Teleconverter for new DA-300mmF4 lens

jlh · 12-02-2013, 11:51 AM

I have the new DA 300mm F4 lens on its way. I was looking for a teleconverter to go among with but can't find anything offered by Pentax. A tread that was a couple of years old mentioned something about a new Pentax TC on the way but I couldn't find anything. I can find a Kenko 1.5X Teleplus - 4 Element DG Auto Focus-Pentax or a Vivitar 1.4x Teleconverter with AF for Pentax. The Kenko had an okay rating in the review here in the forum but the vivitar was not listed. Any advice or suggestion on a teleconverter?

Adam · 12-02-2013, 11:58 AM

Originally posted by jlh

I have the new DA 300mm F4 lens on its way. I was looking for a teleconverter to go among with but can't find anything offered by Pentax. A tread that was a couple of years old mentioned something about a new Pentax TC on the way but I couldn't find anything. I can find a Kenko 1.5X Teleplus - 4 Element DG Auto Focus-Pentax or a Vivitar 1.4x Teleconverter with AF for Pentax. The Kenko had an okay rating in the review here in the forum but the vivitar was not listed. Any advice or suggestion on a teleconverter?

I would hold off until the Pentax SDM teleconverter comes out, which should be next year (according to the roadmap).

goubejp · 12-02-2013, 12:10 PM

Next spring hopefully

HenrikDK · 12-02-2013, 02:21 PM

I had the Tamron 1.4x converter, which gets pretty good ratings. However, comparing cropped vs TC on my DA* 300mm, I did not see much benefit using the TC. Probably higher resolution, but lower contrast. Sold it....

**crewl1** · 12-02-2013, 02:24 PM

I tried the Kenko 1.5 with my DA*300.
Autofocus was inconsistent/frustrating.
IQ was good if you used manual focus.
It is a decent converter and AF worked fine with my screwdrive lenses but I sold it since it did not get much use.

**Michaelina2** · 12-02-2013, 06:16 PM - **2 Likes**

May I ask why you feel the need for a TC when you have no experience with the 300? What are you pairing the 300 to? If your camera body has a modern sensor (K100D, or better), like the K-5 series, or better a K-3, its images can take very heavy cropping and with a little post-processing, hold up quite well.

The DA*300/4 has been my 'goto' wildlife lens for more than 5 years. I also have the Kenko 1.4 and Pentax 1.7 TCs. When I got them, I thought they might make a difference, but after lots of experimentation I concluded they do not. In fact, after trying many different ways to bring them into play, they always seem to degrade the image. For me, the 300 is a great stand alone lens. So when I go out, the TCs stay home on the shelf.

Give yourself a year to learn the 300 and work to develop a set of world class post-processing skills. Once you have a grip on these tools, I'll be very surprised to learn that you're still in the hunt for a TC.

my 2 cents...

Cheers... M

jlh · 12-06-2013, 09:49 AM

Thanks for all the input. I will wait until the Pentax version comes out. I have used the 50-300mm but depending on exposure or aperture the images vary in IQ, thats why I wanted the 300mm prime. In the mean time while waiting for the new lens I dug through my old kit and pulled out my film era 200mm with a vivitar 2x converter to play with on my new K3 and try some manual focusing.

**crewl1** · 12-06-2013, 09:54 AM

Originally posted by jlh

Thanks for all the input. I will wait until the Pentax version comes out. I have used the 50-300mm but depending on exposure or aperture the images vary in IQ, thats why I wanted the 300mm prime. In the mean time while waiting for the new lens I dug through my old kit and pulled out my film era 200mm with a vivitar 2x converter to play with on my new K3 and try some manual focusing.

FYI the DA*300 is such a good lens that I have also tried an old manual 2xTC with it and the images were actually pretty good.
But if you can have the convenience of AF and just crop, especially with the K-3 24MP, why bother with a TC?

Gandalph98 · 12-09-2013, 04:37 PM

I have to say that like Michaelina2 I have had my 300mm DA lens since 2008 and have been very happy with it. I already possess a Pentax 1.7x converter and find the combination works well, the quality is still good, but you have to be extra careful when focusing.
I did have a problem with a Kenko 2x converter, it worked fine with my previous body - K100D, but I had a major compatibility problem when I tried it on the K-r - the display was flashing on and off !
I have also recently bought a Pentax 1.4x-S converter from Korea, couldn't obtain one from anywhere else ! This converter also works brilliantly with the 300mm - K-r combination, excellent picture quality with only 1 stop extra.
So in my experience there are converters available which work fine, though I advise against the independent manufacturers offerings.

Shanti · 12-10-2013, 08:44 PM

I also have the DA*300 / Pentax AF 1.7TC, K5II, and in certain conditions it works perfect,and no loss of quality..you have to have exposure spot on,and maybe use MF at times.. I find that for long shots of birds/wildlife haze or whatever can affect quality alot. But also AF is faster I feel with the TC on,for BIF for example.But it takes time to learn this lens and a monpod or tripod is needed alot of times..but I get clear shots in a hurricanw winds of 35m sec with a monopod..so all is possible....

Gandalph98 · 12-12-2013, 07:05 PM

Originally posted by Shanti

I also have the DA*300 / Pentax AF 1.7TC, K5II, and in certain conditions it works perfect,and no loss of quality..you have to have exposure spot on,and maybe use MF at times.. I find that for long shots of birds/wildlife haze or whatever can affect quality alot. But also AF is faster I feel with the TC on,for BIF for example.But it takes time to learn this lens and a monpod or tripod is needed alot of times..but I get clear shots in a hurricanw winds of 35m sec with a monopod..so all is possible....

I agree Shanti, you do generally need to use a tripod with a 1.7 converter on, though I have taken flight shots of an Osprey at 1/500 handheld which came out ok, the shake reduction system does help. Most of my best shots are taken using hides, whether at a nature reserve or at private location.
I am actually having problems with the AF on my 300mm DA - ie not working since last week ! Though I normally use MF anyway as I have missed shots when using the AF.

12-02-2013, 11:51 AM	#1
jlh Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 25	Teleconverter for new DA-300mmF4 lens I have the new DA 300mm F4 lens on its way. I was looking for a teleconverter to go among with but can't find anything offered by Pentax. A tread that was a couple of years old mentioned something about a new Pentax TC on the way but I couldn't find anything. I can find a Kenko 1.5X Teleplus - 4 Element DG Auto Focus-Pentax or a Vivitar 1.4x Teleconverter with AF for Pentax. The Kenko had an okay rating in the review here in the forum but the vivitar was not listed. Any advice or suggestion on a teleconverter?

12-02-2013, 11:58 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Originally posted by jlh I have the new DA 300mm F4 lens on its way. I was looking for a teleconverter to go among with but can't find anything offered by Pentax. A tread that was a couple of years old mentioned something about a new Pentax TC on the way but I couldn't find anything. I can find a Kenko 1.5X Teleplus - 4 Element DG Auto Focus-Pentax or a Vivitar 1.4x Teleconverter with AF for Pentax. The Kenko had an okay rating in the review here in the forum but the vivitar was not listed. Any advice or suggestion on a teleconverter? I would hold off until the Pentax SDM teleconverter comes out, which should be next year (according to the roadmap). Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Pentax A 400mm or da*300+wait for the new pentax 1.4x teleconverter?	carlosodze	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	7	11-22-2013 07:19 AM
Help requested for new DA* 200 lens	candgpics	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	2	05-11-2013 02:47 AM
Teleconverter for DA*300mmF4 ED IF HSM	EdB	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	15	02-01-2010 06:17 PM
DA200mm +1.5TC Vs A300mmF4	danielchtong	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	05-24-2008 03:19 AM
Teleconverter for new DA* 300mm???	Scout Pro	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	9	03-20-2008 12:43 PM

12-02-2013, 12:10 PM	#3
goubejp Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: France Photos: Albums Posts: 804	Next spring hopefully

12-02-2013, 02:21 PM	#4
HenrikDK Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 386	I had the Tamron 1.4x converter, which gets pretty good ratings. However, comparing cropped vs TC on my DA* 300mm, I did not see much benefit using the TC. Probably higher resolution, but lower contrast. Sold it....

12-02-2013, 02:24 PM	#5
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	I tried the Kenko 1.5 with my DA*300. Autofocus was inconsistent/frustrating. IQ was good if you used manual focus. It is a decent converter and AF worked fine with my screwdrive lenses but I sold it since it did not get much use.

12-02-2013, 06:16 PM - 2 Likes	#6
Michaelina2 Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: SE Michigan USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,300	May I ask why you feel the need for a TC when you have no experience with the 300? What are you pairing the 300 to? If your camera body has a modern sensor (K100D, or better), like the K-5 series, or better a K-3, its images can take very heavy cropping and with a little post-processing, hold up quite well. The DA*300/4 has been my 'goto' wildlife lens for more than 5 years. I also have the Kenko 1.4 and Pentax 1.7 TCs. When I got them, I thought they might make a difference, but after lots of experimentation I concluded they do not. In fact, after trying many different ways to bring them into play, they always seem to degrade the image. For me, the 300 is a great stand alone lens. So when I go out, the TCs stay home on the shelf. Give yourself a year to learn the 300 and work to develop a set of world class post-processing skills. Once you have a grip on these tools, I'll be very surprised to learn that you're still in the hunt for a TC. my 2 cents... Cheers... M

12-06-2013, 09:49 AM	#7
jlh Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 25 Original Poster	Thanks for all the input. I will wait until the Pentax version comes out. I have used the 50-300mm but depending on exposure or aperture the images vary in IQ, thats why I wanted the 300mm prime. In the mean time while waiting for the new lens I dug through my old kit and pulled out my film era 200mm with a vivitar 2x converter to play with on my new K3 and try some manual focusing.

12-06-2013, 09:54 AM	#8
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by jlh Thanks for all the input. I will wait until the Pentax version comes out. I have used the 50-300mm but depending on exposure or aperture the images vary in IQ, thats why I wanted the 300mm prime. In the mean time while waiting for the new lens I dug through my old kit and pulled out my film era 200mm with a vivitar 2x converter to play with on my new K3 and try some manual focusing. FYI the DA*300 is such a good lens that I have also tried an old manual 2xTC with it and the images were actually pretty good. But if you can have the convenience of AF and just crop, especially with the K-3 24MP, why bother with a TC?

12-09-2013, 04:37 PM	#9
Gandalph98 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Birmingham UK Posts: 2	I have to say that like Michaelina2 I have had my 300mm DA lens since 2008 and have been very happy with it. I already possess a Pentax 1.7x converter and find the combination works well, the quality is still good, but you have to be extra careful when focusing. I did have a problem with a Kenko 2x converter, it worked fine with my previous body - K100D, but I had a major compatibility problem when I tried it on the K-r - the display was flashing on and off ! I have also recently bought a Pentax 1.4x-S converter from Korea, couldn't obtain one from anywhere else ! This converter also works brilliantly with the 300mm - K-r combination, excellent picture quality with only 1 stop extra. So in my experience there are converters available which work fine, though I advise against the independent manufacturers offerings.

12-10-2013, 08:44 PM	#10
Shanti Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Western Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 927	I also have the DA*300 / Pentax AF 1.7TC, K5II, and in certain conditions it works perfect,and no loss of quality..you have to have exposure spot on,and maybe use MF at times.. I find that for long shots of birds/wildlife haze or whatever can affect quality alot. But also AF is faster I feel with the TC on,for BIF for example.But it takes time to learn this lens and a monpod or tripod is needed alot of times..but I get clear shots in a hurricanw winds of 35m sec with a monopod..so all is possible....

12-12-2013, 07:05 PM	#11
Gandalph98 Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Birmingham UK Posts: 2	Originally posted by Shanti I also have the DA*300 / Pentax AF 1.7TC, K5II, and in certain conditions it works perfect,and no loss of quality..you have to have exposure spot on,and maybe use MF at times.. I find that for long shots of birds/wildlife haze or whatever can affect quality alot. But also AF is faster I feel with the TC on,for BIF for example.But it takes time to learn this lens and a monpod or tripod is needed alot of times..but I get clear shots in a hurricanw winds of 35m sec with a monopod..so all is possible.... I agree Shanti, you do generally need to use a tripod with a 1.7 converter on, though I have taken flight shots of an Osprey at 1/500 handheld which came out ok, the shake reduction system does help. Most of my best shots are taken using hides, whether at a nature reserve or at private location. I am actually having problems with the AF on my 300mm DA - ie not working since last week ! Though I normally use MF anyway as I have missed shots when using the AF.