Quality, versatility and size. If the rating was just on performance it would be a 5.

Cost

This is a good compromise tele convertor. I have the Nikon 1.4 and 2 third party 2.0x convertors They all seem to work with all functions up to F4. I have used this with The 70-200 2.8 VR, The 300 2.8 VR and the 600 F4. WIth the longer lenses the half stop of light gained over the 2x is usually worth the loss in reach. It will affect image quality but not to a horrendous degree. With any current DSLR from Nikon you are getting a 178- 510 4.8 35mm equivalent with the 70-200. If I only carry one TC it's this one. It is compact, lightweight and robust. It costs too much money, if there was a decent third party TC at this length I'd buy it. My 2.0x convertors cost well under half the cost of this.

Similar Products Used:

1.4x 2.0x TC

The converter is very easy to use, and with Nikon's modern lenses it enables all functions. Optics are excellent, and very little is lost in sharpness. The 1.7 is a very nice middle ground between the 1.4 and the 2.0. Many will find that this lens is the only one they will need. I use it to shoot my kids soccer, and football, in combination with a 70-200 2.8 VR. It is great for those times that I am stuck in the stands, and need extra reach. Shots are tack sharp at both ends, and focus speed seems just as fast with or withoug the converter.

The converter is expensive, and a little inconvenient if you are in a hurry.

Very nice accessory for a relatively fast lens (2.8 or less). Somewhat expensive, but excellent optical clarity. A great way to nearly double your reach with only a small penality in light loss.

Customer Service

Never used.

Similar Products Used:

My only teleconverter