Why Olympus 40-150mm F4-5.6 R Is Perfect For Beginners?

[@jasonwrites9186]

My son (7 years old) is really into photography. I bought him this lens. Not only does he love it, but I use it to teach him about things like background compression, depth of field, etc. Oh, and I would challenge anyone to find a lens at that price point that performs better optically - I was SHOCKED by how good the images look. Great video, Robin.

[@XTJ7]

"Underrated" really describes it well. And it is such a compact lens too for what it offers :)

[@robinwong]

Thanks Jason, for that price, the image quality really is impressive! Your son is so lucky to have you share the joy of photography with him at such young age!

[@paperazzo]

It appears that the Panasonic 14-140 performs better, has stabilization and is also even lighter. But for a beginner, the Olympus is very much sufficient, a bit cheaper than the Pana and I personally like its design much better. As a beginner, it gave me awesome results and boosted my joy and motivation to pursue the journey of photography.

[@excalibro8365]

@@paperazzo A bit cheaper? The oly is 4x cheaper new and up to 6x cheaper for a second-hand unit compared to the panny. That's not 'a bit' cheaper.

[@stephenbrasure4331]

When I purchased the Olympus 40-150 Pro lens, I sold my copy of the Plastic Fantastic 40-150 F4-5.6 R. It wasn't long before I realized that at time when I want to have a light kit, I didn't want to carry the pro lens, so I ended up buying another 40-150 F4-5.6 R lens. It really is a gem, and I've found it is also very good for close-up shots of flowers and insects. And at a budget price, it's well worth having for when you need it. My development as a photographer made a huge leap when I purchased a M10 along with the two kit lenses, and I still consider the M10 Mark II two lens kit to be a great buy for someone starting out in photography.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Stephen for sharing your experience, and I agree with you, the E-M10 series cameras and the twin kit (14-42mm and 40-150mm) are perfect for newcomers!

[@Arcade1959]

Is it so bad on corners at 40mm ?

[@cars291]

Even after more than a decade of photography as a hobby, I still had fun watching your video 💪

[@robinwong]

Thanks, that's a very kind compliment!

[@normstangl3499]

I consider myself to be an advanced amateur. I’m retired and on a budget as well. I have a Canon 5D Mk iv with some L series lenses. I recently ( in retirement) picked up an OM-D E-M1 original with just over 9,000 shutter activations. It came with a 14-42 mm kit lens. I was given a Lumix 20 mm f1.7 and just bought a 60 mm macro as well as the 40-150 mm zoom. This will all fit in a bag a quarter of the size of my canon gear bag. The combined total cost for all of this gear is under $900 CDN. So far I’ve been very impressed with the Olympus optics and the performance of the 16 megapixel sensor. Not to mention the amazing technology of this 9 year old camera. The first camera that I ever purchased for myself was the original OM-1 film camera with the 50 mm f1.8 kit lens as well as the 105 mm and 28 mm primes. This new set up reminds me of the feel I got when shooting with the film camera, and that’s a good thing. My on going dilemma is whether I should sell the Canon gear and purchase an E-M1 Mk iii to get the benefit of the many updates and the Starry Sky AF feature. At the moment the Canon seems to be collecting dust. That makes for a very expensive dust collector. I’ve been considering getting the Viltrox adapter to add my canon lenses to the mix. Has anyone got experience using these adaptors. This could be a great option. I should add that my interest is still photography not video.

[@trishf29]

I bought this lens with my OM-D EM-5 Mkiii, and used it constantly until I could afford to upgrade to a Pro. Now it’s on my new OM-D EM10 Mk 4, and it seems to work even better, apart from being so nice and light. Easily fits into my handbag too, so can take it with me to events where I’m afraid to take a more expensive and bigger camera. I used it with the EM-5iii to take images of a choir, inside a venue. There was enough light so didn’t need to use the flash, and that alone amazed me!

[@robinwong]

Thanks for sharing your experience and use of the 40-150mm R. One thing I regretted not saying is that the 40-150mm R works well for stage and event shooting too, which you have mentioned similarly to the choir!

[@leafing.around]

Love your illustration and self portrait of distorted Vs normal "I'm a tiger hear me roar" perspective!

[@robinwong]

MEOW!

[@uTPH1]

I got this lens in a kit with the EM01ii and the 14-42 EZ when I moved over to MFT to save weight when travelling 5 years ago. Just love how the whole kit easily fit into carry on along with everything else I wanted on long haul. It's stayed with me through moving up to EM5ii then EM1iii. I still have the EM10ii for everyday walks and the 14-42 & 40-150 "mini kit" is great for general walkabout photography with little weight and a small budget. Respect to Olympus for this amazing lens at the price point. look out for kit-spit or used bargains. Only downside is the plastic mount but hey - it's a budget lens.

[@robinwong]

Yeah that is true, the plastic construction does not inspire much confidence, but I guess they need to cut down the cost somewhere!

[@VuthaRos]

I own one for EM10ii. It's great for photography as a hobby for me.

[@robinwong]

Perfect fit for the E-M10 series cameras!

[@GrandmasterBBC]

I could not agree more about the value and versatility of this bargain lens. It performs far beyond what its price would suggest. Although I have many much more expensive prime lenses, some of my best shots have been taken with this wonderful little telephoto gem. Great video as always Robin. :-)

[@robinwong]

Thanks, and yes, I have got some crazy good shots with this humble 40-150mm R lens too!

[@donwallace7354]

Robin, thanks for the reminder. I got sucked into the "gotta have the 45/1.8" club without appreciating these fine kit lenses that I already have. I will be sure to get out and give this lens another shot once the temperature goes above, or at least approaches, freezing, here in the upper midwest USA.

[@robinwong]

Oh dear, that weather sounds scary. But yes, do go out and shoot more with the lens when you can!

[@donwallace7354]

@@robinwong Will do, thanks. This has been a fairly normal winter, but I sure would appreciate some warmer temps for my old bones.

[@sealcove2698]

This was so helpful! Thank you. I would love more videos on beginning photography, with example photographs. Loved your recent street photography video. Your photographs are great!

[@robinwong]

Thanks Seal, glad you liked the video. I shall keep the suggestion in mind for content for newcomers.

[@grillman7170]

I like this lens for portrait as it allows to shoot from further away and makes the subject more comfortable.

[@juancarlosllaurado4514]

This was my first MFT Olympus lens, and i did have a nice time with it, and still do, Robin, thanks for your video, as always you are clear and concise.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Juan, glad you love the lens!

[@dzBOXgaming]

Great video we need more like these… very intuitive thanks robin

[@robinwong]

Thanks, glad you liked it, and I will do more for sure.

[@Lordvader330]

I love these beginners videos. Not that I need the help but to remind me of what’s simple in my bag. I have used this lens for decades. First on my e-510 in the 4/3 version. I feel the lenses over 100mm give you the best bokeh. The compression and the lower aperture give great results. This was an excellent video for the folks. Nice job on this Robin. Now get some budget OM lenses and get that manual freak on.

[@robinwong]

Thanks for the kind words! I just want to highlight the fact that there are budget friendly lenses and we don't have to have the greatest and most expensive gear to get the best results. 40-150mm R is the perfect example.

[@michelaleoni64]

Excellent video, very clear and easy to understand explanation.

[@irishrose89775]

Great video Robin! Certainly some useful hints for all photographers, not just beginners.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Caitlin for the kind words. I always share what I can.

[@dougcooper4917]

Great Review, and Great Information Robin. Thank You.

[@robinwong]

Thanks Doug! Appreciate that

[@joshuaplatt5423]

I bought the 40-150 "plastic fantastic" for $99 in 2015, before I even bought my OM-D E-M 10 Mark II in 2016. While it has its limitations, for $99 (or even the full price of $199/$149), in good light, the lens punches well above its weight. It is easy to use, and small, easy to carry. I used to travel a lot for business. I could carry my 10.2, the 14-42 and 40-150, along with a 25/1.8, in my computer bag and shoot just about anything! Love this lens - but I love the 40-150/2.8 more.

[@Perryno1]

Yer Id love a $1000 lens too!

[@robinwong]

Yeah, if you can get the 40-150mm R for cheap, it is so worth it, considering how much the lens can do!

[@mituldeychowdhury19]

Excellent, sensible video as always. I actually prefer the moderate DoF of the 40-150 -- that still retains some "feel" of the background -- to the often excessive blurring from a wide-open lens. Point very well made re. the often false maxim of one's legs being "the best zoom lens", esp. when the subject is wildlife/birds, or an unsuspecting stranger going about their day. Love this light, cheap, discreet, versatile lens + e-m10ii combo as a complete amateur; not missing the shots anymore that I would rue when carrying a clunky DSLR.

[@lollipop171]

Thank you for all your videos Robin! I am new to photography. I was looking for a new hobby and was thinking about photography for a couple or years now. Thanks to you I managed to take the step (as before I new next to 0 about the cameras) Now waiting for a delivery of E-M 5 Mk II and this objective. Both secondhand, but objective never used. Thanks again!

[@petrusframe]

Thank you very much for this Video. I have buy this today 🥰

[@TheRealMarxz]

I literally just purchased this today ($60 USD brand new) - got it more out of curiosity but so far looks like it will be a great travel lens - I've got multiple (oh so many) pro level Lumix and Oly lenses but this is light and sharp and is a good match for my Lumix pancake zoom for just shoving in a pocket and getting on a bus or a plane

[@VanLigutom]

Thanks for the reminder Robin!

[@robinwong]

I don't think you need a reminder! haha

[@VanLigutom]

@@robinwong I tend to leave my zoom lens and got reminded with this video to bring it on my coming shoot this Sunday.

[@JPjaRisti]

I just ordered this lens to my Olympus Mark IIIs. Can't wait to use it. Good video😁

[@leonfourie5717]

Hi Robin.Yes i still have my Oly 40-150R but admit not using it after i bought the Oly 14-150ii which is weather resistant and bigger range at the wide angle side.I did how ever used the Oly 40-150R a lot before that and really enjoyed the experience and must admit foto' were good enough.

[@robinwong]

The 14-150mm is a fantastic lens for sure, but the 40-150mm R is so much cheaper, and sometimes here in Malaysia you get it bundled for free with some camera purchases!

[@molnarandrassandor3448]

I recently bought an EM-10 markII with the 14-42 kit lens, and got a used 40-150mm on ebay for peanuts, in excellent condition. It is such a great lens, I really enjoy using it, and the EM10 markII as well.

[@numbersix8919]

Hey Robin! By coincidence I just came back from a mountain trip. I used the same 40-150 lens a lot and it easily has 90%+ the capability of a PRO lens! I started using it on closer subjects too, and I'm starting to think that wide angle lenses (

[@robinwong]

Thanks, glad you like the 40-150mm R and I am sure your shots from the mountain trip are fantastic! Keep that shutter clicking.

[@KrapfenK]

I'm sorry Number Six, but have you ever used a PRO Lens? I owned the 40-150 R and doesn't like it. Especially the LOCA performance is very poor. It simply drove me crazy. The key benefits of a PRO lens from Olympus are outstanding optical characteristics, faster apertures and offcourse weather sealing to it's maximum. The 40-150 R is okay for it's price, but it's not nearly 90%+ to a PRO Lens.

[@numbersix8919]

@@KrapfenK Maybe I'm exaggerating, 90% is a little high re aperture. But the snowy mountain in the sun, deep blue sky, deep shadows, was only a little off being as super sharp as the 12-40 PRO (at 150mm f/8). I hate CA too, and get it on this mountain all the time, but this lens was very tame indeed. Disclaimer, I still need to look at the RAW files and will post any CA problems in them or in other applications.

[@numbersix8919]

@@KrapfenK OK I checked my RAW files and shot more photos with sharp edges, patterns, and lines against bright backgrounds at f/8 or less -- ISO 200 -- and short, medium and long zoom. CA is minimal to nonexistent at print size, sharpness very good at 100% and even 200%. Pixel peeping RAW files, all I can find is a few pixels thick, greenish tint along lower-contrast and more bluish along the outside of the higher-contrast edges. You can see it as you zoom into where you can see noise. That might be CA and/or noise. But all-in-all, a very usable long zoom lens with consistently good IQ for $100.

[@nguyentrieuphuc4007]

This video very useful for beginner photographer 💗💗

[@guinhill]

I got my 40-150 non R ( i don't know the diffrence ) back in 2011 as my 2nd Lens ( the 20mm panasonic is my 3rd ) for the E-PL1. I still use this lens often, Recently on the beach and took some great shots with it. Sure you have to work with the limitations of the Lens, but limitations encourage creativity. Thanks for this vlog, my 7yo is also getting in to photography, and this helps me guide her in to making photo's

[@diegodiaz5206]

Thanks for the video Robin, Greetings from Colombia

[@christinecoughlan4699]

Thank you Robin.

[@robinwong]

Glad to share, Christine!

[@JackMoney]

lol I just realised why you use the Robin brickheadz. Perfect.

[@armanddimeo6575]

This is the second Olympus lens I bought. I was not sure what to get for my second lens after the basic 14 to 42 mm kit lens. Then I saw this lens for $100 and took a chance on it. I am glad I did. The results are amazingly good for the price or even not for the price. For my purposes, there is no need to get the pro version.

[@1957PLATO]

I am no beginner but this lens is fantastic and I am not ashamed to admit that I use it a lot and with great results. Would love to have the pro but at this moment I can’t afford it.

[@robinwong]

The 40-150mm R lens is more than sufficient!

[@johnyutzey6504]

Same here Plato. The kit I always carry in my car for unanticipated shooting opportunities has three lenses including the 40-150. I'm never disappointed. Especially for the price, there is no reason not to have this lens in your arsenal.

[@1957PLATO]

@@johnyutzey6504 good plan 👍

[@paja13]

Plastic fantastic lens :) got mine for 10 yrs still even if I have 40-150mm F2.8 PRO... :)

[@robinwong]

Yeah good to have the mini lens around for easy carry!

[@JeffBourke]

I just picked up this lense on clearance sale for US $70. 😮 looking forward to using it.

[@mihailopr]

I got that with my e410, great little lens, still using it.

[@neilfilms]

I owned the ED version of that lens its very sharp and solid

[@jjp_nl]

When I first started with photography, this lens sure made a valuable addition to my EM-10 III and 14-42 EZ kit when I got to buying a first additional lens. In terms of value for money, it's hard to beat this lens.

[@johnbelli9390]

This was the very first lens I bought after the EZ as well.

[@robinwong]

I agree, in terms of value, the 40-150mm R lens is hard to beat!

[@mariaalejandramakeupartist8455]

Greattttt content! Thankyou! ❤

[@robinwong]

Thanks Maria!

[@plaidchameleon25]

That lens constantly punches above it's weight. I can a used one at a photography shop here in Tokyo for less than ¥5,000 (about 45 US dollars). Some of my best photos were taken with this lens. I now have other lenses like the 60mm macro and the 45 1.8 and yesterday I bought my first Pro lens - the 12 - 40 2.8, but I'm gonna keep on using this lens because it just delivers.

[@courtmetrage]

This lens is good value for money. I agree with you.

[@robinwong]

For sure!

[@acrummey85]

This is related to the Jan 30 Live stream with Rob Trek and others. I have taken your suggestion and will try shooting with the 9mm BCL on the E-P1. The camera has a low shutter count but appears to have an IS issue but it has no impact on any of the shots I have taken with it (mostly 25mm or 17 mm so easily hand held even without ibis). I truly enjoy your shutter therapy sessions. Thanks.

[@HR-wd6cw]

I think a zoom lens in general (whether it's a 40-150) or even the kit lens (14-42) is a good start for beginners because it gives them the flexibility to play around with different FLs and see what they prefer. Plus the 40-150 does give you an 80-300mm FF equivalent which is probably what most people (Aisde from those who shoot wildlife/sports) will probably need. A lot of these telephoto "kit" zooms generally don't get the attention they need, and part of that might be because historically these have not generally been that good optically or they have had too many compromises that some are not willing to live with (this is for all brands, not specific ones). But modern telephoto kit lenses have gotten a lot better. Even Fuji's 50-230 for example, or Nikon's 50-250 Z lens are actually quite good given the price. I'd say Sony's 55-210 as well although that is an older design but it's probably still decent enough for beginners/new photographers. Your comment about blurry backgrounds is also very true. It is a misconception that people have. Of course you won't get the same look on a 40-150 4.5-5.6 then what you'd get with say a faster telephoto prime or zoom lens (like an f/2.8) but you can still get some blurry backgrounds with these budget lenses (the bokeh may just be a bit more busy/less blurry). One thing about compression though, as this has been debated a lot. Your lens doesn't really compress the scene as people think it does, with longer FLs, but rather crops out a lot of the background. This is often misunderstood. The only differences between say shooting at 150mm and cropping in from an 85mm might be a bit more blur in the longer FL image, but the relationships of the subjects (providing the subject-camera distance, and subject-background distance are the same) will be basically the same but you have the illusion of compression. A lot of people are taught that the relationships of the subjects change. They don't.

[@elwirastadnik]

I would love to know what makes you call it “for beginners”?

[@biswajitsharma9147]

Indeed it’s a nice lens specially when it used to be really cheap during Olympus era. OM System raised its price a bit. However this lens still a great buy for M4/3 system.

[@robinwong]

The price is still the same here.

[@redzeppelinuk]

Thanks Robin 👍 Invested in an E-M10 MKIII at Christmas after 35 years out of the photography loop when it comes to a dedicated camera, and your video's have been an invaluable source of help and information. I got the standard 14-42 kit lens, but also the 45mm F1.8 for just £1 in a crazy offer from Olympus and a great deal on this 40 - 150mm from Amazon too, so I'm now well set up but very much still learning and enjoying working through many of your old and new videos. Keep it up - I'll be sure to buy you a coffee or 2 🙂

[@robinwong]

Thanks Red for the coffee and I am so glad you got the E-M10 Mark III with some lenses, that is a fantastic setup! Glad that you are discovering the joy of photography again after all this time, keep the shutter clicking.

[@akna4155]

This was my first lens, I had it even before purchasing the body. When I tried my buddy's, it attracted me to get into m43 and interchangeable system. Before that, I was on the Fuji X100 and thought that's all I need. Well, the more I tried longer focal length, the more I enjoy it. Considering a longer lens than 150mm now.

[@TheRoadrunner11]

Agreed! it's a really nice little lens. I used it for portraits as well as lunar photos. However, I sold mine a few months ago and bought a Lumix 14-140mm instead, as it offers a similarly nice image quality plus can be used for wide angle shots as well as zoom, not to mention superb image stabilization. It is a lot more expensive however.

[@Pine4205]

The Plastic Fantastic is a great lens for a photographer's kit.

[@lordbaloma]

this lens is great, and sharp

[@robinwong]

Agreed!

[@leckywoznicki5393]

Thank you

[@robinwong]

Thanks Lecky, glad I can share!

[@f-low]

I am very new and got the 14-150mm. I think it is very good

[@robinwong]

The 14-150mm lens is great of course. But it also costs a lot more than the 40-150mm R.

[@milodermick2981]

Excellent Robin, and yes this lens have bokeh !

[@Martin_Siegel]

It's a great user, IMO and really affordable. I love mine!

[@rhanarr7664]

My OMD-Mark iii cannot detect my kit lens. Not sure how much it's going to cost me to repair. Another option is to just buy a new lens. I don't really know about camera things much. I want to know, can I attach this lens to my camera?

[@chiranjibpradhan2550]

Is this supporting Panasonic lumix g7 camera?

[@petersmitham8273]

A gem of a lens…can’t wait for the ‘pro’ version to appear…📸🍷🌈

[@robinwong]

I think a lot of people have talked about the PRO 40-150mm lens, not many paid attention to the 40-150mm R, hence I made this video.

[@petersmitham8273]

@@robinwong I will buy the f4 pro lens when it arrives but will always hang on to this one as it is so light and tough….👍📸🌈

[@rpdee7344]

1/26/22 Hi Robin, I have both the 14-42 mm R kit lens and the 40-150 mm R and consider my photos of Pro Quality on how much I want to spend on lenses for my Olympus OM-D cameras. Nobody has judged my photos and asked if I used Pro lenses, but on the contents of my photos. the title should be for this video...is Perfect for all photographers on a budget.

[@robinwong]

Thanks, and yes the 40-150mm R is fully capable of delivering high quality output!

[@cityproofdad]

is this lens ok for omd m5 its a bit confusing with old mount and old camerasmirrorles

[@Arcade1959]

Is it so bad on corners at 40mm ?

[@doel89]

how does it compare to g vario 45-150mm f4.0-5.6 H-FS45150-S

[@MRGarcia1983]

Can I use this on my canon rebal

[@yianniskorecek3639]

Hello Robin, can you then tell us how to use it on image where everything in composition is far away? For example skyline details (roofs or distant buildings) 0.5-5km? I was not able to bring sufficient information to the image: it is unsharp, blurry and very dim. Actually I had a problem to even find a place where i was focusing.

[@carlosroxo9713]

Hi, after watching your video I went to test the lens with the OM-1 and I was not happy at all, lots of attempts and failures in the autofocus, is there any parameter for the OM-1 to use this lens?

[@endisaragih]

Does it has IS?

[@kidbouji283]

Thanks for your extremely informative videos Robin 👌🏽 I'm considering to get this lense, but I'm enjoying the 45mm f1.8 quite a lot, thinking i might invest in a wider zoom, what would you suggest? So many to choose from!!Currently using EM-1 MK1 felt like i stole it that it was so cheap!

[@JelajahAlamTV]

Hi, thanks for the sharing

[@jdcspixelworld]

I am using lumix g7 and need a zoom lens for butterfly photography (not macro) will this lens be helpful?

[@digipeater]

Ops, the link to the mini review is missing

[@robinwong]

Are you sure? Because if it really is missing, I am sure others would say something too. So far, only one comment.

[@chanakarnorsuwan5896]

Good review

[@108_ms3]

Have you ever had any problems with this lens? (I'm from Thailand and very interested in this lens)

[@JT-zb2km]

Hi Robin, amazing video. I use the Panasonic camera. Should I buy the oly 40-150 or Lumix 45-150? 🤔☺️

[@prunelltalentinmotion9625]

Which one would you choose Robin 40-150 f4-5.6 (R) or 14-150 f4-5.6???

[@paja13]

5:39 a visitor :)

[@robinwong]

he wanted some portraits taken.

[@mitchellwnorowski6747]

Fabulous lens, little difference in sharpness with 14-150 ii .

[@blacktwit100]

Hi Robin, Very informative video - thanks! I am quite an amateur in photography. This may be a dumb question but when you took the shots, did you take them on manual or auto? I have an Olympus OMD.

[@roykitcher8904]

I have E620 and use 14-42mm and 40-150mm also 70-300mm lens and think of buying a Olympus OM M10 Mark iv would my lenses work on the new Olympus M10 Mark iv

[@johnbelli9390]

Yes, but you need an adapter, because the focal point will be behind the sensor. Mirrorless lets the sensor be closer to the front of the camera. There are two on B&H; one is $31 and the other is $80.

[@roykitcher8904]

@@johnbelli9390 Thank you for your help

[@robinwong]

I'd highly suggest getting native Micro Four Thirds lenses for your E-M10 Mark IV camera.

[@gregm6894]

I have the Oly 40-150mm f/4-5.6R, and it is truly one of the best lens bargains in photography. That said, I also have the Panasonic 45-175mm f/4-5.6 and much prefer it to the Oly lens -- primarily because it is better optically (not that the Olympus lens is a slouch). I am amazed at the fine detail rendering of the Pany lens. In addition, it is the about the same size and weight as the Oly lens, but has internal zoom -- it does not extend when zooming. It offers a greater focal range, and has a motorized zoom for video that is lever operated (although I'm mostly a still photographer). The only negative is that it is double the price of the Olympus lens, but I believe it is worth it. When I want to minimize my kit weight and still get great focal range, I simply grab my Olympus 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens and my Pany 45-175mm f/4-5.6, and I have a FF equivalent range of 24mm to 350mm, with motorized zoom capability, and Macro capability (the Oly lens), and great optical quality with a total lens weight of less than 15 oz.!

[@MegaNovem]

the only thing to hate is plastic mount

[@san-chil]

I always suspected that 75mm f1.8 was a great street photography lens especially as you can take pictures from quite a distance. Never tried it myself though … Maybe same goes for the superb 45 f1.8

[@shaggyfeng9110]

I have both 45mm and 75mm. They are magical on all the Olympus camera I have, from EM1 to EPL1. Both lenses are sharp and lovely at wild opened. I am also getting the 40-150mm F4-5.6 R for less than 100 CAD. The 14-42 and 40-150 with EPL1 is a surprisingly capable system in bright environment.

[@TigerPaw193]

@Robin great video, as always!!! @san-chil, I'm thinking about getting the Oly 75mm f/1.8. All the reviews say it is the absolute monarch of the Olympus primes. But at a gazillion $US, I think I'll use my trusty plastic fantastic 40-150 set to 75mm to see if I would really use the framing of the 75mm enough to justify the cost. And that's just one more advantage of a zoom. You won't get the IQ or bokeh of an f/1.8 prime, but for no extra cost you can preview that focal length to see if it suits you.

[@jasons-jungle]

As this is aimed at beginners, when mentioning the backgropund blur you should have shown how far away you needed to be to frame the shote the same. The same goes for the background compression. "Use Your Legs"/"Zoom With Your Feet" is a useless input from someone - see your points a bove for 2 good reasons and add in perspective into the argument.

[@HughesyTech]

I had a 14-150mm and as a relative beginner, never used it in the last two years. Only use my 45mm f1.8, so probably will sell the 14-150 🤦

[@robinwong]

I normally won't recommend the 14-150mm immediately as it does cost quite a bit, but 40-150mm R is a different story, for such a small price, it brings a lot of benefits!

[@stephanarts3803]

Lol, you make a case for a more natural perspective at the longer focal length... Yet you strike a silly pose with matching facial expression which is perfectly accentuated by the wide-angle perspective. 😂

[@robinwong]

Haha sorry, I could not help it! Got carried away.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

I think we are exaggerating quite a bit with those prime focal lengths being right in peoples faces. That said I don’t enjoy using zoom lenses for my street photography

[@robinwong]

No I was not exaggerating. You should see how some photographers shoot. Disgusting.

[@rafamorenoc]

Hi, what about using a Olympus 40-150mm F4-5.6 four thirds adapted to micro four thirds ?

[@robinwong]

I highly suggest using the native Micro Four Thirds lens. It costs lower than the adapter itself!

[@skysurfer5cva]

@@robinwong Also, the MFT version will focus faster to much faster (depending on the camera) and is perhaps a little better optically.

[@bintangathena]

Hy robin thank u so much for this video is really help me a lot C's now I'm looking for a new lens for my Olympus epl9 so is this Len's can use on camera Olympus epl9 ?? Looking forward for who's out there knows the answer 🤗

[@timpenner7858]

Hey Robin. I have to disagree. IMHO, beginners should stick to wide to normal primes. Zooming doesn't create the necessary awareness of image framing that a photographer should develop early. It's all about the photographer's perspective, the value of which to image-making is lost when the beginner can simply change the angle of view by turning the lens barrel. The beginner should be forced to confront framing and re-framing as a physical act to reinforce its importance.

[@philiptownsend4026]

I don't want to be forced to do anything in my hobby thank you.

[@timpenner7858]

@@philiptownsend4026 It would certainly depend on one's goals. Learning how the tools and human brains work together is not everyone's.

[@cliffetzelphoto]

If Olympus had put a metal lens mount on their kit lenses instead of plastic, I honestly wouldn't be looking to purchase the newly announced 40-150 f/4 and the 12-45 f/4 Pro zooms. If I thought these kit lenses could be retrofitted with metal lens mounts, I'd do so and save my money given these lenses (at least the ones I own/use) are very sharp across the board. Sure they aren't weather sealed but given their price, they can easily be replaced if needed. For my hiking/travel kit I use a pair of Em1mk2's and carry the amazingly compact and sharp 9-18, 14-42 II and 40-150 kit zooms in a ThinkTank TurnStyle 20 sling bag. With these lenses I've made gorgeous 13x17 full frame images that are sharp all the way to the edges. These lenses may not be designated "Pro" but their image quality says otherwise. The one caveat to be aware of is don't put a cheap filter on the front of these lenses. Spend the money for something like the B+W XS-Pro filter series (not the F-pro's). Yes, the XS-Pro filters are more expensive, but well worth it and I know from first hand experience after having used the F-Pro series and had mediocre IQ especially at the edges.