Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!

sbluems · 03-23-2010, 06:59 PM

Can ayone tell me if the optics (and/or other features) in a $200+ sigma tc is noticeably better than a $75 Kenko or Vivitar, etc. Also, if I am going to invest the money into a 70-200 f2.8 sigma w/HSM, should I just accept the fact that it will only work properly with a Sigma tc (and not with a "fourth party" tc)?

imtheguy · 03-23-2010, 07:46 PM

If I may help re-ask your question; what TCs work well with the Sigma 70-200/2.8 HSM? I'm sure some members have that combo they are happy with. Also I recommend you start by reading the reviews on 3rd party TCs in the Lense Review section of the Forum for general likes/dislikes on the TCs you might be looking at.

Hope that helps.

Ben_Edict · 03-24-2010, 04:09 AM

Originally posted by sbluems

Can ayone tell me if the optics (and/or other features) in a $200+ sigma tc is noticeably better than a $75 Kenko or Vivitar, etc. Also, if I am going to invest the money into a 70-200 f2.8 sigma w/HSM, should I just accept the fact that it will only work properly with a Sigma tc (and not with a "fourth party" tc)?

If you want to use the tc with the Sigma 70-200/2.8 mainly, you should buy the original Sigma tcs. With the Sigma Apo 1.4x tc you will not see any loss in image quality with that lens. It is just awesome. Even the Apo 2.0x tc is a good combination with that lens. Thi combo is great and offers also great versatility. No other tc will give you that quality on that lens.

But I would wait, as Sigma will sooner or later release an HSM/SDM version of these tcs. Or you buy and older screwdriver AF 70-200/2.8 and the matching tcs…

Ben

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-24-2010, 04:45 AM

Note that at present the sigma TCs do not support HSM and you will be stuck with manual focus

Also note that sigma TCs will NOT fit on many lenses due to the protruding front element. which requires a 35mm diameter 12mm deep recess in the ack of the lens.

I use both 1.4x and 2x sigma TCs on my APO 70-200F2.8 EX (Non GD Non Macro Non HSM) and they perform very well, with virtually no loss of IQ.

If sigma comes out with similar TCs for their HSM line I would recommend them, if you are considering using TCs only with the 70-200, in my opinion you may be better off getting a used non HSM version., The screw drive versions focus just fine based upon my experience.

I can;'t comment about differing IQ between the 4 later versions of the lens since I bought mine, but I have never had any cause to want a better lens.

Ivor K Ecks · 03-24-2010, 04:48 AM

According to Sigmas website the APO tc's will not AF with the 70-200 f2.8 II APO EX DG HSM macro on a Pentax body. They state that you can on MF.
It was one of the reasons i decided to but the tamron 70-200 f2.8 instead.
Maybe someone with that combination could verify or deny that.

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-24-2010, 04:29 PM

Originally posted by Ivor K Ecks

According to Sigmas website the APO tc's will not AF with the 70-200 f2.8 II APO EX DG HSM macro on a Pentax body. They state that you can on MF.
It was one of the reasons i decided to but the tamron 70-200 f2.8 instead.
Maybe someone with that combination could verify or deny that.

See my post above. Perhaps I was not clear enough.

the present sigma 2x TC in pentax mount is a KAF mount not KAF2 mount, meaning it is missing the power contacts for the motor in the lens. Therefore there is no HSM function due to no power. The HSM lens, I believe does not have screw drive.

sbluems · 03-24-2010, 06:12 PM

If I did go with the Tamron would I have enough AF speed to photograph sports?
What options would I then have as far as tcs?

**Lowell Goudge** · 03-24-2010, 06:57 PM

Originally posted by sbluems

If I did go with the Tamron would I have enough AF speed to photograph sports?
What options would I then have as far as tcs?

Sorry I cant really help further.

There are a couple of third party TC's from the 1990's made for pentax Power Zoom lenses, which function. I think the most reliable is the tamron, but all are somewhat rare.

This has been one lacking thing in pentax's line up, a TC for a long time

by the way, I have the sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX and both 1.4 and 2x TCs, You might want to look at used market they work great.

**James also** · 03-30-2010, 02:37 AM

I was starrting to feel a little worried reading this column as I have just bought a Sigma 70 - 200mm f2.8 EX DG HSM. straight to the destructions. It states "The lens can be used with Sigmas 1.4x Ex DG Apo or 2x EX DG Apo Tele converters". It then goes on to say, "The Pentax mount Tele converter is not compatible with this particular lense."

Looks like I'll be taking my lens and camera in to try out the teleconverter first.

James

Ben_Edict · 03-30-2010, 04:34 AM

Originally posted by James also

I was starrting to feel a little worried reading this column as I have just bought a Sigma 70 - 200mm f2.8 EX DG HSM. straight to the destructions. It states "The lens can be used with Sigmas 1.4x Ex DG Apo or 2x EX DG Apo Tele converters". It then goes on to say, "The Pentax mount Tele converter is not compatible with this particular lense."

Looks like I'll be taking my lens and camera in to try out the teleconverter first.

James

You'll be hard pressed to find a matching SDM-compatible tc in the shops right now. YOur best bets are the old Tamron 1.4x tcs and Kenko 1.5x tcs. Butz do a in-depth search in this forum first (there is a very long Tamron tc thread, which contains a lot of useful info), because only certain model versions will work with SDM.

Sooner or later, Sigma will surely release SDM compatible Apo tcs.

Ben

George Lama · 03-30-2010, 06:39 PM

It's very confusing how the compatibility info is presented on the Sigma site.

If you go to the Sigma site and look at the 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM, then click on accessories, it will list both TCs as options:
70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APOMacro HSM II - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com

According to the TC Compatibility Chart, the 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM is supported with AF.
Lens - Teleconverter Compatability Chart

If you look at the fine print below the chart, it clearly states that for Pentax, only MF is available.

However, if you dig even deeper, you will find out that the TCs are not compatible at all with HSM lenses on Pentax mounts:
Notice to customers using Sigma Tele Converters for Pentax mount | sigmaphoto.com

I know this because I spent hours digging around researching the 50-150 and 70-200 HSM lenses (including their new OS line) only to find out that no TC is compatible with these HSM lenses, manual or otherwise. Very disappointing to say the least.

sbluems · 03-31-2010, 06:16 PM

How do you find the AF speed? I will be shooting wildlife and sports. I realize that the Sigma HSM is faster thanTamron's screw drive, but in your opinion is the Tamron that terribly slow?

sbluems · 03-31-2010, 06:18 PM

Let me know what you find out. Unfortunately, I dont think they'll work w/HSM.

ivoire · 03-31-2010, 06:29 PM

In owned the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM and their 1.4x tc, Kenko 1.5x tc and Kenko 2x tc would not auto focus

George Lama · 03-31-2010, 07:45 PM

Still on the hunt - just found the Bower TC while scanning the offerings at B&H Photo.

Bower | SX4PK 2x Telextender | SX4PK | B&H Photo Video

Though they claim it will provide AF capabilities, information on the specs seems somewhat contradictory.

03-23-2010, 06:59 PM	#1
sbluems New Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: East of the glades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11	Teleconverters: Dollars vs. Quality Can ayone tell me if the optics (and/or other features) in a $200+ sigma tc is noticeably better than a $75 Kenko or Vivitar, etc. Also, if I am going to invest the money into a 70-200 f2.8 sigma w/HSM, should I just accept the fact that it will only work properly with a Sigma tc (and not with a "fourth party" tc)?

03-30-2010, 02:37 AM	#9
James also Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 332	Tele converters with a 70-200 I was starrting to feel a little worried reading this column as I have just bought a Sigma 70 - 200mm f2.8 EX DG HSM. straight to the destructions. It states "The lens can be used with Sigmas 1.4x Ex DG Apo or 2x EX DG Apo Tele converters". It then goes on to say, "The Pentax mount Tele converter is not compatible with this particular lense." Looks like I'll be taking my lens and camera in to try out the teleconverter first. James

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
205 Million Dollars in Cash	joodiespost	General Talk	9	10-12-2010 05:38 AM
How to waste 5 billion dollars	jeffkrol	General Talk	4	10-04-2010 11:22 AM
For Sale - Sold: Quality Lenses, Teleconverters, Flash	skamaraju	Sold Items	12	09-04-2009 05:00 AM
For Sale - Sold: Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1 150 DOLLARS!	Ari	Sold Items	5	07-28-2009 01:09 PM
Your tax dollars at work	regken	Post Your Photos!	2	10-16-2007 02:57 AM

03-23-2010, 07:46 PM	#2
imtheguy Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Virginia Beach Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,950	If I may help re-ask your question; what TCs work well with the Sigma 70-200/2.8 HSM? I'm sure some members have that combo they are happy with. Also I recommend you start by reading the reviews on 3rd party TCs in the Lense Review section of the Forum for general likes/dislikes on the TCs you might be looking at. Hope that helps.

03-24-2010, 04:09 AM	#3
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by sbluems Can ayone tell me if the optics (and/or other features) in a $200+ sigma tc is noticeably better than a $75 Kenko or Vivitar, etc. Also, if I am going to invest the money into a 70-200 f2.8 sigma w/HSM, should I just accept the fact that it will only work properly with a Sigma tc (and not with a "fourth party" tc)? If you want to use the tc with the Sigma 70-200/2.8 mainly, you should buy the original Sigma tcs. With the Sigma Apo 1.4x tc you will not see any loss in image quality with that lens. It is just awesome. Even the Apo 2.0x tc is a good combination with that lens. Thi combo is great and offers also great versatility. No other tc will give you that quality on that lens. But I would wait, as Sigma will sooner or later release an HSM/SDM version of these tcs. Or you buy and older screwdriver AF 70-200/2.8 and the matching tcs… Ben

03-24-2010, 04:45 AM	#4
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Note that at present the sigma TCs do not support HSM and you will be stuck with manual focus Also note that sigma TCs will NOT fit on many lenses due to the protruding front element. which requires a 35mm diameter 12mm deep recess in the ack of the lens. I use both 1.4x and 2x sigma TCs on my APO 70-200F2.8 EX (Non GD Non Macro Non HSM) and they perform very well, with virtually no loss of IQ. If sigma comes out with similar TCs for their HSM line I would recommend them, if you are considering using TCs only with the 70-200, in my opinion you may be better off getting a used non HSM version., The screw drive versions focus just fine based upon my experience. I can;'t comment about differing IQ between the 4 later versions of the lens since I bought mine, but I have never had any cause to want a better lens.

03-24-2010, 04:48 AM	#5
Ivor K Ecks Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Albums Posts: 294	According to Sigmas website the APO tc's will not AF with the 70-200 f2.8 II APO EX DG HSM macro on a Pentax body. They state that you can on MF. It was one of the reasons i decided to but the tamron 70-200 f2.8 instead. Maybe someone with that combination could verify or deny that.

03-24-2010, 04:29 PM	#6
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by Ivor K Ecks According to Sigmas website the APO tc's will not AF with the 70-200 f2.8 II APO EX DG HSM macro on a Pentax body. They state that you can on MF. It was one of the reasons i decided to but the tamron 70-200 f2.8 instead. Maybe someone with that combination could verify or deny that. See my post above. Perhaps I was not clear enough. the present sigma 2x TC in pentax mount is a KAF mount not KAF2 mount, meaning it is missing the power contacts for the motor in the lens. Therefore there is no HSM function due to no power. The HSM lens, I believe does not have screw drive.

03-24-2010, 06:12 PM	#7
sbluems New Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: East of the glades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11 Original Poster	If I did go with the Tamron would I have enough AF speed to photograph sports? What options would I then have as far as tcs?

03-24-2010, 06:57 PM	#8
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,892	Originally posted by sbluems If I did go with the Tamron would I have enough AF speed to photograph sports? What options would I then have as far as tcs? Sorry I cant really help further. There are a couple of third party TC's from the 1990's made for pentax Power Zoom lenses, which function. I think the most reliable is the tamron, but all are somewhat rare. This has been one lacking thing in pentax's line up, a TC for a long time by the way, I have the sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX and both 1.4 and 2x TCs, You might want to look at used market they work great.

03-30-2010, 04:34 AM	#10
Ben_Edict Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SouthWest "Regio" Photos: Albums Posts: 3,309	Originally posted by James also I was starrting to feel a little worried reading this column as I have just bought a Sigma 70 - 200mm f2.8 EX DG HSM. straight to the destructions. It states "The lens can be used with Sigmas 1.4x Ex DG Apo or 2x EX DG Apo Tele converters". It then goes on to say, "The Pentax mount Tele converter is not compatible with this particular lense." Looks like I'll be taking my lens and camera in to try out the teleconverter first. James You'll be hard pressed to find a matching SDM-compatible tc in the shops right now. YOur best bets are the old Tamron 1.4x tcs and Kenko 1.5x tcs. Butz do a in-depth search in this forum first (there is a very long Tamron tc thread, which contains a lot of useful info), because only certain model versions will work with SDM. Sooner or later, Sigma will surely release SDM compatible Apo tcs. Ben

03-30-2010, 06:39 PM	#11
George Lama Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buffalo/Rochester, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 1,133	It's very confusing how the compatibility info is presented on the Sigma site. If you go to the Sigma site and look at the 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM, then click on accessories, it will list both TCs as options: 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APOMacro HSM II - Telephoto Zoom Lenses - SigmaPhoto.com According to the TC Compatibility Chart, the 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM is supported with AF. Lens - Teleconverter Compatability Chart If you look at the fine print below the chart, it clearly states that for Pentax, only MF is available. However, if you dig even deeper, you will find out that the TCs are not compatible at all with HSM lenses on Pentax mounts: Notice to customers using Sigma Tele Converters for Pentax mount \| sigmaphoto.com I know this because I spent hours digging around researching the 50-150 and 70-200 HSM lenses (including their new OS line) only to find out that no TC is compatible with these HSM lenses, manual or otherwise. Very disappointing to say the least.

03-31-2010, 06:16 PM	#12
sbluems New Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: East of the glades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11 Original Poster	How do you find the AF speed? I will be shooting wildlife and sports. I realize that the Sigma HSM is faster thanTamron's screw drive, but in your opinion is the Tamron that terribly slow?

03-31-2010, 06:18 PM	#13
sbluems New Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: East of the glades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11 Original Poster	Let me know what you find out. Unfortunately, I dont think they'll work w/HSM.

03-31-2010, 06:29 PM	#14
ivoire Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,381	In owned the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM and their 1.4x tc, Kenko 1.5x tc and Kenko 2x tc would not auto focus

03-31-2010, 07:45 PM	#15
George Lama Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Buffalo/Rochester, NY Photos: Albums Posts: 1,133	Still on the hunt - just found the Bower TC while scanning the offerings at B&H Photo. Bower \| SX4PK 2x Telextender \| SX4PK \| B&H Photo Video Though they claim it will provide AF capabilities, information on the specs seems somewhat contradictory.

Teleconverters: Dollars vs. Quality

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!