I just received some updated information from Olympus on its M.Zuiko Lens Road Map. A copy of that road map is displayed below.
Click on image to enlarge.
If you click on this image you will see some interesting lenses.
M.Zuiko Lenses
While there is only one new lens shown in this category it should be of significant interest to many M4/3 photographers. It is shown on the Road Map as an ED 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 IS. This lens has the potential to be an excellent sports, wildlife and birding lens. Take note of the “IS” in the name of this lens. Having this long telephoto zoom with Image Stabilization will appeal to a broad cross section of photographers. It should also be a great match up with the newly introduced OM-D E-M5 Mark III.
M.Zuiko PRO Lenses
It is very apparent from the updated Lens Road Map that Olympus is really focusing on the professional and enthusiast markets with its lens development.
Of special note is an ultra-compact M.Zuiko ED 12-45 mm f/4 PRO, and the ED 150-400 mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO. The 150-400 mm is still being described as being available in 2020. Perhaps in time for the Olympics?
The Road Map also indicates more M.Zuiko PRO bright primes lenses in the 10 mm to ~60 mm range. My guess would be more f/1.2 PRO primes.
A PRO wide zoom lens in the 8-25 mm range… who knows, maybe a fast aperture constant zoom like an f/1.8?
A PRO telephoto zoom lens in the 50-200 mm range, and a slightly longer PRO telephoto zoom lens in the 50-250 mm range. I suspect these two zooms will use different constant apertures. Perhaps one will be faster than the current ED 40-150 mm f/2.8?
And, a PRO telephoto zoom lenses in the 40-150 mm range. My guess on this lens would be a PRO f/4 zoom lens that would be more affordable than the current f/2.8.
So… lots of new M.Zuiko glass on the Road Map for the future. Some of these lenses on the Road Map have not been exactly defined. What would you want them to be?
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I am curious if you looked at the Panasonic G9 before committing to Olympus. If so, what made your decision to go with Olympus?
Thanks!
Hi Ed,
I did not consider any Panasonic gear before going with Olympus. I owned a Panasonic GH-4 and a couple of Panasonic f/2.8 pro zoom lenses a number of years ago. That experience lasted for about 10 days before I returned the gear for a small restocking charge. I don’t want to disparage the brand as many people really like Panasonic. It just didn’t work for me, and it is a brand that I personally would never consider in the future.
There are a host of reasons why I chose Olympus. There are two main reasons.
1) The design, functionality, build quality, performance, and technology of the E-M1X is simply incredible. The articles that I have written on the E-M1X provide a lot more details on why this camera works so well for me. The E-M1X feels like it was custom designed for my specific needs. It is the finest, most capable and innovative camera that I have ever owned… period. When deciding on a second M4/3 body for my client video business I considered the E-M1X, E-M1 Mark II and the E-M5 Mark III. I very quickly realized that I would not be happy with anything else. I recently purchased a second E-M1X.
2) M.Zuiko PRO lenses. The three PRO f/2.8 zooms (7-14 mm, 12-40 mm, 40-150 mm) and the PRO f/1.2 prime lens (45 mm) that I own are all superb. I also love the M.Zuiko 60 mm macro f/2.8. Combined with the E-M1X, these M.Zuiko lenses create a very versatile, high quality shooting experience… in a relatively small, lightweight and portable package. The MC-20 teleconverter is stellar.
Everyone needs to find camera gear that meets their specific needs. I’ve been fortunate to find two small sensor camera systems (Olympus and Nikon 1) that work extremely well for me.
Tom
Thanks for your continuing updates on your experiences with the Olympus equipment. I just rented a OM D-E-M1X with a Lunix 100-400 to test out the weight and my ability to hand hold it. I was able to do that with out much of a problem and based on the I am trading my Fuji camera equipment and moving to the Oly. The Fuji is great equipment but, even though it is lighter than my previous FF Nikon gear, it is still pretty heavy when using a 100-400 lens. Your updates concerning your experience were very helpful.
Hi Joel,
Thanks for sharing your latest news about your camera gear choices! It will be interesting to hear more from you once you have a chance to use Pro Capture H, Handheld Hi Res Mode, and Live ND among the many interesting capabilities of the E-M1X.
Tom