How are things going for people with the teleconverters? So far I've used my 300PF with the original TC14E autofocus converter from the 1990s, but while the acuity is impressive, the focus is flaky and the VR worse when the TC is attached. How does the jump from the TC14E (or the apparently similar TC14EII) to the TC14EIII affect things?
I have not noticed any particular problems when using the 300PF with TC-14E (I). The following captures were both with VR on, 0 focus tuning. That said I had to look to find practical captures with the TC. A 24 Mpix DX sensor in combination with the high resolution of the 300 PF makes less need for the TC, and there is some laziness involved with respect to carrying and mounting the TC. Besides I like the balance and weight of the 300PF better without the TC. But when needed I have no hesitation to mount it. The 300PF is always used with TC for moon and sun imaging (latter with solar filter!), and I am most often taking advantage of the small sensor/high pixel pitch of the AW1 then.
One should keep in mind that longer focal length and the relative light loss of a TC inherently makes it more challenging both for the autofocus system, keeping focus point on the target, and hand holding. I doubt that the latest version of the TC would alleviate that (I have not had the chance to try one). What can help if not already doing so is to always have a tripod collar mounted when handholding. I find that I both get a better grip (and less prone to accidentally moving the focus ring), and the little added weight near the rear/middle of the lens helps with stability.
#1
420mm, 1/1000 sec f/8, VR on, likely in sports mode
#2
420mm, 1/100 sec f/6.3, VR on, likely in normal mode
