Nikon Announces 1.4x and 2x Teleconverters for NIKKOR Z Lenses

July 21, 2020 | Mark Goldstein | Lenses | Comment |

Nikon have unveiled two new teleconverters, the traditional 1.4x and 2x variants, for their NIKKOR Z range of full-frame mirrorless camera lenses.

The first lens to be compatible with these teleconverters is the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, which hasn't actually been released. We can probably expect the teleconverters and 70-200mm to be launched alongside each other sometime in "late Summer 2020".

Nikon have promised that "as the NIKKOR Z lens line-up expands, more lenses will be compatible with the Z Teleconverters", which seems to suggest that they aren't compatible with any of the Z lenses that have already been released.

Pricing is somewhat predictably on the eye-wateringly high side - £549 | €649 for the 1.4x and £599 | €699 for the 2x.

Note that Nikon have significantly one-upped Canon by releasing teleconverters that actually work with their 70-200mm f/2.8 mirrorless lens...

Price

Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x - £549 | €649

Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x - £599 | €699

Availability

Sales Start: Late Summer 2020

Today Nikon introduces two Z Teleconverters that extend the reach of compatible NIKKOR Z lenses. The Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x gives users 40 % more reach, and the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x lets users double their reach. The first lens to be compatible with these teleconverters is the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. As the NIKKOR Z lens line-up expands, more lenses will be compatible with the Z Teleconverters.

Nikon’s advanced optical design ensures sharp, high-resolution images when using either teleconverter, and the minimum focus distance of the lens remains unchanged. In addition, the Nikon Z system’s superb autofocus and rock-solid Vibration Reduction ensure the precision and speed users have come to expect from Nikon Z. Users will be able to turn a telephoto zoom lens into a super telephoto, or extend the reach of a prime lens. All without affecting image performance.

Both of the new Z Teleconverters are tough performers. Sealed to keep dust and moisture out, they are also treated with Nikon’s fluorine coat—which effectively repels dust and dirt. Constructed from tough, textured anodized aluminium, the design of the new teleconverters blends smoothly with Nikon Z cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses.

Robert Harmon, Senior Commercial Planning Manager, Nikon UK, comments: “Nikon’s new teleconverters bring a new dimension of flexibility to the Nikon Z mirrorless system. As the NIKKOR Z lens line-up expands, your options for using the Z Teleconverters will grow. Whether you shoot action, wildlife, or nature, you’ll be able to get closer to the details without switching lenses.”