Tamron vs Pentax 1.4

jeffryscott · 11-10-2015, 04:08 PM

Anybody have direct experience comparing these two converters?

Has anybody upgraded from the Tamron to the Pentax and seen a notable difference in IQ? The Pentax one is pricey, and aside from weather sealing, and being new, is it worth the extra money?

The 1.4 comparison here: Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Review - DA 1.4x, A 1.4X-S, and Tamron Compared | PentaxForums.com Reviews indicates the Tamron just falls slightly behind in the corners, but is otherwise very good or nearly equal.

This will go behind a DA 300 4, and while I would prefer the Pentax simply for the weather sealing, the Tamron is much more attractive price wise.

Thanks!

bertwert · 11-10-2015, 04:17 PM

If I'm correct the Pentax one has better IQ, WR and better autofocus?

I would get the Pentax one if I was you.

Adam · 11-10-2015, 04:20 PM

The Pentax TC is worth it IMO. The Tamron doesn't even come close in terms of image quality.

**jpzk** · 11-10-2015, 04:50 PM

---------- Post added 11-10-15 at 06:51 PM ----------

Originally posted by bertwert

If I'm correct the Pentax one has better IQ, WR and better autofocus?

I would get the Pentax one if I was you.

Originally posted by Adam

The Pentax TC is worth it IMO. The Tamron doesn't even come close in terms of image quality.

I beg to differ:
I had (for a long time) the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 which I sold -- the buyer is very happy with it --- and as far as I could tell the IQ was just as good as that of my now "newer" HD Pentax 1.4X TC.
That was with using it on the DA*300/4 for both TC's.

JP

bertwert · 11-10-2015, 05:17 PM

Originally posted by jpzk

I beg to differ:
I had (for a long time) the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 which I sold -- the buyer is very happy with it --- and as far as I could tell the IQ was just as good as that of my now "newer" HD Pentax 1.4X TC.
That was with using it on the DA*300/4 for both TC's.

JP

I haven't used either, but from what I've heard the Pentax one is WAY better

I would get the Pentax one even if just for WR.

vonBaloney · 11-10-2015, 05:18 PM

The Tamron is quite good is all you care about is the optics. The Pentax has the major advantage of using the adjusted focal length on modern lenses so the SR will be set to the right value.

**sergysergy** · 11-10-2015, 05:39 PM

My only complaint about the Tamron is that the AF is a bit slower than without it. Other than that I do not see quality degradation.

**jpzk** · 11-10-2015, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by bertwert

I haven't used either, but from what I've heard the Pentax one is WAY better

I would get the Pentax one even if just for WR.

Optically, I would dare saying they are equivalent.
But the HD TC is WR and of course you don't have to enter the focal length.

---------- Post added 11-10-15 at 07:43 PM ----------

Originally posted by vonBaloney

The Tamron is quite good is all you care about is the optics. The Pentax has the major advantage of using the adjusted focal length on modern lenses so the SR will be set to the right value.

Good point.
For TC's what really matters is the optical result, right?

**dadipentak** · 11-10-2015, 07:08 PM

As a rule, I figure it makes sense to match TC & lens by brand but I'm getting very good results with F* & FA* lenses on the Tamron TC so I think I'll stick with it.

**pearsaab** · 11-10-2015, 07:52 PM

I have both. I always felt the quality of the tamron was excellent but it is slightly slower then the Pentax. For the money you can't beat it. For that reason I still have mine as well as the Pentax. I do use the Pentax because of weather resistance.

**pacerr** · 11-10-2015, 10:22 PM

I've had and used 'em both on DA*300, Tam SP 70-200, Adaptall 360B, 63B, 30A, and others.

I found no optical advantage to the Pentax TC and no significant difference in AF functionality. Kept the Tamron 1.4x.

audiobomber · 11-10-2015, 10:24 PM

Originally posted by pearsaab

I have both. I always felt the quality of the tamron was excellent but it is slightly slower then the Pentax. For the money you can't beat it. For that reason I still have mine as well as the Pentax. I do use the Pentax because of weather resistance.

I have a Kenko SHQ PZ 1.5X and Pentax HD 1.4X. (There are two versions of the Kenko 1.5X. Mine is actually 1.4X and is supposed to be the same lens as the Tamron). Anyway, I agree with pearsaab, the Pentax has slighter better IQ and WR often matters to me. By far the main difference is in auto-focus. No issue with screw drive lenses, but the Kenko has unreliable AF with SDM lenses. The Pentax TC works reliably with my DA*300, the Kenko does not.

LennyBloke · 11-11-2015, 12:57 AM

I'm another owner of both the Tamron and Pentax (and used to own the A 1.4-Xs too) and my preference is for the Pentax, but not because of the optics (there really is very little difference) but because the AF performance is better (in lower light in particular) and it is WR.

Optics - the Pentax has a slight edge
Autofocus - the Pentax has the edge in some situations
Value - the Tamron (which can often be had for half the price of the Pentax) is a clear winner

This one is taken with the Tamron and the Pentax F135/2.8...

So if money isn't a real consideration go for the Pentax, if it is then go for the Tamron

audiobomber · 11-11-2015, 05:59 AM

Originally posted by LennyBloke

Autofocus - the Pentax has the edge in some situations

Have you tried the Tamron TC with your DA*16-50mm Lenny? I bet there's quite a significant difference. Non-screw-drive lenses I've tried (DA 18-135mm, DA*50-135mm, DA*300) do not auto-focus reliably with my Kenko.

**pearsaab** · 11-11-2015, 06:14 AM

mr cardinal said it worked fine for him on the sigma 500mm 4.5 and the k3

11-10-2015, 04:08 PM	#1
jeffryscott Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 253	Tamron vs Pentax 1.4 Anybody have direct experience comparing these two converters? Has anybody upgraded from the Tamron to the Pentax and seen a notable difference in IQ? The Pentax one is pricey, and aside from weather sealing, and being new, is it worth the extra money? The 1.4 comparison here: Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Review - DA 1.4x, A 1.4X-S, and Tamron Compared \| PentaxForums.com Reviews indicates the Tamron just falls slightly behind in the corners, but is otherwise very good or nearly equal. This will go behind a DA 300 4, and while I would prefer the Pentax simply for the weather sealing, the Tamron is much more attractive price wise. Thanks!

11-10-2015, 04:20 PM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,165	The Pentax TC is worth it IMO. The Tamron doesn't even come close in terms of image quality. 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, 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:

11-11-2015, 05:59 AM	#14
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by LennyBloke Autofocus - the Pentax has the edge in some situations Have you tried the Tamron TC with your DA16-50mm Lenny? I bet there's quite a significant difference. Non-screw-drive lenses I've tried (DA 18-135mm, DA50-135mm, DA300) do not auto-focus reliably with my Kenko. Last edited by audiobomber; 11-11-2015 at 06:33 AM.*

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11-10-2015, 04:17 PM	#2
bertwert Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,175	If I'm correct the Pentax one has better IQ, WR and better autofocus? I would get the Pentax one if I was you.

11-10-2015, 04:50 PM	#4
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,250	---------- Post added 11-10-15 at 06:51 PM ---------- Originally posted by bertwert If I'm correct the Pentax one has better IQ, WR and better autofocus? I would get the Pentax one if I was you. Originally posted by Adam The Pentax TC is worth it IMO. The Tamron doesn't even come close in terms of image quality. I beg to differ: I had (for a long time) the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 which I sold -- the buyer is very happy with it --- and as far as I could tell the IQ was just as good as that of my now "newer" HD Pentax 1.4X TC. That was with using it on the DA*300/4 for both TC's. JP

11-10-2015, 05:17 PM	#5
bertwert Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,175	Originally posted by jpzk I beg to differ: I had (for a long time) the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 which I sold -- the buyer is very happy with it --- and as far as I could tell the IQ was just as good as that of my now "newer" HD Pentax 1.4X TC. That was with using it on the DA*300/4 for both TC's. JP I haven't used either, but from what I've heard the Pentax one is WAY better I would get the Pentax one even if just for WR.

11-10-2015, 05:18 PM	#6
vonBaloney Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 6,005	The Tamron is quite good is all you care about is the optics. The Pentax has the major advantage of using the adjusted focal length on modern lenses so the SR will be set to the right value.

11-10-2015, 05:39 PM	#7
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,989	My only complaint about the Tamron is that the AF is a bit slower than without it. Other than that I do not see quality degradation.

11-10-2015, 05:42 PM	#8
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,250	Originally posted by bertwert I haven't used either, but from what I've heard the Pentax one is WAY better I would get the Pentax one even if just for WR. Optically, I would dare saying they are equivalent. But the HD TC is WR and of course you don't have to enter the focal length. ---------- Post added 11-10-15 at 07:43 PM ---------- Originally posted by vonBaloney The Tamron is quite good is all you care about is the optics. The Pentax has the major advantage of using the adjusted focal length on modern lenses so the SR will be set to the right value. Good point. For TC's what really matters is the optical result, right?

11-10-2015, 07:08 PM	#9
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,588	As a rule, I figure it makes sense to match TC & lens by brand but I'm getting very good results with F* & FA* lenses on the Tamron TC so I think I'll stick with it.

11-10-2015, 07:52 PM	#10
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,894	I have both. I always felt the quality of the tamron was excellent but it is slightly slower then the Pentax. For the money you can't beat it. For that reason I still have mine as well as the Pentax. I do use the Pentax because of weather resistance.

11-10-2015, 10:22 PM	#11
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,303	I've had and used 'em both on DA*300, Tam SP 70-200, Adaptall 360B, 63B, 30A, and others. I found no optical advantage to the Pentax TC and no significant difference in AF functionality. Kept the Tamron 1.4x.

11-10-2015, 10:24 PM	#12
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by pearsaab I have both. I always felt the quality of the tamron was excellent but it is slightly slower then the Pentax. For the money you can't beat it. For that reason I still have mine as well as the Pentax. I do use the Pentax because of weather resistance. I have a Kenko SHQ PZ 1.5X and Pentax HD 1.4X. (There are two versions of the Kenko 1.5X. Mine is actually 1.4X and is supposed to be the same lens as the Tamron). Anyway, I agree with pearsaab, the Pentax has slighter better IQ and WR often matters to me. By far the main difference is in auto-focus. No issue with screw drive lenses, but the Kenko has unreliable AF with SDM lenses. The Pentax TC works reliably with my DA*300, the Kenko does not.

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11-11-2015, 12:57 AM	#13
LennyBloke Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Worcestershire, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 640	I'm another owner of both the Tamron and Pentax (and used to own the A 1.4-Xs too) and my preference is for the Pentax, but not because of the optics (there really is very little difference) but because the AF performance is better (in lower light in particular) and it is WR. Optics - the Pentax has a slight edge Autofocus - the Pentax has the edge in some situations Value - the Tamron (which can often be had for half the price of the Pentax) is a clear winner This one is taken with the Tamron and the Pentax F135/2.8... So if money isn't a real consideration go for the Pentax, if it is then go for the Tamron

11-11-2015, 06:14 AM	#15
pearsaab Otis Memorial Pentaxian Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2011 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,894	mr cardinal said it worked fine for him on the sigma 500mm 4.5 and the k3