OM mount 2X convertor suggestions please...?

OM · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 166 Location: Southern England

Howdy snappers.

I am thinking about picking up a 2X tele-convertor for my Olympus 35mm SLR setup but I have done a bit of searching here and via Google with little in the way of information.
I have seen Zuiko, Hoya, Vivitar, Tamron and others listed but I would love to know if anyone has done any testing on the relative merits of any of these.

I realise that I'm going to suffer using a tele-convertor but for occasional use it seems like a good trade off.
Also, most of them are pretty cheap.

Can anyone help me with my decision or point me to some side-by-side tests of different brands...?

Many thanks Smile

aoleg · Joined: 22 Feb 2008 Posts: 1387 Location: Berlin, DE

Vivitar Macro Focusing Converter (7 elements) is about as good as it gets. Made by Kiron, it is one of the better 2x TCs. It has a focusing helicoid to allow 1:1 focusing with 50mm lenses. These are available in OM mount, and are commonly sold for $20-25 (I've seen at least three on eBay to finish at this price point). I have one for Nikon, and it's quite good for what it is. Using a fast 50mm lens stopped down, it makes for a very nice 100mm 1:1 macro. (The one pictured is for Y/C mount, but you get the idea).

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

I'll second aoleg's comments. I've been a big fan of the Vivitar macro 2x for -- I guess 25 years or so. I own two, currently -- one in Nikon mount and one in Canon FD mount. They are not uncommon on eBay, and often can be picked up for a good price. I wouldn't be surprised if Oly users bid the prices up some, though.

Even if the Vivitar macro 2x didn't have the helical for macro focusing, it would be worth picking up. But I've found the helical to be invaluable with lenses that didn't focus as closely as I needed. It's an extremely handy feature.

OM · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 166 Location: Southern England

Thanks for your thoughts.

Is the OM Zuiko worth a look as I have an option on one of those...?

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

I've got one at home. I will check later.
If you like, I can sell it to you for little money.

OM · Joined: 15 Jan 2010 Posts: 166 Location: Southern England

Thanks Lucis - I may be interested...!

I'll wait to hear from you.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Hi!

The one I have is a Komura Telemore II O.C. (OM).

Nice condition.

Komura converters have a rather good reputation.

Since I do no longer own any OM tele lenses, I don't need this one anymore.

PayPal me €14,- plus shipping to your place and PayPal fees and it's yours. Wink

Shipping will be €8,60 uninsured.

Ah, come on, just PayPal me €22,- incl. non-insured shipping and fees, and we're fine.