OM System M.Zuiko V335570BW000
Doubles focal length with 2.0x magnification while retaining exceptional optical quality, built with a metal mount and IPX1-rated weather-sealing for field resilience. Weighing just 150g and measuring 159mm long, it adds negligible bulk to the compatible M.Zuiko PRO and telephoto lens lineup. This teleconverter is best for macro photographers needing 2:1 maximum magnification and weather-sealed reliability in a compact Micro Four Thirds system.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
Doubles your reach for USD 420 and weighs less than a protein bar. Just don't expect it to make cheap glass look expensive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Doubles focal length for a fraction of the cost of a new lens 93rd
- Weighs only 150g, basically invisible in your kit 83rd
- IPX1 weather sealing matches the PRO lenses 79th
- Metal mount feels built to last 71st
Cons
- Optical quality takes a real hit, 20th percentile overall
- Only works with a short list of M.Zuiko lenses
- You lose two stops of light, so f/2.8 becomes f/5.6
- Autofocus performance is just average
The proof
Performance
What surprised us most is how well this thing holds up optically for a 2x converter. Our database puts its macro performance in the 95th percentile, which is wild for a teleconverter. The 2.0x magnification combined with a 150mm minimum focus distance means you can get stupidly close to small subjects. But here's the catch: optical quality overall sits in the 20th percentile. That's the trade-off. You're doubling focal length, and you will lose some sharpness and light. The stabilization helps, sitting well above average, but don't expect prime-lens clarity at full zoom.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Build
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
AF & Stabilization
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 150 |
| Max Magnification | 2.0x |
vs Competition
The MC-20 doesn't really compete with the Tamron 28-300mm or Sigma 18-50mm directly. Those are standalone zooms. The real comparison is against buying a longer lens outright. The Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 is a fantastic standard zoom, but it can't touch 600mm equivalent reach. If you need serious telephoto on Micro Four Thirds, the MC-20 plus a 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO is the cheapest path to 300mm. The 100-400mm f/5.0-6.3 IS II is the alternative if you want native reach without the light loss, but it's bigger, heavier, and more expensive.
| Spec | OM System M.Zuiko V335570BW000 | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Nikon NIKKOR 20059 | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | - | 28-300mm | 18-55mm | 17-40mm | 18-135mm | 28-200mm |
| Max Aperture | - | f/4 | f/3.5 | f/1.8 | f/3.5 | f/4 |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E | Nikon F | Fujifilm X | Sony E | L-Mount |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | false | true | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 277 | 590 | 205 | 535 | 326 | 413 |
| AF Type | - | VXD linear motor | pulse stepping motor | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) | Linear motor | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | - | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OM System M.Zuiko V335570BW000 | 53.8 | 70 | 82.9 | 92.7 | 17.7 | 71 | 33.1 | 36.7 | 79.3 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 97.7 | 83.8 | 62.9 | 83.3 | 96.2 | 71 | 97.9 | 50 | 79.3 |
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 Compare | 84.6 | 81.6 | 83.6 | 95.4 | 54.5 | 82.9 | 82.9 | 81 | 92.3 |
| Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Compare | 53.8 | 97 | 67.2 | 72.4 | 96.6 | 95.4 | 75.7 | 94.2 | 34.3 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 97.7 | 81.6 | 70.8 | 37.4 | 77.8 | 82.9 | 95.8 | 90.8 | 79.3 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 Compare | 53.8 | 83.8 | 76 | 72.4 | 91.5 | 71 | 95.5 | 74.6 | 99.5 |
Price
Value & Pricing
At USD 420, this is a no-brainer if you already own one of the compatible PRO lenses. A dedicated 300mm f/4 costs way more than that. But if you're buying this hoping to turn a budget zoom into a wildlife monster, you'll be disappointed. The value is entirely tied to the glass you're attaching it to.
Price History
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Overview
The OM System MC-20 is a 2x teleconverter that doubles your reach without doubling your bag weight. At 150g, it's the kind of accessory you forget you're carrying until a distant bird shows up and suddenly your 40-150mm f/2.8 becomes a 300mm f/5.6. That's the whole pitch, and for the right lenses, it delivers.
Common Questions
Q: Which lenses work with the MC-20?
Only a handful of M.Zuiko lenses are compatible: the 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO, 300mm f/4 IS PRO, 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO, 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO, and the 100-400mm and 150-600mm zooms. Check OM System's list before you buy.
Q: How much light do I lose with a 2x teleconverter?
Two full stops. Your f/2.8 lens becomes f/5.6, and your f/4 becomes f/8. That means slower shutter speeds or higher ISO in low light. The stabilization helps, but it's not magic.
Q: Does the MC-20 affect autofocus speed?
Yes, slightly. Autofocus performance sits around average in our database. It's still usable for wildlife and sports, but don't expect the same snappy response you get without the converter.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a general-purpose zoom or want to shoot in low light, this isn't it. Go get the Panasonic Leica 12-35mm f/2.8 or save up for a native telephoto like the 100-400mm instead. The MC-20 is for people who already own PRO glass and need more reach, not for people building a kit from scratch.
Verdict
Buy it if you own a compatible M.Zuiko PRO lens and want more reach without buying another lens. Skip it if you're expecting miracles from a 2x converter. The MC-20 is a tool with a specific job, and for that job, it's the best option on Micro Four Thirds.