Image courtesy: ePhotozine.
ePhotozine tested the 40-150mm PRO lens and writes:
The combination of great build quality and performance alone are enough to recommend this lens. The fact that it offers a unique zoom range, whilst maintaining a fast f/2.8 throughout is even better. It’s capable of delivering excellent image quality too, and is even fairly reasonably priced. For the most part, it handles well too, thanks to its robust build and relative light weight and compact size, although it’s worth noting that it still may be a little large for use with the smallest Micro Four Thirds bodies. On the whole, this lens is an excellent addition to the Micro four Thirds line up, that will win over many fans.
Also Darren Miles reviewed the lens:
40-150mm PRO shop link:
In USA/Canada at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto, GetOlympus and GetOlympus Canada.
In Europe at Wex UK, Technikdirekt and Amazon.
In Asia at Digitalrev and Amazon Japan.
17 Responses
It is a great piece of glass
This lens causes a conflict between the photographer and the collector in me. It is obviously a gem, but I would not use it often. So far I have refrained from thinking about it too hard.
As collector minded, I would consider E-M5 and Pro line lenses being ones to get and keep.
As photographer, I bought both Pro and will get coming 7-14mm. Best lenses for any system!
Has Olympus discontinued the XZ line? Will there be no XZ3? I wish Olympus would come out with a high end compact with a fast lens to compete with the LX100, preferably something with that amazing EM5 ii stabilization. If they can’t make a fast zoom as small as the LX100 maybe they could build a fast small prime for it. Really hoping they come out with a less expensive camera than the EM5ii that has that stabilization, but I kind of doubt we’re gonna see anything cheaper with the new 5 axis stabilization.
though it is a great piece of glass in many eyes…I have read just as many reviews that have a negative opinion of the lens/camera combination
Any links for those unfavourable reviews?
I have not read or heard about any really negative serious reviews at all, so if you aren’t just trolling you surely can provide some links.
Holy moly! This is a seriously compact lens. Not sure what it would add to my prime eco system. Yep, the 75 – 150mm range needs to be covered but I strongly prefer to leave that to the ‘capable hands’ of the immaculate Tokina 70 – 200mm (FF).
“may be a little large for use with the smallest Micro Four Thirds bodies”
this is something I’ve been wondering about. is there any detailed info/opinion/user testimony online about using this lens on small bodies, say Olympus PEN or Pana GX/GF.
Is it madness? Or is it perfectly doable (two handed shooting with left hand on the lens) though not ideal?
I have had the Oly 40-150mm & 1.4x Kit which I ordered on release from Tokyo. I was a little skeptical about all the claims and this being one big honkin lens for my small system (I maintain a very complete FF kit as well). I own an M1 and and E-PL6 ( I have owned many MFT bodies..but pared it down to this)…I love both bodies… The E-PL6 resides in my glove compartment of my care along with the 45mm f/1.8 & the 14mm 2.5.
Always at the ready. That being said…. I only ever use the 40-150mm on my M1. (and usually with the battery grip attached). Now relative to my FF gear the combo is very small…but relative to my MFT kit I think that the 40-150mm is just so better balanced on my M1 not strictly from a handling standpoint..but also there is a MARKED difference in the benefits of the 5-axis IS of the M1 which is especially vital to this long zoom in my world. If I put the lens on my Pen…its like I am putting the camera on the lens..not vica versa. And the IS just is disappointing with the Pen for my kind of shooting…(morning and evening light…..the 5-axis really help in most instances. Its amazing).
That isn’t to say that you can’t use the lens with a pen if that is all that you have …but the whole combo with not be as “fluid” a match up.
I think you can pick up an M1 for less now…and the new EM5II with the grip would make a great companion to the lens especially with its improved 5-Axis. That would be sweet! hmmmmmmmm….. LOL!
Mounted with Panasonic GM1 the smallest m4/3 body. And it was ridiculous as you couldn’t get grip from the camera. Add the small atrachment grip to body and it is OK but looks very stupid. I mean VERY stupid.
I would say E-P5 is the smallest you want to go.
I love it too, it’s a great combo with E-M1. Here is my review with examples from sport game in artificial light and also close focus abilities, portrait, street – http://www.nonchoiliev.com/blog/2183
TheCameraStore did a review of this lens versus the Panasonic 35-100 F2.8. They basically both got the same exact image quality at equal focal lengths, they gave the title to Olympus though mainly because it had that extra 50mm worth of distance in it. If Olys lens is too large for your taste, Pany’s is a great alternative option.
I was kindof on the fence about it…the thing is …if you start using it….you cant put it down!!!!!!! 🙂
– 50mm (50%) longer focal length (why we get these things).
– sturdier build
– faster focusing (try it yourself in store like I did with both E-M1 and GH4)
– lens hood is like…. Awesome!
– tripod collar very useful that I miss with panasonic.
-out of focus rendering nicely calm on Olympus, more possibilities and changes for photos and in post production.
– manual focus clutch and FBW and zoom ring much better on Olympus for handling
– possibility make Olympus very small by removing lens hood, collar and it is not at all big
– close focus capability
– teleconverter
– in my tests a notch sharper than Panasonic, like 12-40mm is sharper than 12-35mm Panasonic equivalent.
The panasonic is not bad at all, wins easily most canon/Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8/4, by Olympus wins Panasonic many ways.
It is just three things question:
1) Brand (if you don’t like like zoom direction in Olympus)
2) weight and lenght if it really matters
3) you have 12-35mm and Panasonic body.
Then get Panasonic.
Either way, you get more paying less than what canon/Nikon users get.
For weeks after using it (or is it already months?) The Olympus isn’t big or heavy at other way than you can’t put it in jacket pocket. It really is ultra light what it delivers and so lovely to use that I couldn’t justify buying Panasonic after renting it.
When you have a “beast” and you get 99% success rate at 150mm with 1/4″ shutter speed, it blows your mind off. I swear it commands IBIS much better than 40-150mm f/4-5.6 or 35-100mm f/2.8 does.
The 70-200mm has always been to me too short and somehow a useless feeling length.
Does that Olympus have a 40-150 on the end of it or is it just happy to see me.
Maybe if I get a shirt with my name on it I can raise my rate?