| Author: | | Pentaxian Registered: January, 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Posts: 6,620 | | Review Date: June 15, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $300.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | SHARP! | | Cons: | none | | Camera Used: K3II
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This 1.4x TC is the money!
It never fails to deliver a good telephoto image, when filling the frame beyond the max FoV of the lens. I've used this with Tamron 70-200, F*300, and DFA150-450.
In the case of my gear, it is ALWAYS better to add this TC than to crop the non-TC frame for an equivalent image size; as such, I am happy to keep this TC handy when I need more range at the long end of my lens.
Highly recommended!
Let these samples tell the story:
 Moon Over The Delta
 Moon &; Observatory
NOT photoshopped, BTW.
 Angel Belly
 Sun Spots AR12192 | | | | | | | Site Supporter Registered: February, 2013 Location: Lometa, TX Posts: 403
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: April 23, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $430.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, retains IQ when good glass is used | | Cons: | Price hard to find | |
I have been anxiously awaiting the TC and when I got it and got a chance to put it to work I cannot say enough how Very Happy I am with the performance of this glass ! I have used several TC's Pentax and others (not the new 1.4 Pentax) with mixed and always IQ concerns this TC is The Best I have used !! I have only used it along with good glass like the 70-200 2.8 Tammy so far so I will add more comments at a later date but from other experiences in the past I say if your going to have a TC I Highly recomend this is the one to have !
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: May, 2011 Location: Herefordshire, UK Posts: 197
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 23, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $270.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, convenient, allows auto focus | | Cons: | Expensive | |
It's not perfect and I don't think any teleconverter ever can be - but I have found no noticeable loss of image quality, and the auto focus works pretty well when you have a reasonable amount of light. It works well with my DA* lenses, and the Sigma 70-200.
I had a Kenko 1.5x teleconverter once and never really had satisfactory results with it. Despite what some people say about them being the same, I have found the Tamron performs much better.
The only real problem I have with it is the price, but at the end of the day it just reflects what people are prepared to pay for a quality item in an open market.
I can't imagine anybody coming up with a better one, so for that reason I give it top marks when rated against other teleconverters.
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2012 Location: Moscow Posts: 13
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: July 29, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Sharp, minimize IQ loss, can be used with any AF lens (SDM or screw) | | Cons: | Extremely hard to find new, real expensive | |
Astonishing converter.
I took it after reading several reviews, including this thread. I can only reaffirm previous members - this one will provide overhelming result! I found it better than Kenko AF-PZ 1.5x SHQ. Of course, you will need a good optics for it ;-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctax/8623094047/ - done by FA*300 + this thing.
| | | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: January, 2008 Location: Paris, TN Posts: 3,349
4 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: October 7, 2012 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Best available TC | | Cons: | It's become expensive | |
In addition to the fact that it's hard to fault the results obtained with this TC when used intelligently, in my opinion it's simply the best TC out there and warrants a top score.
Of particular note for users of the Tamron Adaptall lenses, this APPEARS to have the same optical formula as the 140F 1.4x converter and in any case it certainly produces results that are equal in IQ. Neither has the modern Dii coatings and being the glass surface closest to the digital sensor may occasionally exhibit flare from internal reflection.
More importantly, you don't have to disassemble the lens/adapter pair to use this TC as it attaches to the PK/PKA adapter as it would to any bayonet mount.
Used with discretion, I find no difference in images made with this TC compared to those cropped to the same magnification when used with these Adaptall SP lenses (52BB, 63B, 30A, 19AH and 360B) and many of the popular AD-2 lenses perform satisfactorily with it also.
I acquired a Pentax AF 1.7x converter to determine if it would add useful AF functionality to the Adaptalls and concluded that the Pz-AF and 140F offered noticeably better IQ for my purposes.
I have two of these and have used others and found them to be consistently excellent with no noticeable variation in IQ between lenses.
Both of my items were acquired some time ago before they became hard to find so I won't skew the current average price with unrealistic two-digit values. If I needed to replace mine for use with my Adaptall lenses I'd consider $200-240 a reasonable price and a good value today considering the versatility they add to both the tele- and macro capabilities of these lenses.
H2
| | | | | New Member Registered: June, 2012 Posts: 8 | | Review Date: June 2, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $285.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Doesn't lose sharpness at all, incredible! autofocus... | | Cons: | I s'pose it's starting to cost a bit much? | |
When I first bought this on eBay, a used copy, I thought 'Gee I just spent as much as a 35mm f2.4 on a teleconverter!' and was kicking myself until it arrived, and I tried it out. whoa.
It's not so much that this does anything incredible like say, the 16-50mm f2.8 (my favourite lens) - its just that it DOESN'T do anything to the image. Like, you are getting 1.4x zoom for basically no cost... Well the cost of a stop, but in good light that's fine, sharpness is what I mean, it simply isn't affected. If this was $500 I'd still buy it, because it's just an awesome bit of kit for wildlife or sports, and I don't know how I ever did without it.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: June, 2011 Location: Near Sydney, NSW Posts: 331
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: June 1, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $318.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Maintains AF (even with SDM!) and EXIF data, ridiculously sharp, a small, light way to add say, 120mm to your 300mm lens! | | Cons: | Hard to get these days, paid a lot for mine... But worth every penny. | |
Everyone has said it with this TC already - it is so sharp that when used well, I'd challenge anyone to tell the difference between it being used, or just the same lens but closer.
I've used this for cricket, where you can't get closer than about 70 metres from the action, and my team mates when I showed them the pics said "Gee that lens doesn't look that big or powerful!" Yep well, it's not... but this little baby is powerful alright!
I also used it with the Sigma 170-500 (which obviously IS a big lens) and MAN, can you get some good results considering you're at 700mm and f9.0! With enough light to stop the lens to f8.0 (which makes it f11 in reality), then results are incredible considering you can fill the frame with a crow that is 40 metres away.
These days it's rare to see it, and when it does come up for sale it's closer to $300 than it is to $200, but I didn't really mind paying just over $310 for mine because I wasn't sure when I'd see it come again. So if you're after a TC and this one comes up, don't worry if it's $250+, it's the best one out there and that's all there is to it.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: November, 2010 Location: California Posts: 2,223 | | Review Date: April 22, 2011 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | The best 1.4x TC no doubt about it. Sharp and neat | | Cons: | None - hard to get and expensive | |
This is a great 1.4x TC. It does what it is designed to do.
| | | | | Forum Member Registered: April, 2010 Posts: 68 | | Review Date: June 14, 2010 | Recommended | Price: $185.00
| Rating: 10 |
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Works very well with the new DA*200/2.8 and the new DA*300/4.
Hunts a little bit in AF on the DA*300 (act like a 630mm lens on FF).
Still fast autofocus.
T | | | | | Loyal Site Supporter Registered: February, 2014 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,710 | | Review Date: May 23, 2019 | Recommended | Price: $33.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharpness, color, Keeps AF, Small, Light | | Cons: | Little IQ loss, hard to find one | | Camera Used: K-S2 & K5iis
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I’ve been looking for a decent 1.4x converter to use with my rare Tokina ATX-SD 300mm f2.8 manual focus lens for almost a year. I had a Pentax 1.4X-S unit a while back, it did not work well with the Tokina. I almost bought a used Pentax SMCA 1.4X -L converter for $295 but I found the Tamron at B&H for $32.95 !!!
My first use was with my 55-300mm DA on a K-S2. The combination worked surprisingly well, even focusing fairly swiftly at an effective f8/420mm. Central sharpness remained very good ay all focal lengths except the longest where the DA 55-300 isn’t super sharp to begin with. Bokeh was very nice and smooth and colors remained very Pentax like.
The next lens to be mated to the Tamron TC was a Pentax SMC-A 400mm f5.6, becoming a 560mm f8. I had more than a little trouble nailing correct focus with the K-S2. The in focus images were definitely less sharp overall than the same subject shot with the 400mm lens alone. A no-go for this combination.
Tried it with a FA 50mm f2.8 Macro and the results were quite good. It gives an extra inch or two distance from the subject which helps greatly when shooting insects. IQ loss was worth the distance gain.
Finally I broke out the big, heavy Tokina 300mm f2.8 and K5iis. Impressive. Wide open the combination is somewhat soft and lacked contrast. One stop down at an effective f5.6 the images became much clearer and at f8 and 11 the IQ improved to excellent. Better than my Pentax SMCA 400mm f5.6 at those apertures. Color was saturated and contrast very good. The one negative, and the bokeh became very busy and somewhat harsh, especially grass and twigs. Definitely a keeper to go with the big 300mm.
I would have willingly paid $150 to $175 for this converter, glad I somehow managed to score it from B&H for $32.95!
EDIT: My original copy of this TC had lens mount screw come partially loose which allowed one of the A series contact pins to fall into the TC’s aperture position relay mechanism. The TC became a permanent part of my F*300/4.5 until I removed the screws holding the lens mount to the converter. Parts flew everywhere when I took off the mount, however the converter was then able to be removed. Now, just so you know, I liked this unit well enough to shop around and buy another! KEH for $70. It performs better than the one it replaced and works very well with my newly acquired KP and the 300/4.5. Still the best value in Pentax Mount 1.4X TC’s, just keep an eye out for loose mount screws.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: December, 2012 Location: IOWA Where the Tall Corn Grows Posts: 3,695
3 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: February 10, 2016 | Recommended | Price: $110.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Sharp even at lower F stops | | Cons: | Hunts a bit more in AF | | Camera Used: K-3
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I've tested this teleconverter on both my F*300 and DA*200 lenses. I have been more than pleased with this TC. Hardly any noticeable degradation in IQ at all. Sharp and contrasty. The only downside is it hunts more using autofocus but I guess this is a small price to pay for such an excellent TC. I saved over $350 by going with this TC over the new Pentax HD 1.4 TC. Although not weather resistant and no HD coatings, I think this teleconverter makes a wise less expensive alternative to the more expensive Pentax HD 1.4 TC.
F*300 @5.6 NO teleconverter
 Untitled by frankweiser, on Flickr
F*300 @5.6 WITH TAMRON Teleconverter
 Untitled by frankweiser, on Flickr
| | | | | New Member Registered: December, 2014 Posts: 1
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: January 3, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | I love what every one else said and could not agree more | | Cons: | none yet | | Camera Used: K3
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Today I just posted my first posting as a new member, After trying to get some information on my new aquisition, I ended up coming to this location. After seeing what others have said about this little work of art, I am delightful to say that this jewell came hidden in a box with a ZX-50, a Tamron 70-300 and a Pentax FA 28-80 and other stuff for the princely sum of $45. My purchase description is detailed on my new member post. I also got from another person today (a 100 mile cross city and back jaunt here in MPLS) a ZX-10 and 2 lenses along with a new camera case that retails for about 50 dollars for a grand total of $55 and $100 total for the day. With this in mind, I did not want to unrealilistically skew or devalue the item by saying it was free so I left its value out above. It appears to mechanically work fine on my Pentax-FA 28-80, my Pentax-F 35-80, my Sigma 18-55 and my Pentax DAL 50-200 and my Sears 80-200 and my Tamron 70-300, however I have not shot outdoors today due to cold and darkness here in northern Minnesota. I had wanted to get some extra Milimeters and with this unit I can now do it across all my lenses except my 3 older M42 lenses.
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: January, 2011 Location: Sao Paulo Posts: 149
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: December 4, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $50.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Small, light and very good IQ. Sharp. SDM and DC works (yeah!) | | Cons: | expensive and hard to find. (price edited, wrong entry) | | Camera Used: K5, K5II, K10D
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Here in Brazil, Pentax is not as popular as the big 2 guys, so is hard to find compatible acessories. A couple of years ago, I had the oportunity to buy a pair of this TC, new and for a reeeeeeeeally good price, because allmost nobody uses Pentax here, and the shop was selling it as a "take it off quickly, ok" deal.
At that time I tested with a 18-135 and a Takumar F 70-200 (a sweeeet lens. Very good IQ) and liked a lot the results. But i don't use Telelenses so often and sold the two TC's.
I don't need to say I missed then afterwards, and have been looking for another good deal like that. Some days ago I finally found and this time I'll keep it, just waiting those "large diameter telephoto lens" from the Photokina display
My conclusion is this: If you find one, buy it. The IQ is great, if the lens is great. AF works with SDM and DC lenses, as well as Screwdrive. Some may be slow, like the 16-50, the only SDM lens I have, but mine copy is screwdrive converted, so dont know if thats what's affecting the behavior. With the 18-135, AF works normal, and screwdrive native lenses works Ok too.
EDIT 2015-01-19: I just bought a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 HSM II and unfortunately it doesn't work well with it. The AF focus ok at 70mm, but beyond 100mm it hunts and doesn't lock focus at all. Just odd, as focus can be achieved via manual operation.
So, the Tamrom TC combined with Sigma 70-200 cannot be used in AF but if you use the combo in manual, the rest remains the same: Good IQ with sharp and contrast image.
| | | | | Site Supporter Registered: January, 2014 Location: St Petersburg Posts: 402
1 user found this helpful
| | Review Date: March 22, 2014 | Recommended | Price: $250.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | This is the one to own! | | Cons: | Lens Length/Zoom length EXIF not transferred... | |
At the cost of 1 stop, best choice for TC. Have used it with F, FA, FA* and DA* zooms and FA*300 2.8.
Minimal IQ falloff, maybe 3-5% less contrast (measured off slider in PS)... Meters well, Nice tight Fit... Will Keep it even after HD arrives, likely permanent kit (with the 2x TM PZ MC7) with my FA* 300mm 2.8.
Find it cheaper than I paid, but worth $250 anyway.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: July, 2009 Location: Mount Joy, PA Posts: 544
2 users found this helpful
| | Review Date: September 15, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $295.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Extremely sharp for a Teleconverter, SDM function | | Cons: | Expensive | |
I agree with the other reviewers on the sharpness of this teleconverter. Third-party teleconverters really don't get any better than the Tamron. I have owned both the 1.4x Pz-AF and 2x Pz-AF BBAR converters. Both are very good, but the 1.4x is measurably better than the 2x.
I used this teleconverter on my K-5 II with both the Pentax-DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED and DA* 50-135 F2.8 ED SDM with good results. My first experience was with the 55-300mm lens in overcast weather, late in the day. The lens focused a good deal slower than usual and there was a bit more of the focusing "buzz" associated with screw-drive lenses, but the results were everything I hoped for - sharp and decent contrast. Any chromatic aberrations I detected were no more apparent than usual for that lens.
In the case of the 50-135mm lens, the results were much the same - very good sharpness and contrast. I can't say I noticed a difference in focusing speed. The SDM auto focus is nearly silent because of the electrical contacts in the lens, so there was no change in volume when using the DA*. The extra buzz with the other lens is likely due to the converter's build/acoustics, but that's to be expected with screw-drive AF. The converter is very well built - reassuringly solid.
One last note: As I said, I used the 1.4x Pz-AF with my K-5 II. I suspect the improved K-5 II auto focus sensor will yield better results in dim light with this converter than older bodies. My first test was under cloudy, late day conditions. The AF did hunt a little bit, especially as the hour got later, and I blame the hunting mainly on the environmental conditions. The 55-300mm is a "budget" lens, albeit a very good one. Nevertheless, at its longest focal length it's largest aperture is f/5.8. This is less than ideal for a teleconverter. The typical threshold for a teleconverter to work well is f/4. That said, this Tamron converter seems to work well with most lenses, and gives better results than cheaper converters.
Being one of the better converters in terms of performance I give it high marks. However its high cost and rarity diminishes the rating. I'd say anywhere between "8" and "9" is appropriate, depending on the price.
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