Olympus OM Teleconverters?

[jesse1dog]

Been looking at my 'The OM System Lens Handbook' and not just looking but reading too. I was interested in the comment about the restricted use photographers have for some of the lenses they have bought, at some cost too. It raised the issue of Teleconverters, and that has got me wondering if they would suit me in the odd situation when I feel the need for a longer focal length lens. I have a 100mm and a 135mm so a Teleconverter would certainly extend their scope.
What suggestions and advice have users got?
Has anyone put a Teleconverter onto a Zoom lens?

jesse

 

[zuikologist]

There's a 70-210 Zuiko at Ffordes for £69 that might fit the bill.

 

[ColinW]

Jesse,

I have a Vivitar 2x Macrofocusing teleconverter. I've used it with a 135mm and the results are excellent. I've also used it with a Tokina 80-200mm zoom and the results are very good as well, but as it's 3.5-4.5 and the Vivitar loses another two stops, it gets limited usage with the zoom. I've also used it with a 50mm 1.4 in macro mode and the results are stunning. If you require further information, try here:

http://www.nicobastone.com/Vivitar_2x_Macro-Focusing_Teleconverter.htm

 

[ferider]

The only one I kept is a Kiron 1.5x converter. Can be used on any OM lens.

Note that 200/5 and 200/4 lenses are great performers and cheap these days. The 200/5 is very small, and still faster than using a 2x converter with a 100/2.8.

 

[plummerl]

As a registered Zuikoholic, the only recommendation can be for the Olympus OM 2X-A tele-converter. It is designed for the 100/2.8 and 135/2.8 & 3.5, as well as others. I have both the 2X-A and 1.4X-A and they are extremely nice. Just looking on EBAY, there is one (search for Olympus 2X-A) for a very attractive price (BIN) (no relation to sale 🙂).

 

[maclaine]

I have the OM 2X-A teleconverter and have used it with great success with my 135mm f/2.8. There's some loss of contrast, but not much loss in sharpness, at least not in any real world situations. The loss of lens speed might be an issue, depending on what situation you're shooting in, but I have shot Kodachrome 64 handheld in softer late-afternoon light and still had acceptable results.

I got mine on eBay for around $50 a few years ago, and it was new old stock, so you can find good deals on them if you look around a bit.

 

[Trius]

I can also recommend the Vivitar 2x macro, though I haven't used it on lenses longer than 100mm. Having the macro feature is really nice, and using it with the 50/1.4 is a real joy!

Other than that, I'd tend to stay with the original OM tele-converters, though I wouldn't turn away most Kiron products.

 

[jesse1dog]

ColinW & Trius
Vivitar 2x Macrofocusing tele-converter - you both suggested I have a look at/for one of these and I have just picked one up on eBay. Don't know if I payed too much for it - £17 plus P&P . I was looking for an Olympus equivalent at the same time but the Vivitar one come up first.
Thanks for advice. I'll hold off buying a 200mm lens until I've tried out the tele-converter.
jesse