Which OM System / Olympus 40-150mm Lens Should You Buy?
OM Systems has three 40-150mm lenses in their lineup. Each lens has its own features and is at a different price point.
So which lens should you get? Here are the choices:
- OM System / Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO
- OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO
- Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 II Lens
I already owned the Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f.2.8 Pro lens and the Olympus 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens. I’ve used this research to decide whether to purchase OM System 40-150mm f4.0 Pro lens. Based on my findings, I decided to buy this lens. OM System offered $100.00 off for their fall savings that also helped to make the decision to purchase the lens. I now own all three OM System 40-150mm lenses.
In this blog, I’ll compare and contrast the OM System / Olympus 40-150mm lens line up to help you decide which lens is right for you.
Why Buy the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Lens?
The Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro Lens is the top of the line 40-150 lens with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. So, why should you buy this lens?
- The Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f.2.8 Pro lens has a fast maximum aperture and is a super sharp lens.
- It is the only OM System / Olympus 40-150mm lens that is compatible with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. This is extremely handy to use for bird and wildlife photography if you don’t have or didn’t bring along a longer wildlife lens.
- It is also the only 40-150 lens with a programmable L-Fn button, tripod collar, and manual focus clutch.
- It has the same 72mm filter size as the 12-100mm f/4 and 8-25mm f/4 lens, if you frequently use these lenses. This will save you from buying more filters if you are a landscape photographer that uses these f/4 lenses.
- Weather proofing is important to you.
Why Buy the OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro Lens?
The OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro Lens is the middle of the line 40-150mm lens with an f/4 maximum aperture. So, why should you buy this lens?
- You want Pro features with a smaller size and price tag. When I received my 40-150mm f/4 lens, I was surprised with how small and light it was in comparison with the f2.8 lens. I researched the specifications, but the real test comes when you fit is in your bag when traveling.
- You are not concerned with the compatibility with teleconverters.
- This lens has the same filter size as the 12-40 f/2.8 and the Olympus f/1.2 Prime lenses (62mm) if you frequently photography with this lens
- Weather proofing is important to you
Why Buy the Olympus 40-150mm f/4 – 5.6 Lens?
The Olympus 40-150mm f/4 – 5.6 Lens is the budget 40-150 lens with an f/5.6 maximum aperture at the long end of the focal range. So, why should you buy this lens?
- You are looking for this zoom range at a budget price.
- Weatherproofing, focus stacking, and teleconverter compatibility are not important to you.
- You are looking for a really small, light lens at this zoom range. This can be handy for travel when you have limited space available in your pack. I took this lens to India several times on business trips where I had limited room / weight available in my carry-on bag due to restrictions on domestic Indian flights.
Summary
The 40-150mm (80-300mm full frame equivalent) focal length range is terrific for zooming in on landscapes to capture details and also for wildlife photography. I’ve also used my 40-150mm f/2.8 to photograph bees in flight with Pro Capture. A 40-150mm also lens makes a great lens for photographing at zoos.
Which lens(s) to purchase is really dependent on how you plan to you the lens and how much you want to spend. Below I’ve listed some additional specification to aid in your decision.
OM System / Olympus 40-150mm Lens Specifications
| 40-150mm f/2.8 | 40-150mm f/4 | 40-150mm f/4.0 – 5.6 | |
| Dimensions | 3.13” (79.4mm) diameter, 6.3” (160mm ) length | 2.7” (69mm) diameter, 3.9” (99mm) length | 2.5” diameter (63.5mm), 3.27” (83mm) length |
| Weight | 1.67 lb / 760 g | 13.5 oz / 382 g | 6.7 oz / 190 g |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/4.0 – 5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 | f/22 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 27.6 ft / 70 cm | 27.6 in / 70 cm | 35.4 in / 90 cm |
| Optical Design | 16 Elements in 10 Groups | 15 Elements in 9 Groups | 13 Elements in 10 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded | 7 | 7, Rounded |
| Lens Coating | ZERO | ZERO and Fluorine | None |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No |
| Compatible with Olympus Teleconverters | Yes | No | No |
| Weatherproofing | Dust, freeze, and splash-proof design uses 11 separate seals to ensure the lens’s performance in inclement and harsh conditions. | IP53 dustproof and splash-proof construction | No |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 62mm | 58mm |
| Compatible with Focus Stacking | Yes | Yes | No |
| Other Features | Manual Focus Clutch, Programmable L-Fn Button, Removable Rotating Tripod Collar | ||
| Price | $1,499 USD | $899 USD | $199 USD |
Written by Martin Belan
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Field Test Results of the Olympus 100-400mm f/5.0 – 6.3 Telephoto Lens for Bird and Wildlife Photography
Should You Upgrade to the Olympus M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 Pro Lens for Bird and Wildlife Photography
OM System 150-400mm Unboxing and First Impressions
One Comment
BK
Thanks for covering all three of these! IMO, the F4Pro and the F2.8 are different lenses – one is for low light and supports teleconverters for extended reach. It also does not in any way extended when zooming, so max weather protection. The 4Pro, IMO, replaces the kit 40-150. It’s really a supreme take-anywhere lens. I do think it could do with about $150-200 shaved off the list price but, like you, I bought it on sale. I thought I might return it, but didn’t. It’s fast focusing, well corrected, had very nice roll-off in the bokeh, and is weather sealed. It’s just a great lens and could be part of every OM users kit if it was just a but less in price. Honestly, I don’t see a reason now for the kit lens.