thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort. Question for you now : 500 f4 PF with no TC or 300 f2.8 + 1.7 TC??? I currently use the 300 f2.8 with the 1.4 TC and itching to change it with the 500 PF due to weight considerations.

[@backcountrygallery]

Ohh - that's tough one. I really don't know (never tested it), but I would *think* the 500 PF would be better based on my experiences with the 1.7 TC. I can tell you from an "in practice" sharpness standpoint, I can't tell the difference between my 500PF and 600 F/4 E -- It's that good. Hope that helps :)

[@christosphillips3568]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks man it sure does......I really appreciate it

[@backcountrygallery]

@@christosphillips3568 Anytime :)

[@JohnTomasella]

I've been debating on a 400 2.8 or a 600 f4, i want to photograph owls along with most other wildlife. I lean toward the 400 2.8.