Ricoh announces HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter

Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW Rear Converter – a weather-resistant 1.4x teleconverter. It’s designed to maintain autofocus both with lenses that use built-in focus motors, and those which are driven from the camera body. It employs a four element, three group optical design and is compatible with most current Pentax lenses (see list below). It’ll be available in March 2014 for a price of $599.95 / £379.99.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Compatible lenses
• Specifications

Press Release:

Ricoh Imaging Enhances K-Mount Lens Lineup with Debut of Rear Converter 

Autofocus Functionality and Weather-Sealing Maintained with HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW Rear Converter

DENVER, CO, February 5, 2014 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation  (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to announce the release of the HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter. Measuring only 20 millimeters in length, the compact, lightweight  HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter closes the gap between the photographer and subject, enhancing the versatility of their telephoto lenses by extending the focal length by 40%.

Optimized for Ricoh Imaging’s acclaimed lineup of PENTAX K-mount lenses, the HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter is the ideal product for the photographer that requires the additional flexibility accompanied by added focal length. Additionally, the HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter has been engineered to maintain the autofocus (AF) functionality while working seamlessly with both camera-driven as well as lens-driven AF systems.  

“The introduction of the HD PENTAX rear converter exemplifies our commitment to providing photographers with useful products and accessories that enable them to execute their creative vision,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging. “The rear converter makes good on that promise by giving photographers the extra focal length they need to realize the image.”

Composed of four elements in three groups, the HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter features superior optics and incorporates the PENTAX-developed HD coating. This high-grade, multi-layer coating is designed to minimize reflectance inside the converter while optimizing light transmittance letting the user capture crisp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting, even under adverse backlit conditions. 

Finally, thanks to its three airtight seals, photographers can combine Ricoh Imaging’s lineup of PENTAX weather-resistant, dustproof DSLRs and lenses to assemble a dependable digital imaging system that performs superbly even under harsh outdoor conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The HD PENTAX DA AF 1.4X AW rear converter will be available at retailers nationwide and online in March 2014 for a price of $599.95.

Major Features

1. 1.4-times focal length extension 

By mounting this rear converter between the camera body and main lens, the user can extend the focal length 1.4 times.* Measuring only 20 millimeters long, its compact, lightweight design allows the user to more easily reach out to distant subjects. The minimum focusing distance of the main lens is retained despite the extended focal length, providing for the capture of larger, more detailed images of  subjects in close-up shooting.

*When this rear converter is mounted, the lens maximum aperture will be smaller (darker) by 1 step.

2. AF compatibility Maintained

When coupled with an AF lens, the autofocus operation can be performed. This rear converter works perfectly with both the camera-driven AF system and the lens-driven AF system (such as the  SDM- and DC- series lenses).**

**The camera’s firmware must be updated to the latest version before using the autofocus function. Compatible camera bodies are: K-3, K-50, K-500, K-30, K-5 II, K-5 II s, K-5, K-01, K-7, and K-r. Autofocus is possible with a PENTAX lens having maximum aperture of f/4 or brighter.

3. Weather-resistant, dustproof construction for active outdoor shooting

Equipped with three airtight seals, this model is the first PENTAX rear converter with a weather-resistant, dustproof construction. 

4. Exceptional optical performance

Thanks to its state-of-the-art optical design, this rear converter assures the exceptional optical performance that optimizes the potential of the master lens. The application of PENTAX-developed HD coating*** — a high-grade, multi-layer coating designed to minimize reflectance inside the converter while optimizing light transmittance — lets the user capture crisp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under such adverse lighting conditions as backlight.

*** HD stands for High Definition.

Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Compatible Lenses

Compatible (AF-enabled) lenses for HD PENTAX-DA AF REAR CONVERTER 1.4× AW

• smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mm F4 ED AL[IF] 
• smc PENTAX-DA★ 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL[IF] SDM
• smc PENTAX-DA 17-70mm F4 AL[IF] SDM – 1*
• HD PENTAX-DA 20-40mm F2.8-4 ED Limited DC WR
• smc PENTAX-DA★ 50-135mm F2.8 ED[IF] SDM 
• smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED – 3*　
• HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR – 3*
• smc PENTAX-DA★ 60-250mm F4 ED[IF] SDM
• smc PENTAX-DA 14mm F2.8 ED[IF]　
• smc PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.4 AL 
• smc PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
• smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
• smc PENTAX-DA 50mm F1.8
• smc PENTAX-DA★ 55mm F1.4 SDM – 2*
• smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited
• smc PENTAX-DA★ 200mm F2.8 ED[IF] SDM 
• smc PENTAX-DA★ 300mm F4 ED[IF] SDM 
• HD PENTAX-DA 560mm F5.6 ED AW – 3*
• smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 50mm F2.8
• smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR 

1* Could be out of focus with contrast AF
2* Maximum aperture from F2.4 
3* Could be out of focus with phase matching AF

•  Compatible (AF-enabled) cameras are as follows: K-3, K-50, K-30, K-5 ll ,K-5 lls ,K-5, K-01, K-7, K-r
(Update of camera’s firmware is required)
•  Could be out of focus with contrast AF of K7
•  Maximum aperture (F number) will be one-stop larger 
•  Please refrain from equipping the following lenses since the rear converter lens might touch the joint part of those main lenses – HD PENTAX-DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited / HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited / smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS

HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW 1.4x rear converter with mc PENTAX-DA★ 300mm F4 ED[IF] SDM on Pentax K-3, to give 420mm F5.6 combination

HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW Rear Converter Specifications

Comments

I’ve pre-ordered it.

If it works as well as I hope on my macro and longer lenses, it will be a cheap way of extending the capability and options of my equipment.

When I read this compatibility camera & lens, make me curious that this TC just re-badge of existing TC from third party manufacturers (Tokina, Tamron etc). Just check on the needs to update firmware for the existing body. May be some hackers will help us to make our existing AF TC to work.

Breaking news: Pentax is an optical company at heart, and knows how to make their own RCs 😉

Looks like a reversed version of speed booster…

It actually looks like a rear converter.

DPR never tested the 43mm limited. It’s supposed to be the perfect Normal lens.

The 43mm is only a ‘perfect’ normal lens on full frame, as then its focal length is equal to the frame diagonal. Sadly, though, Pentax has yet to make a full frame DSLR. On APS-C, a ‘perfect’ normal is about 28mm.

I thought it was about 31mm ?

I’ve had the Tamron 1,4x PZ-AF MC-4 converter that have a power zoom contact and those worked perfect with SDM and DC lenses, with almost zero penaulty on quality. But don’t understand the need of a firmware upgrade in order to use it. Could it be the camera will recognize the TC and do proper adjustments in SR?

Probably gets the camera to display the “new” lens focal length when the converter is attached. I used to have the same Tamron TC and it always displayed the original lens FL in exif data. I found my DA*200 lens worked very well with that converter.

DA*300mm is a FF lens as is the DA*200, DA*55 and a number of other DA lenses. The fact this converter is listed as 35mm FF may auger well for a Pentax FF camera in the near future.

However, I wonder what a DX converter could achieve? I think a Pentax FF would rock, they need to pick up the ball though.

Come on Pentax, Ive loved you for years. It’s time to release an enthusiast FF but in true Pentax style it will be so punching above it’s weight it will tempt commercial photogs!

aaah no where does it mention FF. In fact none of the compatible lenses are FF except the two DFA macros. Yes some lenses cover an FF image circle, it doesn’t make the lens an FF lens.
You are twisting what is said to confirm your belief a FF is coming soon.

DA*200 is in fact the FA*200 in a new outfit and it has been shown on PF that the other lenses I mentioned are indeed FF (as in they cover the image circle). They may not be telecentric re’ FF though.

PS: I don’t have to twist anything as I have two D800E’s.

No compatibility with the 18-135mm lens?

If it gives a comparable quality to a non-converted lens, it could be worth it.

FA 31,43 and 77 lenses are not supported?

they are not warned against either, so it will just have to be tested.

From what I am reading, it is a DA (ie Digital only) converter, rather than an FA converter. From this I think I can deduce that it will work with the FA limiteds you mentioned, but only on APS-C Digital bodies. The proof will be someone giving it a go on a Pentax Film camera to see it if vignettes. Pentax/Ricoh appear to just cover themselves for film users. (Until the FF Pentax appears 🙂 )

@offertonhatter
Max Format size: 35mm FF

that says all

Where does it say max format size 35mm? I don’t see it in the text.
Anyway it is a DA type converter. DA=APS-C digital.
Still Pentax users do know that certain DA lenses will work with FF without issue, certain lenses will not.
All I can say is that unless the lens stated of the OP are tried with the converter, there is no guarantee that the will work with it.
Only by trying will a tog know……

it should make all DA lenses capable for FF ,-)

@offertonhatter

there is a specification table in same page

$600 for a freakin’ 1.4x TC is ridiculous. Street price needs to be half that.

Pretty insane, isn’t it?

In the UK it is still £20-30 less than the Canon version. Still it is £80 more than the Nikon version. Mind you the Canon is quite recent and the Nikon one is now a few years old. So yes, it is a steep price, but compared to others, it is not bad. Street price will probably drop.

Are the Canon and Nikon TC’s all-weather? I use my K-3/DA*300 often in rain and snow.

Good point Audio. I believe from Canon user friends that the TC’s are sealed. I don’t know about the Nikon ones.
Third party ones are not sealed from experience.

I paid $450AUD for my Canon 1.4x III and 2x III Tc’s and they are a ripoff at that price, even though optically very good. Yes they are sealed.

My Nikon TC-14E II cost AU$645 and that’s a ripoff when you consider grey imports are 1/2 that price.

£380? Wow!

Actually, on certain Pentax Forums, that was the ballpark price for this (between £300 and £400). So in the end it seems to be spot on.

I will still get one, I have a funny feeling that it will be superb with my DA*300mm F4.

🙂

I bet 90% of people buying this will use it for the DA*300 and the DA*60-250, seems like an ideal match for them. And although not cheap, it helps make those lenses much more capable. A TC isn’t that useful for shorter focal lengths except as a stop-gap measure, and an expensive one at that.

Gary Martin:

Yes to both of those lenses! But I also want to use it on the DA-F 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR, because sometimes a bit of extra distance is useful for macro work.