HD Teleconverter Officially Announced

thibs · 03-06-2014, 09:55 AM

Originally posted by normhead

Sure thing... I'll be putting it through the usual "getting to know you" routine.

Including the AF behaviour as, if I remember well, the AF1.7x adapter only provides center AF function.
Thank you

Mike.P® · 03-06-2014, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by Stone G.

Well, we never knew for sure - but now we do:

Thank you for using a PENTAX K-5 digital camera.
RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. wishes to announce the release of Firmware Update Software Version 1.16 for K-5.
Firmware in this document is the software that runs inside digital cameras.

Changes to V1.16
[LIST][*]Correspond to HD PENTAX-DA AF REAR CONVERTER 1.4X AW.

Just to add I downloaded and installed this firmware update for my K-5II and the Kenko 1.5x teleconverter is MUCH better with both SDM and Sigmas HSM lenses. Still no reporting of change in focal length or aperture but it definitely locks focus faster. The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay.

New firmware tested on:

16-50mm f2.8
17-70mm f4
18-135mm WR
50-135mm f2.8
60-250mm f4
300mm f4
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM OS
Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS

cali92rs · 03-06-2014, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Just to add I downloaded and installed this firmware update for my K-5II and the Kenko 1.5x teleconverter is MUCH better with both SDM and Sigmas HSM lenses. Still no reporting of change in focal length or aperture but it definitely locks focus faster. The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay.

New firmware tested on:

16-50mm f2.8
17-70mm f4
18-135mm WR
50-135mm f2.8
60-250mm f4
300mm f4
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM OS
Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS

That's great to know

I was not planning to download the firmware because it seemed only to add support for the new Pentax TC. But if it makes a difference with the Kenko TC (which i have) I will give it a try

thibs · 03-06-2014, 12:04 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

That's great to know

I was not planning to download the firmware because it seemed only to add support for the new Pentax TC. But if it makes a difference with the Kenko TC (which i have) I will give it a try

Thanks Mike. It confirms Asahi Man previous comments.
So the SDM+TC problem was more of an AF-related camera firmware issue.
The firmware is also probably made to support contrast AF+TC.

It also confirms that, as it is the case with the 1.7X converter, the resultant focal/aperture transmission is indeed made by the TC, not by the camera.
It also means that this transmission is effective for older classic AF cameras (and non SDM ones).

crewl1 · 03-06-2014, 12:22 PM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay.

And don't forget the WR feature also.

Did the DA*300 eventually work or does it still have issues with the Kenko with the new firmware?

Mike.P® · 03-06-2014, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

Did the DA*300 eventually work or does it still have issues with the Kenko with the new firmware?

It took approx 3 presses of the AF button but it did lock eventually.

My biggest surprise was how well the Kenko converter works with the Sigma 50-500mm OS now.

crewl1 · 03-06-2014, 01:37 PM

Thanks for the follow up. I sold my Kenko a while back i may need to think about reacquiring it.

**jpzk** · 03-06-2014, 01:49 PM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

Just to add I downloaded and installed this firmware update for my K-5II and the Kenko 1.5x teleconverter is MUCH better with both SDM and Sigmas HSM lenses. Still no reporting of change in focal length or aperture but it definitely locks focus faster. The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay.
New firmware tested on:
16-50mm f2.8
17-70mm f4
18-135mm WR
50-135mm f2.8
60-250mm f4
300mm f4
Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM OS
Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS

Nice to know, Mike.

I wonder if that would also be the case with the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 ?
I will download/install the update and see what that does when using this TC with the Sigma 150-500 (the OS version) and the DA*300/4 (which you have mentioned above).

Anyone here tried the Tamron (non-OS) 70-200 with this set up ?

Can't wait and see what goes with the new Pentax TC though.

Thanks for sharing!

JP

Stone G. · 03-06-2014, 02:03 PM

Originally posted by Mike.P®

It took approx 3 presses of the AF button but it did lock eventually.

My biggest surprise was how well the Kenko converter works with the Sigma 50-500mm OS now.

Same experience here with the DA*200 and the Kenko Pz-AF SHQ 1.5X: The update offers no improvement here, and I still need to press the AF button some three times too. I am eager to learn, how the Pentax TC and the DA*200 work together!

normhead · 03-06-2014, 03:42 PM - **1 Like**

A few questions answered...it works pretty much seamlessly, it works on third party lenses, it allows you to use selective focus, works seamlessly on either SDM of screw drive, ... and it tells the exif file what it's doing... I didn't have a lot of time with it today... but I got out late.

On the DA * 60-250

On the Tamron 90 Macro

fotogaffer · 03-06-2014, 04:32 PM

Originally posted by normhead

A few questions answered...it works pretty much seamlessly, it works on third party lenses, it allows you to use selective focus, works seamlessly on either SDM of screw drive, ... and it tells the exif file what it's doing... I didn't have a lot of time with it today... but I got out late.

Hey Norm.
Thanks for posting these. The photos look great, nice and sharp with good detail on the birds. I am interested in hearing your observations on how the TC affects focus. For example, the Kenko TC I have really hunts for focus before locking on and needs a lot of help pre focusing. How does it go with focus with the Pentax TC, especially on your 60-250? I am looking to pair this with my DA 300 but have held off preordering waiting for some feedback on the speed and accuracy of acquiring focus with this TC attached. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Don

audiobomber · 03-06-2014, 04:41 PM

Originally posted by Stone G.

Same experience here with the DA*200 and the Kenko Pz-AF SHQ 1.5X: The update offers no improvement here, and I still need to press the AF button some three times too.

I have the same converter and a similar experience, using a DA*300. Focus hunts, took +/- three presses on the shutter release to achieve focus. Hit rate from my shots was about 50%. Nothing new there, but there was a difference; the hunting was faster. The speed at which the focus motor moves was definitely improved, but still near useless. I wouldn't even waste a shot at a bird in flight with the Kenko mounted.

RuiC · 03-06-2014, 04:48 PM

Am I right to deduce that K10 and K20 are not supported ???? Why that???

normhead · 03-06-2014, 05:05 PM

Originally posted by fotogaffer

Hey Norm.
Thanks for posting these. The photos look great, nice and sharp with good detail on the birds. I am interested in hearing your observations on how the TC affects focus. For example, the Kenko TC I have really hunts for focus before locking on and needs a lot of help pre focusing. How does it go with focus with the Pentax TC, especially on your 60-250? I am looking to pair this with my DA 300 but have held off preordering waiting for some feedback on the speed and accuracy of acquiring focus with this TC attached. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on this?
Thanks,
Don

With both the Tamron 90 and 60-250 it was like there was no TC on the camera. If there was a difference it wasn't noticeable. I can't see any reason why it would be different on your 300 or any other ƒ4 or better lens.

fotogaffer · 03-06-2014, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by normhead

With both the Tamron 90 and 60-250 it was like there was no TC on the camera. If there was a difference it wasn't noticeable. I can't see any reason why it would be different on your 300 or any other ƒ4 or better lens.

Thanks - good to know!

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03-06-2014, 09:55 AM	#211
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 5,811	Originally posted by normhead Sure thing... I'll be putting it through the usual "getting to know you" routine. Including the AF behaviour as, if I remember well, the AF1.7x adapter only provides center AF function. Thank you

03-06-2014, 11:37 AM	#212
Mike.P® Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Coast .. UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,982	Originally posted by Stone G. Well, we never knew for sure - but now we do: Thank you for using a PENTAX K-5 digital camera. RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. wishes to announce the release of Firmware Update Software Version 1.16 for K-5. Firmware in this document is the software that runs inside digital cameras. Changes to V1.16 [LIST][]Correspond to HD PENTAX-DA AF REAR CONVERTER 1.4X AW. Just to add I downloaded and installed this firmware update for my K-5II and the Kenko 1.5x teleconverter is MUCH* better with both SDM and Sigmas HSM lenses. Still no reporting of change in focal length or aperture but it definitely locks focus faster. The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay. New firmware tested on: 16-50mm f2.8 17-70mm f4 18-135mm WR 50-135mm f2.8 60-250mm f4 300mm f4 Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM OS Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS

03-06-2014, 11:40 AM	#213
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,351	Originally posted by Mike.P® Just to add I downloaded and installed this firmware update for my K-5II and the Kenko 1.5x teleconverter is MUCH better with both SDM and Sigmas HSM lenses. Still no reporting of change in focal length or aperture but it definitely locks focus faster. The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay. New firmware tested on: 16-50mm f2.8 17-70mm f4 18-135mm WR 50-135mm f2.8 60-250mm f4 300mm f4 Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM OS Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS That's great to know I was not planning to download the firmware because it seemed only to add support for the new Pentax TC. But if it makes a difference with the Kenko TC (which i have) I will give it a try

03-06-2014, 12:04 PM	#214
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 5,811	Originally posted by cali92rs That's great to know I was not planning to download the firmware because it seemed only to add support for the new Pentax TC. But if it makes a difference with the Kenko TC (which i have) I will give it a try Thanks Mike. It confirms Asahi Man previous comments. So the SDM+TC problem was more of an AF-related camera firmware issue. The firmware is also probably made to support contrast AF+TC. It also confirms that, as it is the case with the 1.7X converter, the resultant focal/aperture transmission is indeed made by the TC, not by the camera. It also means that this transmission is effective for older classic AF cameras (and non SDM ones).

03-06-2014, 12:22 PM	#215
crewl1 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,797	Originally posted by Mike.P® The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay. And don't forget the WR feature also. Did the DA*300 eventually work or does it still have issues with the Kenko with the new firmware?

03-06-2014, 12:53 PM	#216
Mike.P® Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Coast .. UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,982	Originally posted by crewl1 Did the DA*300 eventually work or does it still have issues with the Kenko with the new firmware? It took approx 3 presses of the AF button but it did lock eventually. My biggest surprise was how well the Kenko converter works with the Sigma 50-500mm OS now.

03-06-2014, 01:37 PM	#217
crewl1 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,797	Thanks for the follow up. I sold my Kenko a while back i may need to think about reacquiring it.

03-06-2014, 01:49 PM	#218
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,781	Originally posted by Mike.P® Just to add I downloaded and installed this firmware update for my K-5II and the Kenko 1.5x teleconverter is MUCH better with both SDM and Sigmas HSM lenses. Still no reporting of change in focal length or aperture but it definitely locks focus faster. The DA* 300mm was the only lens that didn't acquire focus first time ... hopefully the Pentax TC will put that to rest and along with it's reporting ability it should be worth the outlay. New firmware tested on: 16-50mm f2.8 17-70mm f4 18-135mm WR 50-135mm f2.8 60-250mm f4 300mm f4 Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM OS Sigma 50-500mm HSM OS Nice to know, Mike. I wonder if that would also be the case with the Tamron 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 ? I will download/install the update and see what that does when using this TC with the Sigma 150-500 (the OS version) and the DA*300/4 (which you have mentioned above). Anyone here tried the Tamron (non-OS) 70-200 with this set up ? Can't wait and see what goes with the new Pentax TC though. Thanks for sharing! JP

03-06-2014, 02:03 PM	#219
Stone G. Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Zealand, Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,516	Originally posted by Mike.P® It took approx 3 presses of the AF button but it did lock eventually. My biggest surprise was how well the Kenko converter works with the Sigma 50-500mm OS now. Same experience here with the DA200 and the Kenko Pz-AF SHQ 1.5X: The update offers no improvement here, and I still need to press the AF button some three times too. I am eager to learn, how the Pentax TC and the DA200 work together!

03-06-2014, 03:42 PM - 1 Like	#220
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,664	A few questions answered...it works pretty much seamlessly, it works on third party lenses, it allows you to use selective focus, works seamlessly on either SDM of screw drive, ... and it tells the exif file what it's doing... I didn't have a lot of time with it today... but I got out late. On the DA * 60-250 On the Tamron 90 Macro

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03-06-2014, 04:32 PM	#221
fotogaffer Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 716	Originally posted by normhead A few questions answered...it works pretty much seamlessly, it works on third party lenses, it allows you to use selective focus, works seamlessly on either SDM of screw drive, ... and it tells the exif file what it's doing... I didn't have a lot of time with it today... but I got out late. Hey Norm. Thanks for posting these. The photos look great, nice and sharp with good detail on the birds. I am interested in hearing your observations on how the TC affects focus. For example, the Kenko TC I have really hunts for focus before locking on and needs a lot of help pre focusing. How does it go with focus with the Pentax TC, especially on your 60-250? I am looking to pair this with my DA 300 but have held off preordering waiting for some feedback on the speed and accuracy of acquiring focus with this TC attached. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on this? Thanks, Don

03-06-2014, 04:41 PM	#222
audiobomber Pentaxian Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,799	Originally posted by Stone G. Same experience here with the DA200 and the Kenko Pz-AF SHQ 1.5X: The update offers no improvement here, and I still need to press the AF button some three times too. I have the same converter and a similar experience, using a DA300. Focus hunts, took +/- three presses on the shutter release to achieve focus. Hit rate from my shots was about 50%. Nothing new there, but there was a difference; the hunting was faster. The speed at which the focus motor moves was definitely improved, but still near useless. I wouldn't even waste a shot at a bird in flight with the Kenko mounted.

03-06-2014, 04:48 PM	#223
RuiC Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lisboa - The best destination in Europe Posts: 627	Am I right to deduce that K10 and K20 are not supported ???? Why that???

03-06-2014, 05:05 PM	#224
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,664	Originally posted by fotogaffer Hey Norm. Thanks for posting these. The photos look great, nice and sharp with good detail on the birds. I am interested in hearing your observations on how the TC affects focus. For example, the Kenko TC I have really hunts for focus before locking on and needs a lot of help pre focusing. How does it go with focus with the Pentax TC, especially on your 60-250? I am looking to pair this with my DA 300 but have held off preordering waiting for some feedback on the speed and accuracy of acquiring focus with this TC attached. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on this? Thanks, Don With both the Tamron 90 and 60-250 it was like there was no TC on the camera. If there was a difference it wasn't noticeable. I can't see any reason why it would be different on your 300 or any other ƒ4 or better lens.

03-06-2014, 05:10 PM	#225
fotogaffer Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 716	Originally posted by normhead With both the Tamron 90 and 60-250 it was like there was no TC on the camera. If there was a difference it wasn't noticeable. I can't see any reason why it would be different on your 300 or any other ƒ4 or better lens. Thanks - good to know!