| The Tele Conversion Lens (TCL) gives X100 series photographers a 50mm equivalent focal length. Image: Viltrox |
Viltrox has announced two conversion lenses for the Fujifilm X100 series of cameras. The TCL-X100VI (Tele Conversion Lens) and WCL (Wide Conversion Lens) aim to provide greater flexibility by offering two additional fields of view from the fixed-lens cameras.
Fujifilm’s X100 series cameras all feature a fixed, built-in 23mm (35mm equiv) lens. That focal length is relatively versatile, but the single option is inherently limiting. The conversion lenses give Fujifilm X100 users two additional options. The TCL results in 1.4x magnification, effectively turning the lens into a 50mm equivalent. The WCL offers a 0.8x magnification, equivalent to a 28mm lens.
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| The Wide Conversion Lens (WCL) results in a 28mm equivalent focal length. Image: Viltrox |
Viltrox says that both conversion lenses use professionally engineered optics to prevent any degradation in image quality or light transmission. They feature an optical design comprising five elements in four groups. The TCL benefits from two high-refractive-index elements and one extra-low-dispersion element, while the WCL offers two refractive-index elements. Both use multi-layer nano coatings to reduce vignetting. The TCL accepts filters with a 67mm filter thread, while the WCL uses 49mm filters.
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| Both the WCL and TCL are available in black and silver. Image: Viltrox |
The conversion lenses are easy to attach, simply screwing onto the camera’s built-in lens. Viltrox explained that on fourth-generation and later devices (X100F, X100V, and X100VI), the camera will automatically detect conversion lenses and adjust the appropriate settings, including built-in distortion and vignetting correction. Both the TCL and WCL are available in black and silver and are designed to match the X100’s retro look. Both are compact and lightweight, with the TCL weighing 230g (8.1oz) and the WCL 130g (4.6oz).
Fujifilm makes its own conversion lenses for the X100 series (the similarly named WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II), which offer the same magnification levels. They both cost $400, though. The Viltrox TCL and WCL are, in keeping with Viltrox standards, more affordable. They are available for purchase today for $189 for the TCL and $159 for the WCL.