Viltrox's New 2x E-Mount Teleconverter: Doubling Your Reach, Maintaining 120fps!
Viltrox just launched a 2x E-mount teleconverter for Sony, priced at ~$160, boasting full 120fps continuous shooting support. A game-changer for extending reach!
TL;DR: Viltrox just dropped a 2x E-mount teleconverter for Sony cameras, priced at a highly competitive 1129 Yuan (around $160). What truly sets it apart is its claimed full support for 120fps continuous shooting, making it a potentially game-changing accessory for sports and wildlife photographers.
What's New
Viltrox, a brand increasingly known for its innovative and affordable lens solutions, has just made waves with the announcement of its new 2x E-mount teleconverter. This isn't just another lens accessory; it's a statement piece, especially for Sony E-mount users who have long desired more native options for extending their focal reach. Priced at an incredibly accessible 1129 Yuan, which translates to roughly $160 USD, this teleconverter aims to democratize extreme telephoto capabilities.
The Viltrox 2x TC E-mount comes packed with impressive specifications for its price point. It features an optical construction of 9 elements in 5 groups, designed to maintain image quality despite the magnification. Weighing in at a modest 229 grams, it won't unduly burden your setup. Crucially for modern mirrorless systems, it includes electronic contacts, ensuring full EXIF data transmission and compatibility with lens-based image stabilization. It also boasts dust and splash resistance, making it suitable for challenging outdoor environments. However, the headline feature, the one that truly grabs attention, is Viltrox's bold claim of full 120fps continuous shooting support. If this holds true, it's a significant leap for third-party teleconverters.
Why It Matters
For years, photographers seeking to extend the reach of their telephoto lenses on Sony E-mount cameras have faced limited native options. While adapters exist for A-mount teleconverters, a dedicated E-mount solution has been a notable gap. Viltrox's entry into this space is significant, but their claim of 120fps continuous shooting support elevates it from merely 'new' to potentially 'revolutionary'.
Historically, teleconverters, especially 2x models, often come with compromises. These usually include a significant loss of light (typically two stops), potential degradation of image quality, and, critically, a noticeable slowdown in autofocus performance and continuous shooting frame rates due to reduced electronic communication. For a third-party teleconverter to claim full 120fps support implies that Viltrox has managed to maintain robust electronic communication and autofocus speed, which is paramount for genres like sports, wildlife, and bird photography where every frame counts. This positions the Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter not just as an affordable alternative, but as a genuine high-performance contender that could disrupt the market by offering premium functionality at a budget-friendly price point.
What This Means For You
If you're a Sony E-mount photographer who frequently finds yourself wishing for more reach, this teleconverter could be a game-changer. Imagine transforming your 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II into a 140-400mm f/5.6, or your 100-400mm GM into a staggering 200-800mm f/11. The possibilities for wildlife, bird, and distant sports photography are immense, allowing you to capture subjects that were previously out of reach without investing in significantly more expensive, dedicated super-telephoto lenses.
Of course, the inherent trade-offs of a 2x teleconverter still apply: you will experience a two-stop light loss, which means you'll need to compensate with higher ISOs or wider apertures (if available) in lower light conditions. There's also the question of optical performance – while Viltrox's track record for lenses is generally good, the ultimate image quality with the 2x magnification will need to be thoroughly tested in real-world scenarios. However, the promise of full 120fps support suggests that Viltrox has confidence in its electronic integration and AF performance. While pre-orders aren't available yet, this announcement should put the Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter firmly on the radar of any Sony shooter looking to double their reach without breaking the bank or sacrificing crucial speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the primary advantage of the new Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter compared to other options?
A: The most significant advantage of the Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter is its groundbreaking claim of fully supporting 120fps continuous shooting. This is exceptionally rare for a third-party teleconverter, especially a 2x model. It suggests that the electronic communication between the camera and lens, including autofocus and exposure data, is maintained at an incredibly high standard, crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects without missing a shot. This level of integration at its price point is a potential game-changer for Sony E-mount users.
Q: How much does the Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter cost and when will it be available?
A: The Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter is priced very competitively at 1129 Yuan, which translates to approximately $160 USD at current exchange rates. This makes it an incredibly accessible option for photographers looking to extend their lens's focal length. As of the announcement, Viltrox has not yet opened pre-orders, meaning an exact availability date is still pending. Users interested in acquiring this teleconverter should keep an eye on Viltrox's official channels and major retailers for updates on its release.
Q: What kind of performance can users expect regarding image quality and autofocus with a 2x teleconverter?
A: While the Viltrox 2x teleconverter promises excellent electronic integration, all 2x teleconverters inherently come with certain trade-offs. Users can expect a two-stop loss in light, meaning a lens that was f/2.8 will become f/5.6, and an f/4 lens will become f/8. This can impact low-light performance and necessitate higher ISOs. Regarding image quality, there's always a potential for some degradation, such as reduced sharpness or increased chromatic aberration, especially at the edges. However, the claim of 120fps support suggests robust electronic contacts, which usually correlates with better autofocus performance and EXIF data transmission. We'll need independent reviews to fully assess its optical prowess.
Q: Which types of photographers will benefit most from this new teleconverter?
A: This Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter is particularly beneficial for photographers specializing in genres that require significant focal length reach. Wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and sports photographers often need to capture subjects from a distance, and a 2x teleconverter effectively doubles the reach of their existing telephoto lenses. For instance, a 70-200mm lens transforms into a 140-400mm, and a 100-400mm becomes a formidable 200-800mm. The promised 120fps support is especially critical for these fast-paced disciplines, ensuring that rapid action can be captured without compromise in frame rate.
Q: What are the key physical and electronic specifications of the Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter?
A: The Viltrox 2x E-mount teleconverter boasts an optical design of 9 elements in 5 groups, aiming for good image correction. It's relatively lightweight at 229 grams, which helps maintain the balance of the camera setup. Crucially, it features electronic contacts for seamless communication between the lens and camera, enabling essential functions like EXIF data transmission and lens-based image stabilization. Furthermore, its dust and splash-resistant design offers added durability and reliability for outdoor shooting, aligning with the needs of action-oriented photographers who might use it in challenging environments.
Q: Does Sony currently offer a first-party 2x teleconverter for its E-mount system?
A: No, Sony currently does not offer a first-party 2x teleconverter specifically designed for its E-mount system. While Sony produces 1.4x and 2x teleconverters for its A-mount system (which can be adapted to E-mount with an LA-EA adapter), there are no native E-mount teleconverters from Sony themselves. This makes Viltrox's new 2x E-mount teleconverter a particularly significant release. It fills a notable gap in the market, providing Sony E-mount users with a native option to double their focal length without resorting to adapters or non-native solutions, potentially making it a highly sought-after accessory.