Game-changing [shoplink 19904]Olympus XZ-1[/shoplink] gets tele conversion lens
Accessories boost high-quality magnification by 1.7x
Olympus’ multi award-winning XZ-1 compact camera just got even better, with the launch of a powerful and bright new tele conversion lens and adapter. The TCON-17X adds outstanding magnification and flexibility to the flagship digital compact’s already impressive optical talents, with no loss of lens speed.
The TCON-17X tele conversion lens is available for £149.99 and the CLA-12 adapter for £39.99, both from September 2011.
With the XZ-1 set to maximum telephoto, the new TCON-17X tele conversion lens lets you get 1.7 times closer, with a 1:2.5 F-number. Unlike with lesser lenses, it doesn’t affect the trademark luminance of the i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens that comes with the XZ-1. The required CLA-12 adapter also makes it possible to attach a 55mm filter.
The XZ-1 comes in a matt black or white lacquered body with a large 3-inch OLED screen and costs £399.99.
TCON-17X main features:
Outstanding 1.7x magnification
Weight: approx. 280g
Length: approx. 77.5mm
Maximum diameter: 80.9mm
Focal length (with XZ-1): 190mm*
F-number: 1:2.5 at maximum telephoto
Minimum focusing distance: 3m
Attachable to XZ-1 using CLA-12 adapter
CLA-12 main features:
Weight: approx. 50g
Length: approx. 41.45mm
Maximum diameter: 58mm
Attachment dimension: 46.5mm
Filter size: 55mm
Attaches TCON-17X to XZ-1
Also attaches 55mm filter to XZ-1
19 Responses
Hmmmm, so instead of a 112mm equivalent, the XZ-1 could be a honking huge camera with 190mm? At a honking huge price? I’m actually tempted 🙂
At this point, however, I need to quit adding accessories to my XZ-1 and just buy a m4/3. I could have purchased a EP3 with all the money I have now invested in this compact camera. But I do love my XZ-1!
FlamingJune1967, my wife has an XZ-1 and I have 4/3 & m4/3… surprisingly I often much prefer the XZ-1!
J.D., I actually bought my XZ-1 and a G2 at the same time, and chose the XZ-1 because it took brighter pics inside (yes the 1.8 does matter:)) and has a killer O.I.S. (I can take a sharp handheld photo at 1/6 second!). I have now purchased the vf-2, Metz-24 flash and a host of other goodies, and my friends all think I own a DSLR! I do not correct them!
I still want a G3, though!
Of course, in terms of lens reach, it’s like the equivalent of a 190mm f/2.5, which is pretty killer, really.
No, pls no one give me any crap about “DOF equivalence.” f/2.5 light gathering is f/2.5 light gathering, and that’s all you ought to really care about.
+10
Yes I”m tired to read a post comment about Dof again and again ,.. Just post it on FF FORUM
+100
Well if you want to fool yourself with the ‘190mm f/2.5’ argument, no one can apparently prevent you from doing so..
Anyway, the converter looks nice. Pity that it’s so expensive. For half the suggested price, I would buy it..
But this is not made for the XZ-1, isn’t it? Does it fit on mft to?
It’s an upgrade of the Tcon-17 which have been around for years. It fits (I assume) all Olympus models that supported the original model, and the Tcon-17 has been fairly popular for other brands too. It’s been known for good value, but not quite as good optical as the most expensive ones. Maybe the X will fix that.
You can mount it on any lens with filter thread with stepup or stepdown rings if necessary. You’ll obviosuly get vignetting with many lenses and it’s most used with superzoom models to increase tele reach even further. Many models, including the XZ-1 has a setting to let the camera know that the converter is mounted, presumably to adjust the stabilisation for different focal lengths.
Well, I’ve got the TCON 1.7 and I doubt that it could be optically much better.
It hardly gets used though… it’s a lot of weight…
I don’t understand why you say it can’t be optically improved though, everything can be improved. There are several TC-comparisions on the net, here’s one and TCON-17 was rated behind Nikon’s converter.
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/FZ-30/Converters/Tele-Test/Scene-1/Tele-Test-Infinity.html
We had to wait a long time for the TCON-17X tele conversion lens & CLA-12 adapter.
When they finally are here now, I cannot hide telling that I’m pretty sure this kit already has been tested on an upcoming XZ-2 model.
I anticipate an XZ-2 model next year with a CMOS sensor, in order to handle full HD. Of course, all other imperfections are expected to be corrected for as well.
“…The TCON-17X adds outstanding magnification and flexibility to the flagship digital compact’s already impressive optical talents, with no loss of lens speed…”
Huh?
A 1.7 TC and no speed loss?
Must be a typo or something :-/
It’s correct, TCs that are put in front of the lens “never” change the aperture of the lens.
Game changing? Please stop the hype.
It’s no game changer in the US market. Look at the Amazon ranking:
#289 for the black.
#2278 for the white.
It’s not for sale on Amazon yet, how could it be ranked?
ranking was for the camera, idiot. that’s what admin was talking about when he said game changing and award winning – the camera.
please learn to read. thank you.
And you go and clean your mug. You really need it.
How exactly does this connect to the camera, forgive my ignorance, but I assumed no enhancements could be attached to the existing lens