Panasonic DMW-LT55 55mm Tele Conversion Lens for Panasonic FZ7, FZ30, FZ18, and FZ50 Digital Cameras

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.2 x 3.1 inches ; 13.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000F6Y686
• Item model number: DMW-LT55
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Boost the zoom level in your Panasonic ultra-zoom camera with the DMW-LT55 telephoto conversion lens. Offering a magnification of 1.7x with f/3.7 brightness, the lens extends your 12x zoom to 20.4x, with a maximum focal length of 714mm (35mm equivalent). The result is remarkably clear, expressive shots of distance objects, making it great for wildlife close-ups. Compatible with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30 and DMC-FZ7, the lens measures 3.2 inches in diameter and 3.1 inches long. It also carries a one-year warranty.

Product Description

Tele 1.7x optical conversion lens for Panasonic DMC-FZ7 and DMC-FZ30 digital cameras

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good tele converter, September 12, 2006

By 

Jerry Saperstein (Evanston, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic DMW-LT55 55mm Tele Conversion Lens for Panasonic FZ7, FZ30, FZ18, and FZ50 Digital Cameras (Electronics)

Conversion lenses have always had a poor reputation. Typically generalizations like fuzzy, corner falloff and so on. The Panasonic DMW-LT55 Tele Conversion Lens appears to be the exception. Mounted on a Lumix FZ50, it produces images that are sharper than expected. Not as sharp as those that would be produced by a Nikkor or Canon, but sharp and detailed enough.

There is no noticeable falloff at the edges or corners. No vignetting either. Contrast is excellent.

On the FZ50, the LT55 can be used handheld with the camera's Optical Image Stabilization system activated. That is, frankly, astonishing.

A neat trick on the FZ50 is being able to reduce the resolution of the image from 10 megapixels down to 3 megapixels (just using the center of the sensor) and effectively increasing the power of the tele converter to that of a 1,137 mm lens. The images aren't bad.

The converter is lighweight and easily attached to the FZ50. Any filter on the lens must be removed first. No adapter is required.

Overall, the FZ50 is a nice knockaround and travel camera. It's light, has an incredible 12x Leica design approved lens, a 10 Megapixel sensor and just about every feature you could want. Adding the LT55 to your kit gives you that extra-long telephoto you've always wanted to carry without doing damage to your back. Neat product.

Jerry

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Zoom, August 28, 2006

By 

Tahir J. Naim (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic DMW-LT55 55mm Tele Conversion Lens for Panasonic FZ7, FZ30, FZ18, and FZ50 Digital Cameras (Electronics)

I enjoy birdwatching and naturally I wish to photograph the birds I see when I can. I used this lens with the FZ7 on a trip to Maui. I saw the i'iwi and apapane, but those birds flit around too much for me to be able to get a pic. However, I was able to get a couple decent pix of the a'eo (Hawaiian stilt) at a distance of about 300' so I was pleased. I will be going to Port Aransas to see the whooping cranes soon and am very much looking forward to using this lens then. NOTE: Although the image stabilization of these Panasonic cameras is excellent you absolutely still need a tripod in my opinion to make the best use of this fine piece of glass.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Greater, Sharper Detail, September 27, 2007

By 

J. Huddlestone (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic DMW-LT55 55mm Tele Conversion Lens for Panasonic FZ7, FZ30, FZ18, and FZ50 Digital Cameras (Electronics)

This lens ended a mounting frustration of photographing birds that keep their distance. I can now capture sharper eyes and plumage; far more definition.

When a great blue heron unexpectedly landed nearby, I nearly held my breath as I slowly raised my camera to my face. Only then did I discover that I had to change the battery while keeping very still to not give away my presence. After changing the battery and adjusting camera settings with the camera still in front of my face, I was able to shoot the uploaded digital image of the great blue heron.

In the Raw image setting, you cannot zoom in x2 or x4, but of all the settings, the raw image setting used with a DMC-FZ50 and this 3x teleconversion lens will let you shoot at a fair distance and yield the sharpest detailed pictures when enlarged. The raw image setting will yield two of the same image--both large, enlargeable files.

When attached, this lens will make your camera front-heavy in an unbalanced way, so you will need to consciously increase grip strength until you have gotten use to the weight difference, especially when using a tripod, so as not to lose a too soft grip on your camera to gravity.

I strongly recommended this for more detail at a greater distance and I use mine with:
Panasonic DMC-FZ50 10.1MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)