Kenko Teleplus DG 1.5x AF Teleconverter

 

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A Macro and Telephoto Accessory

Placed between the camera body and lens, a teleconverter contains a set of optics that will effectively increase the focal length of any lens with which it is used. The KENKO Teleplus K1.5 AF converter has the effect of multiplying the focal length of your lens by 1.5x. For example, using the K1.5 AF teleconverter with a 300 mm lens will effectively increase the focal length to 450 mm.

The K1.5 AF SHQ DG converter has genuine Gate Array IC (Integrated Circuitry). It means the converter’s unique circuitry maintains signal integrity between the camera body and lens. The 5-element design is made with high quality multicoated optical glass supplied by Hoya Corporation, the worlds largest manufacturer of optical glass.

Full AF operation with the Teleplus K1.5 is possible using camera lenses with open apertures of f/4 or brighter. Please be aware that AF will work properly only if there is enough light and contrast on the subject to activate the camera’s AF sensors. (Manual focusing is recommended when using lenses with smaller open f-stop values than those given above.)

Macro

Though many may not realize it, the Kenko K1.5 SHQ DG teleconverter is a powerful optic for macro photography.

An Example; the Tokina AT-X 100 PRO D 100mm f/2.8 macro lens will focus as close as 11 inches. At that distance the lens has a life-sized reproduction ratio of 1:1. This means that if the subject is only half an inch long it will be half an inch long on the film or CCD. The K1.5x SHQ DG converts the lens into an equivalent 150mm lens with a reasonably bright equivalent f/4 aperture with the same 11 inch minimum focusing distance. Now at 11 inches the reproduction ratio is larger than life sized, 1:0.75, which enters the realm of MICRO photography!

Capture fine details that even a macro lens might have missed while maintaining the same working distance from the subject. Keeping the minimum focus distance the same is important for proper lighting. In the world of insect photography, maintaining a good working distance from your subjects is important for more natural looking photographs.

If using manual lighting or metering it is import to remember than the K1.5 has an exposure factor equivalent to a 1 stop light loss.

Telephoto

It is an easy and inexpensive way to increase the abilities of your telephoto lens without the expense of purchasing and carrying another telephoto lens. For example, using the K1.5 AF teleconverter with a 300 mm f/2.8 lens will effectively increase the focal length to 450 mm with an equivalent aperture of f/4. the Kenko Teleplus K1.5 SHQ DG is just over an inch thick so it takes up very little room in your camera bag.

Kenko Teleplus "DG" 1.5x AF Teleconverter for Nikon AF.

Kenko Teleplus "DG" 1.5x AF Teleconverter for Nikon AF

Description

KENKO AF 1.5X super high quality Teleplus converter has also genuine Gate Array IC and compact, light weight and easy handling. Full AF linkage with teleplus is possible with camera lenses with open aperture of F4.5 or brighter (Manual focusing is required when using lenses with smaller open f-stop value than those given above).

DG Series
New DG Series have upgraded "Gated-Array" circuitry to work better with the digital SLR's and some of the the new digital only lenses. They still work the same with film SLR Cameras and lenses as well

Specifications Multicoated for high resolution - Digital Compatible
Magnification 1.5x
Light Loss 1 f/stop
Lens Configuration 4 elements in 4 groups
Coating Multicoating
Exposure Magnification Approx 2 times (equivalent to 1 diaphragm)
Barrel Length 25mm
Weight Weight: 110g

Reviews

excellent product that does the business

By Colin from Glasgow, Scotland/U.K. on 10/10/2007

Pros:Durable, Lightweight, Very good value

Best Uses:Live concerts

Describe Yourself:Semi-Professional

Bottom Line:Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Kenko Teleplus "DG" 1.5x AF Teleconverter for Nikon AF:

For individual musicians or singers at concerts my favored lens has been Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 when using film.Nikon digital is a bit tricky. DX lenses are too slow, 50mm often too short. Nikon converters won't work with 50mm exept the 14A which doesn't offer auto-focus.With the help of KENKO [...] this problem is solved. In combination with my Nikkor 50mm 1.4D lens I'm closer to the action,the view I prefer, and with auto-focus.

Full AF operation with the Teleplus 1.5x MC is possible on camera lenses with a maximum aperture f/4 or faster

This little guy performs better than I ever expected and auto focuses on every lens I have tried. Here are some samples. All photos hand held and shot from exact same location, but at different times. (notice the color variations). The top row is facing South, the second row is facing East. F/5.6 on the 70-300 becomes f/8 with the teleconverter and the crop factor on a dx camera becomes 450mm. The Sigma 18-200 works just as well at 18mm with the 1.5 as at 200mm. At 200mm the 18-200 becomes 300mm. f/9. See the examples below. Auto focus worked just fine on both lenses at f/5.6 and f/6.3 respectively.

Click a photo below for a larger image

Photo shot with Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.8 DL Macro Super - 300mm - No TC Photo shot with Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.8 DL Macro Super - 300mm with Kenko 1.5x Teleplus. effective focal length 450mm
Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.8 DL Macro - 130mm No TC Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.8 DL Macro Super - 300mm - No TC Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.8 DL Macro Super - 300mm with Kenko 1.5x Teleplus. effective focal length 450mm
Photo shot with Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM - 18mm. No TC Photo shot with Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM - 200mm. No TC Photo shot with Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM - 200mm with Kenko 1.5x Teleplus. Effective focal length 300mm
Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM - 18mm. No TC Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM - 200mm. No TC Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM -  200mm with Kenko 1.5x Teleplus. Effective focal length 300mm
Shot with Nikon f/1.8 50mm and TC. Handheld with natural interior light
Shot with Nikon f/1.8 50mm and TC. Handheld with natural interior light

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