Kenko 1.5x for Canon. (1 Viewer)

[Andrew]

Hello,

I wanted to ask if the Kenko 1.5x for Canon is still being made as I am after a second (NEW) copy due to annoyance at changing about when using two different cameras. I want to keep sensor dirt to a minimum. No one seems to either have a Canon version at a decent price or in stock. I keep coming up with 1.4x in Google searches.

Regards,
Andrew.

 

[Keith Reeder]

Pretty sure that's a "no", Andrew - I scored for one a few months ago for only £50, but it was a complete fluke that I was searching the 'net just as this one came up: aside from that, there's nothing out there, so I reckon it's no longer available.

 

[Roy C]

I was looking the other day Andrew and did not find any in the UK although THIS link indicates they have them in stock

 

[Roy C]

Pretty sure that's a "no", Andrew - I scored for one a few months ago for only £50, but it was a complete fluke that I was searching the 'net just as this one came up: aside from that, there's nothing out there, so I reckon it's no longer available.

Keith, is the one from Microglobe the same one that you have? I would not mind trying one on the 400/5.6. Did you notice much drop in IQ from other tc's?

 

[Hor Kee]

I have noticed a few models of the Kenko 1.5X tele that are:

(1) Kenko 1.5x Teleplus DG AF;
(2) Kenko C-AF1 1.5X Teleplus SHQ; and
(3) Kenko 1.5X Pz-AF Teleplus SHQ.

Does anyone here know of the differences in IQ, AF performance and picture quality?

 

[Keith Reeder]

Keith, is the one from Microglobe the same one that you have? I would not mind trying one on the 400/5.6. Did you notice much drop in IQ from other tc's?

Yep, same one.

I don't see any IQ loss at all from this one, Roy - but bear in mind that no converters work particularly well with my kit, so it's hard to judge...

 

[IanF]

I've been using the 1.5x for a couple of years now, in fact I have two. I find very little if any loss in sharpness. I do find there is a very slight loss in contrast and a slight purple colour cast which is only really evident in long distant lower light level photos more so noticeable when using stacked converters.

Both issues can usually be dealt with in computer when processing.

Having said that I still rate the IQ higher than what I get from my Canon 1.4x plus autofocus is faster and more consistent with the 400mm f5,6 prime.

 

[Keith Reeder]

That sounds about right Ian - I see a slight loss of contrast too, but it's trivial.

With my 7D and 100-400mm this converter is temperamental on the centre AF point, but actually works very well on the outer points, and - given that there are plenty to choose from on the 7D and I use them all the time anyway - I certainly consider this TC worth taking with me when I'm out and about.

 

[Andrew]

Thanks for all the replies. It is a shame they do not make them anymore as I like new copies as opposed to second hand. Mine is the SHQ version so would there be a difference in other versions of this teleconverter?

I currently use the 1.5x for macro work albeit with some dissatisfaction when stopped down for depth of field. Switching them about too often is not to my preference as I hate exposing my camera too much with dust playing havoc at f16 or so.

Meanwhile, I think I might try a Raynox 250 as it is an affordable option and there are some good images out there with this thing.

 

[Roy C]

Thanks for all the replies. It is a shame they do not make them anymore as I like new copies as opposed to second hand. Mine is the SHQ version so would there be a difference in other versions of this teleconverter?

I currently use the 1.5x for macro work albeit with some dissatisfaction when stopped down for depth of field. Switching them about too often is not to my preference as I hate exposing my camera too much with dust playing havoc at f16 or so.

Meanwhile, I think I might try a Raynox 250 as it is an affordable option and there are some good images out there with this thing.

Not quite following you Andrew, are you saying you have one but want another? also is not the link I gave you for new ones as opposed to used?

 

[Keith Reeder]

Andrew,

Roy is raising a valid point - whether or not they're still being made it does look like Microglobe has a stock of 'em.

One note of clarification from me: I responded to Roy's earlier post from memory. I've now checked my converter and it's actually a Kenko C-AF1 1.5X Teleplus SHQ.

Hor Kee, no idea what the differences are!

 

[Roy C]

BTW guys converters and IQ are a strange thing - I have a Teleplus MC7 2x tc which is over 20 year old (it is for Canon AF but does not AF, even on a f2.8 lens, so manual focus only) BUT I reckon the glass/IQ is as good as any other tc's I have owned including Canon MkII's and Kenko pro 300.

 

[Keith Reeder]

Agreed.

I've got the Canon Mk II and the Kenko 1.4x Pro DG, and - to be honest - neither are any better in terms of sharpness potential (assuming the buggers work at all! ) than the 1.5x - this is plenty sharp enough for me (handheld at 600mm, remember!)

As Ian has pointed out, there's sometimes a slight colour shift into the purples - I've had to fettle that here (note that this is just a quick-and-dirty presentation) - but it's trivial to sort out.

 

[Roy C]

The whole thing with these Kenko converters is a minefield and the Kenko website is as useful as toothache. I have been trying to find the difference between the 1.5x DG and SHQ and found one post where a guy was selling his Kenko 1.5x DG SHQ converter !!!!!- I give up |!|

 

[Keith Reeder]

Even more confusion: according to the leaflet that came with my converter, it will AF on any camera with lenses of f/4.5 or better.

That means (theoretically) I could use the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 and this TC on my 7D and get AF...

 

[micloi]

Even more confusion: according to the leaflet that came with my converter, it will AF on any camera with lenses of f/4.5 or better.

That means (theoretically) I could use the Sigma 500mm f/4.5 and this TC on my 7D and get AF...

I tried this combination and AF was, unfortunately, erratic.

The Kenko 1.4x DGX though worked ok

 

[Andrew]

I managed to bag another Kenko through eBay by making an offer after an highly priced one remained unsold. Just as clean and scratch free as my first one so I am happy enough.

Still got a Raynox 250 on the way in the post so I should be able to compare the two options. Maybe even combine them for hardcore macro!

Cheers,
Andrew.