Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14

This is a good, well thought out teleconverter. One feature I really like is that the camera displays correct apertures and focal lengths when the MC-14 is used. For example, with a 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, the widest possible aperture is f/4.0, the shortest possible focal length is 56mm, and the lens combo displays as "M.40-150mm f/2.8 + MC-14". These same corrected values are placed in the image EXIF data. Very nice!I did encounter one glitch while using the MC-14; the camera would not operate and the viewfinder did not display lens information. I twisted the lens and TC (without pressing the lens release buttons) and all was well; there was apparently an electrical contact problem.This MC-14 does cause slight IQ degradation (see attached photos).I found ... MoreThis is a good, well thought out teleconverter. One feature I really like is that the camera displays correct apertures and focal lengths when the MC-14 is used. For example, with a 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, the widest possible aperture is f/4.0, the shortest possible focal length is 56mm, and the lens combo displays as "M.40-150mm f/2.8 + MC-14". These same corrected values are placed in the image EXIF data. Very nice!I did encounter one glitch while using the MC-14; the camera would not operate and the viewfinder did not display lens information. I twisted the lens and TC (without pressing the lens release buttons) and all was well; there was apparently an electrical contact problem.This MC-14 does cause slight IQ degradation (see attached photos).I found that the image with the MC-14 is nearly identical to an image cropped 1.4x and then magnified 1.4x in Lightroom. This makes logical sense; the MC-14 performs optical magnification while cropping then enlarging performs digital magnification. At the same image size, both methods seem to produce similar results .I used 1.4 teleconverters often during my film days. I shot mostly slides and a TC was the only practical way to "get closer", with some slight loss of IQ. In the digital age I've discovered that my needs can be met with digital magnification, so I'm returning my MC-14. For others who have a need for optical magnification, this is as good as any 1.4 teleconverter I've used.

I rented an E-M1 mkIII and an Olympus 300mm f/4 lens for birding, along with this and the MC-20 2.0x teleconverter to test out for birding.It's even smaller than the 2.0, engineered well, attaches and detaches from the body and lens fine, and didn't affect the handling of the whole rig.The issue I had with both this and the 2.0 is that even though it magnified the image, the loss of light/depth of field and the quality degradation made it more of a liability than anything. The 1.4 is still better than the 2.0, but still not worth the tradeoffs for birding.In field and studio testing, I found that the image quality with the teleconverter was worse than if I shot without it and cropped in to match the framing. With the E-M1, you can use a digital teleconverter ... MoreI rented an E-M1 mkIII and an Olympus 300mm f/4 lens for birding, along with this and the MC-20 2.0x teleconverter to test out for birding.It's even smaller than the 2.0, engineered well, attaches and detaches from the body and lens fine, and didn't affect the handling of the whole rig.The issue I had with both this and the 2.0 is that even though it magnified the image, the loss of light/depth of field and the quality degradation made it more of a liability than anything. The 1.4 is still better than the 2.0, but still not worth the tradeoffs for birding.In field and studio testing, I found that the image quality with the teleconverter was worse than if I shot without it and cropped in to match the framing. With the E-M1, you can use a digital teleconverter which magnifies your view in the EVF 200% so you can check for focus (it still captures the whole 300mm FoV, not the magnified section).The only reason I could see wanting the teleconverter is if you absolutely need the full 20MP of the sensor and a 1200mm FoV, but even then I'd probably look into upscaling software instead - it's just not worth the tradeoffs.

I had heard very mixed reviews about this 1.4 converter but I really wanted more reach than the 40/150 F2.8 Pro zoom lens offered so I took a chance and purchased the MC-14.It's tiny, fits very securely and has given me excellent results so far. I hardly notice the extra length and weight it adds to the lens, body combination. The auto focus of the lens/converter may be a smidgeon slower than the lens body zone but it has in no way impacted the cameras ability to focus and lock on.Images are crisp, CA's are well controlled. The camera's IBIS works well with it.Is there a downside? When I decided to buy it it was $349.00, had watched for another sale like Olympus had prior which was$299.00. I wish that was the priceI could have been able to get it at.I would ... MoreI had heard very mixed reviews about this 1.4 converter but I really wanted more reach than the 40/150 F2.8 Pro zoom lens offered so I took a chance and purchased the MC-14.It's tiny, fits very securely and has given me excellent results so far. I hardly notice the extra length and weight it adds to the lens, body combination. The auto focus of the lens/converter may be a smidgeon slower than the lens body zone but it has in no way impacted the cameras ability to focus and lock on.Images are crisp, CA's are well controlled. The camera's IBIS works well with it.Is there a downside? When I decided to buy it it was $349.00, had watched for another sale like Olympus had prior which was$299.00. I wish that was the priceI could have been able to get it at.I would purchase this item again.