Lens Reviews / Kenko Lenses i Not yet tested

1.5x

(From company literature) The Kenko Teleplus 1.5X DG AF SHQ converter has the effect of multiplying the focal length of your lens by 1.5x. For example, using this teleconverter with a 300 mm lens will effectively increase the focal length to 450 mm.

The Kenko 1.5X DG AF SHQ converter has genuine Gate Array IC (Integrated Circuit). This 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 world's largest manufacturer of optical glass. The DG version is optimized for use with digital SLR cameras, as well as film cameras.

Full AF operation with the Kenko Teleplus 1.5X 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.).

Though many may not realize it, the Kenko 1.5X DG AF SHQ 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 Kenko 1.5X DG AF SHQ 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 important to remember than the Kenko 1.5X has an exposure factor equivalent to a 1 stop light loss.

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 Kenko 1.5X DG AF SHQ 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 1.5X DG AF SHQ is just over an inch thick so it takes up very little room in your camera bag.