Teleconverter for DA*300mmF4 ED IF HSM

EdB · 01-30-2010, 09:00 PM

I just bought a DA*300mmF4 ED IF SDM and I am contemplating buying a teleconverter, either a 1.4X or a 2.0X.

I have a K20D

What high quality 1.4X TC's are available ? What functions do they maintain or not maintain on my K20D ?

Same questions for the 2X TC.

Thanks for your help

Ed

imtheguy · 01-31-2010, 12:28 AM

You should be able to find a number of old threads on this topic but I can give you my summary right quick. The only semi-readily available 1.4x TC that supports AF is the Tamron Pz-AF MC4. Even with that one AF can be spotty. I use it on bright days only. I don't know of a 2x TC that actually auto focuses with the DA*300mm.

EdB · 01-31-2010, 06:36 AM

Thank you Lee
I will also review the old threads
Ed

AdrianM · 02-01-2010, 04:08 AM

The TCs that I know to be compatible with the DA*300 are the Kenko Pz 1.5x TELEPLUS SHQ or the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4. I own both of these and they work well on the DA*300, although autofocus sometimes hunts unless light is reasonably strong, so for chasing birds in flight I usually resort to 'catch in focus'. I don't think these can be bought new. I bought mine second hand. These also work with other SDM lenses such as the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II HSM.

Don't confuse the two TCs above with the P-AF 1.5X TELEPLUS MC which is still available new. The P-AF dos not have the SDM contacts.

imtheguy · 02-01-2010, 07:57 AM

Thanks Adrian for the quick lesson on 1.5x TCs. I never knew how to specify which Kenko 1.5x supported SDM until now....same as the Tammys, just look for Pz in the name as there is also the Tamron 1.4x that does not work and whose title does not contain Pz.

edit- Adrian, may I ask which of the two Pz models you would choose for your DA*300 as the more consistant focusing and/or better IQ of the two? Thanks.

asdf · 02-01-2010, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by imtheguy

Thanks Adrian for the quick lesson on 1.5x TCs. I never knew how to specify which Kenko 1.5x supported SDM until now....same as the Tammys, just look for Pz in the name as there is also the Tamron 1.4x that does not work and whose title does not contain Pz.

Also look for "SHQ". I have a Kenko Pz teleconverter with the power zoom connectors but not the "SHQ" version and it doesn't work with SDM.

imtheguy · 02-01-2010, 08:09 AM

Originally posted by asdf

Also look for "SHQ". I have a Kenko Pz teleconverter with the power zoom connectors but not the "SHQ" version and it doesn't work with SDM.

Thanks for the update.

Ed, you are now ready to look for a 1.4x or 1.5x TC.

Blue · 02-01-2010, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by imtheguy

You should be able to find a number of old threads on this topic but I can give you my summary right quick. The only semi-readily available 1.4x TC that supports AF is the Tamron Pz-AF MC4. Even with that one AF can be spotty. I use it on bright days only. I don't know of a 2x TC that actually auto focuses with the DA*300mm.

It actually depends on whether you mean AF or SDM AF. This is where the confusion comes in. There are several good AF options out there for screw drive AF, just not SDM.

asdf · 02-01-2010, 09:59 AM

Originally posted by Blue

It actually depends on whether you mean AF or SDM AF. This is where the confusion comes in. There are several good AF options out there for screw drive AF, just not SDM.

The Kenko+DA* 300 f/4 combination I mentioned has no AF whatsoever and it only confuses K20D: the Fn menu disappears after a second and the focus indicator does not work.

borno · 02-01-2010, 10:02 AM

I tried two different kenko 1.5x pz-shq TC's on my DA300mm and though they would work the focus, it was too erratic IMO. The only one that would work reliably for me was the pentax 1.7x autofocus adapter.

imtheguy · 02-01-2010, 10:18 AM

Originally posted by Blue

It actually depends on whether you mean AF or SDM AF. This is where the confusion comes in. There are several good AF options out there for screw drive AF, just not SDM.

If you know of a 1.4 or 2x TC that can use the DA*300 on a K20D in screw drive mode please don't hold me in suspense. I would be happy to try it if it doesnot involve shorting out the SDM contacts per recent thread. Thanks.

Blue · 02-01-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by imtheguy

If you know of a 1.4 or 2x TC that can use the DA*300 on a K20D in screw drive mode please don't hold me in suspense. I would be happy to try it if it doesnot involve shorting out the SDM contacts per recent thread. Thanks.

No, I was referring to AF on screw drive only lenses such as the FA* 300mm lens. That's one of the reasons people are wanting Pentax to do a Firmware update to allow the ability to turn of SDM in order to use a screw drive TC. The one exception is an early firmware version of the K10d which was pre-SDM.

AdrianM · 02-01-2010, 02:06 PM

Responding to Lee's question as to which TC is the better with the DA*300, the Kenko or Tamron, I can't give an instant reponse. I only got my Tamron off e-bay in the last week and haven't given it a real test beyond checking that it worked on a couple of lenses and seemed to give good results. However, looking at these two, I would say that they are absolutely identical in manufacture, because the only difference I can find is the external markings for the name. I was amused that one is a 1.5 and the other is a 1.4, so an exercise for this weekend is to measure what they actually do. The photos on my Gallery entries have been using the Kenko 1.5x, and I am very happy with it.

AdrianM · 02-01-2010, 02:12 PM

... and responding to the other question on screw drive, both the Kenko Pz-AF 1.5x SHQ and the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 have scrw drive as well as SDM, and work well on screw drive lenses. The Kenko P-AF 1.5x TELEPLUS MC (available from photo4less) has screw drive only.

Klaus · 02-01-2010, 02:43 PM

I got the DA*300/4, the Kenko pz-af 1.5x SHQ and a Pentax A 2X-S.

The Kenko doesn't autofocus well with my K10D. SDM works, but only if I prefocus manually close to the object it will lock focus. I have read that with the K20 and with the K7 it works better. The image quality is not bad, but a little soft. Definitly it could be better, but you still gain detail in comparisn to the 300 without TC at 100% view.

The Pentax A 2X-S has great optical quality, clearly better then the Kenko. Excellent details at 100% view. Evidently no autofocus, behaves like an A-lens (anyway, with f=8 AF won't work very well). Focus trap works fine (I assigned AF to the AF-button only; if I want focus trap I push AF and shutter release buttons at a time, and move the focussing ring.

As effective scale increase I have measured 1,52x with the Kenko, and 2,0 with the Pentax.

Best regards - Klaus

01-30-2010, 09:00 PM	#1
EdB New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery Posts: 7	*Teleconverter for DA300mmF4 ED IF HSM** I just bought a DA*300mmF4 ED IF SDM and I am contemplating buying a teleconverter, either a 1.4X or a 2.0X. I have a K20D What high quality 1.4X TC's are available ? What functions do they maintain or not maintain on my K20D ? Same questions for the 2X TC. Thanks for your help Ed

02-01-2010, 07:57 AM	#5
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	Thanks Adrian for the quick lesson on 1.5x TCs. I never knew how to specify which Kenko 1.5x supported SDM until now....same as the Tammys, just look for Pz in the name as there is also the Tamron 1.4x that does not work and whose title does not contain Pz. edit- Adrian, may I ask which of the two Pz models you would choose for your DA300 as the more consistant focusing and/or better IQ of the two? Thanks. Last edited by imtheguy; 02-01-2010 at 08:03 AM.*

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01-31-2010, 12:28 AM	#2
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	You should be able to find a number of old threads on this topic but I can give you my summary right quick. The only semi-readily available 1.4x TC that supports AF is the Tamron Pz-AF MC4. Even with that one AF can be spotty. I use it on bright days only. I don't know of a 2x TC that actually auto focuses with the DA*300mm.

01-31-2010, 06:36 AM	#3
EdB New Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal Photos: Gallery Posts: 7 Original Poster	Thank you Lee I will also review the old threads Ed

02-01-2010, 04:08 AM	#4
AdrianM Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ipswich, Queensland, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 589	The TCs that I know to be compatible with the DA300 are the Kenko Pz 1.5x TELEPLUS SHQ or the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4. I own both of these and they work well on the DA300, although autofocus sometimes hunts unless light is reasonably strong, so for chasing birds in flight I usually resort to 'catch in focus'. I don't think these can be bought new. I bought mine second hand. These also work with other SDM lenses such as the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 II HSM. Don't confuse the two TCs above with the P-AF 1.5X TELEPLUS MC which is still available new. The P-AF dos not have the SDM contacts.

02-01-2010, 07:59 AM	#6
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by imtheguy Thanks Adrian for the quick lesson on 1.5x TCs. I never knew how to specify which Kenko 1.5x supported SDM until now....same as the Tammys, just look for Pz in the name as there is also the Tamron 1.4x that does not work and whose title does not contain Pz. Also look for "SHQ". I have a Kenko Pz teleconverter with the power zoom connectors but not the "SHQ" version and it doesn't work with SDM.

02-01-2010, 08:09 AM	#7
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	Originally posted by asdf Also look for "SHQ". I have a Kenko Pz teleconverter with the power zoom connectors but not the "SHQ" version and it doesn't work with SDM. Thanks for the update. Ed, you are now ready to look for a 1.4x or 1.5x TC.

02-01-2010, 09:55 AM	#8
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by imtheguy You should be able to find a number of old threads on this topic but I can give you my summary right quick. The only semi-readily available 1.4x TC that supports AF is the Tamron Pz-AF MC4. Even with that one AF can be spotty. I use it on bright days only. I don't know of a 2x TC that actually auto focuses with the DA*300mm. It actually depends on whether you mean AF or SDM AF. This is where the confusion comes in. There are several good AF options out there for screw drive AF, just not SDM.

02-01-2010, 09:59 AM	#9
asdf Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 1,252	Originally posted by Blue It actually depends on whether you mean AF or SDM AF. This is where the confusion comes in. There are several good AF options out there for screw drive AF, just not SDM. The Kenko+DA* 300 f/4 combination I mentioned has no AF whatsoever and it only confuses K20D: the Fn menu disappears after a second and the focus indicator does not work.

02-01-2010, 10:02 AM	#10
borno Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: md-usa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,580	I tried two different kenko 1.5x pz-shq TC's on my DA300mm and though they would work the focus, it was too erratic IMO. The only one that would work reliably for me was the pentax 1.7x autofocus adapter.

02-01-2010, 10:18 AM	#11
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	Originally posted by Blue It actually depends on whether you mean AF or SDM AF. This is where the confusion comes in. There are several good AF options out there for screw drive AF, just not SDM. If you know of a 1.4 or 2x TC that can use the DA*300 on a K20D in screw drive mode please don't hold me in suspense. I would be happy to try it if it doesnot involve shorting out the SDM contacts per recent thread. Thanks.

02-01-2010, 10:27 AM	#12
Blue Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Florida Hill Country Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,377	Originally posted by imtheguy If you know of a 1.4 or 2x TC that can use the DA300 on a K20D in screw drive mode please don't hold me in suspense. I would be happy to try it if it doesnot involve shorting out the SDM contacts per recent thread. Thanks. No, I was referring to AF on screw drive only lenses such as the FA 300mm lens. That's one of the reasons people are wanting Pentax to do a Firmware update to allow the ability to turn of SDM in order to use a screw drive TC. The one exception is an early firmware version of the K10d which was pre-SDM.

02-01-2010, 02:06 PM	#13
AdrianM Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ipswich, Queensland, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 589	Responding to Lee's question as to which TC is the better with the DA*300, the Kenko or Tamron, I can't give an instant reponse. I only got my Tamron off e-bay in the last week and haven't given it a real test beyond checking that it worked on a couple of lenses and seemed to give good results. However, looking at these two, I would say that they are absolutely identical in manufacture, because the only difference I can find is the external markings for the name. I was amused that one is a 1.5 and the other is a 1.4, so an exercise for this weekend is to measure what they actually do. The photos on my Gallery entries have been using the Kenko 1.5x, and I am very happy with it.

02-01-2010, 02:12 PM	#14
AdrianM Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ipswich, Queensland, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 589	... and responding to the other question on screw drive, both the Kenko Pz-AF 1.5x SHQ and the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 have scrw drive as well as SDM, and work well on screw drive lenses. The Kenko P-AF 1.5x TELEPLUS MC (available from photo4less) has screw drive only.

02-01-2010, 02:43 PM	#15
Klaus Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Murcia, Spain Photos: Gallery Posts: 100	I got the DA*300/4, the Kenko pz-af 1.5x SHQ and a Pentax A 2X-S. The Kenko doesn't autofocus well with my K10D. SDM works, but only if I prefocus manually close to the object it will lock focus. I have read that with the K20 and with the K7 it works better. The image quality is not bad, but a little soft. Definitly it could be better, but you still gain detail in comparisn to the 300 without TC at 100% view. The Pentax A 2X-S has great optical quality, clearly better then the Kenko. Excellent details at 100% view. Evidently no autofocus, behaves like an A-lens (anyway, with f=8 AF won't work very well). Focus trap works fine (I assigned AF to the AF-button only; if I want focus trap I push AF and shutter release buttons at a time, and move the focussing ring. As effective scale increase I have measured 1,52x with the Kenko, and 2,0 with the Pentax. Best regards - Klaus