Poor Man's 500mm (300mm + TC 1.7x)

[Teddy Regpala]

I recently re-fine-tuned my 300mm + TC 1.4x (TC-14EII) combo, and found out it needed a different setting.

And the other day, I grabbed my TC 1.7x (TC-17EII) since I haven't used it in a long while. Well, I haven't done any real birding in a long long while outside my backyard. ;D

I'm surprised it needs no adjustments. I'm not sure why, but I used to put some. Maybe it's the weather.

Anyway, I went out to the backyard and look for some target. The birds seems aware of my presence and won't go anywhere near the feeders. Except for this one. Looks bigger than the other adults. And he looks like a fur ball. It could be a fledgeling, still not aware of the danger of a bigger creature (me).
Based on the adult birds nearby, this might be a House Sparrow.

Back to the topic, the combo (300/4+1.7x), is very useable, provided there's enough light for the AF to work (it's now f/6.7 wide open). I just wish it has VR (stabilization, IS/OS). Very hand-holdable.

To keep my shutter speed up and retain the preferred aperture, I crank the ISO up a bit.

These images are slightly processed (levels, leveled, and white balance), cropped at around 50%, and just resized. No NR, and no PP sharpening (just in-camera).

Nikon D300, AFS 300 f/4, TC 1.7, 500mm, 1/400s, f/8, ISO 800, handheld

[Clemn A. Macasiano Jr.]

@ Teddy ........ Maybe it's a poor man's 300 .... But it's a RICH man's excellent shot. You didn't lost the details.

[Toto Gamboa]

wow... bird macro! great details teddy!

[Romy Ocon]

Excellent feather detail, Ted.... looks like a great 500 mm!

[William Lim]

Very sharp!

[Mark Itol]

Superb sharpness, Ted.

[Teddy Regpala]

Thanks drboy, Toto, Romy, William, and Mark.

I forgot to mention that it's windy that late afternoon, that's why I have to up the SS, feeder is moving ... and reason why it's a fur ball. ;D

I really like the combo, though it gave me headaches before, due to miss opportunities, as it's slow to get initial AF acquisition at times. For static subjects, it's great. Not as sharp as compared with the TC 1.4, but that's for the pixel peepers to complain.

Oh, did anyone notice how shallow the DOF is? It's because I'm just about spitting-distance .... ok, not that close, maybe a toss coin away from the feeder. And I'm just lucky that the setting sun peeked through the trees/shrub/hedge of our back neighbor.

There's a time I gave up using this combo, in favor of the 300+TC 1.4. But maybe I just need more practice.

Work and family life is really getting on the way of this hobby. Just wondering when I can go birding again.

[Mike Logan]

Teddy, thanks for posting these outstanding images. The sharp feather detail tells me you have very good handheld technique. And since I have the same camera, lens, and TC1.7 combo, your photos are an inspiration. I can't wait to test that combination again.

[Teddy Regpala]

Hey Mike,

Need practice on my handholding techniques too. Notice that I always use high shutter speed to compensate for any movements.

Went for a sortie last Thursday after work. I only have an hour before the sun sets. And I'm sill not too happy with some softness on subjects that's far. Maybe I have to test it with farther subject and make some adjustments.

Here's one from this morning, subject about 20 ft., and still no fine tuning adjustments.
This is full frame, unprocessed, direct from the raw converter.


Nikon D300, AFS 300 f/4, TC 1.7, 500mm, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 200, handheld

[Mike Logan]

Teddy, I tried this Blue jay from about 25 feet out. As you can see, the feather detail is not as good as yours. Good handholding technique is critical in these attempts. With plenty of practice, I hope to improve. I picked a Blue Jay because it would closely match your Jay.

Nikon D300, AFS 300 f/4, TC 1.7, 500mm, 1/500s, f/8, ISO 800, handheld

[Teddy Regpala]

To make sure your copies doesn't have any problem, test them first.
- on a tripod, or any rock solid support
- user timer, or remote cable
- use high shutter speed, and flash if possible
- test just the bare lens first, then with TC. Remove any filters if you're using one.
- test wide open to make sure focus is accurate

If in-focus area (wherever it is) is sharp, then your copy is probably ok.
If the focus is spot on, then no AF fine tuning needed. If it needs one, then adjust accordingly.

If you have the focus calibrated, then experiment with different apertures, to see which settings are the sharpest. I haven't done this myself, though I did it to get an idea of how much DOF I'm getting for each setting.

If you're using the 300 f/4's lens collar, and still not getting sharp images, it's possible that it's the culprit.
Wedge something sturdy between the lens collar foot and the lens, then do the tests all over again.
I replaced mine with a Kirk NC300. Looks and feel better.
Beware that it makes use of an Arca-Swiss type quick release. Though, it has built-in thread for the regular tripod screw, but I won't suggest using that.

Once you finally adjusted and verified your gears working properly. It's time to practice! ;D
Or, use at least a monopod to help with those shaky legs and arms.