Teleconverters are quite popular amongs Bird and Wildlife photographers as usage of one is an easy and effective way to extend the maximum reach of their existing lenses. Currently there are two Teleconverters available for Sony FE mount mirrorless system: Sony FE 1.4x TC and Sony FE 2.0x TC. As their model names suggest, they provide 1.4x and 2.0x effective focal length extension while reducing the light gathering ability of the lenses by 1-stop and 2-stop respectively.
Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter
Both TCs are known with their excellent optical quality. They both establish communication between the lens and the body so all the metering, AF and stabilization (OSS) are maintained. They are also weather sealed as all the compatible lenses that they work with. Image quality and AF speed decrease with these TCs are minimal, especially with the 1.4x TC.
Sony FE 2.0x Teleconverter
As with most teleconverters, these Sony FE TCs work with only the selected supported lenses. As of 2022, there are 6 Sony FE lenses that can be used with Sony FE 1.4x and 2.0x TCs. Below are the list of the TC compatible Sony lenses and how their effective focal length and aperture changes with each of these lenses.
- Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 1.4x TC: 98 - 280mm F4
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 2x TC: 140 - 400mm F5.6
- Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 1.4x TC: 98 - 280mm F4
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 2x TC: 140 - 400mm F5.6
- Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 1.4x TC: 140 - 560mm F6.3 - 7.9
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 2x TC: 200 - 800mmF9 - 11.2
- Sony FE 200-600 F5.6-6.3 G OSS
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 1.4x TC: 280 - 840mm F7.9 - 8.9
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 2x TC: 400 - 1200mm F11.2 - 12.6
- Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 1.4x TC: 560mm F4
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 2x TC: 800mm F5.6
- Sony FE 600mm F4 GM OSS
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 1.4x TC: 840mm F5.6
- Effective Focal Lenght and Aperture with 2x TC: 1200mm F8
Among these lenses, our favourite one for bird photography is the Sony FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3. It is not as fast as the 600mm F4 for sure but it is way more versatile, more compact and much cheaper. In fact, at only $1999 ( Sony FE 600mm F4 selles for $12,999!), this is one of the best values in Sony FE world. And when used with a 1.4x or 2.0 TC, it provides 840mm and 1200mm mac focal length. Even better, when used on an APS-C body like Sony A6400 or Sony A6600, this lens will give you 1260mm and 1800 respectively.
Both Sony FE 1.4 TC and Sony FE 2.0 TC sells for $548 as of this post. It is hard to call it affordable but in the world of fast and long lenses, extra reach never comes cheap.
Check Sony FE 1.4 TC Teleconverter at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU
Check Sony FE 2.0 TC Teleconverter at: B&H Photo / AmazonUS / AmazonCA / AmazonDE / AmazonES / AmazonFR / AmazonIT / AmazonUK / AmazonIN / AmazonAU
Sony FE 1.4x TC for E-Mount Main Features
- E-Mount Teleconverter/Full-Frame Format
- 1.4x Magnification Factor
- 1-stop Light Loss
- Communication Between Lens & Camera
- Maintains Metering, Autofocus, and OSS
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Weight: 167.0g.
- Diameter: 63.5mm
- Length: 33.60mm
Sony FE 2x TC for E-Mount Main Features
- E-Mount Teleconverter/Full-Frame Format
- 2.0x Magnification Factor
- 2-stop Light Loss
- Communication Between Lens & Camera
- Maintains Metering, Autofocus, and OSS
- Dust and Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Weight: 207.0g.
- Diameter: 63.5mm
- Length: 42.70mm
Check also our Teleconverters Main Page to filter and find the TC options for your camera mount.