Specs
Today I will be reviewing the Kenko TelePlus MC4 AF 1.4x DGX Teleconverter for Canon EOS Digital cameras (will not work on the Rebel XT/350D). This is the little brother to the Kenko TelePlus PRO 300 DGX 1.4x AF Teleconverter. The MC4 1.4x DGX has 4 different lens elements in 4 different groups and has digital multi-coating. It's 25mm long and weighs 110 grams. It is about $150 online. |
| Here is what it looks like. Shiny! |
Purpose
This type of lens is called a teleconverter. It's purpose is to extend the focal range of other lenses to get more reach. Since it is a 1.4x teleconverter it will extend your focal range 1.4 times longer than you could currently reach without the teleconverter (making 100mm=140mm, 200mm=280mm, and on and on). It's very easy to use, because it is compatible with Canon's current Autofocus system, so you simply hook it up to the lens mount of your camera, attach your lens, and you're set to go!
What's Included
The Kenko MC4 1.4x DGX comes in a small box with a warranty card, front and back caps, and a carrying pouch that is designed to feel like leather (I don't think it is real leather, but I can't be sure).
Build Quality
It has a smooth exterior and a good build quality. The metal mounts on both sides and solid exterior will make you confident to hook up your largest L glass with no issues or worries. If I did have one grumble with the build quality, it would be the attachment button. It's made out of cheap plastic, but so far has served it's purpose just fine.
Image Quality
I did this test with a Canon 40D and a Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L lens. I will include some exif data with each shot. You can click on each shot to see the full size. TC will stand for Teleconverter during these tests. All shots were taken at ISO 100. All files were shot RAW and converted to TIFF without sharpening.
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| Original shot without TC. 200mm, f2.8, 1/200sec |
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| Original shot with TC. 280mm, f4, 1/60sec |
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| Without TC. 140mm, f4, 1/125sec |
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| With TC. 196mm (140 equivalent), f4, 1/80sec. Possibly very slight camera shake. |
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| Without TC. 140mm, f8, 1/30sec |
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| With TC, 196mm (140 equivalent), f8, 1/20sec |
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| Without TC, 200mm, f4, 1/125sec |
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| With TC, 280mm (200 equivalent), f4, 1/60sec |
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| Without TC. 200mm, f8, 1/30sec |
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| With TC, 280mm (200mm equivalent), f8, 1/15sec |
Conclusion
As you can see from the image samples, the IQ of this teleconverter is very good. However some major drawbacks (just like any converter) are that you have a slower maximum aperture (f4 with the TC vs. F2.8 without) and slower shutter speeds. Even shooting f4 with the TC vs. shooting f4 without you will need to use a slower shutter speed. This means more camera shake and the possibility of a bad picture. I recommend using a tripod unless the it's very bright and you are shooting outside. I didn't find the 1.4x in length too helpful in real world shooting situations with this lens, however it may be more helpful on a longer focal length. Since the 80-200 f2.8L is such a sharp lens, I found it easier to use the high maximum aperture of the lens, coupled with a fast shutter speed and simply crop the picture closer, instead of using the converter which only gave me the results I wanted sometimes. Hope this was helpful, and if you enjoyed reading, don't forget to LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK!
Until next time......
- Jarvis Creative
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