[Pigeon]

I am looking for teleconverter for my DA300. If I right understand the only option to get AF for SDM lens is HD Pentax-DA 1.4x AW AF Rear Converter. All others could be used in manual mode.
In this case I should take into consideration only optic quality and price. Could I find converter with comparable image quality? I want to try it and don't like to pay half price of my lens for it.
It seems even A 1.4X-L which has high rating will be 2 times cheaper.
Is there high quality third party converters.

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Last edited by Pigeon; 05-05-2020 at 05:03 AM.

[UncleVanya]

This isn't accurate. There are some other 1.4x and "1.5x" TCs that work with sdm but I don't know the exact models.

Also the 1.4x-L wasn't offered as an F series. The 1.4x-L in all models does not fit into the DA* (or FA* or F*) 300mm.

The F 1.7x is screw drive but treats any lens attached as manual focus and makes it a limited autofocus lens by moving the internal elements around (this requires some prefocusing).

Are you shooting apsc or FF?

[Pigeon]

I shoot APSC. I have Quantaray 2x AF TC with electrical contacts, but it don't focus SDM lens. I can't say by photo if TC will work with SDM even if it has contacts.

[stevebrot]

I have Quantaray 2x AF TC with electrical contacts, but it don't focus SDM lens.

For that, the TC needs the power contacts to emulate (KAF2 body support.


Steve

[marcusBMG]

See:


Miscellaneous Lenses for Pentax: Teleconverters (All Brands) - Pentax Lens Review Database

kenko Sigma, teleplus, tamron...

[PlumCrazy]

I use the Tamron AF 1.4X Pz-AF with my DA*300 with good results.....cost me ~ 1/2 of the Pentax version??

[AstroDave]

I just tested my Kenko Pz-AF 1.5X Teleplus SHQ (which is really a 1.4 X) with the DA* 300 on my K-1. This TC has the electrical contacts.

Autofocus worked just fine with this combo, although it did a fair amount of hunting before deciding it was focused. You won't want this set-up for birds!

If I recall correctly, the price for this TC (from somewhere on Ebay) was very reasonable - under $50.

[caliscouser]

The price of the Pentax HD 1.4x AW does seem hard to swallow for what it is. I went through the same feelings.

However having used it with the DA*200, DA*300 and DA*60-250 I can say it is worth it.

Think of it this way, with the DA*300 on crop you get 630mm full frame equivalent reach at f/5.6. All weather-sealed with seamless AF and no real loss in image quality.
They pop up on the forum for sale occasionally for around $300 or less.

[kypfer]

I use the Kenko Pz-AF 1.5x quite regularly with my Sigma 150-500mm which has an integral focus motor (no screw drive) on my KP. Autofocus is only really reliable in good light on a stationary subject, but that is with an f/6.3 lens, on an f/4 I'd anticipate no problem.


Two "negatives" to consider with this item :-
Firstly, the camera doesn't "know" it's fitted, so the EXIF always reports the native lens settings.
Secondly, as a result of the first issue, the in-camera shake-reduction doesn't fully compensate for the longer focal length.


Despite theses issues I consider the Kenko item to be good value for money and would recommend it to anyone prepared to work within these limitations.


There is also a Pz-AF 2x, with the same limitations as above, but would probably work in good light on an f/4 lens ... it's almost always m/f only on my f/6.3 except on a very stationary high-contrast subject.


Good luck

[catfishjohn]

I agree with Caliscouser 100%. I bought my HD 1.4 AW when they first came out and the price was ridiculous. I don't regret it, the features, focus and IQ make the sticker shock go away. At todays price you cant lose.

[Pigeon]

I just tested my Kenko Pz-AF 1.5X Teleplus SHQ (which is really a 1.4 X) with the DA* 300 on my K-1. This TC has the electrical contacts.

Autofocus worked just fine with this combo, although it did a fair amount of hunting before deciding it was focused. You won't want this set-up for birds!

If I recall correctly, the price for this TC (from somewhere on Ebay) was very reasonable - under $50.

I am not sure about autofocus for birding as well. I think about manual converter to use with tripod. If find it with proper price I will treat it as manual

---------- Post added 05-04-2020 at 07:53 PM ----------

The price of the Pentax HD 1.4x AW does seem hard to swallow for what it is. I went through the same feelings.

However having used it with the DA*200, DA*300 and DA*60-250 I can say it is worth it.

Think of it this way, with the DA*300 on crop you get 630mm full frame equivalent reach at f/5.6. All weather-sealed with seamless AF and no real loss in image quality.
They pop up on the forum for sale occasionally for around $300 or less.

Thanks for advise. I'll try it. LensRental has it, so it is easy.

[Pigeon]

BTW, could somebody send me $25 off reference from LensRental.com? Win-win deal, 25 each.
ngolubev@list.ru

[Theov39]

I'd second the Kenko Pz-AF 1.5X Teleplus SHQ. Works great on the DA*300 EXCEPT for the autofocus so not really suitable for fast moving subjects, but anything besides that is great. AF works but it's slow.

[automorphism]

Keeping in mind that output quality depends both on the teleconverter and lens combo, I will share my experience with the Kenko/Tamron Pz-Af on the FA*300 f/4.5 -- not worth it in my opinion. Under very controlled conditions, the quality was slightly better than cropping, and the loss of light plus more inconsistent IBIS performance made this teleconverter a waste of time. Obviously that is a totally different lens... however, I really would not be surprised if the DA teleconverter were superior, especially since Pentax has maybe 2-3 lenses that people will actually want to use that teleconverter on. With the AF slowdown that others are reporting, I'd say skip the older models.

[Pigeon]

Be honest I don't expect good autofocus from DA teleconverter as well. With my DA300 I usually return it to short distance after every shoot or it often make whole cycle (to long, then to short then to real focus ). In many cases it focused on branches and I need manually focus on bird. I used to do it and more interested in image quality. I ordered DA on LensRental and will report my experience with it.