HD Teleconverter Officially Announced

audiobomber · 03-15-2014, 08:55 AM

I found this SLR Gear article on Canon TC's interesting. Canon Teleconverter Comparison - SLRgear.com!

VisualDarkness · 03-15-2014, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I found this SLR Gear article on Canon TC's interesting. Canon Teleconverter Comparison - SLRgear.com!

Interesting, judging by that Canon optimized the latest varsions for the corners/borders but lost some of the center.

Shanti · 03-15-2014, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I found this SLR Gear article on Canon TC's interesting. Canon Teleconverter Comparison - SLRgear.com!

would like to see same test on DA*300 & DA*200

BillO · 03-18-2014, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by normhead

I haven't kept up with this thread...and I've used the TC quite a bit in the last week.... so a few more images.

It's become one of those pieces of kit I just won't leave home without.

Nice marten shots Norm.

I live in the Bracebridge area. It might be an idea to get together and test that TC with some other lenses, if your interested.

I have a FA* 600/F4, Tamron 300/2.8 AF, a FA* 80-200/F2.8, F* 300/F4.5 and a A* 200/F4 macro.

Just an idea.

normhead · 03-18-2014, 10:21 AM

I'm retired so if you want to come up and try the TC out sometime just send me a PM. We shop in Huntsville from time to time, and Tess' uncle lives near Gravenhurst, and we visit him from time although we usually don't stay very long. So whatever suits you, I'm sure we can work something out... I promise not to knock you out and take all your stuff. I am capable of great restraint when necessary.

audiobomber · 03-18-2014, 10:22 AM

I received my HD TC yesterday, in time for my trip to Puerto Vallarta. I am very impressed with the K-3/TC/DA*300 focus performance. I won't hesitate to use this combo for BIF.

My next test was to see what would happen if I mounted the Pentax TC with my Kenko 1.5x PZ and DA*300. I am pleased to report that, as long as you mount the Kenko first, the combo autofocusses pretty well (I only tried in good light). Much better than the Kenko and DA*300 alone.

The K-3 does not see the Kenko, just the HD TC and lens, therefore aperture and focal length are underreported, but the IQ was pretty impressive. Certainly a lot better than my Pentax old A 2X-S. (Sorry, no samples, I don't have time before the trip).

EDIT: See disclaimer here https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/250767-hd-teleconve...ml#post2751300

**crewl1** · 03-18-2014, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by audiobomber

I received my HD TC yesterday, in time for my trip to Puerto Vallarta. I am very impressed with the K-3/TC/DA*300 focus performance. I won't hesitate to use this combo for BIF.

My next test was to see what would happen if I mounted the Pentax TC with my Kenko 1.5x PZ and DA*300. I am pleased to report that, as long as you mount the Kenko first, the combo autofocusses pretty well (I only tried in good light). Much better than the Kenko and DA*300 alone.

The K-3 does not see the Kenko, just the HD TC and lens, therefore aperture and focal length are underreported, but the IQ was pretty impressive. Certainly a lot better than my Pentax old A 2X-S. (Sorry, no samples, I don't have time before the trip).

Enjoy your trip. Can you clarify when you say mount the Kenko first that is Lens + Kenko + Pentax TC + Camera ?

In the past the Kenko on my DA*300 did not focus quickly, it would hunt then give up and sometimes focus. Are you saying that with the Pentax TC all the focus hunting issues are gone?

audiobomber · 03-18-2014, 12:59 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

Can you clarify when you say mount the Kenko first that is Lens + Kenko + Pentax TC + Camera ?

No, like this: K-3 -> Kenko TC -> Pentax TC -> lens.

Originally posted by crewl1

In the past the Kenko on my DA*300 did not focus quickly, it would hunt then give up and sometimes focus. Are you saying that with the Pentax TC all the focus hunting issues are gone?

Yes, with the configuration above, the combo focusses normally. It doesn't stop trying to focus before lock is achieved, and when it indicates focus lock, it is actually in focus. Acquiring focus lock is not as sure as without the Kenko, but that is to be expected with an f/8.4 lens. The Pentax TC counteracts the weirdness of focussing with an SDM lens and Kenko TC.

normhead · 03-18-2014, 01:12 PM

There's been so many waiting for 1.4 DA*300, I was out last night in near darkness for Flying squirrel images, the DA* 60-250 focused in near darkness, when I put the 1.4 TC on it wouldn't lock... so there is a practical price in low light to be paid for the TC.

tjstimbo · 03-18-2014, 03:29 PM

Originally posted by normhead

There's been so many waiting for 1.4 DA*300, I was out last night in near darkness for Flying squirrel images, the DA* 60-250 focused in near darkness, when I put the 1.4 TC on it wouldn't lock... so there is a practical price in low light to be paid for the TC.

I got my 1.4 TC today and with the DA*300 it works very well. In fact all the lenses I tried seem to work OK, except one, which is my Sigma 70-200 2.8 which just does not focus. No real problem as it is an older model without the optical stabilization and Pentax do not guarantee that it will work with any third party lenses. I do like the effect I get with my Sigma 150-500 it focuses well, but doesn't report the correct focal length or F stop.

I might be tempted to get the Pentax 60-250 and with the teleconverter will make a nice travel lens.

Tim

cali92rs · 03-18-2014, 03:35 PM

Originally posted by tjstimbo

I might be tempted to get the Pentax 60-250 and with the teleconverter will make a nice travel lens.

It is very versatile for sure...but I personally wouldn't classify it as a travel lens...it is a heavy, long lens.
I'm a big guy, and i wouldnt want that thing around my neck as I walked around a city. I would much prefer the new HD 55-300mm as a travel type lens.

Of course, that is my opinion only.

Kunzite · 03-18-2014, 03:49 PM

I wouldn't carry it around hanging by my neck, but it fits nicely in my old LowePro Nova 1 bag (together with the camera, my 3 DA Limiteds and other stuff).

thibs · 03-18-2014, 11:44 PM

Originally posted by Kunzite

I wouldn't carry it around hanging by my neck, but it fits nicely in my old LowePro Nova 1 bag (together with the camera, my 3 DA Limiteds and other stuff).

Funny, I'm more and more interested in walking in a city I visit with Technika-like 4x5 outfit (with Rangefinder) rather than my DSLR

froeschle · 03-19-2014, 04:18 AM

Direct comparison: DA* 300 + 1.4x vs. BIGMA OS

**crewl1** · 03-19-2014, 05:17 AM

Nice work.
The Bigma seems really soft wide open, I don't think mine is that bad.
Nevertheless the DA300 with TC is impressive.

03-18-2014, 10:22 AM	#321
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I received my HD TC yesterday, in time for my trip to Puerto Vallarta. I am very impressed with the K-3/TC/DA300 focus performance. I won't hesitate to use this combo for BIF. My next test was to see what would happen if I mounted the Pentax TC with my Kenko 1.5x PZ and DA300. I am pleased to report that, as long as you mount the Kenko first, the combo autofocusses pretty well (I only tried in good light). Much better than the Kenko and DA300 alone. The K-3 does not see the Kenko, just the HD TC and lens, therefore aperture and focal length are underreported, but the IQ was pretty impressive. Certainly a lot better than my Pentax old A 2X-S. (Sorry, no samples, I don't have time before the trip). EDIT: See disclaimer here https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/16-pentax-news-rumors/250767-hd-teleconve...ml#post2751300 Last edited by audiobomber; 03-22-2014 at 06:20 AM.*

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
HD Pentax 55-300mm WR Officially Announced	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	53	10-15-2013 11:00 AM
Pentax HD lens series officially announced for Switzerland and Germany	RKKS08	Pentax News and Rumors	9	09-14-2013 12:04 AM
Nikon D7100 Officially Announced	Adam	Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands	2	02-21-2013 06:16 PM
Pentax K-30 Officially Announced!	Adam	Pentax News and Rumors	245	09-12-2012 08:32 PM
Pentax X-5 officially announced...	JohnBee	Pentax News and Rumors	103	09-06-2012 07:34 AM

03-15-2014, 08:55 AM	#316
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	I found this SLR Gear article on Canon TC's interesting. Canon Teleconverter Comparison - SLRgear.com!

03-15-2014, 09:19 AM	#317
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by audiobomber I found this SLR Gear article on Canon TC's interesting. Canon Teleconverter Comparison - SLRgear.com! Interesting, judging by that Canon optimized the latest varsions for the corners/borders but lost some of the center.

03-15-2014, 12:01 PM	#318
Shanti Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Western Denmark Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 927	Originally posted by audiobomber I found this SLR Gear article on Canon TC's interesting. Canon Teleconverter Comparison - SLRgear.com! would like to see same test on DA300 & DA200

03-18-2014, 10:05 AM	#319
BillO Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 89	Originally posted by normhead I haven't kept up with this thread...and I've used the TC quite a bit in the last week.... so a few more images. It's become one of those pieces of kit I just won't leave home without. Nice marten shots Norm. I live in the Bracebridge area. It might be an idea to get together and test that TC with some other lenses, if your interested. I have a FA* 600/F4, Tamron 300/2.8 AF, a FA* 80-200/F2.8, F* 300/F4.5 and a A* 200/F4 macro. Just an idea.

03-18-2014, 10:21 AM	#320
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	I'm retired so if you want to come up and try the TC out sometime just send me a PM. We shop in Huntsville from time to time, and Tess' uncle lives near Gravenhurst, and we visit him from time although we usually don't stay very long. So whatever suits you, I'm sure we can work something out... I promise not to knock you out and take all your stuff. I am capable of great restraint when necessary.

03-18-2014, 12:39 PM	#322
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by audiobomber I received my HD TC yesterday, in time for my trip to Puerto Vallarta. I am very impressed with the K-3/TC/DA300 focus performance. I won't hesitate to use this combo for BIF. My next test was to see what would happen if I mounted the Pentax TC with my Kenko 1.5x PZ and DA300. I am pleased to report that, as long as you mount the Kenko first, the combo autofocusses pretty well (I only tried in good light). Much better than the Kenko and DA300 alone. The K-3 does not see the Kenko, just the HD TC and lens, therefore aperture and focal length are underreported, but the IQ was pretty impressive. Certainly a lot better than my Pentax old A 2X-S. (Sorry, no samples, I don't have time before the trip). Enjoy your trip. Can you clarify when you say mount the Kenko first that is Lens + Kenko + Pentax TC + Camera ? In the past the Kenko on my DA300 did not focus quickly, it would hunt then give up and sometimes focus. Are you saying that with the Pentax TC all the focus hunting issues are gone?

03-18-2014, 12:59 PM	#323
audiobomber Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sudbury, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 6,806	Originally posted by crewl1 Can you clarify when you say mount the Kenko first that is Lens + Kenko + Pentax TC + Camera ? No, like this: K-3 -> Kenko TC -> Pentax TC -> lens. Originally posted by crewl1 In the past the Kenko on my DA*300 did not focus quickly, it would hunt then give up and sometimes focus. Are you saying that with the Pentax TC all the focus hunting issues are gone? Yes, with the configuration above, the combo focusses normally. It doesn't stop trying to focus before lock is achieved, and when it indicates focus lock, it is actually in focus. Acquiring focus lock is not as sure as without the Kenko, but that is to be expected with an f/8.4 lens. The Pentax TC counteracts the weirdness of focussing with an SDM lens and Kenko TC.

03-18-2014, 01:12 PM	#324
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,451	There's been so many waiting for 1.4 DA300, I was out last night in near darkness for Flying squirrel images, the DA 60-250 focused in near darkness, when I put the 1.4 TC on it wouldn't lock... so there is a practical price in low light to be paid for the TC.

03-18-2014, 03:29 PM	#325
tjstimbo Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Daventry Posts: 84	Originally posted by normhead There's been so many waiting for 1.4 DA300, I was out last night in near darkness for Flying squirrel images, the DA 60-250 focused in near darkness, when I put the 1.4 TC on it wouldn't lock... so there is a practical price in low light to be paid for the TC. I got my 1.4 TC today and with the DA*300 it works very well. In fact all the lenses I tried seem to work OK, except one, which is my Sigma 70-200 2.8 which just does not focus. No real problem as it is an older model without the optical stabilization and Pentax do not guarantee that it will work with any third party lenses. I do like the effect I get with my Sigma 150-500 it focuses well, but doesn't report the correct focal length or F stop. I might be tempted to get the Pentax 60-250 and with the teleconverter will make a nice travel lens. Tim

03-18-2014, 03:35 PM	#326
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Originally posted by tjstimbo I might be tempted to get the Pentax 60-250 and with the teleconverter will make a nice travel lens. It is very versatile for sure...but I personally wouldn't classify it as a travel lens...it is a heavy, long lens. I'm a big guy, and i wouldnt want that thing around my neck as I walked around a city. I would much prefer the new HD 55-300mm as a travel type lens. Of course, that is my opinion only.

03-18-2014, 03:49 PM	#327
Kunzite Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Romania Posts: 15,132	I wouldn't carry it around hanging by my neck, but it fits nicely in my old LowePro Nova 1 bag (together with the camera, my 3 DA Limiteds and other stuff).

03-18-2014, 11:44 PM	#328
thibs Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Photos: Albums Posts: 7,001	Originally posted by Kunzite I wouldn't carry it around hanging by my neck, but it fits nicely in my old LowePro Nova 1 bag (together with the camera, my 3 DA Limiteds and other stuff). Funny, I'm more and more interested in walking in a city I visit with Technika-like 4x5 outfit (with Rangefinder) rather than my DSLR

03-19-2014, 04:18 AM	#329
froeschle Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Germany Photos: Gallery Posts: 552	Direct comparison: DA* 300 + 1.4x vs. BIGMA OS

03-19-2014, 05:17 AM	#330
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Nice work. The Bigma seems really soft wide open, I don't think mine is that bad. Nevertheless the DA300 with TC is impressive.