How to Use a Teleconverter with Olympus Lenses

By Camix | Published: 2026-10-22

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the step-by-step process for attaching and shooting with an Olympus teleconverter like the MC-21. Avoid common mistakes and get sharper images with extra reach.

Quick answer

Attach the teleconverter between the lens and camera body, then adjust your aperture and autofocus settings for best results. The Olympus MC-21 is compatible with select telephoto lenses and doubles the focal length.

Why use a teleconverter instead of cropping?

A teleconverter increases your lens's focal length optically, so you keep full resolution. Cropping in post discards pixels. However, a teleconverter reduces the maximum aperture by the magnification factor—an f/4 lens becomes f/8 with a 2x converter. This affects autofocus performance and low-light capability.

Which lenses work with the Olympus MC-21?

The MC-21 is designed for select Olympus telephoto lenses. It does not work with standard zooms or primes. Check your lens's compatibility before purchasing—using an incompatible lens may cause physical damage or poor image quality.

Step-by-step guide to using an Olympus teleconverter

Mount the teleconverter to the camera body first: Remove the body cap from your camera and attach the teleconverter just as you would a lens. Turn the ring until you hear a click. Do not attach the lens first—you risk dropping the combination. Always mount the teleconverter to the camera before adding the lens.
Attach your compatible telephoto lens: Line up the lens mount index with the teleconverter's index and twist until locked. Avoid forcing—if it doesn't align, check compatibility again. A loose connection can cause communication errors. If the lens doesn't mount smoothly, it may not be compatible.
Adjust your autofocus settings: With a 2x teleconverter, the effective aperture narrows (e.g., f/4 to f/8). Use a single-point AF mode and a central focus point for better accuracy. In low light, switch to manual focus—the AF system may hunt or fail. Manual focus is often more reliable with a 2x converter in dim conditions.
Set a higher shutter speed: The longer effective focal length magnifies camera shake. Use a shutter speed at least 1/(effective focal length) seconds. For a 300mm lens with 2x converter, shoot at 1/600s or faster. Enable image stabilization if your lens or body supports it. Faster shutter speeds are essential to avoid blur from shake.
Check and adjust exposure compensation: The teleconverter reduces light reaching the sensor. Review your histogram and increase ISO or exposure compensation as needed. A tripod helps keep ISO low and sharpness high. A tripod is your best tool for maintaining image quality with a teleconverter.

Product facts

Olympus M.Zuiko 2.0x Teleconverter MC-21: In stock with 1 Year Warranty and FREE UK DELIVERY. Brand new stock. You can buy with confidence knowing the teleconverter is covered and arrives quickly.
Olympus M.Zuiko 2.0x Teleconverter MC-21