Hi--

>I actually own a Nikon TC-16AF converter that I think is great.....

Hmmm, better than the one I tried, or our standards are different...

>...the problem
>is that the 45GN Nikkor is less(if there is such a thing) of a retrofocus design than other Nikkors (see it's flat, "pancake" profile when mounted com
>other lens in 50mm range) and as a result the rear lens element mounting extends further into the "throat" of the TC and if mounted might strike the elements of
>the TC.
>I'm not sure if the shallow recess on the TC-16AF is unique to it's design
>or is a commeon feature of the 1.4-1.6 mag ratio TC's in General.....

Yes - but I wouldn't worry (many lenses extend rearward). If worried,
advance the 1.6 elements fully forward (using the AF screw in the rear),
put a piece of thin, flat paper on the front element of the converter
(held face-up), and carefully lower the 45mm (set to f2.8) onto the
1.6, watching for the paper to be squashed between the rear element
of the lens (set at infinity focus) and the front element of the converter.

>....anyway I have a Spiratone "Pluracoat" 2x TC that I have note shot with the
>45mm yet. As you mentioned, it was disappointing until stopped down to about
>F8/F11 on the prime lens....especially the corners. The TC-16AF is useable
>for my purposes even wide-open (F2,8) on my other Nikkor lenses.
>Use wide-open is one of my requirements with the 45mm fully utilize the
>variable aperture/flash control feature out to a distance of around 20ft
>with the 90mm effective focal length for use in photographing speakers and
>award ceremonies on a stage.

A TTL flash, if one would fit your camera, would give better results
(using a 105mm, etc.), and generally faster recycle times...

>Was hoping that a 3rd party lens like the Vivitar (which I had heard good thINabout) would be acceptable for people photos, even at F2.8
>Is there anything acceptable out there in the 3x TC range????

If you find the 2X's not acceptable (and even the best aren't) wide open,
you would find the 3X's worse. The 1.4 is really the longest high-quality
converter, except for the TC300 on the big ED lenses...

>Thanks again for all the help.
>Wayne Catalano 504-271-1507 (voice & fax)
>graphic@delphi.com

You're welcome!
David Ruether