TCON-14B excessive price in UK? Use 14D instead?

[csbdeady]

Well there I was all set to buy a TCON-14B after reading the various "do I get the TCON-17 or 14B?" previous posts on this (great) forum, when upon searching I could only find the 14B for ~£250 in the UK! This seems a tad expensive as the 17 is only £90 and the 14D is only £150. Is the 14B /really/ that great?

This then made be think - can other versions of the 14 (such as 14D) be used effectively with the DMC FZ-20 + Phayee (62mm)?

Or should I bite the bullet and buy the 14B? (in that case can someone suggest anywhere in the UK or abroad that will ship to the UK that charges less than £250?)

I decided to go for the 14B rather than 17 because the 17 has no front thread which means filters will have to get mounted between the FZ-20's lens and the TCON-17, increasing vignetting (if I understand it all correctly), and the TCON-17 does have a few vignetting issues (from the test shots I've seen online).

Any suggestions on this slightly different take on the "which tele for m'camera?" question would be most appreciated.
-Colin

[sylvie]

I have the TCon 17 and 14B the 14B screws onto the PD62 adapter and is an excellent clear lens you can get one from Ebay for about £70. The TCon 17 goes on with the adapter reducing and does not vignet over 6x this again is a good clear lens. I also have the Raynox Pro2020 2.2x once again I use the PD62 adapter and I have no problems at all. Look on Ebay for all these lenses and adapters or type a search in google for them You can get them from the USA sites and they nearly all deliver to the U.K. with a quick delivery service.

[sylvie]

Raynox 2020 Pro 2.2x available from Jessops for £129.99 delivery free. A great lens with no vignetting well worth the money

[genece]

The 14B is that much better it is less powerful but very clear and bright.
The price is about twice that of a Tcon 17 in the US also, I am not sure its worth twice the price but it is quite good.

Do not get the 14D as its not much of a lens.

If price is a factor then by all means get the Tcon 17 it is not bad ..just not as good as the 14B. ( but then not many are)

[genece]

] Raynox 2020 Pro 2.2x available from Jessops for £129.99 delivery free. A great lens with no vignetting well worth the money

Sylvie

How in the world do you have the 2020 Pro connected to the camera ?
I have that lens and while I use it pretty often for long distance shots the vignetting is quite bothersome it vignettes ( or at ther least causes severe darkening in the corners) up to and including 12X.

Here is an example at 8X
[IMG]http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/raynox2020pro/websize/swan7.jpg

I can not get the photo to post so you would need to go to this link.
http://photos.imageevent.com/grc6/toshareonnet/raynox2020pro/websize/swan7.jpg

[sylvie]

I use the Raynox 2020 pro with the FZ 20 with the premaral PD 62 adapter no vignetting over 6 x see enclosed photo taken at 40 feet distance

[genece]

Sylvie
Any chance you have one of those photos straight from the camera, no crop and the exif intact?
You could Email it to me if you wish.

I have 5 different adapters and none work as you describe with the Raynox 2020Pro.

I use the 2020 quite a bit but,
I would like it a lot more if I could get it to work as you say.

I would be glad to purchase the PD62 if thats all it takes.

[skyrocketfw]

I have the TCon 17 and 14B the 14B screws onto the PD62 adapter and is an excellent clear lens you can get one from Ebay for about £70. The TCon 17 goes on with the adapter reducing and does not vignet over 6x this again is a good clear lens. I also have the Raynox Pro2020 2.2x once again I use the PD62 adapter and I have no problems at all. Look on Ebay for all these lenses and adapters or type a search in google for them You can get them from the USA sites and they nearly all deliver to the U.K. with a quick delivery service.
sylvie
If you were to rank the three TC you have, which one would you rank first, second and third?

I'm considering buying some camera stuff from US as they are a lot cheaper than UK but worry about tax. Do you have experience buying camera stuff from US before? How does the tax work?

Thanks.

I use the 2020 quite a bit but,
I would like it a lot more if I could get it to work as you say.

I would be glad to purchase the PD62 if thats all it takes.
I am a newbie (plus I don't own any TC yet) so don't know if this will help but perhaps you could try using thinner step-ring or use thread converter instead.

[StanStan]

I use the Raynox 2020 pro with the FZ 20 with the premaral PD 62 adapter no vignetting over 6 x see enclosed photo taken at 40 feet distance

I too am interested in buying the Raynox 2020Pro but saw references about vignetting even at 12x. I have Phayee adapters but do not know the difference between the Phayee and the Premaral.

Does anyone know the distance from the front of the Premaral adapter to the front of the lens housing when extended? The Phayee measures 0.166 inches times 25.4 mm/in =4.22 mm

I thought the 2020 was 62mm mounting threads and thus requires no rings.

Thanks

STAN

[StanStan]

sylvie
If you were to rank the three TC you have, which one would you rank first, second and third?.

I like my TCON-14B much better than my TCON 17. The TCON 17 vignettes even at 12x and images are softer than the TCON-14B.

Looking at the 2020Pro for more power: 2.2x

This site compares conversion lenses:

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/ Look at FZ10 section.

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-10/Converters/TEST/Tele-Tests/Tele-

Stan

[skyrocketfw]

How about DCR-1540? Is it a good alternative to TCON-14B or TCON-17 would be better? Does it produce clear, sharp images without vignetting? I know TCON-14B is a great lens but I'm not prepare to spend 250 pound on it.

I did think of getting 2020Pro also but worry about the vignetting.

[StanStan]

How about DCR-1540? Is it a good alternative to TCON-14B or TCON-17 would be better? Does it produce clear, sharp images without vignetting? I know TCON-14B is a great lens but I'm not prepare to spend 250 pound on it.

I did think of getting 2020Pro also but worry about the vignetting.

First: Do not buy the TCON 17: vignettes even at 12x and is soft.

Try Ebay. Be patient. Bought a TCON-14B and a WCON-08B together for a total of $90 USD. [after two months trying]

STAN

[skyrocketfw]

First: Do not buy the TCON 17: vignettes even at 12x and is soft.

Try Ebay. Be patient. Bought a TCON-14B and a WCON-08B together for a total of $90 USD. [after two months trying]

STAN

So you wouldn't recommend DCR-1540Pro either?

I'm going on holiday soon and would prefer to get TC and WA before I'm going.

Can C210 be used with fz20? Is it good? Thanks.

[StanStan]

So you wouldn't recommend DCR-1540Pro either?

I'm going on holiday soon and would prefer to get TC and WA before I'm going.

Can C210 be used with fz20? Is it good? Thanks.

Yes it can be used on a FZ20 with a 3RD party lens adapter If 62mm lens adapter a 62/52mm step down ring in necessary. C210 has 52mm mouning threads.

Sold C 210 since I did not like it. About $20 USD on EBAY USA. Has the power though. MPO my personal opinion

OLYMPUS Telephoto Lens C-210 IS 35mm SLR Series Camera (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3344&item=7525337561&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
$10.45
21d 07h 10m http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/75258536418080_0.jpg (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3344&item=7525853641&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
OLYMPUS Telephoto Lens C-210 IS 35mm SLR Series Camera (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3344&item=7525853641&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
$9.95
13d 08h 40m http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/75263683828080_0.jpg (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3344&item=7526368382&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
OLYMPUS Telephoto Lens C-210 IS 35mm SLR Series Camera (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3344&item=7526368382&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
$9.95
15d 09h
================================================== ==============
Look at this for comparison of lenses:
Very informative!

http://www.pbase.com/10kzoomfz/tele_pd62_comparisons

STAN

[skyrocketfw]

Thanks StanStan.

I've seen the comparison on that site before but it doesn't show how C210 perform on its own without stacking with other TC. Why didn't you like C210?

What is your opinion on dcr-1540?

[sylvie]

I have sent a photo straight from the camera Genece hope you get it o.k. Exif is intact. I do not get any vignetting over 6x and I use the pemaraal adapter PD62 the depth of this adapter is 30mm if that helps anyone. The raynox then screws straight into the adapter. I also have the TCon 14B which I can mount on the raynox with the82-72 and 72-62 rings no vignetting again over 6x but it sometimes searches for focus. I have the TCon17 once again no problems this again I screw straight into the PD62 adapter. I have bought everything from the USA except the 14B which I got from Ebay. No problems from the states and I only paid £20 tax on the Raynox . Jessops do the Raynox at quite a cheap price so I would buy it there go direct to Premaraal for the adapter no duty to pay and fast delivery.
As for rating the lenses I would say Raynox No 1 ev ery time,14B 2nd and 17 3rd. Hope all this helps

[skyrocketfw]

sylvie
How was the tax calculate? Did you pay the tax when the package was delivered to you? I'm thinking of buying some stuff from B&H. Do you have experience buying stuff from them before?

Thanks.

[skyrocketfw]

sylvie
Some more questions please. What WA do you use? Is it Raynox? Do you experience with dcr-730 and hd-7000pro?

Thanks.

[genece]

I have the TCon17 once again no problems this again I screw straight into the PD62 adapter. I have bought everything from the USA except the 14B which I got from Ebay.

I am getting more confused as we go the Tcon 17 ( at least all I have seen Has 55mm threads )

And I can not imagine comparing the 2020 to a 14B.

I could not open the photo , as you sent A short cut which while it works on your computer does not work as an attachment.

[sylvie]

Sorry the TCon17 fits with the step ring onto the PD62 The Raynox is the superior lens as I said it comes first then the 14B will email Genece with original photo.Got my adaptefr from premaraal no duty to pay. B&H are o.k. no problems with them

[StanStan]

Sorry the Tcon17 fits with the step ring onto the PD62 The Raynox is the superior lens as I said it comes first then the 14B will email Genece with original photo.Got my adaptefr from premaraal no duty to pay. B&H are o.k. no problems with them

FZ20 then 55mm lens adapter then TCON 17 which has 55mm threads.
or
FZ20 then 62mm lens adapter; then 62/55 step DOWN ring; then the TCON 17
likewise:
The TCON 14B has 62mm threads so it screws directly into the 62mm lens adapter.

B&H is an excellent store.

STAN

[sylvie]

Spot on but I don`t like to use too many rings etc . www.pemaraal.com will ship to U.K. the adapters and lenses quickdelivery no taxes.The enclosed photo is with the Raynox

[StanStan]

Thanks StanStan.

I've seen the comparison on that site before but it doesn't show how C210 perform on its own without stacking with other TC. Why didn't you like C210?

?

Hi: The site shows the 6x, 12x 18x 24 x and the 36 x of the FZ10 alone and at the same zooms with the C 210, TL55, TCON 17, TCON 14B, R2052 and lastly the R2020 on the first two pages, Please look at the first two pages for the single conversion lenses on the FZ10. Goes on with more than one lens attached on the next pages..

http://www.pbase.com/10kzoomfz/tele_pd62_comparisons

What is your opinion on dcr-1540 Have no experience with it.

Why didn't you like C210? Like the zoom factor but thought it was a bit soft and had some vignetting. Others seem to like it.

pbase.com says it is 'fair' :
www.pbase.com/image/26137750 (http://www.pbase.com/image/26137750) Table of lenses

STAN

[skyrocketfw]

Sorry the TCon17 fits with the step ring onto the PD62 The Raynox is the superior lens as I said it comes first then the 14B will email Genece with original photo.Got my adaptefr from premaraal no duty to pay. B&H are o.k. no problems with them

Did you have to pay duty tax with B&H? How about adorama? Do they charge duty tax?

Why do you think Raynox is superior than tcon-14b? Is the image sharper and less distortion?

Thanks.

[jcon]

From what I have seen, read and heard, it is my opinion the TCON 14B is the best one out there. The picture Sylvie posted shows quite a bit of C.A. You can see it around the bird, and also around the leaves in the upper right corner and on the branch in the bottom right, and the bird is focused "soft". Id deffinatly go with the TCON 14B!

[StanStan]

Why do you think Raynox is superior than tcon-14b? Is the image sharper and less distortion?
Thanks.

I second the motion:
TCON 14B [1.45X] is one of the best converter lenses available.

[LoveLife]

Hi: The site shows the 6x, 12x 18x 24 x and the 36 x of the FZ10 alone and at the same zooms with the C 210, TL55, TCON 17, TCON 14B, R2052 and lastly the R2020 on the first two pages, Please look at the first two pages for the single conversion lenses on the FZ10. Goes on with more than one lens attached on the next pages..

http://www.pbase.com/10kzoomfz/tele_pd62_comparisons

What is your opinion on dcr-1540 Have no experience with it.

Why didn't you like C210? Like the zoom factor but thought it was a bit soft and had some vignetting. Others seem to like it.

pbase.com says it is 'fair' :
www.pbase.com/image/26137750 (http://www.pbase.com/image/26137750) Table of lenses

STAN
This is my sites lens comparison, the TCON4B and the DCR1540 or shown as are other TCs.

I would rate the TCON first, not by much, and the DCR1540 second. The DCR has better magnification

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892

[genece]

Lovelife
I have given some thought to getting a 1540 but (looking at your Photos) it seems to vignette slightly at 6X. Is that correct?

[LoveLife]

Lovelife
I have given some thought to getting a 1540 but (looking at your Photos) it seems to vignette slightly at 6X. Is that correct?
Yes, I would agree there is a very mild vignette at 6.5x and none at 6.8X and higher. That means you can use the lens from 368mm - 648mm. That gives you an overlap cushion from 6.8 – 8x. I think it a sleeper; the light transmission is high, the magnification 1.5 vs. 1.4, the clarity a bit below the TCON14B but at $118.00 vs. $180.00 not bad. Lets not forget the size and weigh difference. This is a 52mm mount lens; it will produce these published results on a Raynox or a CRing adapter. One person has informed me that the DCR6600 performance is better on my adapter then Raynox, but I think we are splitting hairs. Let me know if you want one and I will get you a price with shipping.

[StanStan]

I understand that the TCON-14B is 1.45x. Is my perception wrong??

Is there a noticeable difference between TCON 14B at 1.45x and the 1540 at 1.5 x?

The Raynox 1540 is rated 'FAIR at pbase.com and the TCON-14B is 'VERY GOOD' I do not have the 1540 but have the 17 and 14B

Look at pbase.com 'Teleconverter Lineup' :

http:/www.pbase.com/image/26137750

JMO

STAN

[StanStan]

Yes, I would agree there is a very mild vignette at 6.5x and none at 6.8X and higher. That means you can use the lens from 368mm - 648mm. That gives you an overlap cushion from 6.8 – 8x. I think it a sleeper; the light transmission is high, the magnification 1.5 vs. 1.4, the clarity a bit below the TCON14B but at $118.00 vs. $180.00 not bad. Lets not forget the size and weigh difference. This is a 52mm mount lens; it will produce these published results on a Raynox or a CRing adapter. One person has informed me that the DCR6600 performance is better on my adapter then Raynox, but I think we are splitting hairs. Let me know if you want one and I will get you a price with shipping.

I give up! What is your 'C' ring adapter?

Another question. How far is the mounting face of your adapter stick out from the face or the FZ20 lens when it is extended? With and without rings attached.. Is there1 62mm internal thread in your adapter or is there a 62mm 'c' ring too?

My Phayee sticks out 0.150 +/- .002 inches without a ring,[ to the face of the 62mm internal thread].and the thickness of the step down ring shoulder, if any as with the TCON 17..
The TCON-14B sticks out 0.099 inches so the distance from the -14B to the Lens housing is 0.150 -0.99 or a clearance of about 0.051 inches when mounted with my Phayee Lens adapter. Not very much.

Would reducing this amount enhance the performance of a 62mm mounted converter lens? Like my WCON-08B.

STAN

[LoveLife]

I give up! What is your 'C' ring adapter?

Another question. How far is the mounting face of your adapter stick out from the face or the FZ20 lens when it is extended? With and without rings attached.. Is there1 62mm internal thread in your adapter or is there a 62mm 'c' ring too?

My Phayee sticks out 0.150 +/- .002 inches without a ring,[ to the face of the 62mm internal thread].and the thickness of the step down ring shoulder, if any as with the TCON 17..
The TCON-14B sticks out 0.099 inches so the distance from the -14B to the Lens housing is 0.150 -0.99 or a clearance of about 0.051 inches when mounted with my Phayee Lens adapter. Not very much.

Would reducing this amount enhance the performance of a 62mm mounted converter lens? Like my WCON-08B.

STAN

CRing stands for conversion ring. The base CRing adapter has a fully functional 62mm thread a CRing is not needed. I do not employ step-down rings, all 52,55 and 58 CRings do not change the offset of the accessory. I am not sure what you are measuring so let me see if I can clarify my measurements. The Leica lens barrel is the farthest protrusion of the camera. There is a GAP of .489mm between this location and the underside of any ring. The ring thickness is 2.38mm +/- .03mm and they sit flush with the front of the adapter. Therefore, the stick out distance is 2.867mm +/- .03mm or .1129 inches +/- .0011 inches and never changes regardless of accessory. I do not have a TCON17 but I do have a TCON14B the thread depth is 2.38mm or .0937 inches, the same as the CRings, therefore as previously stated and in your terms a clearance of .0193 vs. .051. Are we on the same page?



Reducing the distance between the both optics improves the effectiveness range. I have been told that my adapter with a DCR6600, 52mm mount,. performs better then the Raynox unit. A fellow on another forum bought a FZ5 and a DCR6600 he did mot like the vignetting on this lens, which even Raynox admits happens. He set about to make it better. Being handy and adventuresome, he sawed off the front of the Panasonic adapter and made it flat with one of the three positions of the barrel. He fitted it with a Raynox adapter, which conveniently friction fit over his hatchet job. Bottom line since the FZ5 has a three position barrel depending on zoom he was able to get a custom fit closer then mine or anyone else and eliminate vignetting at any setting.

[LoveLife]

I understand that the TCON-14B is 1.45x. Is my perception wrong??

Is there a noticeable difference between TCON 14B at 1.45x and the 1540 at 1.5 x?

The Raynox 1540 is rated 'FAIR at pbase.com and the TCON-14B is 'VERY GOOD' I do not have the 1540 but have the 17 and 14B

Look at pbase.com 'Teleconverter Lineup' :

http:/www.pbase.com/image/26137750

JMO

STAN
I would rate the TCON14B very good and the DCR1540 good.
You are correct I should not state that because the tests and information come from a Japanese or Chinese site, I have not had time to verify the information but the results looked plausible. http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnighthead%2Eadzoo%2Ejp%2Ffz%2Ftelec on%2Ftelecon%2Ehtm (http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnighthead%2Eadzoo%2Ejp%2Ffz%2Ftelec on%2Ftelecon%2Ehtm)

My pictures and the calculated zoom based on the manufacture’s specification are here. http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/2 (http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/2)

[StanStan]

CRing stands for conversion ring. The base CRing adapter has a fully functional 62mm thread a CRing is not needed. I do not employ step-down rings, all 52,55 and 58 CRings do not change the offset of the accessory. I am not sure what you are measuring so let me see if I can clarify my measurements. The Leica lens barrel is the farthest protrusion of the camera. There is a GAP of .489mm between this location and the
.489mm /[25.4mm/"]=0.193"
underside of any ring. The ring thickness is 2.38mm +/- .03mm and they sit
2.38mm = .0937"
flush with the front of the adapter. Therefore, the stick out distance is 2.867mm +/- .03mm or .1129 inches +/- .0011 inches and never changes regardless of accessory. I do not have a TCON17 but I do have a TCON 14B the thread depth is 2.38mm or .0937 inches, the same as the CRings, therefore as previously stated and in your terms a clearance of .0193 vs. .051. Are we on the same page?

Same page: You are telling me that your adapter with a TCON-14b attached
has a space/clearance of .0193" between the extended lens barrel of the FZ20 and the face of the TCON-14b thread protrusion. That sounds great. The TCON-14B is then closer by .031" than with my adapter. Did I get it?
Like the concept that the CRings do not add to the space/clearance between Lens barrel and face of lens thread protrusion.
I still do not have any insight as to how you accomplished this feat..

Reducing the distance between the both optics improves the effectiveness range. I have been told that my adapter with a DCR6600, 52mm mount,. performs better then the Raynox unit. A fellow on another forum bought a FZ5 and a DCR6600 he did mot like the vignetting on this lens, which even Raynox admits happens. He set about to make it better. Being handy and adventuresome, he sawed off the front of the Panasonic adapter and made it flat with one of the three positions of the barrel. He fitted it with a Raynox adapter, which conveniently friction fit over his hatchet job. Bottom line since the FZ5 has a three position barrel depending on zoom he was able to get a custom fit closer then mine or anyone else and eliminate vignetting at any setting.

I do not have a FZ5 nor a DCR6600 so I cannot comment as to FZ5/converter function.
.
Did not know the FZ5 lens protruded in three steps. Guess an automatic three position lens tube adapter would be required that allowed the converter to move as the lens extended. EEEkk!

[StanStan]

I would rate the TCON14B very good and the DCR1540 good.
You are correct I should not state that because the tests and information come from a Japanese or Chinese site, I have not had time to verify the information but the results looked plausible. http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnighthead%2Eadzoo%2Ejp%2Ffz%2Ftelec on%2Ftelecon%2Ehtm (http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnighthead%2Eadzoo%2Ejp%2Ffz%2Ftelec on%2Ftelecon%2Ehtm)

My pictures and the calculated zoom based on the manufacture’s specification are here. http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/2 (http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/2)

My list of lens comparison sites:

http://216.239.37.104/translate_c?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&langpair=ja%7Cen&u=http://nighthead.adzoo.jp/fz/telecon/telecon1.htm&prev=/language_tools

http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-10/Converters/Lenses/Stacking-Lenses.html

http://www.pbase.com/10kzoomfz/tele_pd62_comparisons

and now

http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/2 (http://lovelife.smugmug.com/gallery/543892/2)

http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnighthead%2Eadzoo%2Ejp%2Ffz%2Ftelec on%2Ftelecon%2Ehtm (http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=navclient-menuext&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnighthead%2Eadzoo%2Ejp%2Ffz%2Ftelec on%2Ftelecon%2Ehtm)

I would like to see additions to the list above.

Thank you

STAN

[LoveLife]

I do not have a FZ5 nor a DCR6600 so I cannot comment as to FZ5/converter function.
.
Did not know the FZ5 lens protruded in three steps. Guess an automatic three position lens tube adapter would be required that allowed the converter to move as the lens extended. EEEkk!

I have been mulling this over for two weeks and have come up with two solutions. I do not know if I will go after the FZ5 market but if Panasonic does this with the FZ30, I will have to move quickly. Not all is lost.