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on November 21, 2014
The Oly 40-150mm f/2.8 is a beauty. My impression from initial testing is that it is a very good lens that does very well even at its maximum focal length where many zoom lens have less than stellar performance. My initial testing at 150mm f/2.8 using the E-M1/HLD-7 shows very goods results wide-open and this is where I expect to use this zoom lens frequently.
COMPARED TO DSLR ZOOM LENSES
For someone who uses a full-frame dSLR system, the weight (880g with tripod lens collar, 760g without tripod lens collar) and size of the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is nothing objectionable. As a regular user still of the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 (969g), 24-70mm f/2.8 (900g) and the 70-200mm (in f/2.8 / 1540g (with tripod lens collar) and 70-200mm f/4.0 850g (without tripod lens collar), this Olympus zoom is a light weight. Compared to these Nikkor zoom lenses, the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is a light and still compact lens given its field of view (FOV) of 80-300mm with f/2.8 on an m4/3 camera. This is easily appreciated when this zoom lens is used with the Olympus MC-14 1.4x teleconverter (I have written a separate review of the Olympus MC-14) where it yields an FOV of 112-420mm with f/4.0.
COMPARED TO m4/3 ZOOM LENSES (Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8)
I also have the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8. Very briefly, the two zoom lenses are both excellent lenses. While both have overlapping coverage, they are essentially two different lenses in terms of use. Let me elaborate on this a bit.
If I have no compelling need for a longer focal length, the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 will be my lens of choice as it is significantly more compact and lighter than the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8. To drive home the size and weight advantage of the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 is just a little heavier than the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 (360g vs 305g), and is lighter than even the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 (382g). In terms of length, the Panasonic 35-100mm is just a tad longer than the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 (Approx. 2.70" x 3.9" vs Approx. 2.75" x 3.31"). From these, it is clear that the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 retains the compact and light weight advantage of the m4/3 system.
The Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 at 880g and Approx. 3.13" x 6.30" is significantly heavier and larger as a m4/3 zoom lens. This significantly impacts on the erstwhile advantage of the m4/3 system of being lighter and more compact. The above-indicated size does NOT yet include the lens tripod collar so the lens becomes even bigger if the tripod collar is mounted on this Olympus zoom lens. One culprit of this lens contributing to a much heavier and bigger setup is the poor design of the lens tripod collar (more on this below).
I have a very compact Lowepro back-pack which currently can accommodate a GH3 with the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8, a Panasonic 7-14mm f/4.0 (or Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.2 or Olympus 75mm f/1.8), and an E-M1/HLD-7 with a Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8. The Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 mated to an E-M1/HLD-7 will not fit and requires me to use a considerably bigger backpack which I normally use with Nikon dSLRs. In exchange for a longer reach in the 101-150mm range not covered by the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 now means a considerably bigger camera-lens combo and thus require a considerably bigger and heavier bag as well.
Another point of difference between the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 and the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is that the Panasonic lens zooms just like the Nikon Nikkor zoom lenses I use, i.e., turning the zoom ring clockwise goes from wide to telephoto. The Olympus 40-150mm is opposite and operates like the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8, turning the zoom ring clockwise goes from telephoto to wide. Because I shoot regularly using Nikkor and Panasonic zoom lenses, it takes some getting used to the opposite direction that Olympus zoom lens operate. This bit of difference will be of interest to those who are regular users of Nikkor and Panasonic zoom lenses.
In considering whether to get the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 or the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8, one will need to decide which is more paramount to the user - the lighter weight and more compact size of the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 or the longer reach of the 40-150mm f/2.8. For Panasonic m4/3 camera users, one will also need to consider that the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 has optical image stabilization (OIS) while the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 does not have OIS. Then there is the matter of filter diameter size. The Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 and the 35-100mm f/2.8 uses the same 58mm diameter filter while the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 uses a 62mm filter while the 40-150mm f/2.8 uses a 72mm filter.
On the other hand, one does not have an option (as of this writing) to use a teleconverter with the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 while the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 can be used with the excellent MC-14 1.4x teleconverter which yields a field of view of 112-420mm f/4.
For me, I consider these two zoom lens as essentially two different lenses for two different specific uses. I decided to get both.
Prior to the arrival of the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8, I consider the Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 and Olympus 75mm f/1.8 as my best native m4/3 lens, the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 as 2nd best, with the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 in third, the Panasonic 7-14mm f/4 in fourth place (on a Panasonic body but not on an Olympus body), and the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 and Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 in fifth place,. My early impression is that the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is as good as the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 despite the Olympus greater zoom range.
As I get to spent more time with this lens, I begin to appreciate just how good the optics of this zoom lens is. Being a zoom lens, I realistically cannot expect it to equal the exceptional performance of lenses such as the Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.8 or the Olympus 75mm f/1.8. So yes, the corners are not as nearly sharp as the center as the Olympus 75mm f/1.8, the bokeh at some distance and specific focal length is not as smooth, lens flare can be a bit of a problem in some instances, etc. But within the parameters of this being a zoom lens, I cannot find any major fault with the optics of this zoom lens that would make me unhappy with it. I am in fact very happy with the optics of this Olympus zoom lens.
EXCELLENT HOOD DESIGN
Unlike the fragile hood of the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 which easily disassemble and disintegrate at the first instance (Olympus should be taken to task for this expensive very badly designed hood), the hood for the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is very well made and designed. Olympus has brilliantly designed the hood to collapse into the lens for a considerably shorter overall package. This design moreover allows the hood to be extended quickly with little effort. Kudos and praise to the Olympus design team for this. This well-deserved praise however is offset by a major mistake in the design of the lens tripod collar.
POOR LENS COLLAR DESIGN: MY MISSIVE AGAINST THE OLYMPUS 40-150mm f/2.8
Having heaped praise on the optics of this zoom lens as well as the design of the hood, I need to add that what I am most unhappy about this zoom lens is the poor design of the lens tripod collar.
The lens tripod collar is big and heavy - which in itself is not objectionable as the collar needs to be sturdy to give the lens the stability it needs when shooting with a tripod. Adding an Arca adaptor to the lens tripod collar further adds to the mass and weight of the lens collar. Integrating an Arca rail on the collar would have made the collars lighter and less bulkier but as only after-market lens collar comes with an integrated Arca rail, I really should not rail against Olympus on this point.
What is objectionable however is that the lens tripod collar is difficult to remove and reinstall. This difficulty makes one less likely to remove the lens tripod collar from the lens even when desirable or needed and thus effectively makes this Olympus zoom heavier, more bulky and ungainly than it could have been if the lens tripod collar was better designed.
My biggest complaint about the lens tripod collar is that unlike all the long zoom lenses that I use that needs a lens tripod collar, one will need to detach the lens from the camera body before one can remove the lens tripod collar from the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8. This requirement of having have to unmount the lens and expose the inside of the camera to dust and contaminants just to be able remove the lens tripod collar from the lens is a major design flaw.
This major lapse in the design of the lens tripod collar means that removing the lens tripod collar from this Oly zoom is slow and made more difficult. Unlike Panasonic camera bodies which do not have an IBIS (except the GX-7) which makes self-cleaning the sensor easy if required, the IBIS on the E-M1 (and other Olympus m4/3 bodies with an IBIS) requires the camera to be returned to an Olympus service center whenever a sensor cleaning is required. I am thus more careful about removing my lens from the E-M1, particularly so when shooting in windy and/or dusty conditions in the field.
The design of the lens tripod collar in the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 practically means that I will generally refrain from removing the lens tripod collar from the zoom when shooting in the field. This can be a pain as when I need a smaller and lighter setup for fast handheld shooting or when I need to fit the camera/lens combo in a small backpack. Moreover, removal and reinstallation of the lens tripod collar requires a careful alignment with some screw-studs which makes removal and reinstallation of the lens tripod collar slow ... and difficult as when one is rushing and/or when one is working in low light or dark conditions. The stainless screw-studs also sticks out and I have cut my hand in one instance while shooting without the lens tripod collar.
Olympus has brilliantly designed the hood of the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 to collapse into the lens to make for a smaller package for a more compact storage and carry. Having accomplished this wonderfully, Olympus goes in the opposite direction with its design for the lens tripod collar. Under certain conditions, the poor lens collar design effectively makes this lens needlessly bigger and heavier than it could have be with a better lens collar design. Said another way, a better lens collar design could make this lens more compact and light by making it easy to remove the lens collar when it is not needed. This makes Olympus lapse in the lens tripod collar design difficult to understand as well as frustrating.
COMPARED TO DSLR ZOOM LENSES
For someone who uses a full-frame dSLR system, the weight (880g with tripod lens collar, 760g without tripod lens collar) and size of the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is nothing objectionable. As a regular user still of the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 (969g), 24-70mm f/2.8 (900g) and the 70-200mm (in f/2.8 / 1540g (with tripod lens collar) and 70-200mm f/4.0 850g (without tripod lens collar), this Olympus zoom is a light weight. Compared to these Nikkor zoom lenses, the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is a light and still compact lens given its field of view (FOV) of 80-300mm with f/2.8 on an m4/3 camera. This is easily appreciated when this zoom lens is used with the Olympus MC-14 1.4x teleconverter (I have written a separate review of the Olympus MC-14) where it yields an FOV of 112-420mm with f/4.0.
COMPARED TO m4/3 ZOOM LENSES (Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8)
I also have the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8. Very briefly, the two zoom lenses are both excellent lenses. While both have overlapping coverage, they are essentially two different lenses in terms of use. Let me elaborate on this a bit.
If I have no compelling need for a longer focal length, the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 will be my lens of choice as it is significantly more compact and lighter than the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8. To drive home the size and weight advantage of the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 is just a little heavier than the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 (360g vs 305g), and is lighter than even the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 (382g). In terms of length, the Panasonic 35-100mm is just a tad longer than the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 (Approx. 2.70" x 3.9" vs Approx. 2.75" x 3.31"). From these, it is clear that the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 retains the compact and light weight advantage of the m4/3 system.
The Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 at 880g and Approx. 3.13" x 6.30" is significantly heavier and larger as a m4/3 zoom lens. This significantly impacts on the erstwhile advantage of the m4/3 system of being lighter and more compact. The above-indicated size does NOT yet include the lens tripod collar so the lens becomes even bigger if the tripod collar is mounted on this Olympus zoom lens. One culprit of this lens contributing to a much heavier and bigger setup is the poor design of the lens tripod collar (more on this below).
I have a very compact Lowepro back-pack which currently can accommodate a GH3 with the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8, a Panasonic 7-14mm f/4.0 (or Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.2 or Olympus 75mm f/1.8), and an E-M1/HLD-7 with a Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8. The Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 mated to an E-M1/HLD-7 will not fit and requires me to use a considerably bigger backpack which I normally use with Nikon dSLRs. In exchange for a longer reach in the 101-150mm range not covered by the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 now means a considerably bigger camera-lens combo and thus require a considerably bigger and heavier bag as well.
Another point of difference between the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 and the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is that the Panasonic lens zooms just like the Nikon Nikkor zoom lenses I use, i.e., turning the zoom ring clockwise goes from wide to telephoto. The Olympus 40-150mm is opposite and operates like the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8, turning the zoom ring clockwise goes from telephoto to wide. Because I shoot regularly using Nikkor and Panasonic zoom lenses, it takes some getting used to the opposite direction that Olympus zoom lens operate. This bit of difference will be of interest to those who are regular users of Nikkor and Panasonic zoom lenses.
In considering whether to get the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 or the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8, one will need to decide which is more paramount to the user - the lighter weight and more compact size of the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 or the longer reach of the 40-150mm f/2.8. For Panasonic m4/3 camera users, one will also need to consider that the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 has optical image stabilization (OIS) while the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 does not have OIS. Then there is the matter of filter diameter size. The Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 and the 35-100mm f/2.8 uses the same 58mm diameter filter while the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 uses a 62mm filter while the 40-150mm f/2.8 uses a 72mm filter.
On the other hand, one does not have an option (as of this writing) to use a teleconverter with the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 while the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 can be used with the excellent MC-14 1.4x teleconverter which yields a field of view of 112-420mm f/4.
For me, I consider these two zoom lens as essentially two different lenses for two different specific uses. I decided to get both.
Prior to the arrival of the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8, I consider the Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 and Olympus 75mm f/1.8 as my best native m4/3 lens, the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 as 2nd best, with the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 in third, the Panasonic 7-14mm f/4 in fourth place (on a Panasonic body but not on an Olympus body), and the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 and Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 in fifth place,. My early impression is that the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is as good as the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 despite the Olympus greater zoom range.
As I get to spent more time with this lens, I begin to appreciate just how good the optics of this zoom lens is. Being a zoom lens, I realistically cannot expect it to equal the exceptional performance of lenses such as the Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.8 or the Olympus 75mm f/1.8. So yes, the corners are not as nearly sharp as the center as the Olympus 75mm f/1.8, the bokeh at some distance and specific focal length is not as smooth, lens flare can be a bit of a problem in some instances, etc. But within the parameters of this being a zoom lens, I cannot find any major fault with the optics of this zoom lens that would make me unhappy with it. I am in fact very happy with the optics of this Olympus zoom lens.
EXCELLENT HOOD DESIGN
Unlike the fragile hood of the Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 which easily disassemble and disintegrate at the first instance (Olympus should be taken to task for this expensive very badly designed hood), the hood for the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 is very well made and designed. Olympus has brilliantly designed the hood to collapse into the lens for a considerably shorter overall package. This design moreover allows the hood to be extended quickly with little effort. Kudos and praise to the Olympus design team for this. This well-deserved praise however is offset by a major mistake in the design of the lens tripod collar.
POOR LENS COLLAR DESIGN: MY MISSIVE AGAINST THE OLYMPUS 40-150mm f/2.8
Having heaped praise on the optics of this zoom lens as well as the design of the hood, I need to add that what I am most unhappy about this zoom lens is the poor design of the lens tripod collar.
The lens tripod collar is big and heavy - which in itself is not objectionable as the collar needs to be sturdy to give the lens the stability it needs when shooting with a tripod. Adding an Arca adaptor to the lens tripod collar further adds to the mass and weight of the lens collar. Integrating an Arca rail on the collar would have made the collars lighter and less bulkier but as only after-market lens collar comes with an integrated Arca rail, I really should not rail against Olympus on this point.
What is objectionable however is that the lens tripod collar is difficult to remove and reinstall. This difficulty makes one less likely to remove the lens tripod collar from the lens even when desirable or needed and thus effectively makes this Olympus zoom heavier, more bulky and ungainly than it could have been if the lens tripod collar was better designed.
My biggest complaint about the lens tripod collar is that unlike all the long zoom lenses that I use that needs a lens tripod collar, one will need to detach the lens from the camera body before one can remove the lens tripod collar from the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8. This requirement of having have to unmount the lens and expose the inside of the camera to dust and contaminants just to be able remove the lens tripod collar from the lens is a major design flaw.
This major lapse in the design of the lens tripod collar means that removing the lens tripod collar from this Oly zoom is slow and made more difficult. Unlike Panasonic camera bodies which do not have an IBIS (except the GX-7) which makes self-cleaning the sensor easy if required, the IBIS on the E-M1 (and other Olympus m4/3 bodies with an IBIS) requires the camera to be returned to an Olympus service center whenever a sensor cleaning is required. I am thus more careful about removing my lens from the E-M1, particularly so when shooting in windy and/or dusty conditions in the field.
The design of the lens tripod collar in the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 practically means that I will generally refrain from removing the lens tripod collar from the zoom when shooting in the field. This can be a pain as when I need a smaller and lighter setup for fast handheld shooting or when I need to fit the camera/lens combo in a small backpack. Moreover, removal and reinstallation of the lens tripod collar requires a careful alignment with some screw-studs which makes removal and reinstallation of the lens tripod collar slow ... and difficult as when one is rushing and/or when one is working in low light or dark conditions. The stainless screw-studs also sticks out and I have cut my hand in one instance while shooting without the lens tripod collar.
Olympus has brilliantly designed the hood of the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 to collapse into the lens to make for a smaller package for a more compact storage and carry. Having accomplished this wonderfully, Olympus goes in the opposite direction with its design for the lens tripod collar. Under certain conditions, the poor lens collar design effectively makes this lens needlessly bigger and heavier than it could have be with a better lens collar design. Said another way, a better lens collar design could make this lens more compact and light by making it easy to remove the lens collar when it is not needed. This makes Olympus lapse in the lens tripod collar design difficult to understand as well as frustrating.
on April 25, 2015
I read every review about this lens I could find, and watched everything Youtube had to offer. Let's face it, this lens is not inexpensive and I wanted to feel secure in my purchase. I hope my experience and purchase can help you decide if the Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO is right for you. Please read on...
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO (with both caps, lens hood, and tripod collar) weighs in at a hefty 36.25 ounces. This is not a small lens, especially by Micro 4/3 standards.
The build quality is excellent. The Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO has a very solid feel to it. The lens is weather sealed, and dust, splash, and freeze-proof. This pairs nicely with the Olympus OMD EM1, OMD EM5, or OMD EMK MKII, which are all weather sealed bodies.
This lens is made to mount on any Micro 4/3 camera body that supports interchangeable lenses. The mounting ring is steel. The lens mounts to the camera body smoothly with a very reassuring "click" when locked in place.
The zoom ring is smooth with just the right amount of resistance. It does stop at both its maximum and minimum zoom range, which the Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 does not. I prefer the zoom ring to stop at the end of the zoom range, but you may not. It's a personal preference.
This lens has a programable L-Fn button on the side, just like the Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 PRO. This button can be designated by the user to control AF Stop, View Selection, Digital Tele-converter, Level Display, Focus Peaking, Focus Modes, AF Area Select, RAW mode, HDR, Bracketing, or several other user presets.
The included hood can remain attached to the lens at all times, even when not in use. It slides out for quick deployment, and retracts when it's no longer needed. Simply give it a slight turn to the left and pull it back in to retract. The hood is plastic, but very sturdy. The telescoping motion is smooth and natural.
PERFORMANCE
I paired this lens with an OMD EM5 MKII. Your results may vary based on the camera you use.
I knew this lens was a keeper from my first shot. I was looking down at my camera messing with the settings when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a bird flying by. I snapped the camera into shooting position and fired off a single shot. The focus was instantaneous and the image of the bird was sharp and clear. I was hooked from the first shot.
I have only had this lens a short time, but I've tried to take some difficult shots to really test its limits. Shooting towards the sun produces very little to no purple fringing, something that plagues many lenses. As I've stated, autofocus is very fast, even in poor lighting situations, which really surprised me. The bokeh produced by this lens is very smooth and creamy, alsmost but not quite as good as the Olympus 75mm f/1.8.
BUYING DECISION
As I mentioned before, the Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO is not inexpensive. It was difficult for me to spend so much on a lens. After just a short time with it I have to admit I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. No regrets at all. This lens is impressive and worth every penny to me.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO (with both caps, lens hood, and tripod collar) weighs in at a hefty 36.25 ounces. This is not a small lens, especially by Micro 4/3 standards.
The build quality is excellent. The Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO has a very solid feel to it. The lens is weather sealed, and dust, splash, and freeze-proof. This pairs nicely with the Olympus OMD EM1, OMD EM5, or OMD EMK MKII, which are all weather sealed bodies.
This lens is made to mount on any Micro 4/3 camera body that supports interchangeable lenses. The mounting ring is steel. The lens mounts to the camera body smoothly with a very reassuring "click" when locked in place.
The zoom ring is smooth with just the right amount of resistance. It does stop at both its maximum and minimum zoom range, which the Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 does not. I prefer the zoom ring to stop at the end of the zoom range, but you may not. It's a personal preference.
This lens has a programable L-Fn button on the side, just like the Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 PRO. This button can be designated by the user to control AF Stop, View Selection, Digital Tele-converter, Level Display, Focus Peaking, Focus Modes, AF Area Select, RAW mode, HDR, Bracketing, or several other user presets.
The included hood can remain attached to the lens at all times, even when not in use. It slides out for quick deployment, and retracts when it's no longer needed. Simply give it a slight turn to the left and pull it back in to retract. The hood is plastic, but very sturdy. The telescoping motion is smooth and natural.
PERFORMANCE
I paired this lens with an OMD EM5 MKII. Your results may vary based on the camera you use.
I knew this lens was a keeper from my first shot. I was looking down at my camera messing with the settings when out of the corner of my eye I noticed a bird flying by. I snapped the camera into shooting position and fired off a single shot. The focus was instantaneous and the image of the bird was sharp and clear. I was hooked from the first shot.
I have only had this lens a short time, but I've tried to take some difficult shots to really test its limits. Shooting towards the sun produces very little to no purple fringing, something that plagues many lenses. As I've stated, autofocus is very fast, even in poor lighting situations, which really surprised me. The bokeh produced by this lens is very smooth and creamy, alsmost but not quite as good as the Olympus 75mm f/1.8.
BUYING DECISION
As I mentioned before, the Olympus 40-150 f/2.8 PRO is not inexpensive. It was difficult for me to spend so much on a lens. After just a short time with it I have to admit I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. No regrets at all. This lens is impressive and worth every penny to me.
on November 19, 2014
This is an exceptional lens.
First, let me give Amazon its kudos. I pre-ordered this the day it was announced, and it arrived without fanfare one afternoon 3.5 hours prior to the first basketball game of the season. Wonderful!. That sentence tells you why the lens is potentially so important to me. I am using it to shoot NCAA Division 1 sports at the local college. The fixed aperture of f/2.8 is quite important because we shoot so many events in low light at high shutter speeds. The long-time standards in this category are the f/2.8 70-200mm beasts from Canon and Nikon. In my own case, I have been using the old f/2.8-3.5 50-200mm Zuiko which Olympus originally designed for the E series DSLR line. That is a fine lens, but it is designed to be used with a different focusing system, and so it misses some shots because of slow focus. This lens is designed specifically for the m4/3 system cameras and focusing system.
Of course, I shot with this lens at the aforementioned hoops event. Of course, I used it the next day at a football game. And, of course, it performed extremely well indeed. Focus locks as quickly as on my old Nikon 70-200. It follows the moving player as well as the Nikon did on the D7000 and D600. But the results are better. Sharpness is perceptively better than the Nikon, and color rendition is more true. The bonus to a photographer is that this lens is substantially lighter, while matching the build quality of the Canon and Nikon optics.
Next, i should comment on the impact of the camera body to which the lens is attached. I tried it on both my E-M1 and E-M5. The lens simply "sings" on the newer E-M1. The combination is slightly better balanced, and the focus is done faster with higher success. This is the combination which proved better than my old Nikons. On the E-M5, the results were only an even match for the Nikons. The older camera is still a wonderful piece, but if you want to take full advantage of this lens, do use it on the new body. Lastly, I have not used it on my GH4, and I'm not likely to try.
One last point to mention, the combination of this lens and the E-M1 lets me shoot at ISO 2500 in venues where I formerly had to shoot at ISO 3200, and with slightly (1/3 stop) higher shutter speeds. Whether that advantage is solely attributable to this lens, is highly debatable, but it is worth mention.
Finally, I need to emphasize that Olympus has listened to the m4/3 users, and given us a very good piece of gear in the focal range we need, and with all the accessories. I get all the reach I used to have with my old outfit and then some; and now I didn't need to make an additional purchase in order to have the right lens hood. In comparison to the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, this lens has longer reach, higher weight, and is marginally sharper. If you don't need the extra reach, you may want to save the weight. Becasue this lens, like the f/1.8 75mm, is so sharp it will reveal your own technique mistakes.
Update, after 3 weeks of use in best and worst lighting conditions --
This lens continues to impress me, as I become more familiar and learn how to further exploit its strengths. I have now shot a full day-long indoor track meet in a field house which ranges from dull to poorly lit (and nowhere well lit). The lens worked well, although I confess to shooting at f/4 and higher. In the dimmest corners, there were some focus problems, but no more than my old Nikon glass. It is light enough to allow hand holding at all times, a significant help indoors. Action and still portraits are quite good, and focus tracking on a moving athlete is as good as any mirrorless camera, and as good as my Nikons (remember I have never shot a Canon 1D-x). In comparison to my former Oly 50-200mm built fot the E-5 (still a fine lens for outdoor use), there are fewer missed shots, slighly more light gathering, and no fatigue at the end of the day. I could not be happier. BTW, I have yet to receive the tele converter intended for use with this lens; I can only wonder just how that combination will work.
First, let me give Amazon its kudos. I pre-ordered this the day it was announced, and it arrived without fanfare one afternoon 3.5 hours prior to the first basketball game of the season. Wonderful!. That sentence tells you why the lens is potentially so important to me. I am using it to shoot NCAA Division 1 sports at the local college. The fixed aperture of f/2.8 is quite important because we shoot so many events in low light at high shutter speeds. The long-time standards in this category are the f/2.8 70-200mm beasts from Canon and Nikon. In my own case, I have been using the old f/2.8-3.5 50-200mm Zuiko which Olympus originally designed for the E series DSLR line. That is a fine lens, but it is designed to be used with a different focusing system, and so it misses some shots because of slow focus. This lens is designed specifically for the m4/3 system cameras and focusing system.
Of course, I shot with this lens at the aforementioned hoops event. Of course, I used it the next day at a football game. And, of course, it performed extremely well indeed. Focus locks as quickly as on my old Nikon 70-200. It follows the moving player as well as the Nikon did on the D7000 and D600. But the results are better. Sharpness is perceptively better than the Nikon, and color rendition is more true. The bonus to a photographer is that this lens is substantially lighter, while matching the build quality of the Canon and Nikon optics.
Next, i should comment on the impact of the camera body to which the lens is attached. I tried it on both my E-M1 and E-M5. The lens simply "sings" on the newer E-M1. The combination is slightly better balanced, and the focus is done faster with higher success. This is the combination which proved better than my old Nikons. On the E-M5, the results were only an even match for the Nikons. The older camera is still a wonderful piece, but if you want to take full advantage of this lens, do use it on the new body. Lastly, I have not used it on my GH4, and I'm not likely to try.
One last point to mention, the combination of this lens and the E-M1 lets me shoot at ISO 2500 in venues where I formerly had to shoot at ISO 3200, and with slightly (1/3 stop) higher shutter speeds. Whether that advantage is solely attributable to this lens, is highly debatable, but it is worth mention.
Finally, I need to emphasize that Olympus has listened to the m4/3 users, and given us a very good piece of gear in the focal range we need, and with all the accessories. I get all the reach I used to have with my old outfit and then some; and now I didn't need to make an additional purchase in order to have the right lens hood. In comparison to the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8, this lens has longer reach, higher weight, and is marginally sharper. If you don't need the extra reach, you may want to save the weight. Becasue this lens, like the f/1.8 75mm, is so sharp it will reveal your own technique mistakes.
Update, after 3 weeks of use in best and worst lighting conditions --
This lens continues to impress me, as I become more familiar and learn how to further exploit its strengths. I have now shot a full day-long indoor track meet in a field house which ranges from dull to poorly lit (and nowhere well lit). The lens worked well, although I confess to shooting at f/4 and higher. In the dimmest corners, there were some focus problems, but no more than my old Nikon glass. It is light enough to allow hand holding at all times, a significant help indoors. Action and still portraits are quite good, and focus tracking on a moving athlete is as good as any mirrorless camera, and as good as my Nikons (remember I have never shot a Canon 1D-x). In comparison to my former Oly 50-200mm built fot the E-5 (still a fine lens for outdoor use), there are fewer missed shots, slighly more light gathering, and no fatigue at the end of the day. I could not be happier. BTW, I have yet to receive the tele converter intended for use with this lens; I can only wonder just how that combination will work.
on November 18, 2014
By m43 standards this a dreadnought but it's nearly perfectly balanced and lightning quick to focus. I've not added any Really Right Stuff L brackets or (ARCA like) plates to any of my little EM1 bodies or lenses and don't intend to. These are great little cameras. I have Mkllls and Hasselblad Vs if I want a workout. Or show off.
I just shot with this thing at 1/10 @ f:2.8 and can easily handhold it at the 150mm focal length. I can not do that ever(!!!) with the Canon IS or Nikkor VR 300mm f:2.8 equivalent lenses. Never.
And the little bugger is sharp! Enough said.
I just shot with this thing at 1/10 @ f:2.8 and can easily handhold it at the 150mm focal length. I can not do that ever(!!!) with the Canon IS or Nikkor VR 300mm f:2.8 equivalent lenses. Never.
And the little bugger is sharp! Enough said.
on November 13, 2014
Just got my copy. Very nice lens. As the reviews online all state - it is very sharp at all FLs and f-stops - and I concur with this. The lens is not as large as I thought it would be. The retracting hood is really nice. I had that feature on the Canon 300mm f/4 IS and really liked it since the hood was always there, but out of the way when not needed.
I do have to get on my soapbox about one thing though. I am amazed/irritated at the $200 price hike by some retailers on this site. My advice, just be patient and don't do business with them. I got mine for the standard intro price of $1499. I'm sure Amazon will have some stock soon.
I will add more when I have used it for enough time to formulate a more objective review (we all tend to love new toys).
I do have to get on my soapbox about one thing though. I am amazed/irritated at the $200 price hike by some retailers on this site. My advice, just be patient and don't do business with them. I got mine for the standard intro price of $1499. I'm sure Amazon will have some stock soon.
I will add more when I have used it for enough time to formulate a more objective review (we all tend to love new toys).
on January 29, 2015
This lens is right up there with my Nikon 300mm f4 afs and the Nikon 70-200 f4 which I used to own. Very sharp and the mechanics are stellar! Im using this on my EM5 and the results are fantastic. I removed the collar for use and its really not that heavy. Tied for my best m 4/3 purchase with the 75 1.8.
on January 13, 2015
Great lens . . . it's not compact, but that is not why you buy it. If you want something smaller in size but more versatile check out the Olympus 14-150mm. I love the wide angle plus 150mm zoom (300mm in SLR speak). This 40-150mm lens arrived just as a couple moose were wandering the neighborhood. Amazon box parts all over house, I switched out lenses on my E-PL7 and ran outside to get some shots. The attached pic is a sample of what you can get . . . This shot is without tripod and about 17 degF outside. . . .so I know that it works fine in cold weather.
on December 22, 2014
The Olympus 40-150mm Pro is something special to begin with. In my opinion Olympus has hit a home run with this lens on many fronts. It not only competes with Canon & Nikon telephoto lenses but in my opinion is superior. It feels great in the hand, has a reach of 300mm because of the micro four thirds crop factor, weather sealing, fast to focus, great IQ, & good bokeh. Paired with the EM1 it produces wonderful color & contrast. So far I've used the 40-150mm Pro to take wildlife photos from Buffalo to Elk to Birds. You can even get some decent macro photos despite what some reviews are saying online. Its a wonderful addition to anyones camera bag using micro four thirds format. I can honestly say this lens is in my top 3 favorite micro four thirds lenses to date. It is a tad bit heavier than the Panasonic 35-100mm though. If your primary focus is portrait or night photography this lens is not for you. What the Olympus 40-150mm excels @ is being a great tool for street photography to wildlife. While the bokeh is good, its not quite on the level of the Nocticron. Nevertheless if you need a Pro quality lens that can produce Pro quality images this is it!
on February 21, 2015
Amazing lens. I've used it several times without a tripod and the image quality is excellent. With internal zoom it doesn't take up any more space, the slider to manual focus is super easy to use. Very fast. A bit heavy to hand hold for an extended period of time but doable when you don't want to drag a tripod around. Beautiful bokeh. Have used it for some macro shoots that came out very well. Overall - great!
on July 16, 2015
This is my first Pro lens from Olympus and it is replacing the 40-150mm $100 version, which was my most used lens. The build quality is first rate and the lens is huge compared to other micro 4/3 lens. The lens' length is not really surprising, but the 72mm diameter is, and when you add the hood, you have a monster in the micro 4/3 category! I see this as a pro and con. It is solid and sturdy but is also heavier.
The lens hood is beautifully designed and can be pulled up right away and locks into place. Pushing it back down requires a slight twist. At the larger end there is the manual focus ring. This ring can be pulled down to allow for manual focus on the fly regardless of the menu setting! This is a major pro. Along the edge of the manual focus ring are markings for distance, including the all important infinity...another plus. The lens also comes with an additional programmable button that can be set to a host of uses in the camera menu. I have set mine to 5x zoom which I find handy when manually focusing on a distant object.
The monopod mount on the other hand, is poorly designed. It is heavy and cannot be removed on the fly. It is in the way of where your hand wants to be while zooming in and out. I would have designed it to be lighter weight, and face the other direction so that the flat part is not in the way of the zoom and allows your hand to better support this heavy lens. I would have also made the piece removable on the fly by adding a hinge to the top half of the circle (easy fix and design). I have removed mine for these reasons.
One other thing I noticed is that when going from an air conditioned room to outdoors the lens fogs up badly and takes a while to adjust. I have missed a few shots due to this and wiping the lens does not help. I have never noticed this with any of my other lens, so I am not sure if it is the weatherproofing or due to it having more metal parts than my other non-pro lens.
Pros:
- Well built, solid, good overall design
- F2.8 allows for lower light shots, faster shutter speeds, and more bokeh effect
- Comes with the best designed hood I have ever seen
- Manual focus ring that can be activated on-the-fly with marking for distance up to infinity. I don’t think this feature is talked about enough for this lens!!
- Extra programmable function button
Cons:
- Bad design for the monopod mount
- Temperature change affects the lens. Glass becomes foggy
- Heavier and much wider. This is just a con compared to other micro 4/3 lens, but overall this lens is still lighter and smaller than similar DSLR lens
- Things in motion are still hard to shoot because continuous focus is still hit or miss. I expected a pro lens to focus faster but it still seems to hunt especially in CF mode (sports mode). I believe this is more a software issue and have heard rumors about a version fix in the future.
The lens hood is beautifully designed and can be pulled up right away and locks into place. Pushing it back down requires a slight twist. At the larger end there is the manual focus ring. This ring can be pulled down to allow for manual focus on the fly regardless of the menu setting! This is a major pro. Along the edge of the manual focus ring are markings for distance, including the all important infinity...another plus. The lens also comes with an additional programmable button that can be set to a host of uses in the camera menu. I have set mine to 5x zoom which I find handy when manually focusing on a distant object.
The monopod mount on the other hand, is poorly designed. It is heavy and cannot be removed on the fly. It is in the way of where your hand wants to be while zooming in and out. I would have designed it to be lighter weight, and face the other direction so that the flat part is not in the way of the zoom and allows your hand to better support this heavy lens. I would have also made the piece removable on the fly by adding a hinge to the top half of the circle (easy fix and design). I have removed mine for these reasons.
One other thing I noticed is that when going from an air conditioned room to outdoors the lens fogs up badly and takes a while to adjust. I have missed a few shots due to this and wiping the lens does not help. I have never noticed this with any of my other lens, so I am not sure if it is the weatherproofing or due to it having more metal parts than my other non-pro lens.
Pros:
- Well built, solid, good overall design
- F2.8 allows for lower light shots, faster shutter speeds, and more bokeh effect
- Comes with the best designed hood I have ever seen
- Manual focus ring that can be activated on-the-fly with marking for distance up to infinity. I don’t think this feature is talked about enough for this lens!!
- Extra programmable function button
Cons:
- Bad design for the monopod mount
- Temperature change affects the lens. Glass becomes foggy
- Heavier and much wider. This is just a con compared to other micro 4/3 lens, but overall this lens is still lighter and smaller than similar DSLR lens
- Things in motion are still hard to shoot because continuous focus is still hit or miss. I expected a pro lens to focus faster but it still seems to hunt especially in CF mode (sports mode). I believe this is more a software issue and have heard rumors about a version fix in the future.