Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 PRO - Incredibly Sharp Telephoto Zoom

[@robinwong]

Any Olympus lens that you want me to do a mini review/talk about here next? if I happen to have the lens with me, I will most likely be able to make similar videos, considering I can't go out to shoot at all under this lockdown situation in Malaysia. Stay safe everyone.

[@robinwong]

@@Michael-fw5ef we are NOT even allowed to go outside. The government locked us in. If we went out we will be locked in jail instead.

[@ScottPaton]

I assume you shoot RAW. I never have. I’d love for you to share what you do in post production with RAW images. I have the non-pro version of the 40-150 and like it, but couldn’t get close enough so recently bought the 75-300 non pro which is very good. Thinking I’ll start upgrading to pro lenses later this year.

[@robinwong]

@@ScottPaton please do watch my Olympus Workspace video I did very recently. Thanks.

[@dorkvania7212]

The one lens purchase I've been considering for a while is the 300mm prime. So I'd love thoughts on that. I love my 12-100, but when I shoot at 100 I often am cropping in further, which makes the prime very interesting to me. I have a variety of lenses, but I do most of my shooting on the 12-100mm or my 25mm. Though after all this time inside I am likely going to get a macro lens soon if I can. I am spending a lot of time doing tri-pod stabilized close focusing shots.

[@armaniusmaximus]

How about a comparison of the 17-25-45/1.2 pro lenses?

[@casdvm]

I have had this lens for 3 years, and it is fantastic! My wife and youngest son raise show poultry, and this lens is my number one performer when they need high quality images of their birds. The mechanics are extremely smooth, and the focusing speed is unbelievable. I agree that this is a MUST HAVE for anyone with Olympus M43 gear.

[@EugeneMaynard]

....and a must have for serious MTF Panasonic users too, especially those that prefer manual focussing when shooting video! 🙏🏾

[@drmbilalamin]

Just switched to m43 and finding these videos extremely helpful. Great job.

[@billjobes1851]

In the evolution of MFT lenses, if one lens can be considered 'perfect,' it is indeed the 40-150 Pro .For all the reasons you state. I shoot with the 1.4 TC on most of the time, and the results are dependable and -- spectacular. Hats off to the design engineers at Olympus !

[@wokabu9991]

Yesterday I ordered mine and today you confirmed that choice. Thank you so much, Robin! 👍

[@robinwong]

Awesome lens it is, you will love it.

[@alex.germany]

I own this lens since two years. I have many pro lenses but this ist the best I have. I love it. It never failed in AF and the images are perfect all the time...

[@DarrenMiles]

Superb review! Beyond the shadow of a doubt, this is one of the single best lenses in the entire micro 4/3 system! I couldn’t agree with you more!

[@RK-zo9vs]

Your youtube videos and photography are excellent! Your upbeat presentation and personality shines!

[@tonyrobinson8197]

Great review and great photos! I have this sensational lens and it is one of the few Pro lenses which also handles in-camera Focus Stacking. The internal zoom & focusing, close focus distance, sharpness, subject separation and quality bokeh make this an unbelievably useful tool. Probably the most underrated and over-looked lenses on the market. It's lovely to see your passion!

[@kylegifford2116]

Dang it Robin! Lol. Every time I have completely convinced myself that I want to buy a Fujifilm camera you talk me out of it. Olympus is so underrated. Thanks for the video!

[@robinwong]

hah, Olympus is a fantastic system, no doubt!

[@jennifergrainger2480]

Funny about that, I was the same. I did buy a well priced secondhand X100F to play with for happy snaps, practice street photography and travel. In a way I needed to simplify the camera functions to increase camera skills and appreciate what my OMD 5 Mark II offers.

[@peterkuiper5363]

@@Michael-fw5ef .. and the bodies, the latest XT4 excluded, are not stabilized.

[@amateurphotographer1096]

Really depends on what is important to you. Oly lenses and system are great. I own an Olympus system as well as fuji and my full frame canon. Each has its own place in my bag. I am used to shooting events with fullframe due to its ability to render shallow dof. Using the same focal length, aperture, iso and shooting in the same room there is no way an olympus 12-40 mm 2.8 can match the result of the full frame 24-70mm 2.8. That said if i go out for long hikes, biking, mountain climbing. Nothing beats the em5 or em1 and a 12-40mm and 2 extra primes when it comes to both weight and output. Fujifilm is a camera that is so fun to use and if i need some great images with better noise and willing to carry a little extra weight but not as heavy as the full frame setup then i carry my fujis.

[@afzolchoudhury4995]

Wow those portrait shots on this 40-150 f2.8 pro are simply mindblowing Robin

[@mfreider]

EXIF data on first set of images is hilarious! Well done, Robin. Internal zoom, internal focus for telephoto lens with such useful range - amazing!

[@Bassbarbie]

When I take my tripod ring off (which is most of the time), I use a silicon charity band in its place. It makes it really grippy and protects your hands from the little lugs. I’m too mean to splash out on the proper Olympus decorative band 🤭 It also supports a charity!

[@theosolberg]

I have acquired the 40-150mm f2.8 pro about 8 months ago. So far I have used it mainly for close ups during concert shoots and event shoots. Also for a few portraits. It's a fabulous lens. Great to handle, fast AF and super sharp.

[@romainprovost7164]

It's works great for night footage ?

[@johnstephen2869]

Hi Robin, great video. I just bought this lens on Saturday, and I’m like a kid with a new toy 🧸 Regards from NZ.

[@peterloke3933]

Picture quality and sharpness of this lens is just great!

[@robinwong]

Agreed!

[@r_c_therapy2188]

This lens really is a must have. I use it for just about everything I do. Landscapes, portraits, wildlife. Oh and it's amazing wide open. Highly recommend this lens. It's my go to lens alongside the 25 1.2

[@AnastasTarpanov]

Here I agree with all that you said, I love my 50-140 PRO lens and I use it for almost the same scenarios - events, conferences, action and indoor sports, concerts, even for some portraits from time to time. The versatility of this lens is amazing and I know a lot of guys from other systems that want such lens, but there is not one. available.

[@cwitters66]

Hey Robin, as usual, your reviews are the most useful - enthusiastic, on-point contents - it's like hearing you talk about it face to face. Thanks, keep doing you 🙂👍🏼

[@chetanunindracusin664]

One of the best zoom even with mc 20

[@II-yd6gx]

Many thanks for this review Robin. I’m not a pro photographer but have this beautiful lens and also the 1.4x teleconverter. I love the images it produces and the fact I can easily compose the subject with the zoom. I use it with Panasonic G9 & GH5 with absolutely no problems, 1.4x teleconverter looses a couple of F stops (F4) but causes no problem for me and I get increased range. By M43 standards it is quite bulky but not enough to leave it at home when hiking, like with Full Frame lenses. I also have the F2.8 7-14mm PRO which again is a beautiful lens with superb image quality. Love the channel, keep up the good work!

[@jdleschw]

Have you used it for video shooting handheld zoomed in all the way? Curious how the GH5 (or g9) stabilizes the vid at full zoom. Thanks

[@PWS777]

I have this lens and it’s always attached to my em1 mkii body on my nature walks and hikes. It hangs on my backpack strap ready for long tele reach and up-close photos. The lens works well with the auto focus of the camera. I just love it. And a few times I’ve used the digital tele in the menu to extend the reach for composing in camera. Olympus jpegs are that good to trust and use.

[@sks96816]

Hi Robin....good job! Would like to see some video with the 40-150mm with the 2x teleconverter. Maybe you can speak about the video capabilities of the lens with the teleconverter. Cheers. I also own this lens.....its sitting on my GH5!

[@mozinoz_digital]

I too have the GH5 Olympus 401502.8 pro lens and all images are stellar, except when I attach the 1.4 extender- it’s degrades my images with noise / grain - not sure why.

[@jdleschw]

Hows the image stabilization while shooting video when fully zoomed in? I have a GH5 and considering this lens but i'm concerned that the footage may be too wobbly when zoomed in all the way (handheld)

[@sks96816]

@@jdleschw I bought this lens.....its my go to for mid shots. Also have the 2x teleconverter....no loss of clarity...stabilization not an issue either for photos. Video, I use a tripod setup.

[@EugeneMaynard]

I do not own an Olympus body as yet, but I can confirm that all the qualities that you have stated that this lens possesses work just as well on my GH5. I noticed you showed it without the lens support ring collar, you forgot to mention that there is an optional replacement ring (DR-66) to improve the aesthetics, it looks better but the feel would have been more pleasurable if it had been made out of metal instead of a high grade plastic! I am amazed at just how close it focuses and I love the weight, length, balance and internal focussing. I have used it for sport and concerts along with my full frame Canon L prime glass and it is the lens I use most and have the most keepers. The only negative I have found is that at the very long end when shooting manual focussing video (even with the clutch engaged), it has an extremely tiny focussing throw as it does not work in a linear manner and therefore sometimes pops into or out of focus in an erratic manner instead of being totally smooth. This can obviously be fixed in firmware or maybe the recent linear focussing modes that are now being implemented in recent cameras have solved the issue. Despite it all, this lens is simply superb and gives me reason for considering adding an Olympus body to my kit to get the best out of it!🙏🏾

[@kimwoeioh3068]

It’s a great zoom lens, I used it to shoot indoor table tennis games last Dec, have hundred of action moments of Penang state players.

[@robinwong]

Definitely, the F2.8 helps a lot in low light indoor shooting.

[@johnstephen2869]

Hi Robin, yes I purchased this lens couple of months ago to match my 12-40 pro, and they are the perfect pair. My friend and I went touring around mountains and lakes of NZ’ south Is. and my new lens was hardly off my E-M5 ll. Shots were amazing and so sharp. So worth $1800. My primes are not required now hardly. You have given me ideas for portraits with your great video, so take care.

[@alex222alex]

I loved your EXIF captions. Gave me a genuine chuckle.

[@mattisulanto]

That is a great lens.

[@julienperalta9724]

Hey Robin i agree with you have this Amazing Lens on my em1 III and this is my second favorite Lens it's awesome !!

[@Sunshineleroy]

Robin, I fully agree. This is my best Oly lens. I preordered it and started using it as soon as the local camera store had it. It is actually my go-to lens for portraits. Excellent pro quality!!

[@duckd50]

your comments are spot on Robin. I use this lens for portraits and wildlife. Reliable and high quality.

[@3dtrip870]

Just got this lens today; so far stellar results! One thing that Robin didn't mention is the close focusing distance on this lens is really low, allow one to grab shots at a pretty close distance. This closeness blows out the background even more; and the bokeh on this lens is soooo smooth! Great review Robin!

[@markhoffman9655]

I use this for saltwater fly fishing and indoor events - my clients in both cases are admiring of the image quality it produces. There is nothing else like it even in other formats.

[@nigebrown2510]

Thanks Robin great video I’ve got the lens but learnt a lot of it’s capabilities through this video, thank you very much.

[@palamj2]

Own it, love it. Enough said.

[@robinwong]

Awesome

[@mirandavandenberk786]

Today I have now this lens, so happym finally. Thank you for the good advice

[@derschwarzdreher]

Thank you Robin!

[@jiffijoff9780]

Coming from Canon FF universe this lens was basically the reason to switch to m43. It replaces my beloved (but bulky!) Sigma 120-300/2.8 and it is way more convenient, with better zoom range, lighter, much faster in AF and simply in a different league in sharpness. As you said even wide open at the longest focal range its stunningly sharp. I'd agree its a must have 👍

[@gutssurfboards]

Picking this lens up tomorrow. Was excited but after watching your review , I can’t wait 😊

[@davidcoote8395]

It’s my favourite lens and I also have the two Tele converters which make it even more useful. Thanks for review, 👍

[@dj_ramo]

Your small notes were hilarious. Great review!

[@jerrymorgan9792]

My favorite lens from Olympus. Have many great shots with it

[@JackMoskowitz]

I use this lens for birds and wildlife with the 2x and get excellent results. I also like the design of the lens hood on this lens.

[@robinwong]

It is a great lens for wildlife and birding too!

[@romainprovost7164]

What's teleconverter do you use ?

[@thewellvideoproductions8244]

Beautiful work!

[@joefoto]

Do you still recommend the Olympus OMD EM1....the first one? I am debating on upgrading to the Mark ii, but I only do senior photos and occasional headshots, family portraits. Is it even neccessary?

[@kiwijinxter]

Thanks again Robin - from ex-Malaysian citizen to Malaysian :) Definitely considering this lens seriously as my next lens... I've only got 1 pro lens, the excellent 12-40mm pro (but have all the staple 1.8 lenses 17, 25, 40, 75mm), and I've just upgraded from my EM5 Mk2 to the EM1 Mk3 and am learning the ropes. Man what a system Olympus has - I hope JIP can keep up!

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Robin you are the man! I love your style of review, but you are costing me money. This lens just made it to the top of my list after this video.

[@dennisgin4622]

I purchased this lens over a year ago to shoot the National Athletics Competition February 2019. It held out very well over the 3 days, 2 of which rained. I didn't bother using any cover for my Em1 II nor this lens and it didn't miss a beat. I found the lens hood invaluable in that it sheltered a lot of the rain from the lens. I couldn't believe how sharp it was. I continued to use it over winter photographing Rugby and the Coast to Coast 2020 multi-event. I used it again at this year's Athletics Nationals and was able to photo the athletes hammer throw front on by the use of the 1.4 tele-converter. It was still tact sharp with the converter. The only issue I had was photographing ice hockey as the lighting wasn't good enough and I couldn't slow the shutter speed down enough without losing light.

[@Simoneister]

I'm always so tempted by the lens, it looks really fantastic. Most of my telephoto shooting though is really long with the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm. It'll be interesting to see Olympus's equivalent when it comes out!

[@JamesBoyer-plus]

Thank you for another great video, Robin. The Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is a great lens. I've made some of my favorite images with it and seeing the way that you shoot it without the tripod mount or lens hood makes me think that I should do the same and take it along in my camera bag more often.

[@GSi16vrs]

I always like your videos. The best reviews on earth! I try to choose between Olympus 75mm 1.8 or 40-150 F2,8 PRO. I really want the highest picture quality/rendering

[@jameswong3105]

This is the lens that leads me bk to m43. It’s the centre piece of my m43 system.Without TCs added, it is a great event and low light lens. Add the MC14 & MC20, it becomes a good wildlife lens. The min focus distance for this lens is v impressive. Add extension tubes, you can do some Marco shots.

[@richganzel9248]

Totally agree Robin! The macro capabilities aren’t bad either.

[@Cabbydave49]

I lust after this lens and am going to swap my 14-150mm f4-5.6 and my (terrible) 75-300mm 4.8-6.3 to finance one. I already have the 14-40mm f2.8pro and the 60mm f2.8 macro so that should suit me. What about a teleconverter?

[@mirandavandenberk786]

Tommorow I get finally this lens,Thank you for your great vidio

[@charne911]

I ordered this lens today (second hand -- but with return privilege) -- don't do much wildlife, sports, or birds -- but I do like architectural detail and long range street photography -- do you miss no in-lens IS? (All my work is hand-held.) Thanks! Stay safe!

[@ikoknyphausen198]

Great review. Have you tested the same lens with a 2x TC? I’d be interested in using that combo for bird & wildlife photography.

[@TheMixNation]

Great video, thanks so much for this!

[@gangleweed]

Hi Robin, after watching your reviews of this lens I bought it a couple of weeks ago shortly after I also bought the EM20 mark111 camera....the camera was almost new with 6 months warranty still left etc. One of my likes over the years was doing close ups of insects and flowers with a canon FD 35mm film camera using extension tubes to get close, that was before I went digital in 1998. Now I aim to use a close up tube set with the 14-150 lens for the EM20 which is available for A$50 on EBAY and will also allow AF too as it has the AF contacts in it. The alternative was to use a 30mm or 60mm macro lens but at approx A$100 to A$300 the extension tube/14-150 solution covers all within it's range and means only one lens + tubes to do all. Using a telephoto with extension tubes allows you to get close ups but far enough away without scaring the wild life............my late father used an Exacter Varex 35mm camera with a 135mm lens and extension tubes to do macro work......at a distance.

[@davidblack2632]

Great video! The 40-150/f2.8 is my most used lens. Stay Safe and Healthy!

[@jiraz]

Sorry but can I ask this, How it work well with Lumix G9? Thank you.

[@chrisharrington9019]

I’m trying to decide between the 40-150 2.8 and the 100-400mm. I’m using Em1 Mark II Which one would you recommend over the other ?

[@dannygo4230]

Nice video. How do you think this lens will do on my Olympus E-pl7 camera? Till now, I have used that camera mainly for vintage lens/manual focusing/exposure, with a focal reducer.

[@t0992]

What is the better Lens the OM 40-150 f4 or the Olympus 40-150 f2.8 The f4 is much cheaper but is it better as the f2.8(is much older and expensive) I shot Wildlife and Landscape with the OM 1

[@CheikoSairin]

Very telephoto lens reviews video. Thanks for sharing. 👍😃👍

[@evolvingphotons]

This is the lens I use for shooting outdoor sports (rugby), both with and without the X1.4TC. It was my first m43 lens and never failed me in any weather conditions. Also love the captions at the start. 🤣

[@bjarnerasmussen5]

Hello Robin. I have this lens for a year now, and it´s the best of my lenses, I use it for every sort of photographing and I love i. I also use the 1.4 teleconverter with the lens and I am very satisfied with this combination. Greetings from Bjarne Rasmussen in Denmark.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for sharing your experience, some of the animal shots in this video were also taken with the MC14.

[@eugenetan4510]

Hi Robin, can I ask a question? I have a 40-150mm but when compared to the 45mm F1.8 the colour our the 40-150mm raw, it seems to be off and less contrasty when compared with the 45mm raw. Any ideas on why this is?

[@fernandevaudan7774]

I really appreciate this lens. I like to use it for landscape, you see nature which another point of view, much more detailed.Yesterday I received the MC 20 converter it will be another adventure.

[@richganzel9248]

I rented the mc20 for my 40-150 pro for a trip to Oahu and captured some incredible shots at the Red Bull Pipeline contest last February. It’ll be my next purchase!

[@photoman3579]

I love this lens ..

[@jennifergrainger2480]

Great review Robin, I'm a long way off being ready for this lens but it sure is impressive. I'm getting g a bit more confident with my camera. Sticking to the 12-40mm and practicing with settings. I using a Fuji and old Cannon all at the same time with diffent focal lengths and it's surprisingly it's helping me overcome my intimidation of the Olympus menu and appreciate the camera more. They all have their pros and cons. Take care, thanks for being your usual cheerful self. We are all stressed at the moment and in need of shutter therapy!!

[@kb1qzh]

I just bought a used copy of the 40-150 Pro and new MC20. I haven't had time to really use the combo but some times I feel like the image looks soft through the EVF. This doesn't mean the image is that soft but it sticks in my mind. The 40-150 Pro alone I think looks beautiful!

[@Eti1968]

Hi Robin, I bought this lens a half year ago because next week I was supposed to travel to Norway. Unfortunately the world is in lock down. However, I did my share of practicing with the lens and I love to use it in street photography. As you mentioned it it is very sharp and fast focussing, and usable with both teleconverters.

[@Sgt43]

fotoğraflarınızda türk bayrağını görmek çok güzel çok teşekkürler

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Robin: I own this lens. I simply love it! I also use the 2x converter for wild-life images and it continues to work amazingly. Cheers, Keith

[@romainprovost7164]

What's converter do you use ?

[@Master-tu4kd]

Are those images in the start from this lens or from the 150-400mm? Thanks

[@ppalumbo_ca]

The 40-150 f2.8 is my most used lens. It has no direct comparison. Many people say this lens isn't in the spirt of mirco4/3 (too large and too heavy). I think this lens is a reason to buy micro 4/3. So much reach and yet 40mm at the wide end. the F2.8 aperture makes it usable indoors! The AF speed is amazing. This lens is a bargain.

[@catherinetremerryn]

Sounds fantastic, really want one!

[@judithwinkler1553]

Thinking about buying this lens. But I do like to shoot birds. Can you post shots and thoughts on using this lens with the 2x converter. Thanks

[@johnehman8685]

I most enjoy mine for close-up nature photography when I don’t need to work within a true macro range. It’s the default lens for my E-M1 II. So versatile! I can go right from a flower to a flying bird, and the manual focus clutch is such a bonus.

[@undergreenthunder8037]

Hey John. How close can you get?

[@diegoabw]

Hi Robin, since you where shooting with the em1m2 for a while, how do you feel with the em5 m3 regarding the grip? It looks like a big difference.

[@JB-vc6xj]

OMG I want this lens for my EM1 mkII 😍

[@srhphoto1]

My most used lens. Fabulous on it's own and paired with the 1.4 TC for motorsport

[@catherinetremerryn]

Love this lens too. When I first bought this lens I made the mistake of putting a teleconverter x2 onto it and found the images soft. The difference when I took the teleconverter off was incredible! Am I making a mistake with the teleconverter and not using the correct settings? My firmware is up to date and I’m shooting with the M1 Mark iii. A great video, thank you.

[@knutSchevik]

I bought mine 😁 cant wait to test it more... but thinking in the next zoom 100-400 or 300mm?? Cant decide!!

[@Iandreid]

My most used lens. Portrait and indoor sports. Fast and accurate focus and silky smooth zoom for framing.

[@walle1746]

Thank you for this video. It discovered a really interesting and useful telephoto zoom-lens for me. Can you please tell me, how it performs with original OM-D E-M1? How fast and accurate it is when focusing? and how it sharp at f2.8 ?

[@hikingsteven7665]

thanks for a great video I must have that lens

[@michaelshoup2703]

Totally luv my Oly 40-150 Pro! Picked up the MC-14 a couple yrs ago.. In a word, Brilliant! From shooting butterflies, to weddings, to fast moving jets at air shows, it's never let me down.. As for this virus, I'm in Orange County, California, and while they won't lock us up, most everyone is staying inside.. Video suggestion? Your camera bags! How you set yours up for weddings, micro shooting, and of course, street shooting.. Still original, or modded in some way? I believe you use small socks for some of your lenses? I use soda can koozie's.. Keep smiling.. Later dude..

[@zactapia8745]

Is this lens compatible with the gh5 lumix without attachment¿ thank you

[@leonfourie5717]

Great video. Defnitly on my list. Looking for use one for 6months but nothing so for that fits my budget.

[@ianbower6434]

being on a limited budget i am still using an E1 mk1 with the 14-150mm, which is a little slow and short for taking pix of whippet racing, (had hoped that oly would bring out a faster 50-200mm) also strugling with setting up focus settings and mode so help would be appreciated.

[@Rafaga777]

Great review. I only have the 12-40 mm pro and the 60 mm macro but this lens is certainly on my wish list. But for the time being I stick with my 12-40 mm pro...

[@robinwong]

The 40-150mm PRO will certainly be a great addition, allowing you coverage that you cannot do with your current lenses!

[@williampegram]

Thank you Robin for the video, I have this lens & love it. I also have the 75-300 you also recently reviewed. Would you prefer the 40-150 with 2x converter to the 75-300, or even the 40-150 no converter & just crop in tight compared to 75-300 IQ? Anyone's input who's compared these? Thanks!

[@lasticonoclast]

I saw comparisons on a Japanese web site, and this lens with the 2x converter was still sharper than the 75-300, although not quite as sharp as the PanaLeica 100-400. I had the PanaLeica, but it suffered the dreaded break at the lens mount (made of plastic!), so still looking for a replacement. I thought about this lens with the 2x converter combo, but will probably wait for the Olympus version to come out.

[@davidroby8493]

First images captioned 150-400mm PRO lens. Are they or are they 40-150?

[@robinwong]

You will find out when you reach the third image.

[@gannetry]

Have you used with MC14 or MC 20 ... be very interested !

[@FukuroOFU]

I use this lens for video shooting. I often shoot stage for brass band, especially 4K video shooting. This lens that can capture the whole sharply is indispensable for 4K brass band video shooting.

[@marklaurendet1861]

It is a great lens and with a focal length and aperture not readily available on other systems

[@joe34114]

I love your sense of humor lol.

[@robinwong]

Thanks!

[@raghedsalim1954]

How would this lens react on the em-10 mark iii?