Kenko Teleconverters and SDM

[channeler]

Just took delivery of a DA*300 today and did a quick test with the Kenko TCs that I have. The Teleplus 1.5x works with the SDM. It seems to take a little longer to AF but that is probably due to loss of 1 stop. The 2x won't give SDM, though the contacts seem to be there. It's probably because of insufficient light with a F4 starting point though I had hoped that I was going to get away with it. So I have to use it on manual focus. Upside is that I can key in 600mm for shake reduction. The 2x is an older lens but it is DG. Don't know if the newer ones would be different. Probably not as it is likely to be insufficient light that is the issue.

Paul

[Buddha Jones]

Really, I thought this was proven not to work... and where did you get your DA*300 from?

[channeler]

Well the 1.5x definitely works for me Jay, but as I said, sometimes there is a little hunting and a small delay in the AF locking on the target. I have the DG version which I purchased only a few months back. I did have the DA 300 ordered from a German company but they couldn't give me any idea of a delivery date so I bought one from Prodigital 2000 in the end. I will compare the contacts of the 1.5x and 2x TCs in more detail and post some shots taken with the DA 300 when I have a bit more time.

Paul

[Fototim]

Let me fill in that the Pentax F-1,7x works very well with this lens. AF is fast, but off cource noisy.
Optical performanse is pretty good too, you just need to step down a bit. Wide open, it is a bit too soft for my liking.

MaritimTim

[John Kovarik]

That mirrors my findings too (I don't have the Kenko 2x). I also bought my DA* 300 from prodigital2000, and a 35/2.8 macro at the same time............good folks.