Olympus EC-20 Teleconverter

I'll be traveling in mid-January. I'm pretty sure I can get a hold of the 2x teleconverter on time, however, I don't know if there's a way to house it with my existing Olympus/Inon equipment? According to the Oly website, the EC-20 is 41mm, whereas the extension tube made for the EC-14 is made for 22mm. Any ideas? Phil, have you used this underwater yet? Thanks for your help. --David

Hi David,

I have been using the EC-20 with the Inon macro port and magnetic ring as well as the Athena macro port.

I am sure that olympus and Athena will have a new gear and extension port for this new tele-converter but for the time being I am using two of the 1.4X extension rings to extend both macro ports. I like that the Inon port does not require a diffrent gear. So far the images have been sharp across the entire frame and the auto focus has worked well with a focusing light all the way to life size.

Phil Rudin

What is the difference between the teleconverter and the macro extension? Which one is better? I've got an upcoming trip to the Philippines and due to budget constraints another port and macro lens are out of reach so I'm going to try and milk everything I can out of the 14-42mm kits lens. Any thoughts appreciated!!!

Gary,

In simple terms, the extension tube has no glass and reduces the distance between the lens and subject. Tele converters have glass and extend the distance between the lens and subject.

The 14 to 42 mm is a good starter lens, however no accessory lens will make it go wider behind the Olympus flat port. At the 42 mm end the lens is about twice life size in 35 mm terms, (1:2). If you add a diopter to the lens at the 42 mm end it will get closer to the subject, however it may become to close to allow proper lighting.

This lens will allow you to get all but the smallest subjects and I am sure you will be happy with the results.

The 50 mm macro can work behind the port you have and would be the best way to get closer, smaller subjects.

Phil Rudin

Thanks Phil,

I'm actually happy with the WA piece...its wider than my old P&S for sure. I was thinking of adding that Athena macro wet lens to the port. The only thing I have to figure out is if it will fit the oly port. The adapter was made for the 100mm Athena Dome port however the middle of the PP-E05 measures out around 100mm so it should work. Just got to get my hands on one. http://www.athena-opt.com/pt-e03-grip-e.html

Hi Gary,

That Athena port and C/U adapter have not hit the market yet, I don't think.

The C/U lens is from Inon and can be used with the Inon lens arm mounting arrangement on your housing.

You may already have an arm which will work with the unit and allow it to be moved out of the way for the W/A end of the lens.

http://inonamerica.com/products.php?produc...=2&subcat=1

http://inonamerica.com/products.php?produc...=3&subcat=1

Phil Rudin

Thanks Phil...that helps! BTW...some lady from Scubaboard was already using the Athena Setup so it must be available in Asia.

BTW...a macro extender with an extension to the port would run about $250.... do you think that would be worth the effort? The minimum focus distance of the 14-42mm is about 12" so I guess it might do some good...no?