Marty Lycan
> I have a Nikon 80-200/2.8 and would like to use with a teleconverter. Could
> someone tell me the difference between the TC14a, b & c? Which would work
> best, and does anyone know why they are so expensive?
The Nikon TC14A is intended for shorter-than-300mm lenses (generally...,
or for those lenses that will not accept the other 1.4X converters, which have
front elements that project forward of the bayonette mount); the TC14, 14B,
and 14C are for lenses that will accept them, including the 80-200mm f2.8 AF.
The TC14 and TC14B are identical, except for the AI*S* feature on the B,
and are both excellent with the 80-200mm. The TC14C was made for the
300mm f2 Nikkor, though I find that it is somewhat better than the TC14/14B
with most lenses at the edges and corners at the widest apertures (the one
exception I have found is the older-style 500mm f8 mirror). The TC14E will
only fit the AF-I or AF-S lenses, unless modified. As to price, I dunno...
These are all five-element "lenses", and could cost less, I think (but, then,
I think the big ED teles are a distinct rip-off in terms of probable cost of
manufacture vs. price, too...;-).
Hope This Helps
David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether