Two New Olympus Micro 4/3 Lenses

By Mike Zawadzki, Technical Specialist 
If you've been here before, you'll know I think very highly of the Olympus E-PL1 camera and the entire line of micro 4/3's PEN cameras and lenses offered by Olympus.  They offer DSLR quality images in a compact easy to use package.  For professionals, the PEN is a great alternative to a regular point and shoot camera.  For the consumer/casual photographer the PEN series is an excellent alternative to an expensive DSLR.  Olympus has a product that is suitable for many different types of photographers.  


When I first reviewed the E-PL1, Olympus only offered a few lenses, but today Olympus announced the M.Zuiko Digital ED40-150mm f/4-5.6 and the M.Zuiko Digital ED75-300mm f/4.8-6.7.  Both are telephoto lenses that offer an extended reach in a remarkably small design.  The full scoop/specs on both lenses is after the break.

M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6

Mount:  Micro Four Thirds System 


Focal Length: 40-150mm (35mm equivalent focal length 80-300mm)


Construction: 13 Elements in 10 Groups, 1 ED elemnt

Angle of View: 30 - 8.2 Degrees


Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.9m


Maximum Magnification: 0.16x (35mm equivalent Maximum Image Magnification 0.32x)


Number of Blades: 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)


Maximum Aperture: f/4 at 40mm  f/5.6 at 150mm


Minimum Aperture: f/22


Filter Size Diameter: 58mm


Weight: 190g


Price: $299.99


MTF Chart:

Thoughts:
To get a decent telephoto range prior to this lens, you either had to pick between the  Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 with an MMF-2 adapter or the more expensive M.Zuiko Digital ED14-150mm f4.0-5.6.  The first choice is still a good bargain, but the larger size of the lens and adapter spoil the fun of shooting with such a small camera.  It works just fine, but the new 40-150mm f/4-5.6 seems much more "natural" on a PEN camera.  The 14-150mm is a fine all purpose lens, but for those not looking for an expensive all-in-one, the 40-150mm f/4-5.6 is a great telephoto alternative.

M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7

Mount: Micro Four Thirds System 


Focal Length: 75-300mm (35mm equivalent focal length 150-600mm)


Construction: 18 Elements in 13 Groups, 1 Super ED element, 2 ED elements and 3 HR elements

Angle of View: 16 - 4.1 Degrees


Minimum Focusing Distance:  0.9m (at 75mm of focal length) / 1.5m (beyond 75mm focal length)


Maximum Magnification: 0.18x (35mm equivalent Maximum Image Magnification 0.36x)


Number of Blades:  7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)


Maximum Aperture: f/4.8 at 75mm - f/6.7 at 300mm


Minimum Aperture: f/22


Filter Size: 58mm


Weight: 430g


Price: $899.99


MTF Chart:

Thoughts:
This is the first Olympus Micro 4/3s lens that extends to 300mm.  On a full frame DSLR or 35mm film this gives an equivalent angle of view to a 150-600mm lens.  The slow aperture range is a size sacrifice.  By all accounts this lens gives a great range for still subjects, but I would be skeptical using it for sports.  It has the right range of focal lengths, but I don't know how fast the focus will be especially at 300mm.  When we get one in I will have to test it before making a final judgement.  Again just like it's counterpart, the 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 feels much more balanced on a PEN body than a big telephoto lens and adapter.  


Ultimately this is good news for PEN and potential PEN owners.  The more lenses the better.  I am still eagerly awaiting a truly fast prime like a 25mm f/1.8.