Nikon releases TC-20E III 2x teleconverter

Nikon has released a new 2x AF-S teleconverter, the world's first to include an aspherical lens element. The AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III is a completely new optical design designed to minimise its impact on image quality. When used with the 300mm F2.8 VR II lens launched today it would offer an effective 600mm reach at up to F5.6.

Press release:

Nikon Introduces the AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III – Class leading image quality for NIKKOR telephoto lenses



Amsterdam, The Netherlands, December 10, 2009 – Nikon Europe is launching the new AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III, the world’s first teleconverter with an Aspherical lens element. With a completely new optical design it is designed to offer class leading image quality for wildlife and sports photography in a compact form factor.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager for Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “For many photographers using a 2x teleconverter has meant sacrificing image quality for practicality.” He adds, “The ground breaking optics in the new AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III are designed to offer photographers great images when they need to extend the reach of their NIKKOR telephoto lenses.”

World’s first teleconverter with Aspherical lens element
The AF-S Teleconverter TC-20EIII is the world’s first teleconverter with an Aspherical lens element, which delivers brilliant image quality in an easy to handle package. Completely compatible with the latest VR, autofocus and metering coupling systems, the AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III is a ‘must have’ addition to any sports or wildlife photographer’s kit.

Built for professional demands:
The new AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III is designed to provide a seamless fit with the NIKKOR range of compatible telephoto lenses, and features rubber seals for body mount, tough release mechanism for intensive use and an oversized button for fast removal with gloved hands. It comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use.

About teleconverters:
Teleconverters are attached between the camera body and telephoto lens to multiply focal length without affecting closest focusing distance. This magnification factor comes at the cost of reduced light transmission which reduces the effective minimum aperture of the lens in use. The AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III reduces aperture by two stops. So when attached to an f/2 aperture lens (such as the AF-S VR 200mm f/2G) the minimum aperture becomes f/4.

its time for us to by 70-300mm + this 2x teleconverter in order to reach 600mm....so Simon, buybuybuy

yeah buybuybuy....any sample pics?

Simmon's D300 put the 300mm + TC = 600mm.. but then is actually 900mm due to crop factor! Wahhhh! Can see plane easily liao lo!