
Nature Photography with the OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro Lens: Field Test Results
I’ve owned the OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro Lens for over 9 months now. I also own the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 and the Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 lenses. I’m finding that the longer I own the f/4 version of the 40-150, the more often it finds its way into my camera bag.
In this blog, I focus on my field test results for the OM System 40-150mm f/4 version of the lens. I look at this lens through several categories such as: how I use the lens, Image quality, size and weight, etc. I’ve also written a blog comparing the three Olympus / OM System 40-150mm lenses and why you should consider each one.
Let’s dive into the field test evaluation for the OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro Lens

Focal Length / Lens Usage
The 40-150mm (80-300mm full frame equivalent) focal length is perfect for a variety of subjects. I’ve used the lens for wildlife, up close birds, action / sports, and landscapes.
Above, I used the term “up close birds”. I find the reach on the lens is a bit short for bird photography and it is not compatible with the Olympus 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. It’s bigger, heavier, and more expensive f/2.8 cousin, is the only Olympus 40-150mm lens that is compatible with the teleconverters.
I have successfully used the 40-150mm f/4 lens for larger birds like Blue Herons and Egrets. The lens also works well with OM System features like Subject Detection and Pro Capture. I’ve used the lens with Pro Capture to photograph Hummingbirds around feeders and got good results. The OM System 40-150mm f/4 lens is also great for wider shots that capture animals and birds in their environment.
The OM System 40-150mm f/4 Lens is a great compliment to the OM System 150-400mm f/4.5 lens for wildlife photo shoots. When mounted on a separate body, this gives you quick access to a focal length range of 40-500mm (80 – 1000mm full frame equivalent). I found that quite a few times on an African Safari and other wildlife photo shoots that the animals were too close for the 150-400mm lens. With the 40-150 f/4 mounted on a separate body, I was able to quickly get the shot for closer wildlife subjects.

Image Quality / Sharpness
I find the OM System 40-150mm f/4 lens to be just as sharp as it’s f/2.8 counterpart. Bird, wildlife, action, and landscape images all came out sharp with the lens. I also really haven’t missed the wider f/2.8 aperture of the more expensive lens.
Image Stabilization
None of the Olympus / OM System 40-150mm lenses have Image Stabilization in the lens that provides Sync IS Stabilization in conjunction with the camera body. The f/4 version of the lens is small and light, really doesn’t need Sync IS. However, it would be a nice addition to the lens. I love Sync IS in the Olympus 12-100mm f/4 lens; I’m able to hand hold at really low shutters speeds using this lens. However, adding Sync IS to the 40-150mm lens would add to the size, weight, and price of the lens.

Size and Weight
For me, the size and weight really sets this lens apart. The 40-150mm f/4 lens is a lot smaller and lighter than the f/2.8 version of the lens. It fits in my camera bags standing up where the f/2.8 lens needs to lie flat and takes up more room in the bag. For this reason, I find myself taking the f/4 version more on photography trips, especially if I need to fly to my destination.
40-150mm f/4 | 40-150mm f/2.8 | |
Dimensions | 2.7” (69mm) diameter, 3.9” (99mm) length | 3.13” (79.4mm) diameter, 6.3” (160mm) length |
Weight | 13.5 oz / 382g | 1.67 lb / 760 g |

Weather Proofing
The OM System 40-150mm lens has an IP53 weatherproof rating, the same as the OM-1. I’ve used the lens on the OM-1 in the rain, on saltwater beaches with high winds, and with the dust on an African safari. The lens and camera were fine. As a precaution, I do use a rocket blower and wipe down my gear after shooting in environments with a lot of dust or sea salt.
Filters
There is one thing I don’t like about the OM System 40-150mm f/4 lens, the filter size. If you shoot with the OM System fixed maximum aperture f/4 line up for landscapes, the filter size for the 40-150mm does not match the other f/4 lenses. The 8-25mm and 12-100mm lenses use a 72mm filter while the 40-150 f/4 uses a 62mm filter. You could use a 62-72mm step up ring, but you won’t be able to use the lens hood.

Price
The price of the OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro lens is $899 USD, but OM System does have sales where it reduces the price of the lens to $699. This is a reasonable price for a good quality lens that is small and lightweight.
Summary
The OM System 40-150mm f/4 Pro Lens has become my go to lens at this focal length. It’s small size and quality lead me to continue to put the lens in my camera bag. I still have the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 lens. I like that lens because of its ability to pair with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. This is useful when I’m going on a landscape photography trip where I want to have a longer reach for birds or wildlife, just in case.
Written by Martin Belan
Related Blog Posts
Field Test Results of the Olympus 100-400mm f/5.0 – 6.3 Telephoto Lens for Bird and Wildlife Photography
Exploring the OM System 150-400mm f/4.5: A Hands-On Field Experience
Which OM System / Olympus 40-150mm Lens Should You Buy?