teleconvertors for dummies

Hi guys

I've asked a similar question before but this time i need it explained simpler :O

I want to buy a da*300 some time down the line for my k-5 because the 150 500mm is starting to get on my Wick.

Questions are. Can you achieve auto focus with a particular convertor. Which one? and can someone tell me there experience of using one.

Ty

Qc

As far as I know, there is no teleconverter available currently that "works" with the DA*300mm. When I say "works", I mean one that will provide good snappy autofocus.

I have tried, as have others, and it seems to be down to PD-AF and SDM use. For instance, using my Kenko 1.5x PZ-AF converter, SDM works but it hunts an awful lot and takes several half presses to lock focus, even in good light. However, when I tried CD-AF in LiveView, it snapped to focus without fail every time! Strangely, I have also used that same Kenko TC on my Bigma, without any of the issues found on the Pentax SDM lens... wierd!

What I do use, and have done for a long time now, is the Pentax AFA 1.7x adapter. It takes some getting used to, manually focusing to within a certain distance then letting the AFA take over for final lock. I have found the results with that combination to be very good indeed, providing a very flexible and hand-holdable 510mm F6.7, as long as you have good light of course.

Not sure if the long awaited Pentax 1.4x TC is still on the roadmap but I think it would sell like hot cakes if they built it... and it worked in both CD-AF and PD-AF modes.

I use a manual focus 2x (S) with my DA*300. And get some excellent results.

You can use catch in focus - but set the lens switch to M and camera to AF-S, hold shutter release down and slowly focus.

Or adjust focus until you get a focus confirm and then release the shutter.

Are these easy to come by?

Look no further than the Pentax SMC f 1.7x AF Adapter. It marries beautifully with the DA*300. It automatically stops down to f6.7. It 's not fully AF but once you dial it close the rest is done by the camera. There might even be one for sale in the classifieds, you'll need to go back a couple of weeks.

Cheers Steve!

Example on a K-7 (cropped about 50-75%)

I take it the teleconvertor on the pentax road map for 2013 and beyond is a a converter that will support auto focus! !!
Just seeing this

Just contacted Pentax uk

We can forget about the teleconvertor for a while.
Likely to be shelved for another year because of the 'demand for lenses'
Gutted

That's a shame (but hardly unexpected).

IMO Steve is correct, the 1.7x and 300mm is a perfect match.

100% crop

Very nice

Tell me this when you acquire focus can the lens continue to focus continously around the subject?

Within a very limited area.

The TC actually does the focusing itself

When I asked the guy at Pentax/Ricoh UK to get back to me about the teleconvertor listed in the road map (the PDF) he hadnt a clue until I got this email.

Hi Alistair,
I am the social media coordinator and am not familiar with whether or not our road map will include the product you are looking for. I will try to find out. I'd tell you to sell your 300 and buy the 560! Its amazing!



He didnt even use his name nor did I receive a satisfactory response.

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