Definitely agree on this lens making sense of the system. Also, the elephant came out nicer imo. Sets it apart from the classic opening of the lion king type picture 👍
I’m just casually enjoying photography/camera content, not really gearing myself up for a new full-blown technical hobby just yet. I’ve been jumping around youtube creators about camera reviews and they’re all great. But the particular way you talk about photography/camera, it feels like a fun journey that doesn’t get too caught up in mainstream hype and is all about just enjoying the moment with your camera. Thanks for the great content!
I was you a few months ago, now I have an m5iii, oly 12-45 f4 and 20 f1. 4 as well as a pany 35-100 f4-5.6 for fun and I'm already looking at astro and macro/tele lenses such as this... Run away when you can!
This is also my favorite lens. I find I use the 12-100 f/4 pro more often, but that's because of its added versatility. The 40-150 though, it's amazing. Add the 2x tc and you've got more reach, and it's still fairly sharp.
The capability disable focus clutch came to E-M1 firmware 4.0 IIRC. It was soon after release of the lens, as so many suddenly got troubles with 12-40mm as well.. I have hit it few times when pulling camera out of bag and I grab from focus ring to pull camera up.... But I never consider it a problematic. As I use lot of the in-body AF/MF fn button, as it is best way to disable AF when not wanted to focus (superior to "back-button-focus"). I wish that Olympus would have back then made the focus ring work as a Fn ring, allow adjust aperture or ISO or white balance etc... (and support aperture ring in Panasonic lenses). It would have been great to have focus ring for other purposes when S-AF or C-AF is enabled, but when MF or S-AF+MF or C-AF+MF then focus ring is for focusing.
@@chrisrebbeck…and another point not often covered is its close focusing ability allowing for extremely good close up shots which I pleasantly discovered on an outing shortly after acquiring the lens. Minimum focus is 70cm with max magnification of 0.21x. 🙂
40-150 R is nothing wrong really. Sure it is two stops slower at 150mm, but it is so tiny and lightweight that it is with you almost all the time. I wish 14-150mm would be as sharp as that R model, as it would then be great all around for anything.
I have faster glass and longer lenses, including both 75-300 and the 100-400 Lumix-Leica. Those are wonderful. However, my Oly 40-150R is both my least expensive and, by virtue of always being on the camera, my most productive lens. Used “like new” was around $80, and it’s been my walk around lens ever since. It’s captured an awful lot of photos that I wasn’t expecting to take, and it’s incredibly forgiving of muffed technique when fumble fingers are just trying to mash the shutter before the subject disappears into the woods or over the horizon.
Thank you for this video. I have the Panasonic 45-200 lens. Almost never use it. I live between 35 and 85mm. While I have the 35-100 lens, I seldom use this lens either. My favorite zoom lens are the Panasonic & Panasonic Leica 12-60mm lenses. I’m sure longer lenses are valued by many photographers. I simply am not attracted to long lenses. It is good to know if I need these long lenses they are it there. Mask On Nurse Marty(Ret)
You should really force yourself to use those longer lenses. Leave home with just one of those and learn to see things differently. 40-150mm is best for landscape and great for portraiture, it is totally amazing for nature photography and even for still life etc... My dream lens for portraits would be a 100-150mm f/1.8 The 75mm f/1.8 doesn't cut, too short.
You are absolutely right that m4/3 is spoiled for choices. I always get paralysis when I go to my gear closet: 12-100? PL 100-400? PL 200mm? Olympus 40-150 f/2.8? Maybe go a little lighter with the PL 12-60 and another zoom or prime? At the end of the day, I usually end up with the 12-100 and 100-400 in my bag and then a prime to supplement.
I sold my PL 100-400 to buy... PL 10-25 1.7 for my OM-1 (yes, I don't care about... mixing). I also have 40-150 but f4 version. It suits my needs for focal lenght and I find its sharpness, colors, contrast... and size + weight + price simply incredible.
I own the Olympus M43 zoom trifecta: 7-14mm f/2.8, 12-40mm f/2.8 and this 40-150mm f/2.8. I shot the eclipse in 2017 with the 40-150 + 1.4x teleconverter. I also have the Lumix 14mm f/2.5 and the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 macro, which I use for scanning negatives and slides (seemingly a never-ending project since I have them going back to the 80's). My lenses are why I stay with Olympus M43. To get a collection of lenses of this quality for a new FF kit would break the bank. Liked and subscribed :)
No it wouldn't lol. I bought in last month Tamron 17-28 and 28-75 both 2.8 both under 350eur, and 70-180 2.8 for 550eur. And those are actually 2.8, not those 5.6 equivalents.😀
@@lukazupie7220 and then you are still at 180 not at 300 AND you can't use teleconverters since sony only accepts them for like 5 or so lenses (all their own ofc....)
@@roninthegoat2810 My point was not to list exact focal lengths. I am missing 14mm too, not just 300mm. All my lenses also gather ALOT more light if we want to make comparisons (x4)😀. I can buy some 70-300 that still gathers more light than 2.8 on 43, and for cheaper than Tamron 70-180.😀 and i bet i can put it in apsc mode and still get better results than mentioned 40-150mm with 1.4 converter, now with 450mm equivalent, as opposed to 420mm.😀
I picked up the 40-150 f4 pro and couldn't be happier. I struggled with the decision for a minute but the lighter weight and compatibility swayed me to the f4. However, I think the 2.8 would be the lens I would recommend to most people for its extra light gathering. I don't use that focal range too often and when I do I'm usually shooting around f8 anyway and I only use primes in low light situations. I think micro 4/3 has the best lens selection of any format and the 40-150 pro lenses both exemplify why the system is so darn good.
So many comments, I'm sure my own might be lost but 100% agree the 40-150 2.8 is the BEST zoom lens in 4/3 and also will add the 300 f4 is the single best lens. These are easily the two lens I use the most and also feel they are the two lens that give 4/3 a step over other formats. The 300 f4 with or without the 1.4 extender makes it an incredible package for wildlife and also even for unique landscape photography. The whole series of macro lens from OM also combined with OM cameras make for the best macro options. The best bang for the $$$ prime lens might be the 75 1.8. And the whole series of zuiko/OM 1.2 prime lens including the 17, 25 and 45 1.2 lens are so very much under appreciated. There are some amazing lens in the 4/3 series. I haven't yet purchased the 150-400 pro lens but feel that will one day. As an underwater photographer with a couple decades experience in that regard, I also want to give OM a huge thumbs up in that category.
I've had the 40-150mm f2.8 since 2015 and it's one of the best lens purchases I've ever made. It's very sharp, contrasty and flare resistant at all focal lengths. A lot of my favorite images have been shot with this lens. The capability to add the MC-14 for those times I'm not carrying a longer lens is a bonus.
After much thought after an earlier viewing of this video, I opted for the Panasonic Leica 50-200 f2.8-4 for my Lumix G9M2 because lens IS. I am a fan of internal zoom lenses (not withstanding the size/weight penalty) but have found the extra IS from the Lumix lens has allowed some nice keeper bird shots on max zoom and cropped. My opinion of the P/L 50-200 is that it also very sharp.
I bought the Oly 40-150 f2.8, yes I found it very sharp, but the zoom ring being opposite direction the Panasonic slightly annoyed me, but worse was there was play between lens and my G9. Sold it on and prefer using PL100-400 and 14-140.
A great review, and some great shots from Africa too! I agree entirely. The 40-150 is a work of art itself. That and their 12-40 f2.8 Pro covers 99.5% of anything I need to shoot, both with superb sharpness and clarity. The awesome Olympus 12-100 f4 Pro is another impressive lens. It is image stabilized and even works in synergy with an Oly/OM camera's IBIS. It is sharp throughout the range in my experience, and weather sealed. That alone fills 85% of my shooting needs.
Yeah. I wish it was stabilized and integrated with Olympus IBIS. BUT. Don't compare Pana-Leica lenses of similar focal length on(say) a Panasonic G9 - which has no IBIS. I have shot both systems and I'll take the OM1 (or even an OM5) with the 40-150mm in any lighting / subject situation. Love the channel - very engaaging and personable. Keep 'em coming...
I just wanted to say thank you for this video! I ended up buying the 40-150mm while searching for a lens to bring with me to El Salvador. I came across this video that motivated me to finally buy it. Best decision ever!
I also really enjoy using the 40-150 mm because it can be expanded to 600 mm fullframe equivalent with the TC-20 teleconverter. You have 80-300 mm at f5.6 throughout, which still allows very good shots in normal lighting conditions.
Just came across your channel, it's great to see that Olympus remained true to the OM-1, my first camera in "74 with a 50mm f1.8. Inspiring me to come back to my first love, Olympus.
I love my GX85 as an easy walking camera to take with me every day, I have it in a 3L Peak Design sling, and thanks to MFT being so compact, I can carry four lenses in that kit, and not even notice it.
Okay, got the three litre sling - I can fit two cameras (GX9 and an old Oly E-PL2) and four (!) lenses: 20mm Pana, 12-32 Pana, 35-100 Pana, and the 40mm Oly 1.8
I have the 12-100 F4 Pro and the 100-400 from OM System. Some primes like the Sigma 56 F1.4, Pana 25mm F1.7, 60mm Makro F2.8 and now the Laowa 6mm F2.0 Zero-D. I wwas recently photographing an indoor comedy standup, using the 12-100 and the Sigma lens. I had to shoot between 4000-10000 ISO due to the bad lights. Images got out well thanks to the OM-1 and Lightroom noise reduction, but since then I am tempted to get the 40-150 F2.8, for less lens switching indoors and a good aperture.
I love my panasonic leica 50-200, which is probably a better choice on my G9ii. And I recently got a 2 times teleconvertor, and I love the combo because of it's portability. It needs quite some light with the tc installed, but I don't need to carry my 100-400.
My most used lens. Sharp and durable. I often add the TC 1.4 which turns it into a 54-210 f4 with no loss IQ or focus speed/accuracy. Sweet! (PS I love the focus clutch and don’t miss the ILS due to the robust IBIS of OMD System…different strokes for different folks. All good 😊)
The 40-150 and 300mm were my wildlife kit along with my EM1x and EM1.2. The 40-150 was my go to lens in the heavy forest shooting Elk here in the HOH Rainforest. I sold all my pro Oly gear when I switched to FF Nikon. But man sometimes I sure miss them. I still have my Pen F though :)
Thank you for your thoughs on the Olympus 40-150. You didn’t make my decision easier, but helped highlight differences that became important in my decision. I was torn between the Olympus 40-150 and the roughly comparable Panasonic/Leica 50-200mm. I very much liked the internal zooming, since it makes the lens that much more weather resistant. I was bothered by reports of the lens hood being a bit fragile and expensive to replace. The Leica 50-200 des not have internal zooming, so there is a path for dust and moisture to get into the lens. But in the end, the lack of IS in the Olympus lens versus the 50-200 Panasonic/Leica lens became the major decision feature. I found that the Leica lens is sharp to the point of being surprisingly sharp, helped by the lens IS, no doubt. There is no perfect lens. I guess an additional worry about an Olympus lens on any of my Lumix G-body cameras is would it be as fully compatible on the Lumix as on an Olympus body.
5:31 manual clutch accidentally being engaged: at least on the OM System/Olympus bodies this can be disabled in the menu. I have my standard CF multiple exposure mode with the clutch disabled, and other modes geared toward single exposures with the clutch enabled.
I was researching telephoto zooms a couple of hours ago. I eliminated the 40-150mm f/2.8 because it is heavy and expensive. But now I am going to go back and look at it again. Thanks!
I own both the 40-150 f/2.8 and also the Panny 35-100 f/2.8--and I'm so happy with the picture quality of both! I use the Panny as my "all around" compact tele zoom, while my 40-150 is permanently paired with the MC20 teleconverter to make it my "super zoom" kit. I've dabbled with the thought of picking up the Panny (or Oly) 100-400, but can't quite justify the outlay for basically a 600 to 800mm bump.
Terrific lens, pairs nicely with 1.4 extender. Hate the lens hood (replaced with 3rd party after it kept falling apart) and disabled the slip clutch for both my M-1 Mark III and E-MX.
I actually like the Pana Leica 50-200mm f2.8 to f4 more. The extra reach is more versatile. And the on lens stabilization is better. That lens is super sharp as well.
I disable the clutch in a couple of custom modes on my 2 Pro OM lenses. The number of times it slipped on its own proved to be very annoying! I still leave it enabled in normal shutter priority as it comes in handy when trying to shoot birds in and around trees. I did try the 1.4 tele-converter, and I returned it, The Pana L 100-400 which I've owned forever, is much better than the 40-150, or the 300 f4 with the 1.4 added (OM-1 body) Believe it or not the old 50-200 Olympus from 2010 or so converted 4/3's to M4/3s is amazingly sharp and some of my best shots of birds have been while using it.
The Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 is on my must have list. Have the PanaLeica 100-400mm almost welded to my G80 to capture all the wildlife around my home. The 12-35mm f2.8 is my go to lens for everything else.
I've had really good luck with the Panasonic 35-100 2.8, that plus the Olympus 12-40 make a great pair for a lot of touring uses, it's a great range and both lenses make very pleasant images.
I use the 40-150 for a lot of things. At the current time, I usually carry that lens and the 7-14. I may be using the wide zoom more just now. Both lenses are superb.
40-150f2.8 is my dream lens tbh. I have an old f2.8 and just ordered a rokinon 135 to replace it. The wide aperture really helps with low light, and when a lens is sharp cropping helps a lot. The autofocus would be a godsend, one day I’ll have the money 😂
I use mine with a 1.4 Teleconverter - Barely any loss of sharpness, and the boost in range makes bird photography do-able. I might get the TC2.0 next, then I will have equivalent 160-600 F5.6!!
I have the cheapo panny 45-150 and it's definitely my favourite travel lens just for focal length. The wide end is great for portraits, and the long end is good enough for the inevitable seagull shots. I'd like the oly for the weather sealing and the aperture, but the panny does me OK, and the oly hasn't quite made it to the front of the budget queue yet.
The manual focus clutch can be disabled in Olympus/OM System cameras. Most interesting competition in my opinion is the Pana-Leica 50-200mm. Have you tried that?
The 40-15 PRO is also my all-time favorite lens for any camera. My only issue is the hood which seems needlessly over-engineered, I use a screw in metal hood instead
I can't emphasize how happy I am with the 35-100 2.8. The Oly is beautiful but to have a 70-200 2.8 equivalent in that little bundle is hard to beat for what I need.
Also, a couple of years ago I compared using the Lumix 35-100 f2.8 vs the Lumix 100-300 wondering if the larger aperture (but shorter focal length) would result in a better photograph. I was testing this with birds in the backyard. Hands down, the 100-300 at the long end won every time. Cropping into the 100mm of the f2.8 couldn't hold a candle to filling the frame (as much as possible) with the 100-300. In that case, I would use a longer lens on safari every time. I think the use case for the 40-150 f2.8 comes in for events and sports where one may be contracted to shoot. but for wildlife...unless it's past dusk and the subjects are very close I will always choose the longer lens.
A beautiful, well-made zoom that is sharp right into the corners and also works well with the TC1.4. I had it on the OMD E-M1 and on the Lumix G81 and G9. The only real weakness, however, is the bokeh, which is very unattractive depending on the background.
I tend to like dramatic ultra wide shots. After agonizing over the price for a few months, I found a good deal on a used Olympus 12-100 Pro. Pixel peeping, I don't see much difference between this and the Tamron 14-150 I used before it. But the Pro has a level of clarity that I can't quite put my finger on. It's become my default lens on my EM5 when traveling for work. A little front heavy on that body, but it is often the only lens I need to take.
big thick elastic band solves the Olympus Pro lens clutch issue (I've had one on my 7-14 since a few days after buying and discovering four fifths of the photos were out of focus (easy to do with an ultra wide - hard to see fine detail/focus in the viewfinder, particularly when thinking its on auto focus)
When I drank the full frame Koolaid and sold most of my M43 stuff to fund the switch, the most painful loss was giving up my Olympus 40-150 2.8 Pro. It's such an amazing lens. I got some of my absolute best pictures and video with it. It even doubles as a semi macro . The closest thing on Sony is the 100-400 GM, but it's twice the weight and twice the price. I definitely need to reacquire it.
I drank FF kool-aid recently with Zf but not ready to walk-away from m4/3 due to their lenses and particularly this 40-150/2.8 + 1.4x converter & 60 macro. So much so that I will sell my em5 mk II (and possibly 7-14pro & 12-40pro) for OM1. Will stay with m4/3 for those small long lenses. I just thought go FF for wide & general & m4/3 for telephoto & macro.
Were you using this lens on a g9 or g9ii? I understand that the fxn button on the lens will not work but other than that, I’ve not read about any downsides, particularly related to focusing speed and reliability. Any advice would be most appreciated!
I was sweating over the choice between this lens and the Panny 50-200 until I heard the rumours about the OM 50-200. Hope that doesn't go the way of the rumoured - what was it? - 50-250? If it does I'll probably pick up the 150, and in the meantime I've an Oly 4/3 50-200 and adapter combo filling in. The manual clutch has tripped me up on the 300mm once or twice. Hair-raising when your new OM-1 won't autofocus and you don't know what happened to it. 😅
Just sold my 40-150 to MPB (and my 12-40) and got a decent price. I'll miss it but needed the money right now. I'll probably replace them both with the 12-100 F/4 when finances allow. You are absolutely right about it being a superb lens and in the Oly camera you can turn off the manual clutch if I recall correctly.
Ive got the non pro f5.something to f6.3 olympus lens. Yes its not ideal in low light, yes its not an internal zoom but damn its light and compact. It tend to use it quite often on a wander about as i like the versatility.
Thinking about stabilization, the Fujifilm 50-140/2.8 is stabilized. It’s approximately the same length, but a little bit heavier. Roughly the same MSRP, too. Olympus probably could have added stabilization and not gotten that much bulkier.
Agree, great lens and works well on my G9. With the MC14 1.4x teleconverter it gives you a sharp 210mm f4 lens (420mm full frame equivalent if you like).
Last year on holiday someone else in the group had the 40-150/2.8-and that confirmed for me that I find it too big for traveling. I had the 14-150 with me as telephoto, but that isn’t as good. So in the end I purchased the 40-150/4… When I’m willing for extra weight, I still enjoy the old, adapted Olympus 50-200 SWC, which works very nicely with my E-M1 III. Unfortunately Olympus had decided to turn off C-AF with that, although the AF is quite fast (because of the modern SWC drive). Perhaps I will change to the G9 II soon and then get the Leica 50-200 with it. A comparison to the 40-150/2.8 would be interesting.
Hi Emily, have you ever used the PL 50-200mm? If so, do you consider it on par with the Oly 40-150mm f2.8 or worse? Last thing: do you have presets for Dxo in your store or do you only have them for LR? Thanks
Love your channel Emily and you took some great wildlife shots on your safari. I'm planning on an African safari next year (Okavango Delta) and I'm thinking about best lens choices. I have a G9ii and for telephoto lenses: Panny 35-100 and Leica 100-400. What I don't have a good feel for is how far/close I will be to wildlife. Will the 100-400 be too long (in general) and should I therefore be looking at something like the Oly 40-150 or Leica 50-200? I'd prefer a faster lens so the Oly 40-150 F2.8 has me interested.
Thanks for great video! I "shoot" mainly motor sports and birds with Olympus cameras. The 40-150 f2.8 and the Panasonic / Leica 200 f2.8 are my main lenses - one on each camera to save swapping lenses (both are superb). I started in M43 with the 40-150 and both teleconverters, but soon part exed them, putting them towards the cost of the 200 without its teleconverter (I hate the things!), from MPB of course! I also have the Lumix 45-175, which I use when going for a long walk and think I may want to photograph something - if I go out specifically to take photographs - either (or both) of the 2.8s go with me. The 200 (400 field of view full frame) can be a little short at times for birding, but then I use the digital zoom to give 800 efl which works very well, even for birds in flight - the same goes for the 40-150. With the two of them I'm covered from full frame 80-800, which can't be bad. Incidentally, a note here for MPB - The last two times I wanted to buy something from them, their system would not accept my plastic for some strange reason - maybe it is because I live in the Isle of Man? Until last year I never had a problem, so maybe they need to look into it as they are loosing out.
I watched your video about the new Lumix Leica 12-35mm, but I can't find anything about the Leica 35-100mm. I'm looking for a zoom for sports events, and even I'll love that extra reach of the Olympus... But with the bulky size of the Olympus, in many events, if I'm not going as authorized media but as a regular person, they might not let me in with such a large lens. That's why I'm leaning towards the Panasonic ones... My problem is which one to choose... Mk I, II, or III. What would be your recommendation?
i have the om5, smaller lighter, works for me, with a 12-40 2.8 which i love! however, i want more 😬 .. i work early & late (low light) & in scotland where the noon sky is 18% grey 😂 ...so, the price not a problem but the weight is, help convince me my knees will forgive me with the 40-150 2.8 @ 750+ grams after a day’s hike…cause i really want to love this lens
Definitely looks like an excellent lens. Just would like to Know what is still on the om lens roadmap. Hope the missing lens would be something in between this 45-150 2.8 and the 70-300. Hopefully a smaller form factor
I love the lens and use it with my Oly M10 Mark II and M1 Mark II camera bodies. Anyone considering purchasing the lens should know that it works with the OLY 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters but the widest aperture is reduced to 5.6 (?) or so...can't remember the specific numbers. As to the focus clutch, with Olympus bodies, the clutch can be disabled in the menu settings. I love the lens and the only complaint I have is that in some situations, the bokeh can be very "busy". The new blur tool in Lightroom Classic has been a real blessing for some of my shots. The original lens hood is prone to fall apart, and mine did. I replaced it with the Oly LH-76D lens hood which is an alternative replacement and is just a basic one piece twist-on lens hood. Personally, I wouldn't spend the $$ to buy the original hood. I wish OM Systems would come out with a more durable version of it. After purchasing the 40-150mm f/2.8, I sold my Oly 75-300mm Mark II lens which I now regret. I find there are time when I want to keep the 40-150 pro lens on my M1 without a teleconverter and would like to have the 75-300 mounted on my M10 and ready to use when I need to use the 150-300mm range. Some of the shortcomings of the 75-300 can now be compensated for with the more advanced noise reduction programs that are available. So....I'm giving some serious thought about buying another 75-300mm lens as that lens was a lot of fun to use and captured some pretty good images.
I absolutely agree 100% with the your observations regarding the quality of the Oly 40-150 F/2.8. I've found it to be a bit on the bulky side for me personally (though not nearly as bulky as a FF equivalent). I also found I rarely needed the 150mm focal length in my photograhpy. And since I'm all about traveling light and fast (much prefer to take my E-M5 III over say my E-M1 III) I've found it a bit unbalanced/bulky when paired with the smaller type camera bodies I prefer. I figured, what good is a premium/pro grade lens when it's basically gathering dust on the shelf. So, I ended up trading it in for a Pana 35-100 F/2.8 II (through MPB mind you :) ) Has the reach I need in my photography, the faster aperture for lower light situations, weather sealing, and can be tossed into my Peak Design everyday sling 3L along with a small camera body and room to spare for a small prime or two. I'm a happy camper with that combination.
No better glass that I know of. There’s glass that’s different but none better. Add the versatility of the 1.4x extender (which is often found on my lens due to the fact that IQ and fast focusing don’t change a bit) and the option of the 2x extender, which works well in bright light makes extreme versatility. Note: manual clutch can be easily disabled in the menu (EM1.2 andOM1). Also, Oly & OM bodies have such high IBS that I have never wished for in lens stabilization IMO. Nice video Emily. Best from Michigan, USA.
@@yv3009I’ve been carrying it from the body. Not too much strain on body as lens is hanging down…however I’d really like to to carry it from the lens if I can find a way…hmmm…
Love your videos Emily. Maybe I'm just a bit cack-handed but I've managed to break two lens hoods on the 40-150mm lens. The internal ball-bearings just seem to want to pop out!
I looked a lot at this lens. The test I found, said it's really really sharp, but I fell over the 35-100/2,8 used, nearly new looking and cheap, and as it is smaller and i love it.
Hi, I completely agree with you, in general in terms of versatility, sharpness and overall aperture the Olympus 40-150 pro f2.8 is the best telephoto of the micro 4/3 system. The only hassle is the bulk. This is why I wanted to ask you how much less sharp are the Lumix 30-100 or even the new Leica 35-100 compared to the Olympus? I would also be willing to buy one of these for occasions where I don't need the extra range but the compactness and lightness, how much optical quality would I have to give up? Could you see some comparison photos? By the way, I am very disappointed with the new 150-600 from OM, a truly exaggerated lens for the system with its dimensions, weight and crazy price. After the 150-400 there hasn't been any really exciting lens from Olympus, apart from perhaps the 8-25 for quality and range. Thank you
My favorite all in one lens is the Zuiko 12-100mm/F4 pro. Very versatile reach, unique for MFT (there is no FF equivalent), stabilized with Sync IS. No support for teleconverters unfortunately, and for wildlife not long enough obviously. For that I would bring a second body with the 300mm/F4 and the tcs. I would have bought the Zuiko 100-400mm if it would have been pro and stabilized or the 150-400mm pro if it would have been affordable 😂
That Lumix 35-100 is what all M43 lenses should look like! I just picked up the 12-100 Oly and while I LOVE it. The IQ is insane for what amounts to a superzoom, I do wish it was either a little more compact, or brighter. F4 is no slouch, but I wouldn't have minded it starting at 2.8. I've no idea how Panny managed to cram a 2.8 aperture's worth of glass and OIS into a package as small as that. It would be a no-brainer for me if I had a Lumix camera, but for the price, I might see if I can get a bargain.
I've come very close to buying this lens multiple times, but usually bow out because I already have the Panasonic 35-100 f2.8. The extra range would be useful, but at the expense of weight and size. If I'm going in that direction, I might as well get the Panasonic 50-200 or 100-400 for about the same amount of money, and get a lot more range.
Awesome video! I own the 40-150mm f2.8 pro and i have to say that the f2.8 is really useful especially in my country all the way until about 7.30pm, where its quite dark. Please also do a review between the OM-system 150-400mm vs panasonic 100-400mm! I think might be quite an interesting discussion.
In a round about way, I did recently with my Kenya safari videos, as those were the only two lenses I used! Might be worth a watch if you want to see more side by side examples 😁
When I go to travel, a Leica FT 14-150 with an adapter mounted on my GX8 or EM-1III is enough. I like the old FT lenses, Leica Lumix and Olympus professional. They are the best lenses for MFT or FT systems.
That lensmount and hood is very easy to tear/brake. Never trusted to use mine and sold it same price. Did not like to work on buzy backrounds either. Amazing it still exists and its olympus😂
My Zoom Telephoto recommendations for those who are on budget: - Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 (no stabilization) - Panasonic H-PS45175 Lumix G X Vario 45-175mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. (stabilized) Both are super lightweight, below 210 grams.
I know you say it's annoying that this lens isn't stabilised, but do you think it really needs it? The in body stabilisation of the OM-1 and 1.2 is so ridiculously good that the focus point barely moves when you're shooting a static subject, even at full reach. I'd say it's as good as the Fuji 50-140 f2.8 I'm trying that is stabilised (and also has the IBIS of the X-H2 body to go with it). That's my observations anyway. I find the most annoying thing about this lens is that the tripod mount doesn't support the camera horizontally when it's not on a tripod - it tilts backwards and rests on the bottom edge of the body. Yes I know it's a tripod mount so that shouldn't matter, but it just annoys me!
I find using the plastic fantastic on my GX9 not too good without stabilization. It's definitely not as steady in my evf at 150mm. You'd think it would be fine with the camera having pretty good ibis but it isn't.
Great video Emily! On the budget side of things I know a number of folks who love their 40-150 Oly f4-5.6. I know: Not nearly as bright, but very small and not that expensive. Weather sealing as well. And of course there is the 75-300, similar points. Have you used? It does seem that when it comes to telephoto zoom matching lens brands to cameras often a better fit too. Have you found that? Anyway, the only real question here… did you paint your OM1 lens cap red?
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Have had this baby since 2021. From weddings, to nature it is an all round gem. Lovely review as always.
Definitely agree on this lens making sense of the system.
Also, the elephant came out nicer imo. Sets it apart from the classic opening of the lion king type picture 👍
I’m just casually enjoying photography/camera content, not really gearing myself up for a new full-blown technical hobby just yet. I’ve been jumping around youtube creators about camera reviews and they’re all great. But the particular way you talk about photography/camera, it feels like a fun journey that doesn’t get too caught up in mainstream hype and is all about just enjoying the moment with your camera. Thanks for the great content!
I was you a few months ago, now I have an m5iii, oly 12-45 f4 and 20 f1. 4 as well as a pany 35-100 f4-5.6 for fun and I'm already looking at astro and macro/tele lenses such as this... Run away when you can!
Emily - you have such a musical clear voice it is always a pleasure listening to your wise words. You are doing a great job.
This is also my favorite lens. I find I use the 12-100 f/4 pro more often, but that's because of its added versatility. The 40-150 though, it's amazing. Add the 2x tc and you've got more reach, and it's still fairly sharp.
My favourite zoom is the Lumix 35-100 f4-5.6. I know, it isn't weather sealed, it is a bit slow, but, it is tiny, it has IS, it is fab!
totally dude, not my favorite, but definitely in my top 10 , and yes, that beast is tiiinnyyy, love her
Lovely lens. The om-1 lets you disable the manual clutch on Oly lenses 👍 It's also compatible with the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.
Yes, really important omission from a great video. The convertors are the main reason I am still tempted by this vice the F4 version.
The capability disable focus clutch came to E-M1 firmware 4.0 IIRC. It was soon after release of the lens, as so many suddenly got troubles with 12-40mm as well..
I have hit it few times when pulling camera out of bag and I grab from focus ring to pull camera up....
But I never consider it a problematic. As I use lot of the in-body AF/MF fn button, as it is best way to disable AF when not wanted to focus (superior to "back-button-focus").
I wish that Olympus would have back then made the focus ring work as a Fn ring, allow adjust aperture or ISO or white balance etc... (and support aperture ring in Panasonic lenses).
It would have been great to have focus ring for other purposes when S-AF or C-AF is enabled, but when MF or S-AF+MF or C-AF+MF then focus ring is for focusing.
@@chrisrebbeck…and another point not often covered is its close focusing ability allowing for extremely good close up shots which I pleasantly discovered on an outing shortly after acquiring the lens. Minimum focus is 70cm with max magnification of 0.21x. 🙂
I haven't checked your whole channel yet, but I'd love to see you do a comparison between the 40-140 F4 and F2.8! Thank you for your videos!
I was expecting you that you compare this Olympus Lens to the Lumix 50-200mm.
That would make more sense. I'll get both.
Since I don’t photograph in jungles and my telephoto shots are in daylight my $99 Olympus plastic fantastic 40-150mm does remarkably well.
40-150 R is nothing wrong really. Sure it is two stops slower at 150mm, but it is so tiny and lightweight that it is with you almost all the time.
I wish 14-150mm would be as sharp as that R model, as it would then be great all around for anything.
I have faster glass and longer lenses, including both 75-300 and the 100-400 Lumix-Leica. Those are wonderful. However, my Oly 40-150R is both my least expensive and, by virtue of always being on the camera, my most productive lens. Used “like new” was around $80, and it’s been my walk around lens ever since. It’s captured an awful lot of photos that I wasn’t expecting to take, and it’s incredibly forgiving of muffed technique when fumble fingers are just trying to mash the shutter before the subject disappears into the woods or over the horizon.
Thank you for this video.
I have the Panasonic 45-200 lens. Almost never use it. I live between 35 and 85mm. While I have the 35-100 lens, I seldom use this lens either. My favorite zoom lens are the Panasonic & Panasonic Leica 12-60mm lenses.
I’m sure longer lenses are valued by many photographers. I simply am not attracted to long lenses. It is good to know if I need these long lenses they are it there.
Mask On Nurse Marty(Ret)
You should really force yourself to use those longer lenses. Leave home with just one of those and learn to see things differently.
40-150mm is best for landscape and great for portraiture, it is totally amazing for nature photography and even for still life etc...
My dream lens for portraits would be a 100-150mm f/1.8
The 75mm f/1.8 doesn't cut, too short.
You are absolutely right that m4/3 is spoiled for choices. I always get paralysis when I go to my gear closet: 12-100? PL 100-400? PL 200mm? Olympus 40-150 f/2.8? Maybe go a little lighter with the PL 12-60 and another zoom or prime? At the end of the day, I usually end up with the 12-100 and 100-400 in my bag and then a prime to supplement.
The same conclusion I made too and it has done me well.
I sold my PL 100-400 to buy... PL 10-25 1.7 for my OM-1 (yes, I don't care about... mixing). I also have 40-150 but f4 version. It suits my needs for focal lenght and I find its sharpness, colors, contrast... and size + weight + price simply incredible.
Oly 75-300mm ii and OM Systens 40-150f4 pro, all on an OM-5 cover my birding needs.
I own the Olympus M43 zoom trifecta: 7-14mm f/2.8, 12-40mm f/2.8 and this 40-150mm f/2.8. I shot the eclipse in 2017 with the 40-150 + 1.4x teleconverter. I also have the Lumix 14mm f/2.5 and the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 macro, which I use for scanning negatives and slides (seemingly a never-ending project since I have them going back to the 80's). My lenses are why I stay with Olympus M43. To get a collection of lenses of this quality for a new FF kit would break the bank. Liked and subscribed :)
No it wouldn't lol. I bought in last month Tamron 17-28 and 28-75 both 2.8 both under 350eur, and 70-180 2.8 for 550eur. And those are actually 2.8, not those 5.6 equivalents.😀
@@lukazupie7220 and then you are still at 180 not at 300 AND you can't use teleconverters since sony only accepts them for like 5 or so lenses (all their own ofc....)
@@roninthegoat2810 My point was not to list exact focal lengths. I am missing 14mm too, not just 300mm. All my lenses also gather ALOT more light if we want to make comparisons (x4)😀. I can buy some 70-300 that still gathers more light than 2.8 on 43, and for cheaper than Tamron 70-180.😀 and i bet i can put it in apsc mode and still get better results than mentioned 40-150mm with 1.4 converter, now with 450mm equivalent, as opposed to 420mm.😀
The Lens is great and your pictures are AMAZING!!
I picked up the 40-150 f4 pro and couldn't be happier. I struggled with the decision for a minute but the lighter weight and compatibility swayed me to the f4. However, I think the 2.8 would be the lens I would recommend to most people for its extra light gathering. I don't use that focal range too often and when I do I'm usually shooting around f8 anyway and I only use primes in low light situations. I think micro 4/3 has the best lens selection of any format and the 40-150 pro lenses both exemplify why the system is so darn good.
So many comments, I'm sure my own might be lost but 100% agree the 40-150 2.8 is the BEST zoom lens in 4/3 and also will add the 300 f4 is the single best lens. These are easily the two lens I use the most and also feel they are the two lens that give 4/3 a step over other formats.
The 300 f4 with or without the 1.4 extender makes it an incredible package for wildlife and also even for unique landscape photography.
The whole series of macro lens from OM also combined with OM cameras make for the best macro options.
The best bang for the $$$ prime lens might be the 75 1.8.
And the whole series of zuiko/OM 1.2 prime lens including the 17, 25 and 45 1.2 lens are so very much under appreciated.
There are some amazing lens in the 4/3 series. I haven't yet purchased the 150-400 pro lens but feel that will one day.
As an underwater photographer with a couple decades experience in that regard, I also want to give OM a huge thumbs up in that category.
I've had the 40-150mm f2.8 since 2015 and it's one of the best lens purchases I've ever made. It's very sharp, contrasty and flare resistant at all focal lengths. A lot of my favorite images have been shot with this lens. The capability to add the MC-14 for those times I'm not carrying a longer lens is a bonus.
After much thought after an earlier viewing of this video, I opted for the Panasonic Leica 50-200 f2.8-4 for my Lumix G9M2 because lens IS. I am a fan of internal zoom lenses (not withstanding the size/weight penalty) but have found the extra IS from the Lumix lens has allowed some nice keeper bird shots on max zoom and cropped. My opinion of the P/L 50-200 is that it also very sharp.
I bought the Oly 40-150 f2.8, yes I found it very sharp, but the zoom ring being opposite direction the Panasonic slightly annoyed me, but worse was there was play between lens and my G9. Sold it on and prefer using PL100-400 and 14-140.
The Olympus 40-150/2.8 Pro and MC14 combo are my 'Go to" m43 tele glass...Cheers
A great review, and some great shots from Africa too!
I agree entirely. The 40-150 is a work of art itself. That and their 12-40 f2.8 Pro covers 99.5% of anything I need to shoot, both with superb sharpness and clarity.
The awesome Olympus 12-100 f4 Pro is another impressive lens. It is image stabilized and even works in synergy with an Oly/OM camera's IBIS. It is sharp throughout the range in my experience, and weather sealed. That alone fills 85% of my shooting needs.
Yeah. I wish it was stabilized and integrated with Olympus IBIS. BUT. Don't compare Pana-Leica lenses of similar focal length on(say) a Panasonic G9 - which has no IBIS. I have shot both systems and I'll take the OM1 (or even an OM5) with the 40-150mm in any lighting / subject situation. Love the channel - very engaaging and personable. Keep 'em coming...
An old em1 mk2, 9mm pl, 12-40 pro, 40-150 pro, mc14 and mc20 are a super versatile and fantastic combination reasonabled priced
I love my 40-150 2.8 Pro! Works great with the 1.4x teleconverter also.
I just wanted to say thank you for this video! I ended up buying the 40-150mm while searching for a lens to bring with me to El Salvador. I came across this video that motivated me to finally buy it. Best decision ever!
I already ordered the 40 150 f2.8 to pair with my GX9 and my brother do it the same. I love the sharpeness through all range and fast focus.
I also really enjoy using the 40-150 mm because it can be expanded to 600 mm fullframe equivalent with the TC-20 teleconverter. You have 80-300 mm at f5.6 throughout, which still allows very good shots in normal lighting conditions.
Just came across your channel, it's great to see that Olympus remained true to the OM-1, my first camera in "74 with a 50mm f1.8. Inspiring me to come back to my first love, Olympus.
It's the lens that keeps me with MFT. Wildlife . Portraits. Sports. Event photo and video. I love it! I'm a big guy so it's small to me.
I love my GX85 as an easy walking camera to take with me every day, I have it in a 3L Peak Design sling, and thanks to MFT being so compact, I can carry four lenses in that kit, and not even notice it.
I have nearly this same setup in a Wandrd sling.
That's good to know, been looking at those slings and wondering if the three litre would be big enough for a similar setup (GX9 + a couple of lenses)
@@sdrtcacgnrjrc oh yeah, more than enough for the rangefinder style MFT cameras.
Okay, got the three litre sling - I can fit two cameras (GX9 and an old Oly E-PL2) and four (!) lenses:
20mm Pana, 12-32 Pana, 35-100 Pana, and the 40mm Oly 1.8
@@sdrtcacgnrjrc that’s awesome. It’s such a versatile sized bag!
I have the 12-100 F4 Pro and the 100-400 from OM System. Some primes like the Sigma 56 F1.4, Pana 25mm F1.7, 60mm Makro F2.8 and now the Laowa 6mm F2.0 Zero-D.
I wwas recently photographing an indoor comedy standup, using the 12-100 and the Sigma lens. I had to shoot between 4000-10000 ISO due to the bad lights. Images got out well thanks to the OM-1 and Lightroom noise reduction, but since then I am tempted to get the 40-150 F2.8, for less lens switching indoors and a good aperture.
I love my panasonic leica 50-200, which is probably a better choice on my G9ii. And I recently got a 2 times teleconvertor, and I love the combo because of it's portability. It needs quite some light with the tc installed, but I don't need to carry my 100-400.
My most used lens. Sharp and durable. I often add the TC 1.4 which turns it into a 54-210 f4 with no loss IQ or focus speed/accuracy. Sweet!
(PS I love the focus clutch and don’t miss the ILS due to the robust IBIS of OMD System…different strokes for different folks. All good 😊)
The 40-150 and 300mm were my wildlife kit along with my EM1x and EM1.2. The 40-150 was my go to lens in the heavy forest shooting Elk here in the HOH Rainforest. I sold all my pro Oly gear when I switched to FF Nikon. But man sometimes I sure miss them. I still have my Pen F though :)
Thank you for your thoughs on the Olympus 40-150. You didn’t make my decision easier, but helped highlight differences that became important in my decision. I was torn between the Olympus 40-150 and the roughly comparable Panasonic/Leica 50-200mm. I very much liked the internal zooming, since it makes the lens that much more weather resistant. I was bothered by reports of the lens hood being a bit fragile and expensive to replace. The Leica 50-200 des not have internal zooming, so there is a path for dust and moisture to get into the lens. But in the end, the lack of IS in the Olympus lens versus the 50-200 Panasonic/Leica lens became the major decision feature. I found that the Leica lens is sharp to the point of being surprisingly sharp, helped by the lens IS, no doubt. There is no perfect lens. I guess an additional worry about an Olympus lens on any of my Lumix G-body cameras is would it be as fully compatible on the Lumix as on an Olympus body.
5:31 manual clutch accidentally being engaged: at least on the OM System/Olympus bodies this can be disabled in the menu. I have my standard CF multiple exposure mode with the clutch disabled, and other modes geared toward single exposures with the clutch enabled.
I was researching telephoto zooms a couple of hours ago. I eliminated the 40-150mm f/2.8 because it is heavy and expensive. But now I am going to go back and look at it again. Thanks!
I own both the 40-150 f/2.8 and also the Panny 35-100 f/2.8--and I'm so happy with the picture quality of both! I use the Panny as my "all around" compact tele zoom, while my 40-150 is permanently paired with the MC20 teleconverter to make it my "super zoom" kit. I've dabbled with the thought of picking up the Panny (or Oly) 100-400, but can't quite justify the outlay for basically a 600 to 800mm bump.
Here I am about to buy a Lunix G85😅, so this is nice to know!!!
The olympus 40-150 pro f/2.8 is just amazing.
Terrific lens, pairs nicely with 1.4 extender. Hate the lens hood (replaced with 3rd party after it kept falling apart) and disabled the slip clutch for both my M-1 Mark III and E-MX.
I actually like the Pana Leica 50-200mm f2.8 to f4 more. The extra reach is more versatile. And the on lens stabilization is better. That lens is super sharp as well.
I disable the clutch in a couple of custom modes on my 2 Pro OM lenses. The number of times it slipped on its own proved to be very annoying! I still leave it enabled in normal shutter priority as it comes in handy when trying to shoot birds in and around trees. I did try the 1.4 tele-converter, and I returned it, The Pana L 100-400 which I've owned forever, is much better than the 40-150, or the 300 f4 with the 1.4 added (OM-1 body) Believe it or not the old 50-200 Olympus from 2010 or so converted 4/3's to M4/3s is amazingly sharp and some of my best shots of birds have been while using it.
The Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 is on my must have list. Have the PanaLeica 100-400mm almost welded to my G80 to capture all the wildlife around my home. The 12-35mm f2.8 is my go to lens for everything else.
I've had really good luck with the Panasonic 35-100 2.8, that plus the Olympus 12-40 make a great pair for a lot of touring uses, it's a great range and both lenses make very pleasant images.
That's my exact set-up lens-wise also. The bang for the buck in the 35-100 is hard to beat.
I use the 40-150 for a lot of things. At the current time, I usually carry that lens and the 7-14. I may be using the wide zoom more just now. Both lenses are superb.
40-150f2.8 is my dream lens tbh. I have an old f2.8 and just ordered a rokinon 135 to replace it. The wide aperture really helps with low light, and when a lens is sharp cropping helps a lot. The autofocus would be a godsend, one day I’ll have the money 😂
I use mine with a 1.4 Teleconverter - Barely any loss of sharpness, and the boost in range makes bird photography do-able. I might get the TC2.0 next, then I will have equivalent 160-600 F5.6!!
I have the cheapo panny 45-150 and it's definitely my favourite travel lens just for focal length. The wide end is great for portraits, and the long end is good enough for the inevitable seagull shots. I'd like the oly for the weather sealing and the aperture, but the panny does me OK, and the oly hasn't quite made it to the front of the budget queue yet.
if a lens does not have stabilisation why not use an Olympus / O M version that does have excellent ibis , just a thought :)). Loving the images
The manual focus clutch can be disabled in Olympus/OM System cameras. Most interesting competition in my opinion is the Pana-Leica 50-200mm. Have you tried that?
The 40-15 PRO is also my all-time favorite lens for any camera. My only issue is the hood which seems needlessly over-engineered, I use a screw in metal hood instead
Nice video. I have the Oly 40-150 f2.8. Lovely lens.
That Lumix 35-100 f2.8 looks intriguing.
I can't emphasize how happy I am with the 35-100 2.8. The Oly is beautiful but to have a 70-200 2.8 equivalent in that little bundle is hard to beat for what I need.
Also, a couple of years ago I compared using the Lumix 35-100 f2.8 vs the Lumix 100-300 wondering if the larger aperture (but shorter focal length) would result in a better photograph. I was testing this with birds in the backyard. Hands down, the 100-300 at the long end won every time. Cropping into the 100mm of the f2.8 couldn't hold a candle to filling the frame (as much as possible) with the 100-300. In that case, I would use a longer lens on safari every time. I think the use case for the 40-150 f2.8 comes in for events and sports where one may be contracted to shoot. but for wildlife...unless it's past dusk and the subjects are very close I will always choose the longer lens.
A beautiful, well-made zoom that is sharp right into the corners and also works well with the TC1.4. I had it on the OMD E-M1 and on the Lumix G81 and G9. The only real weakness, however, is the bokeh, which is very unattractive depending on the background.
I tend to like dramatic ultra wide shots. After agonizing over the price for a few months, I found a good deal on a used Olympus 12-100 Pro. Pixel peeping, I don't see much difference between this and the Tamron 14-150 I used before it. But the Pro has a level of clarity that I can't quite put my finger on. It's become my default lens on my EM5 when traveling for work. A little front heavy on that body, but it is often the only lens I need to take.
big thick elastic band solves the Olympus Pro lens clutch issue (I've had one on my 7-14 since a few days after buying and discovering four fifths of the photos were out of focus (easy to do with an ultra wide - hard to see fine detail/focus in the viewfinder, particularly when thinking its on auto focus)
When I drank the full frame Koolaid and sold most of my M43 stuff to fund the switch, the most painful loss was giving up my Olympus 40-150 2.8 Pro. It's such an amazing lens. I got some of my absolute best pictures and video with it. It even doubles as a semi macro . The closest thing on Sony is the 100-400 GM, but it's twice the weight and twice the price. I definitely need to reacquire it.
I drank FF kool-aid recently with Zf but not ready to walk-away from m4/3 due to their lenses and particularly this 40-150/2.8 + 1.4x converter & 60 macro. So much so that I will sell my em5 mk II (and possibly 7-14pro & 12-40pro) for OM1. Will stay with m4/3 for those small long lenses. I just thought go FF for wide & general & m4/3 for telephoto & macro.
@@frankygamaliano7058Do you carry both systems so you can cover all the bases or just one at a time and allow the restriction on your opportunities?
@@mikejankowski6321 I will carry one at a time. Keeping my m4/3 for long zoom, macro and I just got the laowa 6mm for extra wide.
Were you using this lens on a g9 or g9ii? I understand that the fxn button on the lens will not work but other than that, I’ve not read about any downsides, particularly related to focusing speed and reliability. Any advice would be most appreciated!
I was sweating over the choice between this lens and the Panny 50-200 until I heard the rumours about the OM 50-200. Hope that doesn't go the way of the rumoured - what was it? - 50-250? If it does I'll probably pick up the 150, and in the meantime I've an Oly 4/3 50-200 and adapter combo filling in.
The manual clutch has tripped me up on the 300mm once or twice. Hair-raising when your new OM-1 won't autofocus and you don't know what happened to it. 😅
Just sold my 40-150 to MPB (and my 12-40) and got a decent price. I'll miss it but needed the money right now. I'll probably replace them both with the 12-100 F/4 when finances allow.
You are absolutely right about it being a superb lens and in the Oly camera you can turn off the manual clutch if I recall correctly.
Ive got the non pro f5.something to f6.3 olympus lens. Yes its not ideal in low light, yes its not an internal zoom but damn its light and compact. It tend to use it quite often on a wander about as i like the versatility.
Thinking about stabilization, the Fujifilm 50-140/2.8 is stabilized. It’s approximately the same length, but a little bit heavier. Roughly the same MSRP, too. Olympus probably could have added stabilization and not gotten that much bulkier.
I considered buying this lens; however, I do have the Panasonic 35-100 f2.8 so I bought the Leica 50-200 f2.8 - 4.
Agree, great lens and works well on my G9. With the MC14 1.4x teleconverter it gives you a sharp 210mm f4 lens (420mm full frame equivalent if you like).
Last year on holiday someone else in the group had the 40-150/2.8-and that confirmed for me that I find it too big for traveling. I had the 14-150 with me as telephoto, but that isn’t as good. So in the end I purchased the 40-150/4… When I’m willing for extra weight, I still enjoy the old, adapted Olympus 50-200 SWC, which works very nicely with my E-M1 III. Unfortunately Olympus had decided to turn off C-AF with that, although the AF is quite fast (because of the modern SWC drive).
Perhaps I will change to the G9 II soon and then get the Leica 50-200 with it. A comparison to the 40-150/2.8 would be interesting.
I don't even own that lens yet and I already know it's going to be my favorite. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Emily, have you ever used the PL 50-200mm? If so, do you consider it on par with the Oly 40-150mm f2.8 or worse? Last thing: do you have presets for Dxo in your store or do you only have them for LR? Thanks
Love your channel Emily and you took some great wildlife shots on your safari. I'm planning on an African safari next year (Okavango Delta) and I'm thinking about best lens choices. I have a G9ii and for telephoto lenses: Panny 35-100 and Leica 100-400. What I don't have a good feel for is how far/close I will be to wildlife. Will the 100-400 be too long (in general) and should I therefore be looking at something like the Oly 40-150 or Leica 50-200? I'd prefer a faster lens so the Oly 40-150 F2.8 has me interested.
I adore this lens, it's this lens and the Pany 25mm F1.4 are constantly in my bag.
Congratulations on the review! I love your videos and the way you present them!
Thanks for great video!
I "shoot" mainly motor sports and birds with Olympus cameras. The 40-150 f2.8 and the Panasonic / Leica 200 f2.8 are my main lenses - one on each camera to save swapping lenses (both are superb). I started in M43 with the 40-150 and both teleconverters, but soon part exed them, putting them towards the cost of the 200 without its teleconverter (I hate the things!), from MPB of course! I also have the Lumix 45-175, which I use when going for a long walk and think I may want to photograph something - if I go out specifically to take photographs - either (or both) of the 2.8s go with me. The 200 (400 field of view full frame) can be a little short at times for birding, but then I use the digital zoom to give 800 efl which works very well, even for birds in flight - the same goes for the 40-150. With the two of them I'm covered from full frame 80-800, which can't be bad.
Incidentally, a note here for MPB - The last two times I wanted to buy something from them, their system would not accept my plastic for some strange reason - maybe it is because I live in the Isle of Man? Until last year I never had a problem, so maybe they need to look into it as they are loosing out.
I own it. How nice to have a 90-300 vs a 70-200. Sadly used, it was missing the lens hood. I put on a cheap after market.
I watched your video about the new Lumix Leica 12-35mm, but I can't find anything about the Leica 35-100mm. I'm looking for a zoom for sports events, and even I'll love that extra reach of the Olympus... But with the bulky size of the Olympus, in many events, if I'm not going as authorized media but as a regular person, they might not let me in with such a large lens. That's why I'm leaning towards the Panasonic ones... My problem is which one to choose... Mk I, II, or III. What would be your recommendation?
i have the om5, smaller lighter, works for me, with a 12-40 2.8 which i love! however, i want more 😬 .. i work early & late (low light) & in scotland where the noon sky is 18% grey 😂 ...so, the price not a problem but the weight is, help convince me my knees will forgive me with the 40-150 2.8 @ 750+ grams after a day’s hike…cause i really want to love this lens
Definitely looks like an excellent lens. Just would like to Know what is still on the om lens roadmap. Hope the missing lens would be something in between this 45-150 2.8 and the 70-300. Hopefully a smaller form factor
And the 40-150 2.8 can use the teleconverters which further opens up options for more reach without buying a separate lens.
Yes love m4/3 for all that amazingly excellent lenses. Good video and great photos from Africa.
I love my 40-150. Though most of my images are taken with the 12-40, whenever I have an excuse to use the 40-150 I'm so happy to be able to do so :)
I love the lens and use it with my Oly M10 Mark II and M1 Mark II camera bodies. Anyone considering purchasing the lens should know that it works with the OLY 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters but the widest aperture is reduced to 5.6 (?) or so...can't remember the specific numbers. As to the focus clutch, with Olympus bodies, the clutch can be disabled in the menu settings. I love the lens and the only complaint I have is that in some situations, the bokeh can be very "busy". The new blur tool in Lightroom Classic has been a real blessing for some of my shots. The original lens hood is prone to fall apart, and mine did. I replaced it with the Oly LH-76D lens hood which is an alternative replacement and is just a basic one piece twist-on lens hood. Personally, I wouldn't spend the $$ to buy the original hood. I wish OM Systems would come out with a more durable version of it.
After purchasing the 40-150mm f/2.8, I sold my Oly 75-300mm Mark II lens which I now regret. I find there are time when I want to keep the 40-150 pro lens on my M1 without a teleconverter and would like to have the 75-300 mounted on my M10 and ready to use when I need to use the 150-300mm range. Some of the shortcomings of the 75-300 can now be compensated for with the more advanced noise reduction programs that are available. So....I'm giving some serious thought about buying another 75-300mm lens as that lens was a lot of fun to use and captured some pretty good images.
I absolutely agree 100% with the your observations regarding the quality of the Oly 40-150 F/2.8. I've found it to be a bit on the bulky side for me personally (though not nearly as bulky as a FF equivalent). I also found I rarely needed the 150mm focal length in my photograhpy. And since I'm all about traveling light and fast (much prefer to take my E-M5 III over say my E-M1 III) I've found it a bit unbalanced/bulky when paired with the smaller type camera bodies I prefer.
I figured, what good is a premium/pro grade lens when it's basically gathering dust on the shelf. So, I ended up trading it in for a Pana 35-100 F/2.8 II (through MPB mind you :) ) Has the reach I need in my photography, the faster aperture for lower light situations, weather sealing, and can be tossed into my Peak Design everyday sling 3L along with a small camera body and room to spare for a small prime or two. I'm a happy camper with that combination.
No better glass that I know of. There’s glass that’s different but none better. Add the versatility of the 1.4x extender (which is often found on my lens due to the fact that IQ and fast focusing don’t change a bit) and the option of the 2x extender, which works well in bright light makes extreme versatility.
Note: manual clutch can be easily disabled in the menu (EM1.2 andOM1). Also, Oly & OM bodies have such high IBS that I have never wished for in lens stabilization IMO.
Nice video Emily. Best from Michigan, USA.
What is the best way to carry a body with this lens?
@@yv3009I’ve been carrying it from the body. Not too much strain on body as lens is hanging down…however I’d really like to to carry it from the lens if I can find a way…hmmm…
Love your videos Emily. Maybe I'm just a bit cack-handed but I've managed to break two lens hoods on the 40-150mm lens. The internal ball-bearings just seem to want to pop out!
I looked a lot at this lens. The test I found, said it's really really sharp, but I fell over the 35-100/2,8 used, nearly new looking and cheap, and as it is smaller and i love it.
That's why I picked up the 35-100 f/2.8 even though I already owned the Olym 40-150 f/2.8. It's an amazing little lens!
Hi, I completely agree with you, in general in terms of versatility, sharpness and overall aperture the Olympus 40-150 pro f2.8 is the best telephoto of the micro 4/3 system. The only hassle is the bulk. This is why I wanted to ask you how much less sharp are the Lumix 30-100 or even the new Leica 35-100 compared to the Olympus? I would also be willing to buy one of these for occasions where I don't need the extra range but the compactness and lightness, how much optical quality would I have to give up? Could you see some comparison photos?
By the way, I am very disappointed with the new 150-600 from OM, a truly exaggerated lens for the system with its dimensions, weight and crazy price. After the 150-400 there hasn't been any really exciting lens from Olympus, apart from perhaps the 8-25 for quality and range.
Thank you
My favorite all in one lens is the Zuiko 12-100mm/F4 pro. Very versatile reach, unique for MFT (there is no FF equivalent), stabilized with Sync IS. No support for teleconverters unfortunately, and for wildlife not long enough obviously. For that I would bring a second body with the 300mm/F4 and the tcs. I would have bought the Zuiko 100-400mm if it would have been pro and stabilized or the 150-400mm pro if it would have been affordable 😂
That Lumix 35-100 is what all M43 lenses should look like! I just picked up the 12-100 Oly and while I LOVE it. The IQ is insane for what amounts to a superzoom, I do wish it was either a little more compact, or brighter. F4 is no slouch, but I wouldn't have minded it starting at 2.8. I've no idea how Panny managed to cram a 2.8 aperture's worth of glass and OIS into a package as small as that. It would be a no-brainer for me if I had a Lumix camera, but for the price, I might see if I can get a bargain.
I've come very close to buying this lens multiple times, but usually bow out because I already have the Panasonic 35-100 f2.8. The extra range would be useful, but at the expense of weight and size. If I'm going in that direction, I might as well get the Panasonic 50-200 or 100-400 for about the same amount of money, and get a lot more range.
Your pictures are great! Nice work.
Awesome video! I own the 40-150mm f2.8 pro and i have to say that the f2.8 is really useful especially in my country all the way until about 7.30pm, where its quite dark. Please also do a review between the OM-system 150-400mm vs panasonic 100-400mm! I think might be quite an interesting discussion.
In a round about way, I did recently with my Kenya safari videos, as those were the only two lenses I used! Might be worth a watch if you want to see more side by side examples 😁
When I go to travel, a Leica FT 14-150 with an adapter mounted on my GX8 or EM-1III is enough. I like the old FT lenses, Leica Lumix and Olympus professional. They are the best lenses for MFT or FT systems.
That lensmount and hood is very easy to tear/brake. Never trusted to use mine and sold it same price. Did not like to work on buzy backrounds either. Amazing it still exists and its olympus😂
My Zoom Telephoto recommendations for those who are on budget:
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 (no stabilization)
- Panasonic H-PS45175 Lumix G X Vario 45-175mm F4.0-5.6 ASPH Power O.I.S. (stabilized)
Both are super lightweight, below 210 grams.
I also bought this lens from MPB in excellent condition, for about $620 USD, which is a freaking steal! MPB has always been good to me.
40-150 has been on my list for years. Sadly I would rather spend double that on some damp proofing and plastering because I'm an absolute rockstar 😂
I know you say it's annoying that this lens isn't stabilised, but do you think it really needs it? The in body stabilisation of the OM-1 and 1.2 is so ridiculously good that the focus point barely moves when you're shooting a static subject, even at full reach. I'd say it's as good as the Fuji 50-140 f2.8 I'm trying that is stabilised (and also has the IBIS of the X-H2 body to go with it). That's my observations anyway.
I find the most annoying thing about this lens is that the tripod mount doesn't support the camera horizontally when it's not on a tripod - it tilts backwards and rests on the bottom edge of the body. Yes I know it's a tripod mount so that shouldn't matter, but it just annoys me!
I find using the plastic fantastic on my GX9 not too good without stabilization.
It's definitely not as steady in my evf at 150mm.
You'd think it would be fine with the camera having pretty good ibis but it isn't.
Great video Emily! On the budget side of things I know a number of folks who love their 40-150 Oly f4-5.6. I know: Not nearly as bright, but very small and not that expensive. Weather sealing as well. And of course there is the 75-300, similar points. Have you used? It does seem that when it comes to telephoto zoom matching lens brands to cameras often a better fit too. Have you found that? Anyway, the only real question here… did you paint your OM1 lens cap red?
The red one is the olympus 15mm bodycap lens, you can get it in black, silver, and red. I am very sad and own all three haha
@@MicroFourNerds no one who is sad makes jokes elephant dumps…😊
Surprised you did not bring up the Lumix/Leica 50-200
I would like to take the hands on the 35-150mm f2, What do you think? Love your reviews