Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 review

Transform a 300mm Micro Four Thirds lens into a 1200mm full-frame equivalent

5 Star Rating
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 review

Digital Camera World Verdict

Consider this: a standard 2x teleconverter doubles the focal length of a given lens. However, thanks to Micro Four Thirds' 2x crop factor, the MC-20 actually quadruples the focal length of its master lens. This transforms the compact Olympus 300mm lens (which is already half the size of a full-frame 600mm) into a whopping 1200mm equivalent lens, all while retaining the format's unique size and weight advantages. Using Olympus Sync-IS technology you get 5 stops of image stabilization, meaning you can shoot stills and video at 1200mm handheld!

Pros

  • +

    Doubles the focal length

  • +

    Actually quadruples it, in 35mm equivalent terms

  • +

    • Robust and weather-sealed

Cons

  • -

    Limited compatibility

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The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 – which we'll call the MC-20 for the sake of brevity – does exactly what it says on the tin: it doubles the focal length of compatible lenses. 

This kind of no-nonsense functionality usually makes teleconverters a bit boring to write about. However, when it comes to Micro Four Thirds (MFT), teleconverters suddenly become a whole lot more exciting.  

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.