If you've been here before, you'll know I think very highly of the Olympus E-PL1 camera and the entire line of micro 4/3's PEN cameras and lenses offered by Olympus. They offer DSLR quality images in a compact easy to use package. For professionals, the PEN is a great alternative to a regular point and shoot camera. For the consumer/casual photographer the PEN series is an excellent alternative to an expensive DSLR. Olympus has a product that is suitable for many different types of photographers. When I first reviewed the E-PL1, Olympus only offered a few lenses, but today Olympus announced the M.Zuiko Digital ED40-150mm f/4-5.6 and the M.Zuiko Digital ED75-300mm f/4.8-6.7. Both are telephoto lenses that offer an extended reach in a remarkably small design. The full scoop/specs on both lenses is after the break.
Mount: Micro Four Thirds System Focal Length: 40-150mm (35mm equivalent focal length 80-300mm) Construction: 13 Elements in 10 Groups, 1 ED elemnt
Angle of View: 30 - 8.2 Degrees Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.9m Maximum Magnification: 0.16x (35mm equivalent Maximum Image Magnification 0.32x) Number of Blades: 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm) Maximum Aperture: f/4 at 40mm f/5.6 at 150mm Minimum Aperture: f/22 Filter Size Diameter: 58mm Weight: 190g Price: $299.99
MTF Chart:
Thoughts: To get a decent telephoto range prior to this lens, you either had to pick between the Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 with an MMF-2 adapter or the more expensive M.Zuiko Digital ED14-150mm f4.0-5.6. The first choice is still a good bargain, but the larger size of the lens and adapter spoil the fun of shooting with such a small camera. It works just fine, but the new 40-150mm f/4-5.6 seems much more "natural" on a PEN camera. The 14-150mm is a fine all purpose lens, but for those not looking for an expensive all-in-one, the 40-150mm f/4-5.6 is a great telephoto alternative.
M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7
Mount: Micro Four Thirds System Focal Length: 75-300mm (35mm equivalent focal length 150-600mm) Construction: 18 Elements in 13 Groups, 1 Super ED element, 2 ED elements and 3 HR elements
Angle of View: 16 - 4.1 Degrees Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.9m (at 75mm of focal length) / 1.5m (beyond 75mm focal length) Maximum Magnification: 0.18x (35mm equivalent Maximum Image Magnification 0.36x) Number of Blades: 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm) Maximum Aperture: f/4.8 at 75mm - f/6.7 at 300mm Minimum Aperture: f/22 Filter Size: 58mm Weight: 430g Price: $899.99
MTF Chart:
Thoughts: This is the first Olympus Micro 4/3s lens that extends to 300mm. On a full frame DSLR or 35mm film this gives an equivalent angle of view to a 150-600mm lens. The slow aperture range is a size sacrifice. By all accounts this lens gives a great range for still subjects, but I would be skeptical using it for sports. It has the right range of focal lengths, but I don't know how fast the focus will be especially at 300mm. When we get one in I will have to test it before making a final judgement. Again just like it's counterpart, the 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 feels much more balanced on a PEN body than a big telephoto lens and adapter.
Ultimately this is good news for PEN and potential PEN owners. The more lenses the better. I am still eagerly awaiting a truly fast prime like a 25mm f/1.8.