1.4xTC Test: Tamron "F" v. Kenko "Pro 300" Photo Gallery by lightrules at pbase.com

1.4xTC Test: Tamron "F" v. Kenko "Pro 300"

Dec 8 2005: The Tamron "F" 1.4xTC is quite a popular item as it renders generally good IQ, is relatively low-priced, and allows for AF on more setups than the more expensive TCs. But head-to-head, how does it fare against the well-respected Kenko "Pro 300" (white version, out of production)? I own both TCs and put them against one another here.

As of note, in terms of AF speed, both are about the same on the 100-400IS (Kenko taped). Without taping the 11-pinned Kenko, the 100-400IS matched with a 20D will NOT AF.

Side by Side	Top View	Kenko "Taped"	Tamron100400
Kenko100400	TestTCs

comment |

AndreaOrko		31-Mar-2009 09:46
After reading your review, i take the Sigma 18-200 OS and i'm very happy with it. I have a Canon 450D and the Sigma 18-200 OS and i have a question: have you tried the 1.4xTC on this lens??? Can it work??? Thank you in advance for the reply... and a test of the TC with the "superzoom" could be interesting for a lot of people.... to understand if the IQ is acceptable and if the AF works (it could be good also if it works only on the center point). PS: Sorry for my english.... (i'm italian)

Guest		29-Mar-2009 00:14
The cheap 1.4 Tamron allows auto focus on both the 400f5.6 and the 100-400 IS without noticable loss in IQ.

lightrules		24-Mar-2009 16:28
I would go with the Kenko Pro DG 1.4x unit for your Sigma 70-200 f2.8. It costs less, fits more lenses, and optically as good or better.

40Driggs		24-Mar-2009 15:48
Would there be a reason for me to go with the Sigma 1.4X TC over the Kenko 1.4XTC? The lens it would be used on would be the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8

TheDude		07-Nov-2008 19:49
Consistent with my experience, definite reduction in IQ with the Tamron 1.4

lightrules		13-Oct-2008 23:52
At f8 you will struggle to get AF if you have a non-1 series body. You can tape the pins on the Kenko Pro and it will probably work, but don't expect AF to be really good.

travsim56		12-Oct-2008 04:46
Question to anyone who can help, i have a canon 100-400 L 4.5-5.6 lens and am looking to add a little distance to it. with the 1.4 tc or the kenko... it seems like the kenko may be the way to go? any thoughts. from more actual use on the lens. i shoot mostly sports outside during daylight so lighting shouldn't be a problem i usually shoot at F8 currently. my real question is will i loose the auto focus and the image stabilization? i keep seeing different and conflicting results. even from my local shop. i would like to keep both but am not sure if it is possible.

Vance Walton		17-Aug-2008 22:28
Thanks for the test. I found no IQ difference between least expensive black Tamron 1.4 and brand new Canon 1.4 II on the 400 DO. Tamron weighs less and shorter length keeps balance point more to the rear for hand held shots.

lightrules		14-Feb-2008 17:02
Yes, basically the same image quality. I prefer these ones over the Canon as they are less costly, similar IQ, fit more lenses, and are smaller/lighter.

Pieter-Jan		14-Feb-2008 16:46
Does these TC's has the same quality as the one from canon or can't you compare them? Thanks a lot, Pieter-Jan (Belgium) By the way: nice site :p

lightrules		16-Jan-2007 05:24
Robert, excellent choice in the 400f5.6. Stellar optics and wicked AF speed. As to the Sigma 1.4x, I am 98% sure it will not be a problem with your new lens, though you will need to tape the 3 left pins for AF to work. You will need lots of light to get good AF lock too. Report back when you get a chance, and enjoy the light.

Robert Gravel		16-Jan-2007 04:19
lightrules, thanks for the informative info you provide to us mortals :) I just purchased the EF 400 f/5.6, and I should receive it in a week or so. I was wondering if you knew if my XT / 400mm combo will work with my Sigma 1.4 TC between them. Thanks

lightrules		12-Dec-2006 17:13
Definitely the Kenko Pro. It costs much less, optically the same, and it will fit any EF or 3rd party lens. This one really is a no-brainer. Go for the Kenko Pro.

heavybrain		12-Dec-2006 17:05
My congratulation, you've done a very well and usefull job with this pages :-D I am evaluating a TC for my new EF 70-200L f/4 IS USM, would you suggest the Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 DG AF 1.4X or the Canon Extender EF 1.4X II ??? I have found the Kenko for 188 euro and the Canon for 315 euro is a huge difference, there's any reason for buy canon on your experience ??? Thanks for any suggestion and sorry for my rusty english...

Bob		05-Nov-2006 13:13
I own a 20D camera, a 70-300mm IS DO and the Kenko 1.4 Telelplus Pro 300 TC. When I use the TC on my 70-300 DO I get auto focus with my 20D. I am considering purchasing the 100-400MM IS and based on what I have read I will need to tape the 3 pins on the TC in order for me to get the 100-400MM to auto focus. What effect will this have on using my TC with my 70-300MM DO? Will I have to take the tape off so the TC will auto focus with my 70-300MM DO or will my 70-300MM DO work properly with the 3 pins taped? Thanks Bob

lightrules		12-Oct-2006 04:26
Welcome Bob, and I am sure your input will be valuable to those who read it. I haven't heard about this issue about the "mounting-order" (if we can call it that) vis-a-vis the Kenko+Bigma+Body. That is very interesting to say the least. How about you contact Sigma NY and ask them and report back to this page? [My guess is that they won't know, but it's worth a try.] Thanks for the comments.

Bob Barthen		12-Oct-2006 02:31
Your site has been a great resource to me when I�m researching different lenses. Because it�s so popular and I know that people will come here to see your comparison of the two 1.4x teleconverters, I thought I would share my experience. I�ve own the Tamron 1.4x �F� teleconverter and I found that there is mild vignetting when used on the Canon 500mm f4 IS wide open f4 (f5.6 with converter). Since the Kenko Pro 300 is highly regarded and is designed for large aperture lenses which should reduce vignetting, I was considering buying it. I came to your site first to see your comparison. In your comparison, it appears that the Kenko Pro has better edge quality. I decided to buy it. I just ran some tests and here is what I found. On my Canon 300mm f4 IS with 350D, I found both the Tamron �F� and the Kenko Pro 300 DG look almost identical from center to edge throughout the aperture range. This did not disappoint me since I knew the �cheapo� Tamron performs very well for me. Both teleconverters maintain sharpness very close to the bare lens. I did not notice a vignetting problem with either converter on my 300mm and have not tested them on the 500mm lens yet. Another interesting note with the Kenko pro is how it interacts with my Sigma 50-500mm. When I connect the kenko to the bigma before connecting it to 350D, the camera reads the adjusted aperture (f5.6 � f8.0). When I connect the kenko to the camera and then the Bigma to the kenko, the camera reads the aperture from (f4 � f5.6). This is interesting because you don�t have to do the tape trick. I tested the same process with my Canon 300mm f4 and it did NOT do the same. It reads a max aperture of f5.6 no matter which way I connect it. I�ve read about someone else having the same result with another Sigma lens. I don�t know if it�s a trait of Sigma lenses or small aperture lenses or what. Maybe someone else has more insight to it.

lightrules		15-Sep-2006 19:30
Hi Dick, yes I've tried the 1.4xTCs with the 7-3IS. You can use the black Tamron 1.4x without taping but it will viciously hunt/oscillate and is quite frustrating. However, the Kenko Pro 1.4x (with 3 left pins taped) hunts A LOT less and actually works quite well. Using a TC though does require a lot of light and a fairly contrasty subject. If you get a TC for this lens, I'd strongly recommend the Kenko Pro or Tamron SP series.

DickF		15-Sep-2006 01:35
Very nice site! Have you tested your 1.4x TCs and the Canon 70-300IS yet?

lightrules		15-Aug-2006 14:38
Gustavo, both TCs will work fine with your 7-2f4L. Enjoy and best wishes.

Gustavo		15-Aug-2006 14:21
First, I want to congratulate you about your site. It's very helpful. I have a Canon, 70-200, L, f4. Are they working OK with it? Autofocus? Which is better in this case? Tks.

lightrules		16-May-2006 15:12
Thanks for the information. I am sure it will help others. Enjoy.

Jared		22-Apr-2006 15:37
I can't figure out what this taping trick does. Every lens and canon body I've ever seen has 5 pins past the raised 3 (which only has 2 connectors on lenses). So what are the extra 3 pins doing? The only thing I can think of is that they are part of some kind of mechanical switch, and by taping them down you tell the TC not to report its being there. But then Kenko should have just put a little bitty mechanical switch either in there or on the side of the TC.

lightrules		28-Mar-2006 00:37
The black version is their newest one, their "DG" version. Optically they're basically identical. It's a very good TC; don't hesitate to get it.

Guest		28-Mar-2006 00:07
Good info, especially concerning the taping. I just bought the Kenko 1.4 TC Pro 300 but is black on the B+H website. Is it the same TC?

Guest		24-Mar-2006 17:58
Thanks for the Info on Taping the TC. You have a Great Site here with alot of good info, Thanks for your time and effort Rock225

lightrules		17-Dec-2005 07:11
Interesting you ask about the new 70-300IS. I have received a new copy of this particular lens (along with a few other lenses), and will be testing them out shortly. I'll try my cheap Tamron 1.4xTC as well as my Kenko Pro TC on it too. Stay tuned.

Michael Mattox		17-Dec-2005 07:03
The Kenko is a little better with your lens, but I'm curious if either will work with the new Canon 70-300 IS lens, and if so, do you think the difference in quality between the Tamron & Kenko would be visible?

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