Hi Sridhar,
Don't hesitate to ask any question, no matter how basic. And your query
here is very valid and may not have been answered in regard to your
specific needs.
I think that a teleconverter would be a good compromise for you. The
Pentax A-2XS would probably be the best option with that Tokina zoom
lens. It usually sells for around $250 US but sometimes can be had for
less. The T6-2X is an earlier K-Mmount teleconverter that can be had for
quite a bit less, usually around $125 US. Some say that it's nearly the
equal of the A-2XS. With either of these, you will have only manual
focus on any K-mount camera, but I think you can expect good results.
There is one K-mount converter that provides autofocus, but it is fairly
expensive and the reviews are so-so. Someone else can fill in here bit,
but I think it's called the F1.4. It provides only 1.4 conversion. The
other converters give you 2X. For serious wildlife photography, I think
you'll need the 500mm focal length that a 2X converter will give you.
Arathi-Sridhar wrote:
>
> Hi,
> these are a few queries Im almost embarassed to ask as they are
> pretty basic and would probably have been answered a hundred times
> over...
>
> * is a teleconverter a bad idea along with a zoom lens... would image
> clarity / light be poor that it is advisable to use one only on a tele
> non-zoom lens?
> I have a Tokina AT-X 50-250 and wish some more on the tele - for birds,
> which is my present 'fad' at the most.
> Not many options available here in India. Internet auctions are relatively
> new and I dont find anything much on that. Also the currency (rupee) is
> about 50 to 1US$ which makes options shrink further.
> So for the time being, a TC is what I can think of - but wouldnt wish to do
> something which is 'obviously to be avoided'.
>
> * When I am in a position to add a lens, I should go in for AutoFocus, so
> that it can be used with my future AF body. And all K mount lenses can be
> used on my K1000.
> Is my thinking correct?
> So, a AF Teleconverter is the choice over a MF... right?
>
> thanks. Also, please let me know if such queries and answers are already
> available elsewhere (like on a FAQ) so that I dont ask for repeats.
>
> thanks.
> -Sridhar
