You can now preorder the new Lensbaby OMNI Creative Filter System on Amazon, BHphoto and Adorama. It works on any camera:
Kickstarter projects:
From minute 4:50 he talks about the new lens. Seems like everyone is surprised to learn how light this lens is!
Preorders:
10-25mm lens on BHphoto, Adorama, Amazon and FocusCamera.
The Most Powerful 100W Portable Mobile Power Ever is available for $79 on Kickstarter. Might be ideal for you on long trips!
Kickstarter projects:
Preorder it now on BHphoto, GetOlympus and Adorama.
Digitalcameraworld tested the new Olympus MC-20 2x teleconverter. The verdict:
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 is about twice as thick as its predecessor, the 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14. However, taking the Olympus 300mm f/4 as an example, the difference in magnified reach between the two lenses is a staggering 360mm (the MC-14 turning it into an 840mm equivalent, the MC-20 a 1200mm equivalent).
For the price difference between the two lenses, we would absolutely recommend the MC-20 – not only does it deliver super telephoto range for sports and wildlife shooting, it also doubles the magnification for super telephoto macro shooting.
It’s a fantastic performer that, thanks to the optimum optical design of its master lenses, produces fantastic images that would otherwise be impossible to achieve on the system.
Pair it with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and you also get the benefit of Sync IS (which employs the in-body and in-lens stabilization in tandem) that gives you 7.5 stops of image stabilization – meaning that you can shoot without a tripod. A 1200mm lens you can use handheld? That alone is worth the price of admission.
More info about the firmware update on GetOlympus
Here are two video reviews from Robin Wong and Peter Forsgård:
Robin Wong also wrote a blo post and the conclusion says:
I applaud Olympus for providing such a significant update for E-M1 Mark II. After all, this camera has been around since 2016, with the updated and reworked camera features, the new Firmware 3.0 brings E-M1 Mark II closer to E-M1X especially when it comes to AF improvement, which to me is a critical upgrade. This will directly affect the camera performance across all shooting scenarios.
There is also a German written review by Photo Bern.
Olympus has announced the new 2x Teleconverter for the 40-150mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/4 Pro lenses. You can preorder it now on BHphoto, GetOlympus and Adorama.
Expand the Field of Photography with Portability and Superb Image Quality of the Master Lens
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 19, 2019 – Olympus is pleased to announce the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. This teleconverter doubles the focal length of the master lens, and features dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof (-10°C) professional weatherproof construction for outstanding optical performance ideal for even the most severe environmental conditions. By doubling the maximum shooting magnification of the master lens, this teleconverter further expands the field of photography in super telephoto macro shooting. This product is compatible with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO, which is currently under development.
Super Telephoto and Super Telephoto Macro Shooting
Just like the M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14, the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 maintains the excellent imaging performance of the master lens while doubling the focal length, making it possible to capture intense shots of subjects that are usually difficult to approach, including small birds and animals. When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, handheld super telephoto shooting at 1200mm equivalent (35mm equivalent) is possible.
When attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO, the MC-20 allows the user to shoot near actual size at 0.96x (35mm equivalent) from the maximum shooting magnification of 0.48x. With performance like this, the photographer can capture close-up photos from far away without disturbing subjects that are sensitive to people, such as insects. Utilizing Focus Stacking results in photos that are in focus across the entire image, even on super telephoto lenses, which tend to have a shallow depth of field.
Outstanding Optical Performance
A 9-element, 4-group lens construction with an HR lens helps suppress various types of aberrations including chromatic aberration while maintaining the excellent optical performance of the master lens to double the focal length. The design also helps prevent ghosts and flares for superb image performance, thanks to ZERO coating.
Reliability to Capture the Moment
The master lens is designed to deliver excellent performance and dependable reliability, even when an Olympus teleconverter is attached. Virtually no loss in autofocus speed makes it possible to capture split-second photo opportunities using FAST AF performance. The dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof professional weatherproof construction, coupled with powerful 5-axis image stabilization and FAST AF ensures that the user captures their shot even in the most severe environments.
Compatible Lenses
Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 ships with the body cap BC-3, lens cap LR-2 and lens case LSC-0603 and is available now with suggested retail prices of $429.99 USD and $559.99 CAD.
