The Nikon TC-20E II is a 2x teleconverter for the Nikon F-mount that doubles the effective focal length of compatible AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses. It contains 7 elements in 6 groups, weighs 355g, and supports autofocus on those compatible lenses — making it a practical reach extender for wildlife, sports and nature photographers working in the F-mount system.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 2x — doubles the focal length of the attached lens
- Lens Mount: Nikon F (compatible with FX, DX and 35mm film bodies)
- Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
- Weight: 355g
- Compatibility: Designed specifically for AF-S and AF-I NIKKOR lenses
- Autofocus: Retained on compatible AF-S and AF-I lenses
- Light loss: 2 stops (inherent with any 2x teleconverter)
- Front element protection: Protruding front elements are shrouded in rubber to prevent accidental damage
- Format coverage: FX, DX and 35mm film format compatible
About the Nikon TC-20E II
The TC-20E II delivers maximum reach among Nikon's F-mount teleconverters (compared to the TC-14E II at 1.4x and TC-17E II at 1.7x). A 500mm f/4 paired with the TC-20E II becomes a 1000mm f/8, which is genuinely useful for birding and distant wildlife, provided the light is good enough to keep shutter speeds fast.
What distinguishes this teleconverter from third-party options is Nikon's integration with AF-S glass. On compatible lenses like the Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G or 600mm f/4G, autofocus is fully retained — a significant advantage in the field. The rubber-shrouded front elements are a thoughtful design solution: because the glass protrudes to mate with the rear element of the host lens, Nikon wrapped it in rubber for protection.
The TC-20E II uses a different optical formula than the later TC-20E III. On longer prime lenses the TC-20E II performs very respectably. If your primary lens is a long telephoto prime, the TC-20E II is a capable and cost-effective way to extend reach.
Who is the Nikon TC-20E II for?
This teleconverter is built for F-mount shooters who want serious reach without carrying a longer, heavier, more expensive prime lens. Wildlife photographers are the primary audience: doubling a 400mm gives you 800mm, which brings distant birds, mammals and other subjects into frame without needing to get impossibly close. Sports photographers working with long telephoto primes also benefit from the extra reach.
