MC 20 Teleconverter for M.Zuiko Digital 40-150 mm 1:2.8 PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300 mm 1:4 PRO, V321240BW000

As an enthusiast photographer and Olympus/OM Systems user, I’ve been considering my options for when I go on holiday. Not wanting to add too much weight to my baggage allowance, I wanted to leave my bigger and heavier M.Zuiko 150-600mm ultra-zoom lenses at home. This teleconverter could truly expand the versatility of my M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f2.8 PRO lens, which is my smallest and lightest zoom lens, and the MC-20 doesn’t disappoint. This 2x teleconverter effectively doubles the focal length of the 40-150mm lens to an impressive 80-300mm, which is ideal for wildlife, sports, and other long-distance shooting scenarios. When paired with the OM-5, the combination delivers exceptional results, and I couldn't be happier with the performance.The MC-20 Teleconverter retains the same high-quality build that we expect from OM-Systems (aka Olympus). It’s robust, with a solid metal mount and feels like a piece of precision engineering. The compact design complements the portability of the 40-150mm lens and attaches securely to both the lens and camera with a satisfying click. The weather-sealing is a huge plus for those of us who shoot outdoors in less-than-ideal conditions. I had no concerns in the light drizzle rain when taking the photos on the beach of a shipwreck.One of the biggest concerns with any teleconverter is whether it will negatively impact image quality, but the MC-20 is impressively sharp. While you do lose a bit of light (as expected since it's a 2x converter), the resulting image quality is still outstanding. There’s noticeable softness in the extreme corners, but nothing that should be a dealbreaker for most photographers, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths. I’ve noticed no significant loss in contrast or colour saturation, which was a big worry for me before trying it. Interestingly, I also own the MC 1.4 teleconverter (also available on Amazon), and I didn’t notice significant differences between the sharpness of either converter, but I did notice the significant extra reach of the zoom.With the OM-5’s powerful in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), I didn’t feel as much of an impact from the reduced light. This combo helps combat the potential shake, especially at those longer focal lengths. Focusing speed remains fast and accurate in good lighting conditions, and while it’s not quite as snappy in low light, the system is still highly functional. The photos of the shipwreck were taken on a damp and drizzly day just before sunset, and I just tested the converter with automatic settings on the camera (288mm total, ISO 400), and yet the outcome is still excellent.The autofocus performance, when paired with the OM-5 and 40-150mm f2.8 PRO, remains impressive, although it does slow down slightly due to the added teleconverter. It’s not a dealbreaker, but I did notice a little lag when shooting moving subjects, especially in lower light. However, the OM-5’s advanced AF tracking technology helps maintain sharpness, and for static subjects or slower-moving action, it’s almost as fast as without the teleconverter.One of the standout features when using this combination is the superb image stabilisation. The IBIS in the OM-5 combined with the OIS (optical image stabilisation) in the lens gives you a steady shot even at the longer end of the focal range. I was able to handhold at surprisingly low shutter speeds without significant motion blur, which is a testament to the power of Olympus' stabilisation technology. Again, the photos of the shipwreck were taken without a tripod just to prove the point.The MC-20 adds some length and weight to the 40-150mm f2.8 PRO lens, but it’s still manageable, especially when considering the power of the telephoto range you gain. If you’re used to shooting with the 40-150mm, the added size won’t be a major issue, and it still balances well on the OM-5. The whole setup feels surprisingly lightweight for a 300mm equivalent, and it’s portable enough for field work or travel.I’ve taken the setup through a variety of conditions, from bright daylight to overcast skies, and it held up well in all. The autofocus, as mentioned, may struggle a bit in dimmer environments, but the optical performance, including sharpness, contrast, and detail retention, is excellent. I also tested it out on some fast-moving subjects, and while the AF could be a bit slower, I was still able to capture some stunning action shots.In summary, I’m incredibly impressed with the MC-20 Teleconverter. Paired with the OM-5 and the M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f2.8 PRO, it offers a fantastic balance of portability, performance, and optical quality. The image sharpness and autofocus, while slightly affected by the converter, are still quite good, and the stabilisation system makes shooting handheld a breeze. If you need a bit more reach without compromising much in terms of image quality, this teleconverter is a great option for Olympus Micro Four Thirds users. For photographers looking to extend their telephoto range, the MC-20 delivers great results at a reasonable price.

I bought this for use with the Olympus 300mm f4 Pro lens. I had reservations about it as I'd heard 2x teleconverters aren't the best to get and 1.4x would be a better start, but I went with my gut feeling, as I know Olympus optics are superb, and I've not been disappointed. Superb optical quality, and (in 35mm frame terms) 1200mm equivalent reach!

It’s compact and effective. Adds a lot of versatility to my 2 lens, one body set up. Image quality is very good and produces better quality images than a 2x crop.

I bought this teleconverter to extend my 42-150 f2.8 pro zoom. I took loads of photos using it and was disappointed in the image quality. I ran a test using a resolution test image and found that I got very similar image quality from just cropping an image not taken with the converter. I am hoping to buy the 300mm Pro lens soon and this teleconverter may be more suited to it due to the smaller aperture. I would say try before you buy with the lenses you want to use it for. You may be lucky and get great results, for me at the moment, it stays in my gear bag.

V pleased it with it and it does what Olympus said it would. I was warned that you lose a couple of stops of light, which it does but this can be compensated by adapting the exposure.

Not all teleconverters are born equal and some have poor performance, this is the exception.I have used it on the Olympus 300mm F4 Pro lens and the results have been exceptional.The image shown is a Robin in poor light in a bush!

I have a 100-400 lens and I can't get it to fit.I assumed, wrongly, that this could fit in all Olympus MFT cameras.Look at the YouTube reviews before you buy

You are considering purchase which implies that you want to take photographs, not snaps.It softens the image, exactly as you would expectIt reduces light ‘activity’, exactly as you would expect.I’ve played about hand-held and, in my opinion, nope unless your subject is static. I mean, what are you expecting? A magic lens that defies physics? This is not a HH accessory, though YT would have you believe different.That said, I’m not a pro but a keen amateur wildlife snapper.My thought is (given set up time of adding the multiplier ‘n’ whatnot) the use of the camera is chosen when leaving the car - I bring a tripod.I’d also recommend remote triggering - given an equivalent FL of 1200mmAhhhhh….bollox…too much information, too much gin.Hopefully you get my driftThe accessory, for