1.4 extender for 80-320 lens

Deanjaw · 07-24-2015, 03:12 PM

Very amateur photographer here!
I have a K-5II body with a SMC 80-320 1:4.5-5.6 telephoto lens
I'm looking to extend my range with a 1.4X HD Pentax DA AF
Will this work?
What are pros and cons?
What would be a better or less expensive way to accomplish this?
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

**boriscleto** · 07-24-2015, 03:22 PM

A less expensive way would be to find a Vivitar Series 1 1.4x TC or a Tamron-F 1.4x PZ-AF MC4.

Tamron-F 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

The Vivitar is the same as the Tamron but doesn't have the power zoom contacts.

The cons are that the tele-converter will magnify the shortcomings of the 80-320.

I thought the Vivitar worked great with the 55-300

transam879 · 07-24-2015, 03:59 PM - **1 Like**

The Pentax DA converter says that it is not compatible with the smc 80-320 lens. Probably because the rear element of the 80-320 may or will come into contact with the front element of the converter, potentially causing damage to either or both the converter and the lens. Not sure if other converters pose the same risk.

With that said, the DA converter is the best quality converter for lenses that it is compatible with.

Link to compatibility chart: http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/1394730000_DA_Rear_c...lity_Chart.pdf

Deanjaw · 07-25-2015, 06:10 AM

Originally posted by transam879

The Pentax DA converter says that it is not compatible with the smc 80-320 lens. Probably because the rear element of the 80-320 may or will come into contact with the front element of the converter, potentially causing damage to either or both the converter and the lens. Not sure if other converters pose the same risk.

With that said, the DA converter is the best quality converter for lenses that it is compatible with.

Link to compatibility chart: http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/1394730000_DA_Rear_c...lity_Chart.pdf

Thanks, so much.
You saved me some serious grief .

transam879 · 07-25-2015, 10:41 AM

Originally posted by Deanjaw

Thanks, so much.
You saved me some serious grief

DA converter probably works best with higher quality lenses but is probably the best converter out there. Most of the lenses that it isn't compatible with are wider angle primes, which you normally wouldn't use a converter with anyways. If you don't have higher quality lenses and still want a converter the Tamron-F 1.4x converter is probably the next best thing (that supports AF) or for manual focus I've heard the Pentax-A 1.4x converter is really good too. Just wouldn't use them on the 80-320. If you have any other long lenses (ie Pentax DA 55-500) they should be be fine to use with a converter.

Deanjaw · 07-26-2015, 05:46 AM

Another option, way more cost, would be Sigma APO-OS-HSM 50-500 F4-5-6 3
AF lens for my Pentax?
Or would I be just as well off with a Pentax DA 55-500?
Thanks again in advance for your advice.

**boriscleto** · 07-26-2015, 10:18 AM

Originally posted by Deanjaw

Or would I be just as well off with a Pentax DA 55-500?

I wish Pentax made a 55-500...

I have a Sigam 150-500, a better option than the 55-300 with a TC. But it is much heavier...and not WR.

You also tend to draw a lot of attention with a Bigma. Though yesterday I saw a guy with a Nikon 600/4, combined with a shutter that sounds like a machine gun! I felt like I was very stealthy...

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/55946-300mm-plus-lens-club...ng-lenses.html

Last edited by boriscleto; 07-26-2015 at 10:26 AM.

Deanjaw · 07-31-2015, 11:57 AM

Still looking
Thanks for all info
How about Sigma 170-500 lens?
Would this be a better/serviceable option?

**boriscleto** · 07-31-2015, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by Deanjaw

Still looking
Thanks for all info
How about Sigma 170-500 lens?
Would this be a better/serviceable option?

If it's the DG version, yes. It might even work with a 1.4x converter since it isn't HSM. Sigma HSM doesn't play well with teleconverters, on Pentax anyway, and Sigma never made a HSM converter for K-mount.

Deanjaw · 08-01-2015, 05:53 AM

Originally posted by boriscleto

If it's the DG version, yes. It might even work with a 1.4x converter since it isn't HSM. Sigma HSM doesn't play well with teleconverters, on Pentax anyway, and Sigma never made a HSM converter for K-mount.

Thanks again for all your help

jk333 · 08-01-2015, 06:51 AM

Originally posted by Deanjaw

Thanks again for all your help

I would buy the used DA-L 55-300 in the marketplace for $150 and a Tamron 1.4 converter. People crap on the L lenses for no quickshift but its a feature that I don't use too often. And the L, saves you a lot of money, close to $100. Same optics as the more expensive version. I think that is going to be the best quality and price combo you will get. Plus you can sell your current lens for maybe half of the DAs price!

**UncleVanya** · 08-01-2015, 07:47 AM

The incompatibility may also be due to the high minimum f stop of the lens. Ricoh say that to avoid focus issues - btw I have the FA version of that lens and in a shoot out with the DA 55-300 it was clearly not as good in terms of purple fringing and critical sharpness. I suspect using it with a teleconverter will be hit or miss.

07-24-2015, 03:12 PM	#1
Deanjaw New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 5	1.4 extender for 80-320 lens Very amateur photographer here! I have a K-5II body with a SMC 80-320 1:4.5-5.6 telephoto lens I'm looking to extend my range with a 1.4X HD Pentax DA AF Will this work? What are pros and cons? What would be a better or less expensive way to accomplish this? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

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07-24-2015, 03:22 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,476	A less expensive way would be to find a Vivitar Series 1 1.4x TC or a Tamron-F 1.4x PZ-AF MC4. Tamron-F 1.4X Pz-AF MC4 Lens Reviews - Miscellaneous Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database The Vivitar is the same as the Tamron but doesn't have the power zoom contacts. The cons are that the tele-converter will magnify the shortcomings of the 80-320. I thought the Vivitar worked great with the 55-300

07-24-2015, 03:59 PM - 1 Like	#3
transam879 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 651	The Pentax DA converter says that it is not compatible with the smc 80-320 lens. Probably because the rear element of the 80-320 may or will come into contact with the front element of the converter, potentially causing damage to either or both the converter and the lens. Not sure if other converters pose the same risk. With that said, the DA converter is the best quality converter for lenses that it is compatible with. Link to compatibility chart: http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/1394730000_DA_Rear_c...lity_Chart.pdf

07-25-2015, 06:10 AM	#4
Deanjaw New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Originally posted by transam879 The Pentax DA converter says that it is not compatible with the smc 80-320 lens. Probably because the rear element of the 80-320 may or will come into contact with the front element of the converter, potentially causing damage to either or both the converter and the lens. Not sure if other converters pose the same risk. With that said, the DA converter is the best quality converter for lenses that it is compatible with. Link to compatibility chart: http://c758710.r10.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/support/manual/1394730000_DA_Rear_c...lity_Chart.pdf Thanks, so much. You saved me some serious grief .

07-25-2015, 10:41 AM	#5
transam879 Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 651	Originally posted by Deanjaw Thanks, so much. You saved me some serious grief DA converter probably works best with higher quality lenses but is probably the best converter out there. Most of the lenses that it isn't compatible with are wider angle primes, which you normally wouldn't use a converter with anyways. If you don't have higher quality lenses and still want a converter the Tamron-F 1.4x converter is probably the next best thing (that supports AF) or for manual focus I've heard the Pentax-A 1.4x converter is really good too. Just wouldn't use them on the 80-320. If you have any other long lenses (ie Pentax DA 55-500) they should be be fine to use with a converter.

07-26-2015, 05:46 AM	#6
Deanjaw New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Another option, way more cost, would be Sigma APO-OS-HSM 50-500 F4-5-6 3 AF lens for my Pentax? Or would I be just as well off with a Pentax DA 55-500? Thanks again in advance for your advice.

07-26-2015, 10:18 AM	#7
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,476	Originally posted by Deanjaw Or would I be just as well off with a Pentax DA 55-500? I wish Pentax made a 55-500... I have a Sigam 150-500, a better option than the 55-300 with a TC. But it is much heavier...and not WR. You also tend to draw a lot of attention with a Bigma. Though yesterday I saw a guy with a Nikon 600/4, combined with a shutter that sounds like a machine gun! I felt like I was very stealthy... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/122-lens-clubs/55946-300mm-plus-lens-club...ng-lenses.html Last edited by boriscleto; 07-26-2015 at 10:26 AM.

07-31-2015, 11:57 AM	#8
Deanjaw New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Still looking Thanks for all info How about Sigma 170-500 lens? Would this be a better/serviceable option?

07-31-2015, 12:42 PM	#9
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,476	Originally posted by Deanjaw Still looking Thanks for all info How about Sigma 170-500 lens? Would this be a better/serviceable option? If it's the DG version, yes. It might even work with a 1.4x converter since it isn't HSM. Sigma HSM doesn't play well with teleconverters, on Pentax anyway, and Sigma never made a HSM converter for K-mount.

08-01-2015, 05:53 AM	#10
Deanjaw New Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 5 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto If it's the DG version, yes. It might even work with a 1.4x converter since it isn't HSM. Sigma HSM doesn't play well with teleconverters, on Pentax anyway, and Sigma never made a HSM converter for K-mount. Thanks again for all your help

08-01-2015, 06:51 AM	#11
jk333 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: bev Posts: 181	Originally posted by Deanjaw Thanks again for all your help I would buy the used DA-L 55-300 in the marketplace for $150 and a Tamron 1.4 converter. People crap on the L lenses for no quickshift but its a feature that I don't use too often. And the L, saves you a lot of money, close to $100. Same optics as the more expensive version. I think that is going to be the best quality and price combo you will get. Plus you can sell your current lens for maybe half of the DAs price!

08-01-2015, 07:47 AM	#12
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,458	The incompatibility may also be due to the high minimum f stop of the lens. Ricoh say that to avoid focus issues - btw I have the FA version of that lens and in a shoot out with the DA 55-300 it was clearly not as good in terms of purple fringing and critical sharpness. I suspect using it with a teleconverter will be hit or miss.