[UserAccessDenied]

I shoot primarily with a K-3ii and DA*300.
My other lenses include:
DFA 100mm Macro WR
DA 70mm ltd
DA 15mm ltd

I'd like to get back back to 500mm, I previously owned the Bigma and loved the 500mm focal length.

I know I benefit from buying the HD 1.4x TC. I will likely appreciated the magnification with the DFA 100 as well as the 420mm DA* @ 5.6.

Is this my best option without going to an older manual 500mm or spending thousands for the Sigma 500mm f4.5 or the 560mm? (budget is about $600)

How much different is 500mm from 420mm?

Cheers, thanks!

[bertwert]

How much different is 500mm from 420mm?

Not that much, 0.6 degrees is the difference. 420mm has a 3.7 degree view and 500mm has a 3.1 degree view on APS-C.

For your budget I'd recommend getting the Pentax 1.4 as it is WR and apparently pairs perfectly with the 300.
You might also enjoy using it on the 100 macro for an equivalent of 1.4:1 magnification.

[UserAccessDenied]

Not that much, 0.6 degrees is the difference. 420mm has a 3.7 degree view and 500mm has a 3.1 degree view on APS-C.

For your budget I'd recommend getting the Pentax 1.4 as it is WR and apparently pairs perfectly with the 300.
You might also enjoy using it on the 100 macro for an equivalent of 1.4:1 magnification.

Yeah, I'm gonna buy the 1.4HD. Just waiting a few days to see if one pops up in the Marketplace. Otherwise prob grab the demo one from Adorama.

Just trying to convince myself 500mm isn't worth the cost for the big guns, and also not worth the IQ degradation for a few more degrees of tightness on my frame.

[Unregistered User 8]

Hi Logan. I have the HD 1.4x TC and find it a fantastic accessory. I team mine with the 100 2.8 macro WR and the DA* 60-250. Optically it is great. The loss of resolution is so minimal with good lenses as to be unnoticeable. Because the image is so good, cropping the image to gain " reach " is always an option. Being able to use it on all but a few exceptions makes it a very versatile piece of kit too. It is also KAF4 compatible for current and future lenses. I doubt that you would regret getting it. Good luck.

[bertwert]

Just trying to convince myself 500mm isn't worth the cost for the big guns, and also not worth the IQ degradation for a few more degrees of tightness on my frame.

You know you want it!
The Pentax 560 is only $5000

Just kidding.

In my opinion:
The 300 to 420 is a 1.4 degree decrease in field of view, worth the TC.
The 420 to 500 is a 0.6 degree decrease in field of view, not worth another lens.
The 300 to 500 is a 2 degree decrease in field of view, worth another lens if you're not getting the TC.

[UserAccessDenied]

Hi Logan. I have the HD 1.4x TC and find it a fantastic accessory. I team mine with the 100 2.8 macro WR and the DA* 60-250. Optically it is great. The loss of resolution is so minimal with good lenses as to be unnoticeable. Because the image is so good, cropping the image to gain " reach " is always an option. Being able to use it on all but a few exceptions makes it a very versatile piece of kit too. It is also KAF4 compatible for current and future lenses. I doubt that you would regret getting it. Good luck.

Thanks for the input!

---------- Post added 12-26-16 at 05:53 PM ----------

You know you want it!
The Pentax 560 is only $5000

Just kidding.

In my opinion:
The 300 to 420 is a 1.4 degree decrease in field of view, worth the TC.
The 420 to 500 is a 0.6 degree decrease in field of view, not worth another lens.
The 300 to 500 is a 2 degree decrease in field of view, worth another lens if you're not getting the TC.

That's great info.

I also think the 300+1.4 is handhold-able?
The 560 would also likely benefit from a sturdy gimbal for long shoots.

[bertwert]

I also think the 300+1.4 is handhold-able?

I wish I had the first hand experience to say yay or nay.

The 560 would also likely benefit from a sturdy gimbal for long shoots.

Same again


I believe the 300 and 1.4 is hand holdable if you're reasonably well built, the 560 not so much...

[jddwoods]

The TC is running around $599 new. On Cyber Monday, B&H lowered it down briefly to $499 and I bought one. I plan to use it with DFA 100 Macro WR, DA*200 and hopefully it will also work with my HD DA 55-300 PLM. It is a much less expensive route than getting a new lens and it may be a very interesting combo with the DFA 100 Macro. If it is available in D condition used from Adorama it is probably a good deal and worth getting. They are quite rare on the used market.

[Unregistered User 8]

They are quite rare on the used market.

Once you have one, you keep it !!

---------- Post added 27-12-16 at 10:04 AM ----------

Thanks for the input!

Most welcome. Good luck.

[BigMackCam]

I'll add to what others have already said in support of the HD 1.4x rear converter. It's a superb piece of equipment. I mainly use it with the DA*60-250 for close distance work where the lens's focus breathing limits the field of view, and I'm constantly impressed with the IQ. I've briefly tried it with the DFA100 - just to test it, really - and was equally impressed with the results, although I'd recommend stopping down a bit from wide open with that lens to minimise fringing.

If a US warranty isn't too critical for you, you might consider ordering one from the UK. It's one of the few Pentax items that is usually cheaper over here than in the US. Typical price is around £289, but I think a couple of major dealers have it on sale right now for £249 or £259, so even with shipping and import duty it could work out cheaper for you.

[onlineflyer]

The TC is running around $599 new. On Cyber Monday, B&H lowered it down briefly to $499 and I bought one. I plan to use it with DFA 100 Macro WR, DA*200 and hopefully it will also work with my HD DA 55-300 PLM. It is a much less expensive route than getting a new lens and it may be a very interesting combo with the DFA 100 Macro. If it is available in D condition used from Adorama it is probably a good deal and worth getting. They are quite rare on the used market.

The Pentax 1.4x HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter is $499 at B&H

Pentax 1.4x HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter AW for K-Mount 37962

[UserAccessDenied]

I'll add to what others have already said in support of the HD 1.4x rear converter. It's a superb piece of equipment. I mainly use it with the DA*60-250 for close distance work where the lens's focus breathing limits the field of view, and I'm constantly impressed with the IQ. I've briefly tried it with the DFA100 - just to test it, really - and was equally impressed with the results, although I'd recommend stopping down a bit from wide open with that lens to minimise fringing.

If a US warranty isn't too critical for you, you might consider ordering one from the UK. It's one of the few Pentax items that is usually cheaper over here than in the US. Typical price is around £289, but I think a couple of major dealers have it on sale right now for £249 or £259, so even with shipping and import duty it could work out cheaper for you.

Just curious, who in the UK sells and ships at this price to USA?
Is there a preferred site?

Thanks!

[Scorpio71GR]

I use the Tamron 1.4TC on my DA*60-250. No real difference in IQ, however autofocus does suffer a bit. I have the Bigma and I have compare it to the 60-250 plus the 1.7 adapter which is 425mm. The real world difference is not that much. The biggest advantage with a 500mm prime is that you could put a TC behind that as well. Many people use the DA*300 plus the 1.4HD TC and really like it. I have often though OS selling my 50-500 and just getting a DA*300 instead.

[surfar]

I use the Tamron 1.4TC

I use that TC, its branded Vivitar( apparently a Kenko design)....its good but no WR....price is GREAT!...


And it goes well with the Sigma 135-400mm....this combo will cost half the price of a DA 1.4x and give a great range....560mm on K1 or 840mm on crop.

[jpzk]

I also think the 300+1.4 is handhold-able?

Definitely Yes ... and from personal experience.