Olympus M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm 1:4.8-6.7 II

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm 1:4.8-6.7 II is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Micro Four Thirds systems. It offers an impressive equivalent focal length of 150-600mm, making it an ideal choice for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. With its compact and lightweight design, this lens is particularly appealing for photographers seeking a portable option without sacrificing reach.

The optical performance of the M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm II is commendable. It features a sophisticated lens construction that includes ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and enhance sharpness. Users will appreciate the bokeh quality, which is smooth and pleasing, especially at longer focal lengths. Moreover, the lens incorporates a ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating, effectively reducing ghosting and flare, ensuring images remain clear and vivid even in challenging lighting conditions.

Focusing capabilities also deserve mention. The autofocus system on this lens is fast and accurate, making it suitable for tracking moving subjects. Additionally, the lens features a manual focus option, which can be beneficial for precise adjustments. However, due to the maximum aperture range of f/4.8-6.7, low-light performance may not be as strong as that of faster telephoto options. Photographers may find themselves needing to boost ISO in dim conditions to achieve optimal results.

Despite its strengths, the lens does have some limitations. The build quality, while lightweight and portable, may feel less robust than that of higher-end models. Some users might find it challenging to achieve stability at the maximum focal length, particularly in windy conditions or without a sturdy tripod. Additionally, the zoom range may produce slightly variable sharpness, with performance peaking at certain focal lengths rather than across the board.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Impressive equivalent focal length (150-600mm) for Micro Four Thirds systems.
• Compact and lightweight design, conducive for travel and outdoor shooting.
• Good optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration and pleasing bokeh.
• Fast and accurate autofocus suitable for moving subjects.
• ZERO coating helps to combat ghosting and flare.

Cons

• Variable maximum aperture (f/4.8-6.7) can limit low-light performance.
• Build quality may feel less robust compared to higher-end lenses.
• Achieving stability at maximum focal lengths can be challenging.
• Slight variability in sharpness across the zoom range.

Verdict

The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 75-300mm 1:4.8-6.7 II is a solid choice for photographers looking for a lightweight and versatile telephoto lens. It excels in providing an expansive reach, making it particularly useful for wildlife and sports photography. While it does come with some limitations in low-light situations and build quality, the overall optical performance and portability make it a worthwhile addition to a Micro Four Thirds kit. Whether you're an enthusiast or a more serious photographer, this lens offers a great balance of performance and convenience.