Today OM Digital Systems launched a new super telephoto lens, the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS zoom. This zoom lens provides an equivalent field-of-view of 300-1200 mm.
It is compatible with the M.Zuiko MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters. These teleconverters extend the reach of this lens to 210-840 mm (efov 420-1680 mm) at f/7-9, and 300-1200 mm (efov 600-2400 mm) at f/10-13 respectively.
In order to give readers some initial information about this new lens, this article features a few selected links below.
Additionally, Petr Bambousek has written a ‘first impressions’ article on the 150-600 lens.
The new M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS zoom lens represents a significant enhancement for birding and nature photography for many people.
From a strategic perspective the addition of the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 is a logical addition to the OMDS lens line-up. It helps deepen the niche market position of OMDS as the lens will likely appeal to many birding and nature photographers. This is a key target market for the company.
At 2065 grams (~4.54 lbs.) the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS zoom weighs in the same range as other 150-600 mm super telephoto lenses. It may exceed the personal handheld weight limit of some photographers.
This may make the M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 an impractical choice for individuals who are not physically able to shoot handheld with a set-up that weighs in the 2.6 to 3 KG range (~5.7 to 6.6 lbs.) depending on the camera body used, and don’t want to shoot tripod/monopod assisted.
Other photographers who are used to the size and weight of other 150-600 mm zoom lenses, or prefer to use tripods or monopods with large telephoto lenses, will not be concerned about the size and weight of this lens.
Each decision to purchase this lens… or not… will come down to the specific needs of individual photographers, and whether this lens delivers image making capabilities that are worth the investment required. This comes down to a binary ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision.
At $3,599 CDN this is not a lens that will find a home with casual photographers, but rather serious amateurs and enthusiasts. It may also find a home with some pro M4/3 shooters who are looking for maximum reach (efov 300-1200 mm), IPX-1 rated weather sealing, Sync-IS, and teleconverter compatibility.
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The new lens sounds amazing. I still think the 150-400mm f/4.5 is a better option (lighter, internal zoom, better weather protection, wider aperture) if you can afford it; but if you can’t, the new lens is the way to go.
Hi Jack,
I think it really depends on the needs of a specific photographer.
The PRO 150-400 is 1 stop faster at 400 mm, but when using the 1.25 TC to get to 500 mm, that drops to only 1/3 of a stop with the 150-600 delivering additional reach out to 600 mm. The 150-400 is lighter by 190 grams (~0.4 lbs.) but is larger and bulkier being 6.4 mm wider and about 50 mm longer (~ 2 inches). The internal zoom is a very nice feature, but it doesn’t help the lens pack any smaller. I could never justify the cost of the PRO 150-400, but for 64% less money the 150-600 could make sense for me.
Tom
This morning was a quick reply. I have read your comments on the new “bigma’ lens from Olympus, and agree with you in that it is not for everyone, but should be praised for it’s technology and OM Systems going forward. I shoot dual X’s and no intention of upgrading those cameras. As for the new “bigma”, I was planning on purchasing the 100-400 again as I sold my copy a few years ago to fund the 300 f4. Now, I am rethinking that move. Now that the new 150-600 is out, I have to find a way to fund that one. I like that it is the same f stop range of the 100-400, however having full sync IS is a big decision maker. Also, the build quality and the “special” glass inside make it a no brainer for my future purchase. In my dream world of post retirement, I would have both the 100-400 for it’s small size, and the 150-600 for its reach.
Cheers and all the best to you and your family,
Randy
Hi Randy,
We’re like brothers from different mothers… I also shoot with a pair of E-M1X bodies and have no plans to change them. My thought process is very similar to the issues you outlined in your comment. There is a lot to like about the new M.Zuiko 150-600!
Tom
I was out in the Anza Borrego desert in Southern California making a new youtube video, and was driving home on the dirt road. I just noticed a hawk take off so near to me (gotta keep my eyes open!) and I followed the telephone poles for a bit and saw the hawk on the pole. I had just enough time to grab my x and the 300 f4 and saw the hawk “lightening himself” and had just enough time to grab a couple of nice shots of takeoff. I love my X!
brothers from a different mother – love it.
Tonight is more reading on your site for the 100-400 as I think I will be getting one in the interim.
Randy
Hi Randy,
I’ve found the 100-400 to be a very capable lens and have no intention of getting rid of it… even if I bite the bullet on the new 150-600.
Tom
Thanks! Another lens I want ….
Hi Randy… I understand the temptation!
Tom