OM System’s latest super telephoto zoom offers unbeatable reach<\/b>
\nAlongside the new OM-1 II mirrorless camera, OM system has announced a new super telephoto zoom lens for its micro four thirds system \u2013 the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS.\u00a0
The micro four thirds sensor format has a 2x crop factor which means the new lens has a full-frame equivalent focal length range of 300-1200mm, making it the world’s longest zoom lens if you use it with a micro four thirds camera, like the new OM-1 II. What’s more, it’s compatible with the brand’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters \u2013 pair it with the latter and you have a 600-2400mm zoom range. Wow.\u00a0
Thanks to 5-axis ‘Sync IS’, OM System says the new lens provides up to 7EV stabilization at its wide end, or 6EV at its telephoto end when used with the OM-1 II, meaning it’s entirely possible to shoot handheld at the maximum focal length and still get sharp shots \u2013 incredible stuff, provided you can frame your subject in the first place, and that’s no mean task with such a versatile zoom.\u00a0
As amazing as the new M.Zuiko 150-600mm sounds especially for wildlife photography, its design is actually in mold of the existing full-frame Sigma 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 ‘Sports’ lens. As such, it’s nothing new per se, only that you get a much greater reach given the micro four thirds 2x crop factor, plus its identical close focusing distances of 0.56m (wide) to 2.8m (telephoto) provides a better maximum magnification, up to 0.7x. This is therefore a capable macro photography lens, too.\u00a0
That mirrorless Sigma 150-600mm lens for L-mount or Sony E-mount is designed for chunkier full-frame cameras, and it’s a beastly 4.55 lbs \/ 2.06 kg. The OM System version follows suit, making it a bit of a mismatch when paired with the lightweight OM-1 II or other OM System (formerly Olympus) cameras. It’s a shame really, because this micro four thirds system prides itself on being a smaller and lighter system than full-frame.
OM System’s new version is also much pricier \u2013 its list price of $2,699.99 \/ \u00a32,399.99 (about AU$4,600) is almost twice that of Sigma’s own version and more than the Nikon Z 180-600mm f\/5.6-6.3 VR. Yikes. Still, it’s much more affordable than the pro-grade OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F\/4.5 TC 1.25x IS Pro lens that’s around 3x the price, and it could consequently shift many more units.\u00a0
When you consider the system that this IPX1-rated dust and splash proof lens is part of, with a new camera like the OM System OM-1 II that has unmatched image stabilization and autofocus performance for bird photography, then the new 150-600mm becomes an even more exciting prospect especially for birders. We expect this lens to prove very popular. Shipping is from late February 2024.<\/p>\n