Originally posted by RockvilleBob Pentax Q7 with K adapter versus 1.4TC - same price Just interested in your thoughts about getting a Pentax Q7 with the K adapter instead of the 1.4TC You can get a Q7 from Japan for $299 Pentax Q Series Q7 12 4 MP Digital Camera Black Body Only | eBay add the K adapter for $250 and you have about the same $$ as the 1.4TC BUT now you have a 5.6 crop factor DA*300 is 1680 on Q7 versus 675 on a K 5 or K 3 camera So with a Q7 with the adapter I would get roughly 2 1/2 the reach of a lens versus the same lens on the K-3 with the 1.4 TC I would be interested in comments from Q owners shooting long K mount lenses with the adapter Thanks
Hi Bob,
I have done extensive testing with the Q/Q7 DA*300 combo.
As far as image quality I disagree with those that say that the IQ of the combo is lacking, as long as you keep ISO low and focus accurately.
Most folks that come to this conclusion have tried using other lenses that may work great on APS-C but the Q/Q7 are brutal on lenses and anything less than the quality of the DA*300 (or similar) will give unsatisfactory results.
With the Q/Q7 DA*300 combo the following is required for me to get good captures:
- Use of low ISO, means good light conditions needed
- a solid support with smooth position capability to put the 1600mm where you need it and hold it there, this means usually a heavy tripod and gimbal
- focus assistance such as LCD loupe and magnification of the screen for accurate focus that is critical
- targeting assistance such as a red dot sight otherwise you waste time trying to find your distant subject
- a slow or stationary subject, even with the Pentax adapter's leaf shutter, flying birds and running wildlife are pretty much not going to be in your field of view or focused
You can see that there are lots of limitations, and when I go out with the combo I am mentally prepared and enjoy the more patient and methodical zen-like shooting experience.
But if I want to walk an unfamiliar environment with a lightweight kit that is WR there is no beating the DA*300 on a K-3/K-5 and be ready for anything that flies, walks or runs into view.
This is why I will buy the TC if it supports AF properly.
I will continue to shoot with my Q/Q7 DA*300 combo as well.
In monochrome's post he directed to the 'Reach' thread, on the last page is a comparison I did of the Q/Q7/K-3 with the DA*300 and how much crop advantage you get with each if you want to check it out.