TC for 70-300 IS, Kenko vs Tamron (1 Viewer)

[RonHW]

Greetings,

I’m planning to purchase a 1.4 teleconverter. I’ve read threads going back several years on the subject.

I have a 400D and 70-300 IS (new version). The Canon TC will not work with this lens, so that leaves the Kenko and Tamron. I can get the Tamron AF, Tamorn Pro and Kenko DG locally.

Purchasing locally is preferable because it supports local business and allows me to conveniently compare the models head to head (which I would have already done but the local shop is out of the Tamron Pro and Kenko until next week).

There are lots of folks who like one or the other but I’ve not yet read anything compelling about one or the other. I remain a bit confused about “reporting” from the converter to the body. Some have written that the simpler (cheaper) models of the Tamron and Kenko do not report and therefore have auto focus throughout. The 400D has 8 pins – I think other models have 11?

Truthfully, I’m not sure that AF is a big issue for me. I’m more concerned about IQ between the two and whether for my lens, is there an advantage to the Kenko over Tamron and the less expensive one over the more expensive?

The forum's diverse opinions are always appreciated.

Thanks,
rw

 

[Clive Watson]

Is it a Canon lens? If so, it seems bizarre that a Canon converter won't work on a Canon lens. Or is it just the AF that won't work?

 

[Roy C]

Is it a Canon lens? If so, it seems bizarre that a Canon converter won't work on a Canon lens. Or is it just the AF that won't work?

Canon tc's only fit a limited range of Canon lenses - it will not fit the lens in question. The only zoom lenes that fit are the three 70-200's and the 100-400.

 

[Paul Jarvis]

Go for the Kenko.

 

[mjmw]

Is it a Canon lens? If so, it seems bizarre that a Canon converter won't work on a Canon lens. Or is it just the AF that won't work?

Its a physical restriction on the way the TC is designed - it inserts into the lens barrel slightly, so only fits certain lenses. Also, Canon won't want to encourage people to use a TC on a lens when they think it will degrade quality too much.

Ron, the Kenko seems to get a lot of good reviews.