HD Teleconverter Officially Announced

Kameko · 06-07-2014, 09:51 AM

Purchased the TC for around $550 last month and have been pairing it up with my 60-250 on birding adventures. While very happy with the results, I was curious as to how it would do with the FA* 400mm 5.6 I picked up the other day.

This is manually focusing, handheld (I need a monopod) on my beat up (or well loved) K5 with the Pentax 1.4 Teleconverter and the FA* 400mm 5.6.

Attached Images

rawr · 06-07-2014, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by Kameko

This is manually focusing, handheld (I need a monopod) on my beat up (or well loved) K5 with the Pentax 1.4 Teleconverter and the FA* 400mm 5.6.

Great shot. Looks like teleconverter and the FA* lens work well together. The small amount of purple fringing would be easy to clean up.

zapp · 07-13-2014, 01:38 AM

Originally posted by McBrian

Just got mine delivered an hour ago and have had a quick play during lunch.

Looks to work good on my DA*16-50 and DFA100 Macro, f stop and focal length are reported correctly (f2.8 = f4.0 and 100mm = 140mm), it also focuses fine with my Sigma 8-16 HSM but does not multiply the f stop and focal length (as stated in loads of places).

However!! I also have the original Sigma EX APO 70-200 f2.8 (screw drive) lens, with the 1.4x attached to a K3 the f stop and focal length are reported correctly in the exif, 70=98; 200=280 and f2.8=f4.0.

Will have a better look this evening just to make sure I've got it right.

How do you set AF corecctions for different lenses. Will the recognize the lens+TC combo?

Unregistered User · 07-13-2014, 05:37 AM

Originally posted by zapp

How do you set AF corecctions for different lenses. Will the recognize the lens+TC combo?

Yes it will.

Ishpuini · 07-14-2014, 12:47 AM

I received mine last WE after waiting for it a long time. So far I could only take it out on a trip to the zoo with a visiting niece. Between keeping an eye on the girl I could only manage to take shot with the one lens I had mounted, i.e. the DA*50-135/2.8. Now this is the one lens I was most curious about in terms of results, esp since reading inconsistent reports of the TC's performance with this lens...
I only briefly got to look at the images on my computer screen yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised by the good IQ that was maintained throughout the series. Seems my TC works fine on my DA*50-135/2.8!

Wim

**jpzk** · 07-21-2014, 04:40 PM - **1 Like**

After testing this TC with the DA*300/4 for a few days, I admit that this is probably the best teleconverter I have used.

So, instead of posting too many images here, I would like to take you here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/rdlphotos/sets/72157645777277486/
to view more images.
I am not quite used to the combo yet ... I find it a bit more difficult to focus but the learning curve is not that bad at all.
In the meantime, here is one sample shot taken recently:

**StigVidar** · 08-18-2014, 01:35 PM

Originally posted by Kameko

Purchased the TC for around $550 last month and have been pairing it up with my 60-250 on birding adventures. While very happy with the results, I was curious as to how it would do with the FA* 400mm 5.6 I picked up the other day.

This is manually focusing, handheld (I need a monopod) on my beat up (or well loved) K5 with the Pentax 1.4 Teleconverter and the FA* 400mm 5.6.

FA*400/5.6 and the new 1.4x converter autofocus very well on K-5 II and K-3. But not on K-5 as you have found out already.

**Weevil** · 11-04-2014, 10:22 PM

(x-posted)
A different shot with the FA* 250-600mm f5.6 and the HD TC 1.4x

1/200s, f10, iso100

La Lune / The Moon (w/ Pentax HD TC 1.4x) by Curculion, on Flickr

Compared to a shot without the TC (cropped to about the same size for comparison)
1/200s, f8, iso100

La Lune / The Moon by Curculion, on Flickr

can you see any difference ?

I think the TC helps a bit....

ElJamoquio · 11-04-2014, 11:01 PM

Tough to say. At first glance I thought the non-TC was a bit better but I looked again and changed my mind.

JinDesu · 11-04-2014, 11:07 PM

Looking at the images on flickr:

The HD converter shot shows more detail on the faded craters near the middle left side.
The HD converter shot shows sharper craters on the top of the moon.

**Weevil** · 11-05-2014, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by ElJamoquio

Tough to say. At first glance I thought the non-TC was a bit better but I looked again and changed my mind.

Originally posted by JinDesu

Looking at the images on flickr:

The HD converter shot shows more detail on the faded craters near the middle left side.
The HD converter shot shows sharper craters on the top of the moon.

Yeah That's tuough to say ... but yes, if we look closer (in flickr) you'll notice some differences, probably to the fact that there are more pixels depth with the TC

**crewl1** · 11-05-2014, 09:15 PM

Originally posted by Weevil

can you see any difference ? I think the TC helps a bit....

Try cropping in on the TC shot to whatever still gives good IQ, then crop the non TC shot to the same size.
That's where you will see the difference.
The TC allows more good crop than the non TC.

**Weevil** · 11-05-2014, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by crewl1

Try cropping in on the TC shot to whatever still gives good IQ, then crop the non TC shot to the same size.
That's where you will see the difference.
The TC allows more good crop than the non TC.

OK, I'll try that, but it would be hard to tell where to stop cropping the one with TC ... I'll give it a try !

**Nakedgun** · 11-05-2014, 09:44 PM

Looking at this screen image only, my old eyes like the brighter non-TC image better.
But, that does not mean it is the best one.

gazonk · 11-06-2014, 01:55 AM

Originally posted by Weevil

can you see any difference ?

I downloaded the largest versions and viewed them full screen on my 27" screen, and there is quite a bit more detail in the TC shot, IMHO.

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06-07-2014, 09:51 AM	#436
Kameko Veteran Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: White Rock Photos: Albums Posts: 450	Purchased the TC for around $550 last month and have been pairing it up with my 60-250 on birding adventures. While very happy with the results, I was curious as to how it would do with the FA* 400mm 5.6 I picked up the other day. This is manually focusing, handheld (I need a monopod) on my beat up (or well loved) K5 with the Pentax 1.4 Teleconverter and the FA* 400mm 5.6. Attached Images

06-07-2014, 04:37 PM	#437
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by Kameko This is manually focusing, handheld (I need a monopod) on my beat up (or well loved) K5 with the Pentax 1.4 Teleconverter and the FA* 400mm 5.6. Great shot. Looks like teleconverter and the FA* lens work well together. The small amount of purple fringing would be easy to clean up.

07-13-2014, 01:38 AM	#438
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,385	Originally posted by McBrian Just got mine delivered an hour ago and have had a quick play during lunch. Looks to work good on my DA*16-50 and DFA100 Macro, f stop and focal length are reported correctly (f2.8 = f4.0 and 100mm = 140mm), it also focuses fine with my Sigma 8-16 HSM but does not multiply the f stop and focal length (as stated in loads of places). However!! I also have the original Sigma EX APO 70-200 f2.8 (screw drive) lens, with the 1.4x attached to a K3 the f stop and focal length are reported correctly in the exif, 70=98; 200=280 and f2.8=f4.0. Will have a better look this evening just to make sure I've got it right. How do you set AF corecctions for different lenses. Will the recognize the lens+TC combo?

07-13-2014, 05:37 AM	#439
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by zapp How do you set AF corecctions for different lenses. Will the recognize the lens+TC combo? Yes it will.

07-14-2014, 12:47 AM	#440
Ishpuini Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,727	I received mine last WE after waiting for it a long time. So far I could only take it out on a trip to the zoo with a visiting niece. Between keeping an eye on the girl I could only manage to take shot with the one lens I had mounted, i.e. the DA50-135/2.8. Now this is the one lens I was most curious about in terms of results, esp since reading inconsistent reports of the TC's performance with this lens... I only briefly got to look at the images on my computer screen yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised by the good IQ that was maintained throughout the series. Seems my TC works fine on my DA50-135/2.8! Wim

07-21-2014, 04:40 PM - 1 Like	#441
jpzk Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Québec Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 8,251	After testing this TC with the DA*300/4 for a few days, I admit that this is probably the best teleconverter I have used. So, instead of posting too many images here, I would like to take you here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rdlphotos/sets/72157645777277486/ to view more images. I am not quite used to the combo yet ... I find it a bit more difficult to focus but the learning curve is not that bad at all. In the meantime, here is one sample shot taken recently:

08-18-2014, 01:35 PM	#442
StigVidar Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 705	Originally posted by Kameko Purchased the TC for around $550 last month and have been pairing it up with my 60-250 on birding adventures. While very happy with the results, I was curious as to how it would do with the FA* 400mm 5.6 I picked up the other day. This is manually focusing, handheld (I need a monopod) on my beat up (or well loved) K5 with the Pentax 1.4 Teleconverter and the FA* 400mm 5.6. FA*400/5.6 and the new 1.4x converter autofocus very well on K-5 II and K-3. But not on K-5 as you have found out already.

11-04-2014, 10:22 PM	#443
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	(x-posted) A different shot with the FA* 250-600mm f5.6 and the HD TC 1.4x 1/200s, f10, iso100 La Lune / The Moon (w/ Pentax HD TC 1.4x) by Curculion, on Flickr Compared to a shot without the TC (cropped to about the same size for comparison) 1/200s, f8, iso100 La Lune / The Moon by Curculion, on Flickr can you see any difference ? I think the TC helps a bit....

11-04-2014, 11:01 PM	#444
ElJamoquio Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 4,873	Tough to say. At first glance I thought the non-TC was a bit better but I looked again and changed my mind.

11-04-2014, 11:07 PM	#445
JinDesu Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: New York City Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,638	Looking at the images on flickr: The HD converter shot shows more detail on the faded craters near the middle left side. The HD converter shot shows sharper craters on the top of the moon.

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11-05-2014, 05:59 PM	#446
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by ElJamoquio Tough to say. At first glance I thought the non-TC was a bit better but I looked again and changed my mind. Originally posted by JinDesu Looking at the images on flickr: The HD converter shot shows more detail on the faded craters near the middle left side. The HD converter shot shows sharper craters on the top of the moon. Yeah That's tuough to say ... but yes, if we look closer (in flickr) you'll notice some differences, probably to the fact that there are more pixels depth with the TC

11-05-2014, 09:15 PM	#447
crewl1 Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,807	Originally posted by Weevil can you see any difference ? I think the TC helps a bit.... Try cropping in on the TC shot to whatever still gives good IQ, then crop the non TC shot to the same size. That's where you will see the difference. The TC allows more good crop than the non TC.

11-05-2014, 09:38 PM	#448
Weevil Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Near Montréal, Québec Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Originally posted by crewl1 Try cropping in on the TC shot to whatever still gives good IQ, then crop the non TC shot to the same size. That's where you will see the difference. The TC allows more good crop than the non TC. OK, I'll try that, but it would be hard to tell where to stop cropping the one with TC ... I'll give it a try !

11-05-2014, 09:44 PM	#449
Nakedgun Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Southwest Posts: 1,365	Looking at this screen image only, my old eyes like the brighter non-TC image better. But, that does not mean it is the best one.

11-06-2014, 01:55 AM	#450
gazonk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oslo area, Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,746	Originally posted by Weevil can you see any difference ? I downloaded the largest versions and viewed them full screen on my 27" screen, and there is quite a bit more detail in the TC shot, IMHO.