Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A teleconverter can extend a compatible telephoto lens’s reach, but it is not a universal spacer: the exact lens, converter, mount, and camera body determine whether the combination fits and what functions work. First verify compatibility in the manufacturer’s chart and manuals; then choose a magnification factor with its loss of light and possible autofocus and sharpness trade-offs in mind.
What a teleconverter does
A teleconverter is an optical accessory fitted between a compatible lens and camera body. It magnifies the image, increasing the lens’s apparent focal length without replacing the lens. Nikon describes it as a way to give a lens a greater telephoto effect. Nikon’s guide to using teleconverters explains the general benefits and trade-offs.
Check compatibility before attaching or buying one
Start with the exact camera body, lens model, lens mount, and converter model. A converter that fits one lens or mount may not fit another, and physical fit alone does not establish that autofocus, metering, or stabilization will work.
- Find the precise lens and converter models in the camera or lens maker’s compatibility chart.
- Read the lens and converter manuals for mounting instructions and restrictions on autofocus, metering, stabilization, or other functions.
- Confirm whether the camera body supports autofocus at the combination’s effective maximum aperture.
- If the chart or manual does not list your exact combination, do not assume it is supported; ask the manufacturer or use an explicitly listed setup.
Nikon’s F-mount AF-S teleconverter compatibility chart illustrates why the body matters: some combinations have autofocus restrictions and require a body with f/8 autofocus support. Nikon’s Z-system guidance describes different support, including autofocus points at f/8 or f/11 while cautioning that focus speed and accuracy vary.
#1 Best Overall
- 5X telephoto use only: Only for phones with a 5x optical telephoto lens; compatible with iPhone 18 Pro Max 18Pro 17 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra S25 Xiaomi 15 Ultra Vivo X200 Ultra, and more; not for main or ultra wide cameras; telephoto zoom varies by model
- Real 15x lossless optical zoom: Extends phone telephoto lens from 5x (120mm equivalent) to 15x (360mm equivalent) without digital cropping—retaining clarity and fine details for shooting distant subjects like wildlife, sports, concerts, and portraits
- Multicoated optical system: 12 elements in 6 groups HD optical glass and multilayer coatings minimize glare and distortion while enhancing image sharpness and detail—even at high zoom levels
- 17mm mount + 37mm filter thread: Equipped with a 17mm lens mount for NEEWER phone cages and phone cases; the 37mm front thread supports ND, CPL, and other content creator essential and influencer must have photography filter accessories
- Use with tripod & phone cage: Use a tripod to reduce shake and blur; secure lens with NEEWER 17mm thread cage or case; set max zoom to activate telephoto lens; compatible with iPhone, disable Macro Control and cover extra lenses to stop auto switching
Calculate the new focal length and maximum aperture
Multiply the lens’s focal length by the converter factor. The same factor reduces the maximum aperture, so the camera receives less light. Nikon gives these general light-loss figures: one stop for a 1.4x converter, 1.5 stops for a 1.7x converter, and two stops for a 2x converter. Its Z-system guidance gives one stop for the Z 1.4x and two stops for the Z 2.0x. These are manufacturer specifications, not measurements of every lens-and-camera combination.
| Converter factor | Focal-length effect | Typical light loss in Nikon guidance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4x | Multiply focal length by 1.4 | 1 stop |
| 1.7x | Multiply focal length by 1.7 | 1.5 stops |
| 2x | Double focal length | 2 stops |
For example, a compatible 70–200mm f/2.8 lens with a 2x converter becomes a 140–400mm f/5.6 combination: the focal lengths double and the maximum aperture loses two stops. Nikon gives this pairing as an example in its general teleconverter guide. As arithmetic, a 400mm lens becomes 560mm with 1.4x or 800mm with 2x; those figures do not establish that a particular lens supports either converter.
Rank #2
- The 2X Teleconverter can make the focal length of all the Canon EF lenses increased to 2 times, Built-in 4 groups, 7 pcs optics, and the exposure factor enlarge approx 4. (equals to 2 aperture).
- Compatible for Canon EF Mount Lens.[Notice:It only compatible with fixed focal length L-series lenses 100mm and over, as well as the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, EF 70-200mm f/4L, and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L.]
- Support lens Auto Focus function.Outstanding image quality thanks to new optical design and improved AF performance. The focus speed is really fast and can track the subject, and lock the subject flexibly and accurately.
- Lens coatings are optimized to minimize ghosting and flare. With the aperture adjustment lever on the adapter, you can adjust the aperture fast.
- With an upgraded USB firmware interface, it supports USB firmware upgrading, and through subsequent upgrades, the adapter can improve its function, and fix bugs.
Choose between 1.4x and 2x
The right factor depends on whether you need more reach or need to preserve more light. A 1.4x converter adds less reach but costs less light; a 2x doubles focal length but costs two stops in Nikon’s general guidance. Either choice can affect autofocus and image quality, so compare the exact supported combinations rather than choosing on magnification alone.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Consider 1.4x when a moderate focal-length increase is enough and retaining more light matters.
- Consider 2x when the additional reach is useful and the camera, lens, and shooting conditions can accommodate the two-stop loss.
- Consider a dedicated longer lens if image quality or autofocus performance is more important than using a compact add-on. A longer lens may produce a different result; equivalence is not guaranteed.
Nikon describes its compatible Z converters as retaining minimum focusing distance, autofocus, and vibration reduction functionality. That statement applies to the compatible Z combinations in its guidance, not to converters across other systems. See Nikon’s Z converter details and compatibility guidance.
Rank #3
- Compatible with select Nikon NIKKOR Z long telephoto lenses.
- Increases the native reach of compatible lenses by 40%—without any loss of resolution and with outstanding image quality.
- Retains all AF functionality and speed, VR capabilities and minimum focusing distance, with only 1 stop of light loss.
- Can use every focus point of your Z series camera's sensor all the way down to f/11, unprecedented for teleconverters.
- Maintains the close focusing capability of NIKKOR Z lenses while enlarging the reproduction ratio by 1.4x. Durable and dust and drip resistant.
Attach the converter according to its manual
There is no reliable universal mounting sequence for every camera system. Use the instructions for the exact lens and converter models, avoid touching optical surfaces, and confirm the equipment is seated and locked as the manual specifies. Do not force a mount or proceed if the compatibility documentation does not list the combination.
Recheck exposure, autofocus, and image quality
Exposure and shutter speed
Because the converter reduces the maximum aperture, the camera may need a slower shutter speed, a higher ISO, or both to maintain exposure. Choose the adjustment that suits the subject: a moving subject may require preserving shutter speed, while a static subject may allow a slower one if camera and subject movement are controlled.
Rank #4
- 2x telephoto lens converter: For smartphones with a built in 5x telephoto camera, this converter doubles optical zoom from 5x (120 mm equivalent) to 10x (240 mm equivalent) for distant shooting without digital cropping or image loss
- For 5X telephoto cameras only: Not for main camera; cell phone accessories compatible with Vivo X200 Ultra Xiaomi 15 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S26 S25 Ultra Android iPhone 18 Pro Max 18 Pro 17 16 Pro/Pro Max; select 5X before use if optical zoom is below 5X
- Compact and lightweight: Compared to standard external zoom lenses, this 2x converter is shorter and lighter; it features a 17mm thread for 17mm threaded phone cages, cases, and lens clips; content creator essential photography and filming accessories
- Multicoated optical glass: 7 elements in 5 groups of HD optical glass and multiple nanocoatings reduce glare and distortion, resist water, fingerprints, and scratches, and ensure excellent light transmission; a cleaning cloth is included
- Important note: Different phone brands may require different zoom levels to activate the telephoto lens; compatible with iPhone, apply the included stickers to cover the wide angle lens to prevent lens switching caused by light sensor interference
Autofocus
Autofocus can slow down or stop working when the effective maximum aperture exceeds what the camera-and-converter combination supports. Even where the camera allows AF points at f/8 or f/11, Nikon cautions that focus speed and accuracy vary. Try autofocus with the actual body, lens, and converter before relying on it for a critical shoot.
Recommended Free Tools
Sharpness and optical defects
A converter can reduce sharpness and magnify existing optical defects, including aberrations or distortion. Results depend on the specific equipment and conditions; do not assume a converter will match a dedicated longer lens. Nikon summarizes the general trade-off as “a loss of light or lens speed and possible decrease in sharpness.” Nikon’s general guidance also describes compact size and cost effectiveness as potential benefits, without establishing a current price comparison.
Best Value
- ✓【PRODUCT SUPPORT, 3-Year Waranty】— We are committed to providing our customers with an exceptional experience, if you encounter any issues during use, please feel free to let us help you.
- ✓【 Compatible List】 — Only Compatible With Sony FE SEL70-200G2/ FE SEL70-200GM2/ FE SEL70-200GM/ FE SEL100-400GM/ FE SEL200-600G/ FE SEL400-800G/ FE SEL300F28GM/ FE SEL400F28GM/ FE SEL600F40GM/Viltrox 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
- ✓【Extends focal length by 2x】 — The 2.0X teleconverter is a lens accessory that can be mounted between the camera and lens to increase the focal length by up to 2x, making it particularly suitable for users who want to use telephoto lenses for wildlife, sports, etc.
- ✓【Double the focal length】 — The 2.0X teleconverter extends the telephoto focal length without increasing the number of lenses, achieving a balance between increased focal length and high-quality images.
- ✓【Wide compatibility, comparable to original teleconverters】 — The Viltrox 2.0X teleconverter complements the original lens, providing 2.0 times the focal length. It maintains overall image quality and lens autofocus functionality and features a dust- and splash-proof design for reliability in outdoor photography.
Make a practical comparison before an important shoot
Once compatibility is confirmed, compare the setup under conditions resembling the work you plan to do. This is a reader procedure, not a claim of laboratory testing:
- Photograph the same subject from the same position with and without the converter.
- Use comparable framing where possible, and note the shutter speed and ISO needed for each frame.
- Check focus acquisition, fine detail, and visible optical defects at the image size you expect to deliver.
- Repeat with the intended autofocus mode and subject movement, if relevant, to see whether focus performance meets your needs.
For further practical context on optical trade-offs and long-lens use, see Nikon UK’s quick guide to using teleconverters.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
