| Reviews : Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras |
Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras Product By Olympus Available From 10 Sellers |
Technical Details
- 2x teleconverter for doubling focal length of Olympus Zuiko digital lenses
- Puts more subjects within photographer's range without affecting mobility
- Provides convenient, cost-effective solution to demands of telescoping shooting
- Fits any Zuiko digital interchangeable lens; dust- and drip-proof housing
- Measures 2.67 inches in diameter and 1.61 inches long; weighs 0.49 pounds
Product Description
To accompany the release of the E-3 professional D-SLR, Olympus is expanding its range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, which are compatible with all Four Thirds System-based camera bodies. Among the new lenses are the astounding ZUIKO DIGITAL SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) models, which boast the world's fastest autofocus speeds and represent a new benchmark for professional versatility and performance.Amazon.com Product Description
Double the focal length of your Olympus Zuiko lens with the EC-20 digital 2x teleconverter. The ultra-compact, high-performance unit fits on any Zuiko digital lens, dramatically extending the lens performance and putting more subjects within the photographer's range without affecting mobility or ease of use. Complementing the Zuiko EC-14 digital 1.4x teleconverter, the EC-20 provides a convenient, cost-effective solution to the demands of telescopic shooting, as well as wide-angle macro and ultra-high-magnification shooting.
- Focal length: 2x of the attached lens
- Lens construction: 7 elements in 5 groups
- Dust and drip proof: Yes
- Maximum image: 2x of the attached lens
- Compatibility: Any Zuiko digital interchangeable lens
- Accessories: Lens cap, lens rear cap, lens case
- Dimensions: 2.67 inches in diameter and 1.61 inches long
- Weight: 0.49 pounds
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Customer Reviews
By S. Barnett (Bellingham, WA)
This works surprisingly well with the 50-200. Fine detail, seen under magnification is lost, but coarse detail, which gives the impression of sharpness at normal viewing distance, is contrasty. The combination is handholdable with IS on.
By ubat (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
I was using the EC-14 with the 50-200 mm f2.8-3.5 SWD lens on the Olympus E-30 and was obtaining mixed results. Sometimes autofocus would take a long time to happen, sometimes the images weren't so good. I just couldn't understand it, because this combo had yielded excellent results on the E-520. I asked around in the photography forums, fiddled with the camera configurations and still wasn't happy.
Meanwhile, the EC-20 was just sitting there waiting for its chance. One day, frustrated, I thought, "What the heck!" and put it on the E-30 with the 50-200 mm lens. Everything changed: autofocus became quick and reliable, the number of keeper images increased dramatically and I got some fantastic shots. I do mostly bird photography and that extra distance can, many times, be the difference between getting and not getting a shot. But a 2x teleconverter making this much of a difference in relation to a 1.4 teleconverter, well, it makes no sense.
Truth be told, I was resistant to using the EC-20 because of the loss of 2 f/stops: less light in a system that performs better in good light could mean disaster. But apparently my fears were unfounded. Autofocus is great even in difficult situations (common when photographing birds in bushes, for instance), image quality is flawless, the whole combo is performing like a dream even when the light isn't adequate.
Olympus classifies the EC-20 as a "standard" lens, while the EC-14 is a "high grade" lens. I don't see any difference in build -- and I must confess that the first thing I did with the EC-20 was drop it from about 3 feet onto a carpeted floor, with no damage whatsoever to it -- or optic quality, so don't know where this distinction comes from. I have to presume that the EC-14 is water-resistant like all HG lenses, whereas the EC-20, being a standard lens, is not. No problem for me, since my camera isn't water-resistant either.
Considering the abuse the EC-20 has suffered in my hands and the results I'm getting with it, there is only one logical conclusion for me: my dollars were well spent on these fine optics.
By BfloBen (Buffalo, NY USA)
I have spent hours playing with the Zuiko EC-20 2x teleconverter with an 18-180mm lens on my Olympus E-520. Not much luck when using it in the woods to take bird and critter photos... scores of fuzzy photos. I love the idea of doubling the 18-180 to 360 BUT it really does not work well for me. I did a little better in full sunlight but I ended up with no sharp photos at all. I have read the other reviews and some folks have success with it. Please share your secrets so I don't end up with an expensive and very well made paperweight.
UPDATE: I have continued to test the EC-20 and I have found that the information from Olympus is of little value. For example, despite what they say, the auto focus works as well as manual with this device attached to the 18-180 lens. The teleconverter gives sharper focus when the lens is not at full magnification. On occasion it does give very good (not great) photos. Perhaps as noted in another review-- it works best with the best camera (E-3).
By D. Fogerson
I'm able to get increased functionality from a variety of lenses because of the increased focal length the teleconverter provides. It allows me to be farther away from a subject when using my macro lense and increases the range of my zoom lenses. It's extremely useful even though it costs 2 f-stops of light. Since most of my macro shots (which is where it's most useful for me) are done in brighter light, the loss of the f-stops isn't critical.
By Gary W. Sherwin (Yukon, PA. USA)
The Olympus Auiko EC-20 2X Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
is a wonderful addition to your lens set. Light loss is minimal, (Just
the amount associated with doubling image size). Solidly built. Converts
my Sigma 50-500 to an amazing 100-1000mm! Great combo.
Gary
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