Lens Reviews / OM System Lenses i Not yet tested

40-150mm

Updates:
05/06/2022: Gallery Images added
05/11/2022: Hands-on Review added

OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO Hands-on Review

OMDS delivers an impressively compact, lightweight and sharp telephoto zoom for Micro Four Thirds

by Jeremy Gray | Posted 05/11/2022

In February, alongside the new OM-1 Micro Four Thirds camera, OM Digital Solutions, formerly known as Olympus, announced a pair of zoom lenses. One is a spruced-up version of the venerable 12-40mm F2.8, the OM M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm F2.89 PRO II, and the other is the all-new OM M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4 PRO lens. The new tele-zoom offers an 80-300mm equivalent focal length range, making it well-suited to many subjects, including portraits, sports, wildlife and even landscapes.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 42mm (84mm equiv.), F6.3, 1/50s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

The 40-150mm F4 is a more affordable and compact alternative to the Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens. The 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is $1,500 and weighs 760 grams (1.67 pounds), which is nearly twice as heavy as the new 40-150mm F4 PRO. The F2.8 zoom is also just over 60mm (2.36") longer than the F4 zoom. While you get a full stop more light-gathering capability with the F2.8 zoom, it comes at the cost of an extra $600 and significant weight and size.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 122mm (244mm equiv.), F4, 1/1600s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

OM 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko key features and specs

• Compact telephoto zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds
• Delivers 80-300mm (35mm equivalent) focal length range
• Constant F4 maximum aperture
• Weighs just 382 grams (13.5 ounces)
• D x L: 69 x 99 millimeters (2.7 x 3.9 inches)
• 62mm filter thread
• 15 elements in 9 groups
• Special lens elements include: 2x ED, 2x aspherical, 1x Super ED and 1x HR
• Includes ZERO (Zuiko extra-low reflection optical) coating to minimize flare and ghosting
• Fluorine coating
• Weather-sealed design
• Rounded 7-blade aperture diaphragm
• Movie and Still Compatible (MSC) autofocus system
• Focuses as close as 70 centimeters (70.6") for a 0.41x max magnification
• $899

The OM 40-150mm F4 is an impressively small and lightweight telephoto zoom lens

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4 PRO lens shares its styling with other OM System and Olympus lenses, complete with a semi-gloss black finish with silver and blue accents. The overall design is quite simple, as the lens lacks any buttons or switches.

The OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO is a sleek, compact lens in the same style as previous 'PRO' series Olympus and OM System lenses. It has a semi-gloss black finish with gray and blue accents. It's simple, and looks good.

Unlike the F2.8 version, this lens employs a collapsible design. The lens is 99mm (3.9") long when in a collapsed position. Rotating the zoom ring from the retracted position to 40mm requires a slight rotation and extends the lens by about an inch. Once the lens reaches 40mm, the rest of the zoom to 150mm is done internally, so the lens maintains the same length when in use.

The zoom ring takes up much of the lens barrel. The ring, which has a textured finish that offers a good grip, rotates smoothly from 40mm to 150mm. The lens is marked at 40, 50, 70, 100 and 150mm. Zooming from 40mm to 150mm requires less than 90 degrees of rotation. The focus ring near the front of the lens also rotates smoothly. It's a focus by wire lens, and thus there are no stops for the focus ring; you can rotate it indefinitely. The lens doesn't include a manual focus clutch design, nor does the barrel include an AF/MF switch.

In its collapsed position (top), the OM 40-150mm F4 is very compact. To use the lens, you must extend it (bottom), but it remains quite short. The lens zoom internally, so it doesn't extend further as you zoom from 40mm to 150mm.

It's also a lightweight lens, weighing only 382 grams (13.5 ounces). Considering it's equivalent to an 80-300mm zoom, the lens is extremely lightweight. When paired with the OM-1 camera, the combination's total weight is under 1,000g (34.6 oz.). That's quite impressive.

The lens ships with a locking lens hood. The lightweight hood adds a bit of length to the lens but is worth using in challenging lighting conditions. If you reverse the hood onto the lens, you can still use the lens, although the hood covers up some of the zoom ring when the lens is collapsed, and you can only access a portion of the focus ring when the lens is fully extended.

Like many OM lenses, the OM 40-150mm F4 PRO lens is weather-sealed. The lens includes extensive sealing against water and dust. Further, the front element has a fluorine coating to help repel moisture and grease while also making the front element easier to wipe clean. Considering Olympus and OM's sterling reputation, there's no reason to expect the new lens to be anything less robust in the face of adverse weather.

Despite losing some bells and whistles, like a focus clutch and L-Fn button(s), the 40-150mm F4 PRO still feels like a pro lens and offers an impressively compact, lightweight design.

Image quality: Excellent sharpness and overall performance

The OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO lens has 15 elements in 9 groups. There are two ED, two aspherical, one Super ED, and one HR element among these elements. The lens includes ZERO (Zuiko extra-low reflection optical) coating, minimizing flare and ghosting.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 75mm (150mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/100s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

All the crops seen below are 100 percent crops from raw image files converted in Adobe Camera Raw using default settings and built-in lens correction profiles enabled. I have selected specific images to show, but you can download the full-size raw files for each tested focal length and aperture in the Gallery.

40mm (80mm equiv.)

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 40mm (80mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. Sharpness test shot - 40mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At 40mm, the OM 40-150mm F4 PRO is an excellent performer. Even when shooting wide open at F4, the center sharpness is excellent. Impressively, corner performance is also very good. There's not much decrease in sharpness as you move toward the extreme areas of the frame.

If there's one downside to the lens' performance, there's a very slight vignette at F4. The vignette is mostly eliminated when you stop down to F5.6 and F8. Sharpness barely changes as you stop down. There's maybe slight diffraction as you stop down to F8, but it's hardly noticeable.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 40mm (80mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Sharpness test shot - 40mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 40mm (80mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. 100% bottom right corner crop. Sharpness test shot - 40mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 40mm (80mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Sharpness test shot - 40mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 40mm (80mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 200. 100% bottom right corner crop. Sharpness test shot - 40mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

70mm (140mm equiv.)

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 70mm (140mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. Sharpness test shot - 70mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At 70mm, the OM 40-150mm F4 PRO continues to excel. The center sharpness at F4 is very good. Corner performance is even better at 70mm than at 40mm, which is saying quite a bit considering how good the corner performance is at 40mm.

Vignette is slightly better controlled at 70mm than at 40mm, although, in neither case is it bad. The lens performs well up through F8 and to a lesser extent at F11, although you can see diffraction at F11 and beyond.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 70mm (140mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Sharpness test shot - 70mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 70mm (140mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. 100% bottom right corner crop. Sharpness test shot - 70mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 70mm (140mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Sharpness test shot - 70mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 70mm (140mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 200. 100% bottom right corner crop. Sharpness test shot - 70mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

150mm (300mm equiv.)

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. Sharpness test shot - 150mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

At 150mm, center sharpness at F4 is slightly worse than at 40mm and 70mm, but the image still presents impressive detail and clarity. At F5.6, the performance at 150mm is excellent. Corner performance is quite good across the board as well.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Sharpness test shot - 150mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/2500s, ISO 200. 100% bottom right corner crop. Sharpness test shot - 150mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Sharpness test shot - 150mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F5.6, 1/1250s, ISO 200. 100% bottom right corner crop. Sharpness test shot - 150mm. This image has been converted in Adobe Camera Raw with default settings and built-in lens profiles applied. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Sharpness summary

The OM 40-150mm F4 PRO lens is very sharp throughout its focal range. While the new zoom may not have the F2.8 aperture of its more expensive sibling, the OM 40-150mm F4 lens is every bit worthy of its 'PRO' designation when it comes to image quality.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 75mm (150mm equiv.), F4, 1/200s, ISO 400. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 75mm (150mm equiv.), F4, 1/200s, ISO 400. 100% crop. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 135mm (270mm equiv.), F4, 1/250s, ISO 200. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 135mm (270mm equiv.), F4, 1/250s, ISO 200. 100% crop. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Bokeh

Bokeh performance is somewhat mixed. Out-of-focus elements are quite nicely rendered, with clean bokeh. However, the aperture diaphragm has only seven blades, and even at F4, bokeh isn't completely round. That said, the lens delivers nice bokeh with a smooth transition from out-of-focus to in-focus elements.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/1600s, ISO 200. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/1600s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

Flare and aberrations

The OM 40-150mm exhibits excellent control of flare and aberrations. There's very slight longitudinal chromatic aberration (LoCA), which is only visible in the most challenging situations. Even then, it's not noticeable if you aren't pixel-peeping.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/2000s, ISO 200. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/2000s, ISO 200. 100% center crop. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 150mm (300mm equiv.), F4, 1/2000s, ISO 200. 100% corner crop. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 117mm (234mm equiv.), F4, 1/160s, ISO 16000. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 117mm (234mm equiv.), F4, 1/160s, ISO 16000. 100% crop. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 117mm (234mm equiv.), F4, 1/160s, ISO 16000. 100% crop. Click for the full-size image. Click here for the RAW file.

In the field

Autofocus

Despite being launched alongside the OM-1, which among many other impressive features, can shoot at 50 frames per second with full autofocus, the new 40-150mm F4 PRO lens isn't among those that support this impressive shooting speed. Even so, the 40-150mm F4 PRO delivers impressive autofocus performance with good speed and accuracy. The autofocus is also quite smooth and quiet, meaning that the zoom should lend itself well to video recording.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 90mm (180mm equiv.), F4, 1/1600s, ISO 250. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

 

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 140mm (280mm equiv.), F4, 1/800s, ISO 500. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

Close focus

An impressive aspect of the lens' autofocus capabilities is its close-focusing properties. The lens can focus as close as 70cm (70.6"), which results in 0.41x maximum magnification. It's not macro territory, but the lens is a good option for some close-up work.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 117mm (234mm equiv.), F4, 1/20s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

Usability

While autofocus performance is good and close-focusing is impressive, there are some key differences concerning usability and focus compared to the 40-150mm F2.8 PRO. As we've discussed, the 40-150mm F4 PRO is quite compact. Almost its entire barrel is taken up by the zoom and focus rings. The focus ring lacks a manual focus clutch mechanism, which allows you to swap between AF and MF operation by sliding the focusing ring back and forth. There's also no AF/MF switch on the barrel. To switch to manual focus, you must use the camera's menus.

Olympus E-M1 Mark III with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 59mm (118mm equiv.), F8, 1/80s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

Back to the positive, usability is significantly enhanced by the lens' compact size and lightweight decision. It's extremely impressive to have an 80-300mm equivalent lens with an F4 aperture that weighs under 400 grams. Paired with OM (Olympus) cameras having excellent in-body image stabilization – the lens doesn't have optical stabilization – the OM 40-150mm F4 is a great lens for walking around.

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 106mm (212mm equiv.), F4, 1/200s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

Summing this section up, the OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO lens is easy to use, easy to carry and delivers good performance across the board.

OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko Hands-on Review Summary

This compact telephoto zoom is an excellent addition to the OM System

What I like most:

• Small and lightweight
• Weather-sealed
• Excellent sharpness
• Minimized aberrations

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 66mm (132mm equiv.), F8, 1/5s, ISO 200. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

What I dislike:

• No focus clutch or AF/MF switch on the lens
• No optical image stabilization

OM System OM-1 with OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO M.Zuiko lens at 140mm (280mm equiv.), F4, 1/100s, ISO 250. This image has been converted and processed to taste in Adobe Camera Raw. Click for the full-size modified image. Click here for the RAW file.

Admittedly, the OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO lens is not the most exciting. There's nothing about it that blows me away. However, don't let that fool you. It's a great lens. The lens offers excellent performance in a compact form factor at a reasonable price. It doesn't include the faster F2.8 aperture of the larger, heavier, more expensive Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens, but the new 40-150mm F4 is a compelling option for photographers looking for a compact telephoto zoom lens for their Micro Four Thirds camera.

 

• • •

 

OM System 40-150mm F4 PRO Overview

(From Olympus lens literature) The M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO (35mm equivalent: 80- 300mm) is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens that covers a broad focal length range from mid-range 80mm equivalent2 to telephoto 300mm equivalent2. This high-performance M.Zuiko PRO lens is the world's most compact, lightweight model1, featuring a fixed maximum aperture value of F4.0.

Reliable weather-resistant performance for stress-free shooting even in punishing environments

• Advanced IP53 dustproof and splashproof performance, and freezeproof performance to 14°F Lens clear the IPX3 and higher splashproof tests, far exceeding the conventional IPX1 rating, as well as dustproof tests.

Features IP53 dustproof and splashproof performance for peace of mind in even more punishing conditions. It can also function in low-temperature environments down to 14°F, and pairing this lens with a dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof camera body makes it possible to continue shooting in punishing environments such as rain, snow, and even dusty environments with peace of mind.

• Fluorine coating added

In addition to water, oil, and dust repellent performance, the fluorine coating on the front-most lens reduces friction. Lens can easily be cleaned with a blower or cloth when dirty, allowing users to continue shooting immediately.

1. The world's most compact, lightweight and high image quality telephoto zoom lens

• Excellent resolution across the entire zoom range from 80mm to 300mm

This lens uses the same fundamental structure as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO, which is well known for its high resolution, and incorporates an optical design with 15 elements in nine groups (two ED lenses, one Super ED lens, one HR lens and two aspherical lenses). An effective layout of special lenses helps to thoroughly suppress chromatic aberration, which tends to occur with telephoto lenses, and delivers high- resolution imaging from the maximum aperture value across the entire zoom range and frame while maintaining a compact and lightweight form. The lens also features ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating, thoroughly eliminating ghosts and flares for clear depictive performance even in difficult conditions such as backlit scenes. This high-performance lens fully utilizes the high image quality performance of the camera body even when using High Res Shot mode.

• The world’s most compact, lightweight model delivers unrivaled portability, and an inner zoom system improves usability

A retracting mechanism makes this the world’s most compact, lightweight model as a fixed aperture value, 300mm equivalent (35mm equivalent) telephoto zoom lens, measuring approximately 99.4 mm long (124 mm long when in use) and weighing approximately 382 g, making it amazingly compact and lightweight. The lens was designed with a focus on ease of use when shooting and is equipped with a mechanism that makes it possible to retract and store the lens simply by turning the zoom ring. It also uses an inner zoom system that keeps the lens length the same across the entire focal length, suppressing center of gravity changes while zooming. Using compact, lightweight lenses in the front drastically reduces the feeling of heaviness, eliminating the long lens barrel and weight at the front of the lens, which is common to telephoto lenses, making shooting easier and more well-balanced.

2. Closest focusing distance of 70 cm (at all focal distances), and macro capabilities with a maximum image magnification of 0.41x

This model features a closest focusing distance of 70 cm across the entire zoom range, just like the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO. At the telephoto end, close-up shooting is possible up to a maximum image magnification of 0.41x. Despite being a telephoto zoom, this lens also possesses superior close-up shooting performance for a wide range of applications. Focus Stacking3 is also supported, which captures multiple shots at different focal positions, and then automatically composites the shot. When paired with a compatible camera, this mode allows you take macro photos that are completely in focus from the front to the back of the image.

PRICING & AVAILABILITY:

M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO: $899.99 USD; $1,149.99 CAD .Availability date: Early March 2022