TC for Pentax DA* lenses

Timtast1c · 02-06-2009, 02:21 AM

I did a breif search but I didnt find anything too helpful. Im looking for a Teleconverter>> 1.4 to 2 that is compatible with AF and SDM on DA * lenses. can anyone direct me?

**pentagor** · 02-06-2009, 02:26 AM

I think there is one at marketplace here on forum right now: Kenko AF SHQ 1.5x.

rburgoss · 02-06-2009, 06:23 AM

Both my Tamrons 1.4 and 2x TC's have all the contacts, though I do not have an SDM lens, they should work fine with. My 1.4X works great. Not so the 2x which looses a lot of contrast.

palmor · 02-06-2009, 06:49 AM

Both Tamron and Kenko have TCs that work with SDM, the confusing thing is that they also make TCs that don't. You have the find the correct model.

The kenko model that works is this one:

I believe this is the same model that KEH is selling for ~$40 used in ln- condition:
KEH Camera: Pentax Auto Focus - Converters

John

volosong · 02-06-2009, 09:45 AM

First of all, the conventional wisdom states that the use of a teleconverter with a wide angle lens is not advisable, so let's disregard the 16-50. But, I suspect it would work if really needed.

When I purchased my copy of the 50-135, I sat for a few minutes in the parking lot and tried the lens out. For some reason, I mated my Tamron with the lens. It focuses just fine, but the image quality degradation was very apparent. Even on the camera's LCD screen, when I zoomed way up, I could see the problems.

Since that first try, I have not used a tc with the 50-135 and have not tried it with the 16-50. So...it works, but expect considerable image quality degradation.

philbaum · 02-06-2009, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by rburgoss

Both my Tamrons 1.4 and 2x TC's have all the contacts, though I do not have an SDM lens, they should work fine with. My 1.4X works great. Not so the 2x which looses a lot of contrast.

I have the Tamron 1.4TC and it works great with my SDM DA*300 (SDM mode)

palmor · 02-06-2009, 12:26 PM

Originally posted by volosong

It focuses just fine, but the image quality degradation was very apparent. Even on the camera's LCD screen, when I zoomed way up, I could see the problems.

I'm surprised about that since 1.4/1.5x TCs pair very well with the DA*300 IMO.

John

examples:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/49642-snowy-owl-part-ii-...got-close.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/46102-i-love-usable-iso-...other-one.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/45893-northern-cardinal-...-kenko-tc.html

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/44803-da-300-kenko-1-5xt...der-shots.html

volosong · 02-06-2009, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by palmor

I'm surprised about that since 1.4/1.5x TCs pair very well with the DA*300 IMO.

You certainly get good results, John. I should have specified that the only DA* lenses I own are the two zooms. I have the desire to own the 200 and 300, but cannot justify the cost with respect to the results I derive from the Sigma 70-200/2.8 and 100-300/4 EX zooms.

danielchtong · 02-06-2009, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by palmor

Both Tamron and Kenko have TCs that work with SDM, the confusing thing is that they also make TCs that don't. You have the find the correct model.

The kenko model that works is this one:

John

I second what John said. I have only DA*200mm and the same TC (1.5x). It works flawlessly (in AF and SDM) with DA200mm

I did not get DA*300mm as I have the older A*300mmF4

Daniel

borno · 02-06-2009, 05:48 PM

You all make me want to try another copy of that TC, Mine has the exact same markings and the focus hunts like crazy?? IQ is good though, maybe I'll try another- I could always sell it.

danielchtong · 02-07-2009, 01:19 PM

Originally posted by borno

You all make me want to try another copy of that TC, Mine has the exact same markings and the focus hunts like crazy?? IQ is good though, maybe I'll try another- I could always sell it.

The TC as marked in the manual works best with long prime lens of F2.8 or faster. You can try your TC in a nearby camera shop which stocks DA*200mm or DA*300mm

Typically slower zooms with a lot more elements do not work that well with any TC as it has more refractive surface which definitely slows down the TC

Daniel

borno · 02-07-2009, 03:18 PM

Originally posted by danielchtong

The TC as marked in the manual works best with long prime lens of F2.8 or faster. You can try your TC in a nearby camera shop which stocks DA*200mm or DA*300mm

Typically slower zooms with a lot more elements do not work that well with any TC as it has more refractive surface which definitely slows down the TC

Daniel

Hey Daniel,
I was using the 1.5x pz shq on my DA*300mm and it didn't work, I ordered another to try as others had luck with theirs. I have been using the 1.7x afa and have even stscked the afa and the kenko 1.5x and it focused ok with the screw drive so I'm puzzled. I will give it another go with another one and if it doesn't work I'll sell one of them.

danielchtong · 02-07-2009, 03:50 PM

Originally posted by borno

Hey Daniel,
I was using the 1.5x pz shq on my DA*300mm and it didn't work, I ordered another to try as others had luck with theirs. I have been using the 1.7x afa and have even stacked the afa and the kenko 1.5x and it focused ok with the screw drive so I'm puzzled. I will give it another go with another one and if it doesn't work I'll sell one of them.

Tom

Sorry to hear that . I can only speculate that your combo (DA*300mmF4) is just below the cut off where not enough light has gone through. The difference of F2.8 (re DA*200mm) & F4 (re DA*300mm) could be very critical.

All these combo are not custom match by design . All it takes is just one element (of many) off by 1 mm. Hope to hear good news from you as a lot of DA*300mm owners would love to hear that. Or you have to wait for the new Pentax rear custom TC to come out. Well , it will not be cheap though

Daniel

palmor · 02-07-2009, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by danielchtong

Tom

Sorry to hear that . I can only speculate that your combo (DA*300mmF4) is just below the cut off where not enough light has gone through. The difference of F2.8 (re DA*200mm) & F4 (re DA*300mm) could be very critical.

All these combo are not custom match by design . All it takes is just one element (of many) off by 1 mm. Hope to hear good news from you as a lot of DA*300mm owners would love to hear that. Or you have to wait for the new Pentax rear custom TC to come out. Well , it will not be cheap though

Daniel

There should be PLENTY of light with an f/4 lens and 1.5x TC. I have this exact setup and it works flawlessly

I've had an f5.6 lens (Tokina AT-X 400mm) AF in bright light with a 1.5x TC without any problems. I have a feeling something might be off with that particular TC. Another user reported that when the looked inside the TC there was some wires missing or unconnected. I have no idea if that is what happened to Borno but I hope your new one will work for you.

danielchtong · 02-07-2009, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by palmor

There should be PLENTY of light with an f/4 lens and 1.5x TC. I have this exact setup and it works flawlessly

I've had an f5.6 lens (Tokina AT-X 400mm) AF in bright light with a 1.5x TC without any problems. I have a feeling something might be off with that particular TC. Another user reported that when the looked inside the TC there was some wires missing or unconnected. I have no idea if that is what happened to Borno but I hope your new one will work for you.

Sample difference? Of either the TC or the DA*300mm?

02-06-2009, 02:21 AM	#1
Timtast1c Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 330	*TC for Pentax DA lenses** I did a breif search but I didnt find anything too helpful. Im looking for a Teleconverter>> 1.4 to 2 that is compatible with AF and SDM on DA * lenses. can anyone direct me?

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02-06-2009, 02:26 AM	#2
pentagor Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia Posts: 495	I think there is one at marketplace here on forum right now: Kenko AF SHQ 1.5x.

02-06-2009, 06:23 AM	#3
rburgoss Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: San Jose, Costa Rica Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 972	Both my Tamrons 1.4 and 2x TC's have all the contacts, though I do not have an SDM lens, they should work fine with. My 1.4X works great. Not so the 2x which looses a lot of contrast.

02-06-2009, 06:49 AM	#4
palmor Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North of Boston, MA Posts: 798	Both Tamron and Kenko have TCs that work with SDM, the confusing thing is that they also make TCs that don't. You have the find the correct model. The kenko model that works is this one: I believe this is the same model that KEH is selling for ~$40 used in ln- condition: KEH Camera: Pentax Auto Focus - Converters John

02-06-2009, 09:45 AM	#5
volosong Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 696	First of all, the conventional wisdom states that the use of a teleconverter with a wide angle lens is not advisable, so let's disregard the 16-50. But, I suspect it would work if really needed. When I purchased my copy of the 50-135, I sat for a few minutes in the parking lot and tried the lens out. For some reason, I mated my Tamron with the lens. It focuses just fine, but the image quality degradation was very apparent. Even on the camera's LCD screen, when I zoomed way up, I could see the problems. Since that first try, I have not used a tc with the 50-135 and have not tried it with the 16-50. So...it works, but expect considerable image quality degradation.

02-06-2009, 11:03 AM	#6
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Originally posted by rburgoss Both my Tamrons 1.4 and 2x TC's have all the contacts, though I do not have an SDM lens, they should work fine with. My 1.4X works great. Not so the 2x which looses a lot of contrast. I have the Tamron 1.4TC and it works great with my SDM DA*300 (SDM mode)

02-06-2009, 12:26 PM	#7
palmor Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North of Boston, MA Posts: 798	Originally posted by volosong It focuses just fine, but the image quality degradation was very apparent. Even on the camera's LCD screen, when I zoomed way up, I could see the problems. I'm surprised about that since 1.4/1.5x TCs pair very well with the DA*300 IMO. John examples: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/49642-snowy-owl-part-ii-...got-close.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/46102-i-love-usable-iso-...other-one.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/45893-northern-cardinal-...-kenko-tc.html https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/44803-da-300-kenko-1-5xt...der-shots.html

02-06-2009, 01:06 PM	#8
volosong Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: North Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 696	Originally posted by palmor I'm surprised about that since 1.4/1.5x TCs pair very well with the DA300 IMO. You certainly get good results, John. I should have specified that the only DA lenses I own are the two zooms. I have the desire to own the 200 and 300, but cannot justify the cost with respect to the results I derive from the Sigma 70-200/2.8 and 100-300/4 EX zooms.

02-06-2009, 05:15 PM	#9
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by palmor Both Tamron and Kenko have TCs that work with SDM, the confusing thing is that they also make TCs that don't. You have the find the correct model. The kenko model that works is this one: John I second what John said. I have only DA200mm and the same TC (1.5x). It works flawlessly (in AF and SDM) with DA200mm I did not get DA300mm as I have the older A*300mmF4 Daniel

02-06-2009, 05:48 PM	#10
borno Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: md-usa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,580	You all make me want to try another copy of that TC, Mine has the exact same markings and the focus hunts like crazy?? IQ is good though, maybe I'll try another- I could always sell it.

02-07-2009, 01:19 PM	#11
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by borno You all make me want to try another copy of that TC, Mine has the exact same markings and the focus hunts like crazy?? IQ is good though, maybe I'll try another- I could always sell it. The TC as marked in the manual works best with long prime lens of F2.8 or faster. You can try your TC in a nearby camera shop which stocks DA200mm or DA300mm Typically slower zooms with a lot more elements do not work that well with any TC as it has more refractive surface which definitely slows down the TC Daniel

02-07-2009, 03:18 PM	#12
borno Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: md-usa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,580	Originally posted by danielchtong The TC as marked in the manual works best with long prime lens of F2.8 or faster. You can try your TC in a nearby camera shop which stocks DA200mm or DA300mm Typically slower zooms with a lot more elements do not work that well with any TC as it has more refractive surface which definitely slows down the TC Daniel Hey Daniel, I was using the 1.5x pz shq on my DA*300mm and it didn't work, I ordered another to try as others had luck with theirs. I have been using the 1.7x afa and have even stscked the afa and the kenko 1.5x and it focused ok with the screw drive so I'm puzzled. I will give it another go with another one and if it doesn't work I'll sell one of them.

02-07-2009, 03:50 PM	#13
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by borno Hey Daniel, I was using the 1.5x pz shq on my DA300mm and it didn't work, I ordered another to try as others had luck with theirs. I have been using the 1.7x afa and have even stacked the afa and the kenko 1.5x and it focused ok with the screw drive so I'm puzzled. I will give it another go with another one and if it doesn't work I'll sell one of them. Tom Sorry to hear that . I can only speculate that your combo (DA300mmF4) is just below the cut off where not enough light has gone through. The difference of F2.8 (re DA200mm) & F4 (re DA300mm) could be very critical. All these combo are not custom match by design . All it takes is just one element (of many) off by 1 mm. Hope to hear good news from you as a lot of DA*300mm owners would love to hear that. Or you have to wait for the new Pentax rear custom TC to come out. Well , it will not be cheap though Daniel

02-07-2009, 05:30 PM	#14
palmor Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: North of Boston, MA Posts: 798	Originally posted by danielchtong Tom Sorry to hear that . I can only speculate that your combo (DA300mmF4) is just below the cut off where not enough light has gone through. The difference of F2.8 (re DA200mm) & F4 (re DA300mm) could be very critical. All these combo are not custom match by design . All it takes is just one element (of many) off by 1 mm. Hope to hear good news from you as a lot of DA300mm owners would love to hear that. Or you have to wait for the new Pentax rear custom TC to come out. Well , it will not be cheap though Daniel There should be PLENTY of light with an f/4 lens and 1.5x TC. I have this exact setup and it works flawlessly I've had an f5.6 lens (Tokina AT-X 400mm) AF in bright light with a 1.5x TC without any problems. I have a feeling something might be off with that particular TC. Another user reported that when the looked inside the TC there was some wires missing or unconnected. I have no idea if that is what happened to Borno but I hope your new one will work for you.

02-07-2009, 05:45 PM	#15
danielchtong Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 885	Originally posted by palmor There should be PLENTY of light with an f/4 lens and 1.5x TC. I have this exact setup and it works flawlessly I've had an f5.6 lens (Tokina AT-X 400mm) AF in bright light with a 1.5x TC without any problems. I have a feeling something might be off with that particular TC. Another user reported that when the looked inside the TC there was some wires missing or unconnected. I have no idea if that is what happened to Borno but I hope your new one will work for you. Sample difference? Of either the TC or the DA*300mm?