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Early samples from K-x + 55-300mm + Kenko 1.5x Teleconverter
Posted By: flippedgazelle, 04-16-2010, 04:34 PM

Wednesday afternoon I took receipt of a Kenko 1.5x Teleplus TC (not the Pz-AF). Autofocus works (slowly) with the K-x/DA L 55-300mm combo, but to run thru then lens' full gamut takes about 7 seconds. AF works a tad better than I thought it would; it works on a cloudy day, but must have a goodly amount of contrast in order to lock. MF, OTOH, stinks. The MF ring on the 55-300mm feels all stiff and gritty with the Kenko TC attached, whereas normally it's smooth (albeit a tad too loose for my taste).

Any, here's a trio of early field examples for those who are curious. All shots are full frame:

goose @ 170mm + 1.5x TC


robin @ 300mm + 1.5x TC


tiny turtle @ 300mm + 1.5x TC

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04-16-2010, 05:02 PM   #2
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Very impressive shots, I have always wanted to pick up the 55-300 and your photos make me want to buy it right now. My favorite is the second one of the robin, the colors are great and the photo looks relatively sharp as well.

Thanks for sharing,
Cory
04-16-2010, 06:18 PM   #3
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Flippedgazelle, where are you from?

These are all awesome photos too, I love the one of the robin on that branch, I've been trying to get a photo like that for years. Looks like the lens does pretty well with a teleconverter, I wonder what aperture you were shooting at and if it was a lot harder to get some good photos?
04-16-2010, 06:22 PM   #4
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Fantastic...I need to pick up a Kenko 1.5x for my 55-300!

04-16-2010, 07:32 PM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by jct us101 Quote
Flippedgazelle, where are you from?

These are all awesome photos too, I love the one of the robin on that branch, I've been trying to get a photo like that for years. Looks like the lens does pretty well with a teleconverter, I wonder what aperture you were shooting at and if it was a lot harder to get some good photos?
I'm a New Jerseyan, born & bred. I've lived in the NW corner of the state my whole life.

The robin shot was f/8, ISO 1600 & 1/250s shutter.

It's definitely harder to get good photos. The SR of the camera is not very effective, in part because the reported focal length is 300mm, but with the TC is actually 450mm, so the camera isn't compensating for shake properly.

The good news is that due to the K-x's good high-ISO performance, it's a good match for the TC. You can increase the ISO in order to keep a fast shutter.

Last edited by flippedgazelle; 04-16-2010 at 10:26 PM.
04-16-2010, 07:33 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by PentX Girl Quote
Fantastic...I need to pick up a Kenko 1.5x for my 55-300!
If you can hold off... I have a Kenko 2x TC on the way. I plan on doing some field tests comparing the 1.5x and 2x TC's with the 55-300, in several different scenarios.
04-16-2010, 08:20 PM   #7
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I have been seeing a lot of very nice bird photos with the 55-300 lately and am seriously considering buying one.

04-17-2010, 08:00 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by timstone Quote
I have been seeing a lot of very nice bird photos with the 55-300 lately and am seriously considering buying one.
I don't think you can find anybody with an unkind word about the 55-300.
04-17-2010, 08:22 AM   #9
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Well I think it may be my next lens...whenever that may be! Over the last few days there were times when I could have gotten some great bird shots if I had a long lens.
06-12-2010, 07:37 PM   #10
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Excellent results! Im sold on the lens!
06-12-2010, 07:50 PM   #11
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Looks great!
Have you tried other lenghts yet?
Please post more!
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