Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs

Comments about Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs:

Kenko DGX converter will report correct focal length and aperture of the lens plus converter. The newer Kenko DGX converter do not have Pro 300 series in Sony mount, and that's why I got this MC4 model.
Compared to my pre-DGX era Kenko Pro300 model on A850 with Tokina 300mm 2.8 lens, center sharpness are very similar and the newer DGX MC4 may be even a little sharper. However, my older Pro300 model shows much better results at the edge of the frame with sharper and much less greenish colour fringing in high contrast area. The difference would be gone after stop down 2 stops.
Therefore, I believe this DGX MC4 converter would be very good for APS-C user where the frame edge would be cropped out. For full frame user, it is still working well for static subject with smaller aperture.

Comments about Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs:

I had about given up on using a teleconverter on my Sony A330. I was interested in adding some "reach" to my Tamron SP 70-300 USD, but that lens was supposed to be too slow (F5.6 aperture) to autofocus with any of the Sony or Tamron 1.4x teleconverters. I borrowed a TelePlus MC4 1.4x DGX, was amazed that it autofocused, so I quickly ordered one! I was also pleasantly surprised that it was chipped, and thus reported the correct F-stop and focal length via exif data, so that Sony's in-body image stabilization works correctly. It has an 8-contact connector, so ADI flash functions are also available.

Because the front element of the DGX is recessed, it physically fit and worked at least in MF mode with all my Tamron, Sigma & Sony lenses. It even worked (in MF mode) with my Sony AF500/F8 reflex lens, producing a nice 700mm super-telephoto lens. It takes away one F-stop from all lenses' speed, so the Sony 500 became an F11, but it was still useable. Kenko recommends using it with focal lengths of 100mm or more, but I also got decent results with my Tamron 60 macro lens.

The build quality is good for its price range, and seemed to fit the camera & lenses securely. Image quality with it is decent, although I noticed some CA coming through in back-lit shots, especially with my zoom lenses. I'm betting that would mostly be eliminated with a high-quality prime lens. Although it will auto-focus with the Tamron 70-300, it requires good light which limits it for photographing distant birds in flight. The only other issue I noted was that, during a cold weather shoot, the chip temporarily de-registered itself from the camera, so that the focal length and F-stop weren't correctly recorded. The images seemed fine, though. Don't know if that was an issue with that particular lens or the Kenko, but it fortunately hasn't occurred since.

All in all, the Kenko DGX 1.4x is a versatile, bargain-priced teleconverter for Sony cameras!

Comments about Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs:

Excellent 1.4x with only one f stop.
I use with my Tamron 60mm F/2 for macro, with my aps-c dslr.
It's a right choice between magnifier and quality loss.

Comments about Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs:

Mainly used for photographing birds. Can help to take picture of objects that are far but images taken have lost some sharpness. Anyway, should be useful when there is plenty of light and in some circumstances.

The automatic focus works only there is plenty of light.

I have used the teleconverter only a couple of time since I got it. Maybe, in the future, I will know better how to get the best of it.

Comments about Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs:

This TC works just as advertised. Of course any TC will degrade image sharpness and introduce some CA. This one is no different, but it's fairly well controlled. I am able to get very nice shots coupled with a 70-300mm lens.

One small complaint, the screw-drive AF prong is spring loaded, and is always engaged with a lens attached. This adds extra resistance when using a lens with screw-drive in AF mode, as the AF gears will still be engaged on many lenses.

Comments about Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Sony Alpha Digital SLRs:

Haven't used it a lot yet - but happy with what I have done. Got a few moon shots that show the craters pretty well.