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Olympus has announced a 2X teleconverter, the MC-20, which is compatible with the company’s 40-150 F2.8 and 300mm F4 IS Pro lenses, along with the 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro currently under development. On the 300mm F4 in particular, the MC-20 brings the maximum magnification up to 0.96x.
The teleconverter is weather-sealed and has nine elements, one of which is ‘HR’ to suppress aberrations. The ‘ZERO’ coating reduces ghosting and flare. Olympus says that there’s ‘virtually no loss’ in AF performance when using the MC-20.
The MC-20 is now available for $ 429.
Official sample photos
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Press Release
OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL 2x TELECONVERTER MC-20
Expand the Field of Photography with Portability and Superb Image Quality of the Master Lens
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 19, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. This teleconverter doubles the focal length of the master lens, and features dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°C) professional weatherproof construction for outstanding optical performance ideal for even the most severe environmental conditions. By doubling the maximum shooting magnification of the master lens, this teleconverter further expands the field of photography in super telephoto macro shooting. This product is compatible with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO, which is currently under development.
Super Telephoto and Super Telephoto Macro Shooting
Just like the M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14, the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 maintains the excellent imaging performance of the master lens while doubling the focal length, making it possible to capture intense shots of subjects that are usually difficult to approach, including small birds and animals. When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, handheld super telephoto shooting at 1200mm equivalent (35mm equivalent) is possible.
When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, the MC-20 allows the user to shoot near actual size at 0.96x (35mm equivalent) from the maximum shooting magnification of 0.48x. With performance like this, the photographer can capture close-up photos from far away without disturbing subjects that are sensitive to people, such as insects. Utilizing Focus Stacking results in photos that are in focus across the entire image, even on super telephoto lenses, which tend to have a shallow depth of field.
Outstanding Optical Performance
A 9-element, 4-group lens construction with an HR lens helps suppress various types of aberrations including chromatic aberration while maintaining the excellent optical performance of the master lens to double the focal length. The design also helps prevent ghosts and flares for superb image performance, thanks to ZERO coating.
Reliability to Capture the Moment
The master lens is designed to deliver excellent performance and dependable reliability, even when an Olympus teleconverter is attached. Virtually no loss in autofocus speed makes it possible to capture split-second photo opportunities using FAST AF performance. The dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof professional weatherproof construction, coupled with powerful 5-axis image stabilization and FAST AF ensures that the user captures their shot even in the most severe environments.
Compatible Lenses
- Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
- Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO
- Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO (under development-planned for launch in 2020)
Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 ships with the body cap BC-3, lens cap LR-2 and lens case LSC-0603 and is available now with suggested retail prices of $ 429.99 USD and $ 559.99 CAD.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
