Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
03-21-2017, 10:42 PM   #1
Senior Member
FilmORbitz's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Maryland
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 144
DA 55-300 WR with Pentax 1.4x TC -- is this combo a big mistake?

I've seen older discussions that suggest the DA 55-300 f4-5.8 WR is a bad match with Tamron/Kenko/Sigma 1.4 TCs.

Being an optimist, I am hoping the story is better with the crazy-priced HD Pentax-DA AF 1.4X AW.

My typical usage would be on a K-3II in good light and with relatively lethargic targets. The sound of a little screw-drive refocusing is not traumatic for me or the target. Since this lens is reportedly sharpest at the long end (good!) and this TC is said to have minimal negative impact on more expensive DA* 300's and the like, I've had some reason for optimism.

So please let me have it--the good and bad of this particular pairing. Help me not make a stupid move if that's where I am headed.

Thanks in advance to all!

03-21-2017, 11:02 PM - 1 Like   #2
Closed Account




Join Date: Mar 2015
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 8,694
This is a screenshot of a section of the HD DA 1.4X rear converter review. Others might have 1st hand knowledge, but the review doesn't think it is a good combination. Good luck.


https://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/pentax-da-14x-aw-af-rear-converter/introduction.html
Attached Images
 
03-21-2017, 11:37 PM - 1 Like   #3
Digitiser of Film
Loyal Site Supporter
BigMackCam's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East of England
Posts: 20,571
Although I don't shoot with the 55-300 and HD DA 1.4x converter regularly, I've tested the combo and it worked surprisingly well... better than it should, to be honest, given the small aperture.

Phase detect AF typically requires an aperture of f/5.6 to operate reliably. At the long end, the 55-300 has an aperture of f/5.8, but that drops to less than f/8 when used with a 1.4x TC. Even so, in very good light, centre spot AF seems OK with this combo and the image quality is pretty good (though not outstanding). There will be times where AF won't be reliable and you'll need to use MF instead.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend the HD DA 1.4x (or any other TC) specifically for use with this lens. The fact that it works at all is a pleasant surprise, but they're not really designed to work together. Since you're using the K-3II, you'd be far better off cropping rather than using a TC... there's more than enough resolution in a K-3II image to handle significant cropping.
03-22-2017, 12:17 AM   #4
dms
Site Supporter
Site Supporter




Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New York, NY
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 2,192
I also have not used the combo you ask about--nor would I even consider it.
Generally TC should best be used with fine prime lenses, and not zooms.
And if one was to use it w/ a zoom the 55-300 zoom is not a good choice--not even considering the ability to use AF--too many compromises in the design.

03-22-2017, 12:32 AM   #5
Digitiser of Film
Loyal Site Supporter
BigMackCam's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: North East of England
Posts: 20,571
QuoteOriginally posted by dms Quote
Generally TC should best be used with fine prime lenses, and not zooms.
Whilst I take your point, with respect, I'd have to disagree. It depends entirely on the IQ of both the lens (whether prime or zoom) and the TC. I bought the HD DA 1.4x primarily for use with the DA*60-250, and it's a superb combo. The DA*60-250 is optically excellent, and more than capable of handling a very good quality TC...
03-22-2017, 12:50 AM - 1 Like   #6
Pentaxian




Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: mid nth coast,nsw
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 6,129
QuoteOriginally posted by FilmORbitz Quote
I've seen older discussions that suggest the DA 55-300 f4-5.8 WR is a bad match with Tamron/Kenko/Sigma 1.4 TCs.
I use this combo, nothing wrong with it in good light.....remembering its still a consumer grade low cost lens, of course it wont rival the costalotta glass but it still captures images!


I own the kenko/VIVITAR/tamron which floats around on lotsa different stuff....the Sigma I own is permanently on the DA 55/300, meaning its STUCK on...I cant get it off....so its a 77/420 f5.6-f8ish +


I have no experience with the Pentax TC so cant comment.
QuoteOriginally posted by dms Quote
the 55-300 zoom is not a good choice
i'll disagree on that one!
03-22-2017, 01:54 AM - 1 Like   #7
Veteran Member
kh1234567890's Avatar

Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Manchester, UK
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 2,653
QuoteOriginally posted by pjv Quote
This is a screenshot of a section of the HD DA 1.4X rear converter review. Others might have 1st hand knowledge, but the review doesn't think it is a good combination.
I've tried it for a few days and came to the conclusion that cropping/rescaling was as good as, if not better, than using the converter. This was on a K-5ii. K-3ii should be even better.

03-22-2017, 05:23 AM - 1 Like   #8
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
TER-OR's Avatar

Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Dundee, IL
Photos: Gallery | Albums
Posts: 6,699
I've tested the Tamron 1.4X TC with 55-300 and I can confirm the less-than-stellar results. Aperture focus issues make sense.
03-22-2017, 05:38 AM - 1 Like   #9
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
boriscleto's Avatar

Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Syracuse, NY
Photos: Gallery
Posts: 16,464
I've used the DA L 55-300 with a Vivitar Series 1 1.4x TC (same as the Tamron/Kenko but without PZ contacts). In good light the results are fine. In poor light the AF will hunt.

Would I use the 55-300 with the Pentax TC? Probably not, just too expensive. I have a Sigma 150-500 now anyway...

Almost everything I shot in 2013 with the 55-300 had the TC attached. Unfortunately, since it isn't recorded in EXIF, I don't know on many of the shots if I was using it. This album is shot entirely with the TC...and most of the others in 2013...

Montezuma - Sep 15, 2013 | Flickr

There are certain shots I've always particularly liked...

03-22-2017, 06:01 AM - 1 Like   #10
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2010
Photos: Albums
Posts: 1,912
QuoteOriginally posted by boriscleto Quote
In good light the results are fine.
I have the same results, I occasionally use the combo at cricket matches (good light and not too much action) when I don't feel like taking my Sigma 150 500. Once again it all comes down to what you can afford and what IQ you are happy with,
03-22-2017, 06:51 AM - 1 Like   #11
Forum Member




Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 90
I have tested a Tamron 1.4X TC with a number of zoom lenses, the HD 55-300 and Sigma 100-300 f/4 were included. K-5IIs was used as the camera. Under very controlled condition, results were unexpectedly good based on my (fading) memory. The degradation in IQ was negligible with the Sigma 100-300 at all focal length; the 55-300 was only a touch worse at the long end. AF was much worse for both lenses. I have yet to used either combo in a real situation and doubt I would do that. I bought the TC because of LBA, not because of need. Besides, I am more interested in WA or UWA than tele.
03-22-2017, 07:42 AM - 1 Like   #12
csa
Loyal Site Supporter
Loyal Site Supporter
csa's Avatar

Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Montana mountains
Posts: 10,133
When I had my regular Pentax 55-300, I used it with a Tamron 1.4 TC with very good results; so I don't see why your mentioned combo won't deliver as good, or better results.
03-22-2017, 08:40 AM - 1 Like   #13
Pentaxian




Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 452
I took a rented Pentax 1.4x TC to a motorcycle race last year with my K-3 and 55-300.
I was really disappointed in the slow AF and poor results I got.
03-22-2017, 09:44 AM - 1 Like   #14
Veteran Member
ripper2860's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 890
I've used a Vivitar Series 1 HD 1.4x TC with my HD 55-300 and have received excellent results image-wise. I must agree that auto-focus is compromised an not nearly as effective. In my case, I always manually focus as my subjects are are not in motion. In marginal light, probably not a good combo for birds-in-flight, etc.
03-22-2017, 10:00 AM - 1 Like   #15
Site Supporter
Site Supporter
pres589's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Wichita, KS
Photos: Albums
Posts: 4,506
QuoteOriginally posted by FilmORbitz Quote
I've seen older discussions that suggest the DA 55-300 f4-5.8 WR is a bad match with Tamron/Kenko/Sigma 1.4 TCs.

Being an optimist, I am hoping the story is better with the crazy-priced HD Pentax-DA AF 1.4X AW.

My typical usage would be on a K-3II in good light and with relatively lethargic targets. The sound of a little screw-drive refocusing is not traumatic for me or the target. Since this lens is reportedly sharpest at the long end (good!) and this TC is said to have minimal negative impact on more expensive DA* 300's and the like, I've had some reason for optimism.

So please let me have it--the good and bad of this particular pairing. Help me not make a stupid move if that's where I am headed.

Thanks in advance to all!
What do you own now; do you have the 55-300? It sounds like you would be buying the TC, right?

If you're buying both, that's what, about $850 or $900 for the pair? A very quick search of that one big auction site says Sigma 50-500's for Pentax run under a grand (all USD of course) and that seems pretty tempting in comparison. Just my 2 cents.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
1.4x, da, da 55-300, da 55-300 wr, hd pentax-da af 1.4x aw, k-mount, pentax 1.4x tc, pentax lens, slr lens, tc, wr, wr with pentax
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
For Sale - Sold: HD DA 55-300/4-5.8 WR (sold: FA 77, FA 43, DA 21, DA 18-55 WR) Scintilla Sold Items 7 12-03-2016 01:04 PM
Kit lenses: DA 18-55, DA L 18-55 WR, and DA L 18-55 (non WR) ziscwg Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 14 04-05-2015 12:20 AM
FA*300/4.5+Vivitar 1.4x AF TC combo Greyser Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 10 10-23-2011 09:52 PM
1.4x TC + 55-300 versus 1.7x TC + 55-300 versus 55-300mm + cropping. Pentaxor Pentax SLR Lens Discussion 9 09-05-2009 02:41 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax-A 135mm, DA 55-300mm, Tamron MC4 1.4x TC & Tokina 2x TC Light_Horseman Sold Items 8 07-08-2009 07:03 PM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:31 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top