HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM and Teleconverters

brewmaster15 · 12-08-2019, 05:45 AM

Im guessing by reading the specs and camera mount limitations of the HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM
that this lens would not work well or at all with any Teleconverters, is this correct?

I know and understand about the downsides of using teleconverters in general. I'm more interested in this for this lens as I have been seeing alot of mention of the PLMs and was curious about their ability to work with any older AF teleconverters in general.

Anyone try tcs with it?

Al

timb64 · 12-08-2019, 05:58 AM

A question probably best addressed by ole Norm,once he's back from the naughty step!

**aslyfox** · 12-08-2019, 06:01 AM

I suggest you look at the user reviews for the DA teleconverter

HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Reviews - DA Teleconverters - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database

and consider spending a little money and rent one for your own trials:

Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

**marcusBMG** · 12-08-2019, 06:14 AM - **3 Likes**

The point of a tc would be to get "more reach" ie fill more of the frame with the subject. IME using tc's with slower lenses more often doesn't pay off even if the tc works well with the lens and iq holds up and you are able to compensate with good technique for the slower shutter speeds and increased effect of shake and vibration. Most often the results are little better, if at all, over increased cropping and/or resizing. The more effective way to get a bigger picture of your subject in the end is a camera with more pixels IMO.
I wil qualify that by saying that this can be a bit subject dependent. cooltouch did a study on mflenses stacking tc's on a quality 300mm f2.8. He noted that although the images looked increasingly terrible, when processed and resized it was clear that the stacking had increased the information in the image, specifically the legibility of writing on a small sign. I can suggest that if your subject has fine detail eg feathers, thats what's lost first and tc's are less beneficial. However if eg ships or aeroplanes are your thing then a tc could be more beneficial.

Last edited by marcusBMG; 12-08-2019 at 06:30 AM.

reh321 · 12-08-2019, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by brewmaster15

Im guessing by reading the specs and camera mount limitations of the HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM
that this lens would not work well or at all with any Teleconverters, is this correct?

I know and understand about the downsides of using teleconverters in general. I'm more interested in this for this lens as I have been seeing alot of mention of the PLMs and was curious about their ability to work with any older AF teleconverters in general.

Anyone try tcs with it?

Al

What I can tell you is my personal experience. People here and elsewhere have warned me about AF when using a TC. However, because I also have the DA 18-135mm DC lens, I use the PLM lens + the {DA} 1.4TC together all the time; yes, used in this form, it becomes a 77-420mm f/8-9.5 lens, but using it on my KP, I have never had a case when it failed to focus on what I pointed it at, even when lighting was dim enough that TAv 1/750 was forcing me up to my 12800 ISO limit.

**Crooski** · 12-08-2019, 11:30 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by brewmaster15

Im guessing by reading the specs and camera mount limitations of the HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM
that this lens would not work well or at all with any Teleconverters, is this correct?

I know and understand about the downsides of using teleconverters in general. I'm more interested in this for this lens as I have been seeing alot of mention of the PLMs and was curious about their ability to work with any older AF teleconverters in general.

Anyone try tcs with it?

Al

HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter works flawlessly with the HD DA 55-300 mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM on my KP

Adam · 12-08-2019, 11:45 AM - **1 Like**

Because this lens uses focus by wire, you will minimally need a tele converter that has SDM and data contacts, such as the DA 1.4x.

Adam
PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide | Site Help | My Photography)

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timb64 · 12-08-2019, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by Crooski

HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter works flawlessly with the HD DA 55-300 mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM on my KP

Is it worth using a converter rather than just crop the native image from the KP?

reh321 · 12-08-2019, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by timb64

Is it worth using a converter rather than just crop the native image from the KP?

One has to be careful of these "either or" comparisons. I sometimes photograph using a 1.4TC then crop what I have taken .... and still have enough pixels to be good; if I just depended on cropping, I would leave enough detail behind that the photo wouldn't be worth taking.

swanlefitte · 12-08-2019, 02:01 PM - **1 Like**

I use the plm and da 1.4xtc. Af is fine. I think the tc with the plm is really like a 1.2x. This is because you can keep the zoom below 270mm where it falls off. I find at 215+tc= 300 meaning good215mm+1.4xtc=ok300mm. By extension good 270mm+tc(378mm) cropped>300mm heavily cropped.
I also find the pair nice for minimum focus distance for small things like butterflies and lizards.

MetalUndivided · 12-08-2019, 07:11 PM

I wouldn't bother, tbh. The PLM is neither sharp nor fast enough. If you want more reach, get yourself a DA* 300 and crop in post.

**mlt** · 12-08-2019, 07:30 PM

Granted the DA* 300 f4 sdm is sharper, and I won’t be letting go of mine any time soon, the 55-300 PLM is very sharp and more useful as a travel lens. Knowing the limitations in ff coverage, I haven’t hesitated to take it with my K-1, or with my K-3, when weight and size are limited.

peggers · 12-09-2019, 01:18 AM

Originally posted by mlt

Granted the DA* 300 f4 sdm is sharper, and I won’t be letting go of mine any time soon, the 55-300 PLM is very sharp and more useful as a travel lens. Knowing the limitations in ff coverage, I haven’t hesitated to take it with my K-1, or with my K-3, when weight and size are limited.

I tried the 55-300 PLM with my K-1 in a store the other day and noticed it focussed really quickly and accurately. I did notice some vignetting. Is this what you meant by its limitations?

fsge · 12-09-2019, 01:32 AM

Originally posted by peggers

I tried the 55-300 PLM with my K-1 in a store the other day and noticed it focussed really quickly and accurately. I did notice some vignetting. Is this what you meant by its limitations?

55-300 is by design an APSC lens, I guess by limitations he meant aperture

**mlt** · 12-09-2019, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by peggers

I tried the 55-300 PLM with my K-1 in a store the other day and noticed it focussed really quickly and accurately. I did notice some vignetting. Is this what you meant by its limitations?

Yes, the vignetting is the limitation on ff. However, it does not occur at all focal lengths, mostly in the middle, and appears to be aperture dependent at some focal lengths. Something you just have to play with, but worth it with the small form factor, or just leave the K-1 in crop mode with the lens

12-08-2019, 05:45 AM	#1
brewmaster15 Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: CT Posts: 1,860	HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM and Teleconverters Im guessing by reading the specs and camera mount limitations of the HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM that this lens would not work well or at all with any Teleconverters, is this correct? I know and understand about the downsides of using teleconverters in general. I'm more interested in this for this lens as I have been seeing alot of mention of the PLMs and was curious about their ability to work with any older AF teleconverters in general. Anyone try tcs with it? Al

12-09-2019, 01:18 AM	#13
peggers Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Endeavour Hills, Victoria, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 210	question Originally posted by mlt Granted the DA* 300 f4 sdm is sharper, and I won’t be letting go of mine any time soon, the 55-300 PLM is very sharp and more useful as a travel lens. Knowing the limitations in ff coverage, I haven’t hesitated to take it with my K-1, or with my K-3, when weight and size are limited. I tried the 55-300 PLM with my K-1 in a store the other day and noticed it focussed really quickly and accurately. I did notice some vignetting. Is this what you meant by its limitations?

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12-08-2019, 05:58 AM	#2
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	A question probably best addressed by ole Norm,once he's back from the naughty step!

12-08-2019, 06:01 AM	#3
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,581	I suggest you look at the user reviews for the DA teleconverter HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter Reviews - DA Teleconverters - Pentax Lens Reviews & Lens Database and consider spending a little money and rent one for your own trials: Information on Businesses that offer cameras and lenses for rent - Page 2 - PentaxForums.com

12-08-2019, 06:14 AM - 3 Likes	#4
marcusBMG Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: North Wales Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,868	The point of a tc would be to get "more reach" ie fill more of the frame with the subject. IME using tc's with slower lenses more often doesn't pay off even if the tc works well with the lens and iq holds up and you are able to compensate with good technique for the slower shutter speeds and increased effect of shake and vibration. Most often the results are little better, if at all, over increased cropping and/or resizing. The more effective way to get a bigger picture of your subject in the end is a camera with more pixels IMO. I wil qualify that by saying that this can be a bit subject dependent. cooltouch did a study on mflenses stacking tc's on a quality 300mm f2.8. He noted that although the images looked increasingly terrible, when processed and resized it was clear that the stacking had increased the information in the image, specifically the legibility of writing on a small sign. I can suggest that if your subject has fine detail eg feathers, thats what's lost first and tc's are less beneficial. However if eg ships or aeroplanes are your thing then a tc could be more beneficial. Last edited by marcusBMG; 12-08-2019 at 06:30 AM.

12-08-2019, 10:59 AM	#5
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by brewmaster15 Im guessing by reading the specs and camera mount limitations of the HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM that this lens would not work well or at all with any Teleconverters, is this correct? I know and understand about the downsides of using teleconverters in general. I'm more interested in this for this lens as I have been seeing alot of mention of the PLMs and was curious about their ability to work with any older AF teleconverters in general. Anyone try tcs with it? Al What I can tell you is my personal experience. People here and elsewhere have warned me about AF when using a TC. However, because I also have the DA 18-135mm DC lens, I use the PLM lens + the {DA} 1.4TC together all the time; yes, used in this form, it becomes a 77-420mm f/8-9.5 lens, but using it on my KP, I have never had a case when it failed to focus on what I pointed it at, even when lighting was dim enough that TAv 1/750 was forcing me up to my 12800 ISO limit.

12-08-2019, 11:30 AM - 1 Like	#6
Crooski Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Rozenburg , Zuid-Holland Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,680	Originally posted by brewmaster15 Im guessing by reading the specs and camera mount limitations of the HD DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM that this lens would not work well or at all with any Teleconverters, is this correct? I know and understand about the downsides of using teleconverters in general. I'm more interested in this for this lens as I have been seeing alot of mention of the PLMs and was curious about their ability to work with any older AF teleconverters in general. Anyone try tcs with it? Al HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter works flawlessly with the HD DA 55-300 mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM on my KP

12-08-2019, 11:45 AM - 1 Like	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Because this lens uses focus by wire, you will minimally need a tele converter that has SDM and data contacts, such as the DA 1.4x. 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:

12-08-2019, 12:46 PM	#8
timb64 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: /Situation : Doing my best to avoid idiots! Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,510	Originally posted by Crooski HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter works flawlessly with the HD DA 55-300 mm F4.5-6.3 WR PLM on my KP Is it worth using a converter rather than just crop the native image from the KP?

12-08-2019, 12:59 PM	#9
reh321 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Bend, IN, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,177	Originally posted by timb64 Is it worth using a converter rather than just crop the native image from the KP? One has to be careful of these "either or" comparisons. I sometimes photograph using a 1.4TC then crop what I have taken .... and still have enough pixels to be good; if I just depended on cropping, I would leave enough detail behind that the photo wouldn't be worth taking.

12-08-2019, 02:01 PM - 1 Like	#10
swanlefitte Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Location: Minneapolis Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,068	I use the plm and da 1.4xtc. Af is fine. I think the tc with the plm is really like a 1.2x. This is because you can keep the zoom below 270mm where it falls off. I find at 215+tc= 300 meaning good215mm+1.4xtc=ok300mm. By extension good 270mm+tc(378mm) cropped>300mm heavily cropped. I also find the pair nice for minimum focus distance for small things like butterflies and lizards.

12-08-2019, 07:11 PM	#11
MetalUndivided Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Irkutsk, Russia Posts: 134	I wouldn't bother, tbh. The PLM is neither sharp nor fast enough. If you want more reach, get yourself a DA* 300 and crop in post.

12-08-2019, 07:30 PM	#12
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Granted the DA* 300 f4 sdm is sharper, and I won’t be letting go of mine any time soon, the 55-300 PLM is very sharp and more useful as a travel lens. Knowing the limitations in ff coverage, I haven’t hesitated to take it with my K-1, or with my K-3, when weight and size are limited.

12-09-2019, 01:32 AM	#14
fsge Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Genf Posts: 1,138	Originally posted by peggers I tried the 55-300 PLM with my K-1 in a store the other day and noticed it focussed really quickly and accurately. I did notice some vignetting. Is this what you meant by its limitations? 55-300 is by design an APSC lens, I guess by limitations he meant aperture

12-09-2019, 08:29 AM	#15
mlt Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,159	Originally posted by peggers I tried the 55-300 PLM with my K-1 in a store the other day and noticed it focussed really quickly and accurately. I did notice some vignetting. Is this what you meant by its limitations? Yes, the vignetting is the limitation on ff. However, it does not occur at all focal lengths, mostly in the middle, and appears to be aperture dependent at some focal lengths. Something you just have to play with, but worth it with the small form factor, or just leave the K-1 in crop mode with the lens