Nikon 70-200 f2.8 plus Nikon TC20III E teleconverter

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Originally Posted by tclune

Tbob, the 300mm shot looks a bit soft to me, too. I wonder whether you are seeing some diffraction at f/14. Does the lens give better results at f/8 or f/11?

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Before I make the leap to a new lens I will have to do a series of shots at varying apertures. i know it is hideously soft below f8 but I have never (despite my whining about the softness) every done a series of shots to assess the sweet spot. Speaks to my non tech nature that I grumble but never actually do the work to assess the problem.

I made the leap to the new lens: 70-200mm f2.8VR. Ironically I had decided to keep the old one and then it died (the aperture stuck in the open position for the third time in two years, leaving me in the lurch. Enough is enough). So here are a 200 mm, hand held, of the same location as the prior shots and a 10X crop of that picture. Hand held because I am waiting for a screw to attach my quick release plate to the lens and patience is not a virtue I possess

200mm
http://i47.tinypic.com/29vm9j.jpg

200mm 10X crop
http://i47.tinypic.com/sqqib8.jpg

For the sake of completeness in this madness; here is a shot taken with 2X teleconverter TC20iii so effectively 400mm

http://i47.tinypic.com/2ymvna1.jpg

and the 10X crop of same

http://i47.tinypic.com/53mpua.jpg

Enjoy your new lens. As you are discovering, it is extremely sharp. The only downside I found with it (other than the high cost) is that it is one heavy piece of glass.

Thanks Manfred:

I was flabbergasted that I can hand hold this thing, especially out to 400mm and get images this sharp. I don't even know if the tripod is needed in adequate daylight. I will do a comparison but so far I am pretty impressed. I use the same technique for hand holding as shooting a rifle; I slowly raise or lower the lens and shoot as I "pass through" the image I want. Better muscle control than trying to hold stable and pressing the shutter button. Of course the VR takes a lot of credit because I can assure you I am not that good, as the results with the older lens at 300 mm can attest to. Maybe this VR technology is all it is hyped to be.

The VR is good, but the weight also helps in keeping it steady. I find that the main problem at 400mm is keeping the subject framed.

My old f/6.3 400mm Leica Telyt actually came with a gun stock. That really helped in keeping the whole thing steady.