Nikon TC-20E III Teleconverter V Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

Nikon TC-20E III Teleconverter		Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX

ePHOTOzine tested the Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX back in July 2010, priced at £199.99, achieving an overall score of seven out of ten, but how does this teleconverter compare to Nikon's higher priced version, at £449.99, the Nikon TC-20E III?

Nikon v Kenko 2x teleconverter comparison test: Features
Both of these teleconverters increase the focal length of a lens by 100%. The Nikon version is compatible with a limited number of lenses within the Nikkor range, some of which lose the ability to auto-focus. The Kenko version is recommended for use with telephoto zoom and prime lenses with a focal length of 100mm or above and auto-focus is possible when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or brighter. Both the telelconverters reduce the lens aperture by two stops.

Nikon v Kenko 2x teleconverter comparison test: Handling
Although both extenders are approximately the same size, the most noticeable difference between the two is the weight. At 330g the Nikon 2x teleconverter is nearly twice as heavy, but when you are attaching these to heavy lenses anyway the weight is unlikely to make a great difference. The extenders are also both very easy to attach to camera and lens.

Nikon v Kenko 2x teleconverter comparison test: Performance
For this test I used a Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens. Both of the teleconverters perform well at every f-stop, particularly at f/8 and f/11, but it is clear to see that the Nikon version gives a better quality of image throughout. To view the full-size images, click on the thumbnails below:

	Nikon TC-20E AF-S	Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 DGX	70-200mm f/2.8 without converter
f/5.6
f/8
f/11
f/16
f/22

Nikon v Kenko 2x teleconverter comparison test: Verdict
As you would expect given the price difference, the winner here is the Nikon TC-20E III teleconverter. Although there is nothing to chose between features and handling, it is very clear that the Nikon version is capable of producing better images. But having said that, given the massive price difference, if you are a photographer on a budget the Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX does a very good job.

	Nikon TC-20E III Teleconverter	Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX
FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Nikon v Kenko 2x teleconverter comparison test: Specification

	Nikon TC-20E III Teleconverter	Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX
Price	£449.99	£199.99
Contact	www.nikon.co.uk	www.intro2020.co.uk
Construction	7 elements in 5 groups	7 elements in 4 groups
Weight	330g	192g
Size (lxd)	48 x 66mm	43.5 x 68mm

The Nikon TC-20E III Teleconverter costs £449.99 and is available from Warehouse Express here:

Nikon TC-20E III Teleconverter

The Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX costs £199.99 and is available from Warehouse Express here:

Kenko Teleplus PRO300 2x DGX