We seem to have wandered way off the thread of when is Pentax going to produce a converter or extension tubes to work with their lenses.

JOhn

Having developed an excellent range of lenses over the last few years, when is Pentax going to produce necessary lens accessories, i.e. 1.4x/2x converters and extension tubes that work with their lenses, especially those with the SDM focus, such as the 300 DA*?

These items are not available from the independents, such as Sigma and Kenko. Pentax should produce them to complete their range!

John

The Sigma 105 is an excellent lens and will cover most of the subjects you are likely to attempt.

John

The most popular lenses, mainly on a cost v flexibility basis, are normally those in the 90-105 mm range from Pentax, Sigma and Tamron, all of which produce current models for Pentax. On the K20D, these equate to around 157 mm (in 35 mm film terms). They are widely availble from companies such as SRS, Park Cameras, etc. The cost will be from around £370. Many secondhand ones, particularly the Sigma are often available from various forums, at around £200 for the Sigma, depending on condition. These lenses handle a wide range of subjects, hence the flexibility. If you are specialising in insects, where you need greater distance to avoid spooking them, then a 180 macro is probably a better buy, but at a cost (around £750 for the Sigma). For still life, there are a number of shorter lenses (70 mm or lower) but the prices on these are likely to be more than for a 105 mm. I have used a Kenko 1.5x converter with my 105 with good results, but not as sharp as my 180 mm which has now supplanted my 105.

You can get good results from the combination suggested by Pentaxophile, but for insects, you would need to be quite close which they often won't tolerate. Also, when using a 50 mm lens with extension tubes, the lens performs better if reversed, if the magnification exceeds 1:1! However, I have been through all the combinations - extension tubes, reversing rings, magnifiers, etc., and nothing beats a dedicated macro lens, if you can afford it.

Macro work is very challenging, particularly wildlife, but is very enjoyable. Best of luck.

John

Hi,

If it has, I have a 52 mm reverse adapter in original box with instructions I would be willing to sell. Send PM if you are interested.

John

I have a Sigma 105 mm macro lens for sale for around £200. Reason for sale is because I have invested in a Sigma 180 macro. I am based nearby in Rotherham so you could come and inspect it if you wished. See Classified adds. Send PM if you are interested.

Giottos make one to fit the K10D. It is in glass and offers excellent protection and doesn't affect the image on the LCD. If you want to remove it, just warm it with a hair drier to release the adhesive. Cost about £25 and are available from Pentax User or other suppliers. Before fitting it, make absolutely sure that the existing LCD is absolutely clean!

John

I had a similar thing with a friend's *istD. When I reinstalled the firmware it cured it but it happened again after a time. Purely by chance, I suggested taking a flash shot and the shutter worked after that. Just a possibility!

John

[/quote]The Kenko ones you are looking for are Pz-AF 1.5X Teleplus SHQ these work on SDM. Pz-AF 1.5X Teleplus MC do NOT[/quote]The Kenko 1.5 converter I have refers to it as being AF 1.5x Teleplus DG on the box, but on the information slip inside it heads it SHQ 1.5x AF Teleplus. However, on the Intro 2020 website, it shows Pz-AF on the photo of the converter itself. I obviously purchased mine before this change since mine just says P-AF. If I get the Pz version, will this function correctly with the 300 DA*?

John

The Kenko 1.5 works OK with my Sigma 18-200 and also all other autofocus non-SDM lenses I possess.