Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Compact and lightweight, it offers a convenient focal length equivalent to 80-300mm in 35mm terms, making it ideal for a range of shooting scenarios, from portraits to wildlife photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its impressive optical performance. The lens consists of 15 elements in 9 groups, including high-quality ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass that helps to minimize chromatic aberration, resulting in sharp, clear images with vibrant colors. The lens also has a decent maximum aperture range of F4-5.6, which allows for some creative depth-of-field control while remaining compact and lightweight.

The build quality is commendable for a lens in this price range. It feels solid and well-constructed, although it lacks weather sealing, so care should be taken in inclement conditions. The autofocus performance is generally fast and silent, making it suitable for both stills and video applications. The lens also features a minimum focusing distance of just 0.9m, allowing for nice close-up shots, which is a pleasant surprise given its telephoto nature.

However, the lens does have some limitations. While the maximum aperture is reasonable, it may not be fast enough for low-light conditions or to achieve creamy bokeh. Additionally, the zoom range, though versatile, may not be sufficient for photographers needing more reach in certain situations. Distortion and vignetting can be observed at the extreme ends of the zoom range, but these issues can often be corrected in post-processing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design
• Good optical quality with ED glass elements
• Fast and silent autofocus performance
• Versatile focal length range (80-300mm equivalent)
• Close focusing capability

Cons

• Lacks weather sealing
• Maximum aperture may not be ideal for low-light shooting
• Some distortion and vignetting at extreme zoom levels

Verdict

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4-5.6 R is an excellent choice for Micro Four Thirds users seeking a lightweight and versatile telephoto lens. It delivers solid optical performance and is well-suited for a variety of photography styles. While it has a few drawbacks, such as its limited maximum aperture and lack of weather sealing, it remains a fantastic option for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing too much on quality. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this lens can certainly find a place in your gear collection.