The Pentax HD PENTAX-DA AF Rear Converter 1.4X AW (and any lens) Club

RockvilleBob · 10-23-2015, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by jpzk

I quickly found out about loosing IQ when using a TC, any TC for that matter and, yes, this HD TC is great but it also makes me wonder if I should get the 150-450mm Pentax lens now.
A good 500mm prime, such as your Sigma, with great IQ should suffice for my needs, if I ever can find a good used one.
Something to seriously think about before spending so much on one lens.

Cheers!

JP

I did get mine used, I think Travis pointed me to it awhile ago. I really like this lens. I hope you have the same luck that I had JP

kh1234567890 · 10-30-2015, 02:52 PM

Has anyone used this TC with the DA70 Ltd ? Any pointers to such photos would be appreciated ...

rick pafford · 11-12-2015, 02:23 PM

Will this better than a tamron 1.4 or kenko 1.5?

**Weevil** · 11-12-2015, 04:14 PM

Originally posted by rick pafford

Will this better than a tamron 1.4 or kenko 1.5?

Yes... I can confirm it's much better! I sold all other TC, and just kept this one.

audiobomber · 11-12-2015, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by rick pafford

Will this better than a tamron 1.4 or kenko 1.5?

The Kenko Teleplus SHQ PZ 1.5X and Tamron 1.4X Pz AF (reputedly the same lens, Teleconverter magnification comparison. (5 imgs): Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review), are close in IQ to the Pentax HD 1.4X, IMO (I own a Kenko and Pentax).

There is a huge difference in ability to auto-focus between my two TC's. I notice no difference in AF with screw lenses. With SDM and DC lenses, the Pentax auto-focusses quickly and accurately, the Kenko does not.

RockvilleBob · 11-15-2015, 05:36 PM - **3 Likes**

K-3 with Sigma 500 and Pentax 1.4 TC

rvannatta · 12-06-2015, 09:37 PM

Amazon has been pedaling the New Pentax converter for $385 or thereabouts which makes it irresistable. I've now got one, but am no stranger to converters as I own at least 4 other Pentax converters... The Pentax-A 1.4x-L, the Pentax-A 2x-L
the pentax-A 1.4x-S (for stacking with an -L converter, and also the Pentax F 1.7x adapter.

I have no intention of disposing of the older models at they are FF, and I have FF super telephotos such as the Pentax-A 400 f2.8 and the Pentax FA-600 f4. i don't see a lot of comparisons between pentax converters on this thread???

Since it supports auto focus, I don't have a lot of reluctance to use this one where auto focus is significant, but what about stacking it with and old -L converter, or should it be the converter of choice on my manual focus glass?

Those Dash-L converters have a pretty good reputation but? any observations.

audiobomber · 12-07-2015, 05:20 AM

From anything I've heard, the HD 1.4X is FF compatible.

I tried the Pentax HD TC with my Kenko PZ 1.5X but results were disappointing. IQ was similar to the Pentax A 2X-S, i.e. not sufficient for 100% crops, which means "not sharp" by my definition. I will be interested to hear how the new Pentax 1.4X compares to the A 1.4X-L. I'm pretty sure it will beat any 2X TC, and it is reported to be sharper than the 1.7X.

rvannatta · 12-08-2015, 07:59 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

From anything I've heard, the HD 1.4X is FF compatible.

I tried the Pentax HD TC with my Kenko PZ 1.5X but results were disappointing. IQ was similar to the Pentax A 2X-S, i.e. not sufficient for 100% crops, which means "not sharp" by my definition. I will be interested to hear how the new Pentax 1.4X compares to the A 1.4X-L. I'm pretty sure it will beat any 2X TC, and it is reported to be sharper than the 1.7X.

Not sure of the FF. the instructions do list the bodies that the converter works (focuses) on and the list is very short---just the latest bodies which include the K5II and K5IIs but
not the original K-5 or older models. The K-3 and various down line models are on the list but not many. It's sort of sad that while Pentax has assured that every pentax
lens ever made will work in some fashion on their cameras, that they produce a converter documented to not work on a camera as recent as the K-5...

For my part I have a K3 that I use mostly, but my beloved k-5 isn't far away....

pid · 12-11-2015, 04:38 PM

Originally posted by rvannatta

Not sure of the FF. the instructions do list the bodies that the converter works (focuses) on and the list is very short---just the latest bodies which include the K5II and K5IIs but
not the original K-5 or older models. The K-3 and various down line models are on the list but not many. It's sort of sad that while Pentax has assured that every pentax
lens ever made will work in some fashion on their cameras, that they produce a converter documented to not work on a camera as recent as the K-5...

For my part I have a K3 that I use mostly, but my beloved k-5 isn't far away....

who says the HD 1.4x TC wouldn't work with the original K-5? For sure it does and it works great without any problems. The A 1.4x-L TC is a little bit better than the HD 1.4x TC. In fact the A 1.4x-L TC doesn't decrease the IQ of my DA*200/2.8 at all. It is perfect to stack with the DA HD 1.4x TC. But the A 1.4x-L TC can not be used with the DA*300/4! The only DA Lens which fits to the A 1.4x-L TC is the DA*200/2.8. The two Converters are my lightweight travel combi with the DA*200/2.8. You can easy get a 280/4 and 380/5.6 out of your DA*200/2.8 with minimum weight and space in your bagadge. The IQ is very good because the A 1.4x-L does not decrease the IQ of the DA*200/2.8. ... perfect combination. Best results you get if you close the Aperture one step, as always ;-)

rvannatta · 12-12-2015, 07:21 PM

Originally posted by pid

who says the HD 1.4x TC wouldn't work with the original K-5? For sure it does and it works great without any problems. The A 1.4x-L TC is a little bit better than the HD 1.4x TC. In fact the A 1.4x-L TC doesn't decrease the IQ of my DA*200/2.8 at all. It is perfect to stack with the DA HD 1.4x TC. But the A 1.4x-L TC can not be used with the DA*300/4! The only DA Lens which fits to the A 1.4x-L TC is the DA*200/2.8. The two Converters are my lightweight travel combi with the DA*200/2.8. You can easy get a 280/4 and 380/5.6 out of your DA*200/2.8 with minimum weight and space in your bagadge. The IQ is very good because the A 1.4x-L does not decrease the IQ of the DA*200/2.8. ... perfect combination. Best results you get if you close the Aperture one step, as always ;-)

I flat out mis read the doesn't work list as far as as the K- goes. I've been tryng to assemble a light weight travel bad for my planned Alaska trip next summer. What just arrived to complement the HD 1.4xTC is an F*300 f/4.5
I'm really sort of thrilled. The f*300 f.4.5 is pretty close to the smallest 300mm lens ever made--- certainly by pentax--- about 2 lbs --- and visible smaller and lighter than either the DA 300 for the DA 60-250 -- 31 oz(880 grams) for the F*300, compared to 37.7 oz( for the DA-300, and 36.7 oz for the DA*60-250.

Previously, I've had all heavyweights, such as the FA*300 f/2.8 at 88 oz.(2.49kilo) and the A-f2.8 at 105 oz. (2.97k)

Guess the message here is--if the lens comes in a metal clad wooden crate it's probably not light.

then of course there is the DAI 150-450 @2000 g (70.5 oz.) but no crate. LBA is tempting me, but the old F300 and the HD 1.4x will accomplish the same result for half the cost and half the weight.

normhead · 12-12-2015, 08:07 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kh1234567890

Has anyone used this TC with the DA70 Ltd ? Any pointers to such photos would be appreciated ...

I use the TC with my Sigma 70 macro all the time, I can't see why it wouldn't work.

HD DA 1.4 TC and Sigma 70 macro.

kh1234567890 · 12-13-2015, 03:27 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I use the TC with my Sigma 70 macro all the time, I can't see why it wouldn't work.

Well, I had the TC for a few days before returning it. On the DA70 Ltd it worked but it made the lens very soft at wide apertures. I also tried it on a DA55-300 and DA50-200WR. With both of these it AF well on a K-5ii but I could see only a very slight advantage over cropping, rescaling and careful sharpening.

audiobomber · 12-13-2015, 05:03 AM

Originally posted by kh1234567890

Well, I had the TC for a few days before returning it. On the DA70 Ltd it worked but it made the lens very soft at wide apertures. I also tried it on a DA55-300 and DA50-200WR. With both of these it AF well on a K-5ii but I could see only a very slight advantage over cropping, rescaling and careful sharpening.

I'm not surprised about your results with consumer zooms. They are not sharp enough for a TC, IME.

Did you try calibrating with AF Adjust on the DA 70mm?

If I have to shoot wide open, I remove the TC and use the bare lens. Even closing down half a stop can make a difference. I find the HD TC brilliant on my D FA 100 macro and DA*300mm.

kh1234567890 · 12-13-2015, 09:25 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

Did you try calibrating with AF Adjust on the DA 70mm?

That made no difference, AF was not the problem.

11-12-2015, 02:23 PM	#273
rick pafford Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 75	Sigma 50-500 and 135-400 no os and no hsm Will this better than a tamron 1.4 or kenko 1.5?

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10-23-2015, 08:34 AM	#271
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	Originally posted by jpzk I quickly found out about loosing IQ when using a TC, any TC for that matter and, yes, this HD TC is great but it also makes me wonder if I should get the 150-450mm Pentax lens now. A good 500mm prime, such as your Sigma, with great IQ should suffice for my needs, if I ever can find a good used one. Something to seriously think about before spending so much on one lens. Cheers! JP I did get mine used, I think Travis pointed me to it awhile ago. I really like this lens. I hope you have the same luck that I had JP

10-30-2015, 02:52 PM	#272
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Has anyone used this TC with the DA70 Ltd ? Any pointers to such photos would be appreciated ...

11-12-2015, 04:14 PM	#274
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,444	Originally posted by rick pafford Will this better than a tamron 1.4 or kenko 1.5? Yes... I can confirm it's much better! I sold all other TC, and just kept this one.

11-12-2015, 06:06 PM	#275
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by rick pafford Will this better than a tamron 1.4 or kenko 1.5? The Kenko Teleplus SHQ PZ 1.5X and Tamron 1.4X Pz AF (reputedly the same lens, Teleconverter magnification comparison. (5 imgs): Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review), are close in IQ to the Pentax HD 1.4X, IMO (I own a Kenko and Pentax). There is a huge difference in ability to auto-focus between my two TC's. I notice no difference in AF with screw lenses. With SDM and DC lenses, the Pentax auto-focusses quickly and accurately, the Kenko does not.

11-15-2015, 05:36 PM - 3 Likes	#276
RockvilleBob Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Lewes DE USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,780	K-3 with Sigma 500 and Pentax 1.4 TC

12-06-2015, 09:37 PM	#277
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Amazon has been pedaling the New Pentax converter for $385 or thereabouts which makes it irresistable. I've now got one, but am no stranger to converters as I own at least 4 other Pentax converters... The Pentax-A 1.4x-L, the Pentax-A 2x-L the pentax-A 1.4x-S (for stacking with an -L converter, and also the Pentax F 1.7x adapter. I have no intention of disposing of the older models at they are FF, and I have FF super telephotos such as the Pentax-A 400 f2.8 and the Pentax FA-600 f4. i don't see a lot of comparisons between pentax converters on this thread??? Since it supports auto focus, I don't have a lot of reluctance to use this one where auto focus is significant, but what about stacking it with and old -L converter, or should it be the converter of choice on my manual focus glass? Those Dash-L converters have a pretty good reputation but? any observations.

12-07-2015, 05:20 AM	#278
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	From anything I've heard, the HD 1.4X is FF compatible. I tried the Pentax HD TC with my Kenko PZ 1.5X but results were disappointing. IQ was similar to the Pentax A 2X-S, i.e. not sufficient for 100% crops, which means "not sharp" by my definition. I will be interested to hear how the new Pentax 1.4X compares to the A 1.4X-L. I'm pretty sure it will beat any 2X TC, and it is reported to be sharper than the 1.7X.

12-08-2015, 07:59 AM	#279
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Originally posted by audiobomber From anything I've heard, the HD 1.4X is FF compatible. I tried the Pentax HD TC with my Kenko PZ 1.5X but results were disappointing. IQ was similar to the Pentax A 2X-S, i.e. not sufficient for 100% crops, which means "not sharp" by my definition. I will be interested to hear how the new Pentax 1.4X compares to the A 1.4X-L. I'm pretty sure it will beat any 2X TC, and it is reported to be sharper than the 1.7X. Not sure of the FF. the instructions do list the bodies that the converter works (focuses) on and the list is very short---just the latest bodies which include the K5II and K5IIs but not the original K-5 or older models. The K-3 and various down line models are on the list but not many. It's sort of sad that while Pentax has assured that every pentax lens ever made will work in some fashion on their cameras, that they produce a converter documented to not work on a camera as recent as the K-5... For my part I have a K3 that I use mostly, but my beloved k-5 isn't far away....

12-11-2015, 04:38 PM	#280
pid Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 567	Originally posted by rvannatta Not sure of the FF. the instructions do list the bodies that the converter works (focuses) on and the list is very short---just the latest bodies which include the K5II and K5IIs but not the original K-5 or older models. The K-3 and various down line models are on the list but not many. It's sort of sad that while Pentax has assured that every pentax lens ever made will work in some fashion on their cameras, that they produce a converter documented to not work on a camera as recent as the K-5... For my part I have a K3 that I use mostly, but my beloved k-5 isn't far away.... who says the HD 1.4x TC wouldn't work with the original K-5? For sure it does and it works great without any problems. The A 1.4x-L TC is a little bit better than the HD 1.4x TC. In fact the A 1.4x-L TC doesn't decrease the IQ of my DA200/2.8 at all. It is perfect to stack with the DA HD 1.4x TC. But the A 1.4x-L TC can not be used with the DA300/4! The only DA Lens which fits to the A 1.4x-L TC is the DA200/2.8. The two Converters are my lightweight travel combi with the DA200/2.8. You can easy get a 280/4 and 380/5.6 out of your DA200/2.8 with minimum weight and space in your bagadge. The IQ is very good because the A 1.4x-L does not decrease the IQ of the DA200/2.8. ... perfect combination. Best results you get if you close the Aperture one step, as always ;-)

12-12-2015, 07:21 PM	#281
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Originally posted by pid who says the HD 1.4x TC wouldn't work with the original K-5? For sure it does and it works great without any problems. The A 1.4x-L TC is a little bit better than the HD 1.4x TC. In fact the A 1.4x-L TC doesn't decrease the IQ of my DA200/2.8 at all. It is perfect to stack with the DA HD 1.4x TC. But the A 1.4x-L TC can not be used with the DA300/4! The only DA Lens which fits to the A 1.4x-L TC is the DA200/2.8. The two Converters are my lightweight travel combi with the DA200/2.8. You can easy get a 280/4 and 380/5.6 out of your DA200/2.8 with minimum weight and space in your bagadge. The IQ is very good because the A 1.4x-L does not decrease the IQ of the DA200/2.8. ... perfect combination. Best results you get if you close the Aperture one step, as always ;-) I flat out mis read the doesn't work list as far as as the K- goes. I've been tryng to assemble a light weight travel bad for my planned Alaska trip next summer. What just arrived to complement the HD 1.4xTC is an F300 f/4.5 I'm really sort of thrilled. The f300 f.4.5 is pretty close to the smallest 300mm lens ever made--- certainly by pentax--- about 2 lbs --- and visible smaller and lighter than either the DA 300 for the DA 60-250 -- 31 oz(880 grams) for the F300, compared to 37.7 oz( for the DA-300, and 36.7 oz for the DA60-250. Previously, I've had all heavyweights, such as the FA*300 f/2.8 at 88 oz.(2.49kilo) and the A-f2.8 at 105 oz. (2.97k) Guess the message here is--if the lens comes in a metal clad wooden crate it's probably not light. then of course there is the DAI 150-450 @2000 g (70.5 oz.) but no crate. LBA is tempting me, but the old F300 and the HD 1.4x will accomplish the same result for half the cost and half the weight.

12-12-2015, 08:07 PM - 1 Like	#282
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	Originally posted by kh1234567890 Has anyone used this TC with the DA70 Ltd ? Any pointers to such photos would be appreciated ... I use the TC with my Sigma 70 macro all the time, I can't see why it wouldn't work. HD DA 1.4 TC and Sigma 70 macro.

12-13-2015, 03:27 AM	#283
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by normhead I use the TC with my Sigma 70 macro all the time, I can't see why it wouldn't work. Well, I had the TC for a few days before returning it. On the DA70 Ltd it worked but it made the lens very soft at wide apertures. I also tried it on a DA55-300 and DA50-200WR. With both of these it AF well on a K-5ii but I could see only a very slight advantage over cropping, rescaling and careful sharpening.

12-13-2015, 05:03 AM	#284
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by kh1234567890 Well, I had the TC for a few days before returning it. On the DA70 Ltd it worked but it made the lens very soft at wide apertures. I also tried it on a DA55-300 and DA50-200WR. With both of these it AF well on a K-5ii but I could see only a very slight advantage over cropping, rescaling and careful sharpening. I'm not surprised about your results with consumer zooms. They are not sharp enough for a TC, IME. Did you try calibrating with AF Adjust on the DA 70mm? If I have to shoot wide open, I remove the TC and use the bare lens. Even closing down half a stop can make a difference. I find the HD TC brilliant on my D FA 100 macro and DA*300mm.

12-13-2015, 09:25 AM	#285
kh1234567890 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Manchester, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,653	Originally posted by audiobomber Did you try calibrating with AF Adjust on the DA 70mm? That made no difference, AF was not the problem.