Rumors Viltrox teleconverters?

[FowlersFreeTime]

An interesting tidbit in Sony Alpha Rumors recent video says Viltrox is working on a "front teleconverter"
1.4x and wide angle converter 0.8x to be released next year.

I know there are macro converters that mount to the front of the lens, but will this design for a universal teleconverter work as advertised?

 

[iamdlewis]

I can imagine that these would be far more expensive than the diopters for the macro stuff. Probably the reason why nobody has made one of these before is because the majority of people that want teleconverters want them for long lenses which typically don't have the same size front elements, meaning limited usability for the buyer.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I can imagine that these would be far more expensive than the diopters for the macro stuff. Probably the reason why nobody has made one of these before is because the majority of people that want teleconverters want them for long lenses which typically don't have the same size front elements, meaning limited usability for the buyer.

yeah it struck me as odd too. I guess if they make it 67mm or 72mm, it might work for a majority of lenses, but some might need a step up/down ring to adapt it... in which case would it work as intended? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[AlphaWorld]

yeah it struck me as odd too. I guess if they make it 67mm or 72mm, it might work for a majority of lenses, but some might need a step up/down ring to adapt it... in which case would it work as intended? I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

My thinking, too. Can you imagine one in 95mm (200-600), for example?

Also, if it's at the front, it can't communicate with the camera body (a /tc at the back can "filter" communication with the body). I don't know if that will confuse the body, or simply mess up the EXIF metadata,

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

I'm still curious. I would love to stick that on the end of my 50-300 instead of saving up for a new lens... because I'm cheap

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

First image of the new Viltrox 2x teleconverter! | sonyalpharumors

Viltrox is teasing the launch of this new 2x teleconverter. This is big news because it's the world first 3rd party E-mount Teleconverter! The Sony FE 2x Teleconverter is priced at $500 so hopefully the viltrox is much more affordable when it's announced within the next few weeks!

www.sonyalpharumors.com

That ^ does not look like a 'front' teleconverter. It looks like a Sony [behind-the-lens] teleconverter. So I wonder if it will have similarly limited applications.

 

[AlphaWorld]

It certainly does look look like a "real" teleconverter (I wonder if it's a fake image generated from a photo of a Sony?).

It's complete with a protruding piece, which means it would only work with lenses that have room for it. So it won't work with the 50-150 or 135 GM. (presuming it really looks like that, instead of being an AI generated fantasy).

But because it's at the back it can intercept all the communications between the lens and the body. Means it could be quite smart, but also means Viltrox would have to have reverse-engineered all of the Sony protocols.

 

[Alan Clark]

The Sony TC has ten electrical contacts, the Viltrox only has four! It must therefore have significant disadvantages.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

It certainly does look look like a "real" teleconverter (I wonder if it's a fake image generated from a photo of a Sony?).

It's complete with a protruding piece, which means it would only work with lenses that have room for it. So it won't work with the 50-150 or 135 GM. (presuming it really looks like that, instead of being an AI generated fantasy).

But because it's at the back it can intercept all the communications between the lens and the body. Means it could be quite smart, but also means Viltrox would have to have reverse-engineered all of the Sony protocols.

Yes, I wonder if its an AI image using the Sony model as a source. As you said, that protrusion would severely limit the lens compatibility. in which case, why even bother?

 

[AlphaWorld]

The Sony TC has ten electrical contacts, the Viltrox only has four! It must therefore have significant disadvantages.

If that's a real picture of one...

 

[Paul stuart]

Yes, I wonder if its an AI image using the Sony model as a source. As you said, that protrusion would severely limit the lens compatibility. in which case, why even bother?

have you seen the price of the sony 2x £500 if the viltrox is £150=200 i am interested not as though i have lenses that benefit from the 2x i would never use a 2x on my 400-800mm and 70-200mm gm but maybe use it on the 100mm gm macro when i own it, very few lenses benefit from 2x in fact none really cropping is your friend the 1.4 x is a different matter , but maybe the viltrox will be better than sony version in fact more than likley, but on the macro it will give you better working distance ,and i guess for some wildlife where you want to keep distant on the big white primes it will work.

 

[Drawshot]

The Sony TC has ten electrical contacts, the Viltrox only has four! It must therefore have significant disadvantages.

I've only seen the one image of it on Sonyalpharumors. In that image only 4 are visible, but it is at an angle where the rest of the contacts would be obscured by the protrusion on the front of the TC. So, I wouldn't jump to any conclusions based on that.

Regardless of whether it has all the normal electrical contacts or just the 4 we see, I still wouldn't expect it to perform as well as the Sony TCs. But maybe that's just my thoughts because I only just recently bought a Sony 2x TC.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Viltrox has dropped a teaser on their instagram account, so we should have an official launch/announcement on 12/10/25.

 

[Peter K]

Just curious: will this work with Tamron, Sigma or other third party lenses?

 

[iamdlewis]

Just curious: will this work with Tamron, Sigma or other third party lenses?

The lens make shouldn't matter because these are screwing onto the front of the lens and involve no electronics. Your meta data would be off because the camera will see the focal length of the lens and not the lens + teleconverter.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

The lens make shouldn't matter because these are screwing onto the front of the lens and involve no electronics. Your meta data would be off because the camera will see the focal length of the lens and not the lens + teleconverter.

The other challenge is sizing for filter threads. Most of my lenses are 67mm, and some are smaller, like 55mm. For the smaller lenses, if the teleconverter was also 67mm, no problem, just use a step up ring. But what if I had a lens with a 70 or 72mm thread? A converter that is narrower would mean vignetting with a stepdown ring right?

So I expect this won't be everyone's cup of tea, and it also reinforces why lens-mount teleconverters make more practical sense (one size fits all). Oh well, lets see what Viltrox comes up with.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Just curious: will this work with Tamron, Sigma or other third party lenses?

That's my hope.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

Viltrox 2.0X rear teleconverter now available for pre-order on B&H for $280 USD:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1933926-REG/viltrox_tc_2_0x_e_2_0x_teleconverter_sony_e.html

No word yet on the front mount 1.4X teleconverter.

 

[iamdlewis]

Going to wait on reviews before I consider the 2x. Don't have a big need for teleconverters but kind of interested in using one with the 100 macro GM and half the price of the Sony version would make it more palatable.

 

[AlphaWorld]

Viltrox 2.0X rear teleconverter now available for pre-order on B&H for $280 USD:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1933926-REG/viltrox_tc_2_0x_e_2_0x_teleconverter_sony_e.html

No word yet on the front mount 1.4X teleconverter.

The images show the front of it protruding into the lens cavity, so it looks like it will only work with the lenses that have that cavity, just like the Sony TC.

Entirely possiible that's a necessity with the way lenses are designed for E mount.

But it puts paid to the hopes of the people who wanted to use the TC on lenses not designed for it (I see the 135 GM mentioned at times).

 

[Richard A]

I wonder if these will be any good? I wonder if they will put out a list of compatible lenses?

I had to laugh when I saw this on the page - "Limited 1-Month Manufacturer Warranty".

They won't get away with that in Australia!

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

So I think Sony Alpha Rumors led me down the wrong rabbit hole; Viltrox launched SONY 2.0X teleconverter, but the front element conversion lens is for FUJI X100 series cameras:

Viltrox's Telephoto Conversion Lens for X100 Series Cameras Costs Less Than Half of Fujifilm's

Give your Fujifilm X100 extra reach for under $200.

petapixel.com

This clears up why they are not concerned with various thread sizes, because they are only making it for one size to fit the Fuji x100.

 

[AlphaWorld]

So I think Sony Alpha Rumors led me down the wrong rabbit hole; Viltrox launched SONY 2.0X teleconverter, but the front element conversion lens is for FUJI X100 series cameras:

Viltrox's Telephoto Conversion Lens for X100 Series Cameras Costs Less Than Half of Fujifilm's

Give your Fujifilm X100 extra reach for under $200.

petapixel.com

This clears up why they are not concerned with various thread sizes, because they are only making it for one size to fit the Fuji x100.

Ah!

That makes sense - you cannot put a rear TC on a fixed lens camera.

 

[Richard A]

I saw this video linked on another forum:

Viltrox 2X Teleconverter

I wonder if anyone here can translate any of it?

 

[iamdlewis]

I saw this video linked on another forum:

Viltrox 2X Teleconverter

I wonder if anyone here can translate any of it?

Asked an AI to translate the script and it appears to have done good job, some noticeable failures such as "3rd party black tech" and the price:

Translation Summary​

The speaker introduces the Viltrox 2X Teleconverter, a lens accessory that doubles the focal length of compatible lenses. They test it in real-world shooting scenarios, discussing image quality, autofocus performance, and usability.

Key Points from the Transcript​

• Introduction:The video starts with the question “副厂黑科技？” which means “Third-party black technology?” — suggesting curiosity about whether this product offers surprising performance.
• Product Overview:
  • The Viltrox 2X Teleconverter costs around $1649 NTD (about $50 USD).
  • It is designed to increase the focal length of a lens by 2×, effectively turning a 200mm lens into 400mm.
• Testing Setup:
  • The reviewer attaches the teleconverter to different lenses and cameras.
  • They compare shots with and without the teleconverter to evaluate sharpness and detail.
• Image Quality:
  • The teleconverter does reduce sharpness slightly, especially at the edges.
  • However, the center sharpness remains acceptable for casual photography.
  • Color and contrast are mostly preserved.
• Autofocus Performance:
  • Autofocus speed is noticeably slower.
  • In low light, the camera struggles to lock focus.
  • Continuous autofocus for moving subjects is less reliable.
• Practical Use:
  • Best suited for static subjects like landscapes or distant architecture.
  • Not ideal for sports or wildlife photography where fast autofocus is critical.
  • The reviewer emphasizes that it’s a budget-friendly option compared to buying a dedicated long lens.
• Conclusion:
  • The Viltrox 2X Teleconverter is a cheap way to extend focal length, but comes with trade-offs in sharpness and autofocus.
  • It’s recommended for hobbyists who want to experiment, but not for professional work where quality is paramount.

In short: The video concludes that the Viltrox 2X Teleconverter is an affordable tool that doubles focal length but sacrifices autofocus speed and image sharpness. It’s good for casual use, but not a replacement for professional telephoto lenses.