KIPON Baveyes Extender 2x M-M is designed to double the focal length of Leica M mount lenses. The extenderer allows light to pass through up to an aperture of 1.4. During the design process, care was taken to leave the character of the lenses used largely unchanged and to ensure the greatest possible compatibility with as many lenses as possible. The 2x extender is compatible with a wide range of Leica M lenses.
The optical design consisting of 7 lenses in 4 groups uses high refractive index and low dispersion glass and has been optimized for maximum contrast transmission and minimum aberrations with state-of-the-art optical design software. Tolerance and stray light analysis by special software, avoids ghosting and reflections already at the design stage and ensures maximum imaging performance.
* This adapter is primarily designed for M mount lenses with a focal length over 75mm, some of them may not be compatible. Please confirm with us if you have any questions.
List of compatible lenses:
Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH
Leica Summilux-M 75mm f/1.4
Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4
Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.5
Leica APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH
Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2
Leica Summicron-M 90mm f/2 Canada
Leica Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8
Konica M-Hexanon 90mm f/2.8
Leica APO-Telyt-M 135mm f/3.4
Leica Tele-Elmar-M 135mm f/4
Features:
Built in 4 groups of 7 glasses with high refractive index and low dispersion
Max. light input of F1.4
Support multiple camera mounts
High quality, perfect surface treatment and precise design.
Material: stainless steel, aluminum, glass
Designed in Germany
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The new KIPON M-M 2x Extender is available at B&H Photo for $898
p.1 #2 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
Not a bad accessory even coming with a hefty price tag for which you can get easily a 135 mm tele M-lens. I can only speak for myself as Leica M user - I have rarely felt the need to use a focal length above 90 mm with the M system - only a few times I have used 135 mm. Not sure who is the target user class for this 2x adapter especially when a minimum focal length of 75 mm is required - wildlife or sports photographers using the M-system?!
What I would personally find the much better fit for the Leica system and which only exists as expensive Leica or Novoflex version is a cheaper close-up focus ring between M-camera and M-lens.
p.1 #3 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
retrofocus wrote:
Not a bad accessory even coming with a hefty price tag for which you can get easily a 135 mm tele M-lens. I can only speak for myself as Leica M user - I have rarely felt the need to use a focal length above 90 mm with the M system - only a few times I have used 135 mm. Not sure who is the target user class for this 2x adapter especially when a minimum focal length of 75 mm is required - wildlife or sports photographers using the M-system?!
What I would personally find the much better fit for the Leica system and which only exists as expensive Leica or Novoflex version is a cheaper close-up focus ring between M-camera and M-lens. ...Show more →
M-Camera ... for the most part gets associated to rangefinder use. In that regard, I'd agree that a 2X for the tele's isn't a likely candidate for a lot of folks.
But, the M does have the LCD and the Visoflex. If the application allows for focusing via the electronic options (i.e. landscape), there may some usefulness. But, here again ... likely to be a limited target audience. Me ... hmmm, I present jump from my M 135/3.4 APO to my Siggy 500/5.6 on the SL2-S.
I mount up my M's on the SL2-S also. So, with my SL series body (or Visoflex / LCD on the M), the 2X gives my 75 / 135 combo a 2X at 150 / 270 (and two stop hit), that might bridge between the 135 and 500 okay.
p.1 #4 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
RustyBug wrote:
M-Camera ... for the most part gets associated to rangefinder use. In that regard, I'd agree that a 2X for the tele's isn't a likely candidate for a lot of folks.
But, the M does have the LCD and the Visoflex. If the application allows for focusing via the electronic options (i.e. landscape), there may some usefulness. But, here again ... likely to be a limited target audience. Me ... hmmm, I present jump from my M 135/3.4 APO to my Siggy 500/5.6 on the SL2-S.
I mount up my M's on the SL2-S also. So, with my SL series body (or Visoflex / LCD on the M), the 2X gives my 75 / 135 combo a 2X at 150 / 270 (and two stop hit), that might bridge between the 135 and 500 okay.
Again, pretty niche and small audience, imo....Show more →
As I understand from Fred's post above, to use this adapter with the SL system requires the L/M adapter first and then usage of this additional Kipon adapter. That's two adapters - it is an option but IMO more like a crutch approach than anything else. I don't think many will use this kind of approach.
p.1 #5 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
retrofocus wrote:
As I understand from Fred's post above, to use this adapter with the SL system requires the L/M adapter first and then usage of this additional Kipon adapter. That's two adapters - it is an option but IMO more like a crutch approach than anything else. I don't think many will use this kind of approach.
Yes, the M > L adapter would still be in play (i.e. double adapter). Taking a 135/3.4 APO and 2X backpacking with an M, instead of an SL and the 500 (or a 70-200) might get you to 270, but again ... this is gonna be for a very niche audience. Not sure if I'm one or not.
Isn't quite calling to me ... "Oh yeah, baby. Finally, just what I've been looking for."
And, I'm probably one of the more likely candidates for such a niche offering ... but, it's not calling my name ... at least not right out of the gate.
p.1 #6 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
I agree that this adapter serves a very niche purpose. While it allows M-mount lenses to be used, there is a trade-off in performance and light loss. I could also adapt a Contax 100-300mm lens (or many other long lenses) to a Leica M and use it with Live View, all for a lower cost than this adapter while still achieving excellent image quality. Considering these factors, the adapter seems a bit overpriced for what it offers. The optics might justify the cost, but would demand align with that pricing?
I’ve done something similar by using Leica M lenses on my Fuji bodies. I’ve tried Fuji’s own 1.4x and 2x teleconverters and even experimented with an AF adapter. It does work!
p.1 #8 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
I have an old Komura 2x teleconverter that has the additional benefit of being rangefinder linked. I'm sure this is better optically than the Komura but as someone who dislikes the way live view and the EVF work on my M 240 I would only be interested if it had rangefinder coupling.
p.1 #9 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
Fred, have you asked if they'll send you one for review? I'd love to see a test with the 90 or 135 APO. We discussed it over on LUF a month or two ago and there wasn't much enthusiasm.
p.1 #10 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
I could imagine using a 2x converter with a 50mm f1.4 to get a still compact 100mm f2.8 for occasional use, but I see no sense in an M converter for longer lenses, which can the only be used in live view. Seems like a real kludge.
p.1 #11 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
wolfloid wrote:
I could imagine using a 2x converter with a 50mm f1.4 to get a still compact 100mm f2.8 for occasional use, but I see no sense in an M converter for longer lenses, which can the only be used in live view. Seems like a real kludge.
+1
Tele's with a 2X on an M do not make a lot of sense (imo). If you're using the M tele on the L mount ... which makes a nice combo, with smaller (than L mount options) lens + IBIS ... then the 2X makes more sense than on an M body (even with Visoflex / LCD).
But, even in that use case ... I'm thinking a 1.4X "might" call to me, more than a 2X. Your 50/1.4 then becomes a 70/2, which is still manageable on with RF on an M. Taking a normal > portrait > short tele makes more sense to me than taking a tele > longer tele when it comes to the M mount specific.
p.1 #12 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
As for using "other" lenses on my M's with an adapter 645-M, I use the Mamiya 300 5.6 on occasion. Since the M only uses the center area it is sharp. Back when it was designed just about all lenses were sharp in the center. I tested it against my APO 135M and found the IQ indiscernible.
p.1 #13 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
I'm just not seeing how there is a market for something like this.
I don't know any M users who choose the M-system for their prowess in long focal length photography. There are so many other options that I'd consider before going down this road... Even putting a 135mm M-lens on a Leica SL2 and shooting in DX mode... The converter is almost half the asking price of a used SL2 these days, and you'd have the benefit of a marvelous viewfinder.
bruce
Feb 02, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #14 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
If I still had an M10, I would be interested in getting this for travel to add some flexibility to a 90 f/2 lens. I think having a 90 f/2 that can double as a 180 f/4 lens could be nice to have, not as an often used lens, but an occasionally used lens for when you need more reach to frame the subject. With my current setup I would probably crop to achieve that reach, but with an M10 and 24MP cropping to 2X leaves a pretty small file. This could come in handy if you wanted to be able to have that framing.
p.1 #15 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
I'm not sure why this adapter wouldn’t be compatible with 50mm or shorter lenses that don't have protruding rear elements. It may not be a matter of physical incompatibility with shorter focal lengths but rather that it was optimized to perform best with tele lenses..
p.1 #16 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
Steve Spencer wrote:
If I still had an M10, I would be interested in getting this for travel to add some flexibility to a 90 f/2 lens. I think having a 90 f/2 that can double as a 180 f/4 lens could be nice to have, not as an often used lens, but an occasionally used lens for when you need more reach to frame the subject. With my current setup I would probably crop to achieve that reach, but with an M10 and 24MP cropping to 2X leaves a pretty small file. This could come in handy if you wanted to be able to have that framing.
This ^ is about the most useful case scenario that comes to mind. Packing the 2X is certainly smaller than packing a 180/4 and a 90/2.
I used to use a 2X with my 300/5.6 on the FE (SLR, not RF of course), and the hit you take with the 2X makes it one of those things you do when you are pretty much "tapped out" without other choices. The native M glass taps out with the 135/3.4 (iirc), so when / where you want for more than 135 ... an extender (different from pixel cropping and tossing needed px) CAN be there when you're otherwise tapped.
I guess, I'm saying it wouldn't be my first choice in very many circumstances ... but, the 90/2 + 2X combo is one that makes a bit more sense than comes mind. If the telecentric optics play nice with the 2X, then a 90 + 2X could replace carrying the 135/3.4 as an alternative (not necessarily superior, though).
Again, specific and limited, well thought through situations ... maybe. Curious too, how much of a contrast hit the 2X makes. Starting with excellent glass will be needed to offset that, in addition to the 2X hit on exposure (easy enough these days with today's ISO IQ).
p.1 #17 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
RustyBug wrote:
This ^ is about the most useful case scenario that comes to mind. Packing the 2X is certainly smaller than packing a 180/4 and a 90/2.
I used to use a 2X with my 300/5.6 on the FE (SLR, not RF of course), and the hit you take with the 2X makes it one of those things you do when you are pretty much "tapped out" without other choices. The native M glass taps out with the 135/3.4 (iirc), so when / where you want for more than 135 ... an extender (different from pixel cropping and tossing needed px) CAN be there when you're otherwise tapped.
I guess, I'm saying it wouldn't be my first choice in very many circumstances ... but, the 90/2 + 2X combo is one that makes a bit more sense than comes mind. If the telecentric optics play nice with the 2X, then a 90 + 2X could replace carrying the 135/3.4 as an alternative (not necessarily superior, though).
Again, specific and limited, well thought through situations ... maybe. Curious too, how much of a contrast hit the 2X makes. Starting with excellent glass will be needed to offset that, in addition to the 2X hit on exposure (easy enough these days with today's ISO IQ). ...Show more →
There is only so much you can do with something like a 2x converter. You are throwing 7 elements in front of a lens that might have been designed with 5 or 6 elements. Thus, you are doubling the air to glass surface interactions and acuity and contrast will take a hit.
I am mostly a nature photographer and have been doing this since the 1980's. I have never met a 2x converter that I liked let alone loved... this includes but is not limited to: Contax 2X mutar on 300 f4 Tele-Tessar, Nikon TC300 2x on a 300 f2.8 EDiF MF, Canon EF 2x on a EF 300mm f2.8 IS, Nikon TC2e on a Nikkor 300 f2.8 VR or Nikkor 200-400 f4VR, and finally a ZTC-2.0 on a a Z 400mm f4.5 or Z 400TC f2.8. In all of these cases, the 2x was designed to optimize these telephoto optics, yet they all suffer to the point that I prefer to use a 1.4x and crop.
My point... A generic 2x on an M-mount lens might fit and double the magnification, but I wouldn't hold out hope that it is going to deliver better than 85% of the original lens. With that said, there are a lot of amazing photos that are taken that have reduced contrast and softness throughout. Furthermore, it seems that less than perfect is the new great in photography, as there is a mass resurgence of "classically" designed lenses. So, if going to 180 w/ your 90mm Elmarit or Summicron works for you, then it works for me.
cheers.
bruce
Feb 02, 2025 at 01:11 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #18 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
Fred Miranda wrote:
I'm not sure why this adapter wouldn’t be compatible with 50mm or shorter lenses that don't have protruding rear elements. It may not be a matter of physical incompatibility with shorter focal lengths but rather that it was optimized to perform best with tele lenses..
For me the issue would be that I can get a very competent 90 f/2.8 that weighs less than 300g and would likely be a much better performer than a 50 f/1.4 with this extender and how much does this extender weigh (I suspect around 200g), so for less than 100g I can just carry a better performing lens with the same aperture and one for which I have more precise frame lines. For me it would be a pretty easy decision to add another lens rather than add this extender to use with a 50 f/1.4. The same logic would apply to using it with a 35mm lens or anything wider and the wider you go it seems likely the more the extender would affect performance. So using it with a 75mm would get enough added capability and weight savings, for me anyway, that I think it is worth considering, but I wouldn't consider using it for anything shorter.
p.1 #19 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
OwlsEyes wrote:
There is only so much you can do with something like a 2x converter. You are throwing 7 elements in front of a lens that might have been designed with 5 or 6 elements. Thus, you are doubling the air to glass surface interactions and acuity and contrast will take a hit.
I am mostly a nature photographer and have been doing this since the 1980's. I have never met a 2x converter that I liked let alone loved... yet they all suffer to the point that I prefer to use a 1.4x and crop.
+1
1.4X ... crop the rest
2.0X ... not so much (needs longer glass)
Bear in mind, brainstorming how one "might" use a 2X with M glass ... isn't the same as thinking that's the way I want to roll.
That said, I have used a 2X TC for the express purpose of reducing contrast for "special" rendering. But, here again ... still thinking a 2X for an M mount is gonna be pretty niche.
I'd be surprised if their first production run is larger than 10 units.
p.1 #20 · Kipon Announces 2X Teleconverter for Leica M-Mount
Steve Spencer wrote:
For me the issue would be that I can get a very competent 90 f/2.8 that weighs less than 300g and would likely be a much better performer than a 50 f/1.4 with this extender and how much does this extender weigh (I suspect around 200g), so for less than 100g I can just carry a better performing lens with the same aperture and one for which I have more precise frame lines. For me it would be a pretty easy decision to add another lens rather than add this extender to use with a 50 f/1.4. The same logic would apply to using it with a 35mm lens or anything wider and the wider you go it seems likely the more the extender would affect performance. So using it with a 75mm would get enough added capability and weight savings, for me anyway, that I think it is worth considering, but I wouldn't consider using it for anything shorter....Show more →
If I add the 2X to my 75/2.4 I'm at 150/4.8 ... instead of my 135/3.4
Offset would be the size / weight to "not carry" the 135/3.4 along with the 75 and 2X. Kinda wondering if the IQ hit is merely "not as good" vs. "kinda lame".
