OM SYSTEM M. Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25 IS PRO Lens

Key Features
- Professional super-telephoto zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds with an integrated 1.25x teleconverter.
- 150-400mm focal range delivers a 35mm-equivalent field of view of 300-800mm, extendable to 1000mm equivalent with the built-in teleconverter.
- Constant f/4.5 aperture through the zoom range, becoming f/5.6 when the teleconverter is engaged.
- Advanced optical image stabilization with Sync IS support helps produce sharper handheld wildlife and sports images.
- PRO-series weather-sealed construction is built for demanding outdoor, travel, and field use.
- Fast, precise autofocus and close-focusing capability make it ideal for birds, wildlife, aviation, and outdoor sports.
OVERVIEW
Elite super-telephoto reach for serious outdoor photography
The OM SYSTEM M. Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x IS PRO is one of the most ambitious lenses ever designed for the Micro Four Thirds system. Built for wildlife, birding, motorsports, safaris, aviation, and distant action, it combines a long-reaching 150-400mm zoom range with a bright constant f/4.5 aperture and a built-in 1.25x teleconverter. On a Micro Four Thirds camera, that translates to an extraordinary 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 300-800mm, or up to 1000mm equivalent when the teleconverter is engaged. This makes it an exceptional tool for photographers who need extreme reach without stepping up to the size and weight of traditional full-frame super-telephoto systems.
Integrated 1.25x teleconverter for instant extra reach
One of the lens's defining features is its built-in 1.25x teleconverter. With the flip of a lever, the lens extends from 150-400mm to 187.5-500mm, which gives a full-frame equivalent angle of view of approximately 375-1000mm. This extra flexibility is invaluable in the field where subjects can change distance rapidly and there is no time to swap accessories. The teleconverter is seamlessly integrated into the optical design, preserving professional usability while minimizing interruption to the shooting process. When activated, the maximum aperture becomes f/5.6, still highly usable for wildlife and sports work.
Built for mobility without sacrificing performance
Long telephoto lenses are often associated with heavy, cumbersome setups, but this OM SYSTEM PRO lens was engineered to offer a much more portable alternative. Its Micro Four Thirds format allows photographers to carry a lens with truly extreme reach in a body that is far more manageable for handheld use, hiking, travel photography, and remote field assignments. That balance of mobility and optical performance is one of the major reasons wildlife and bird photographers are drawn to this lens.
Professional optical design for high-resolution results
The optical construction is designed to maintain sharpness, contrast, and color fidelity across the entire zoom range. Specialized elements such as Super ED, ED, HR, and aspherical components help reduce chromatic aberration, distortion, and flare while preserving detail at long focal lengths where image quality is most critical. This lens is made to pair with high-performance OM SYSTEM and Olympus cameras for demanding applications where feather detail, fur texture, and distant subject clarity matter. It is also compatible with teleconverter workflows for photographers who need even more reach.
Powerful image stabilization for handheld super-telephoto shooting
The built-in image stabilization system is a major advantage in real-world use. Combined with compatible camera bodies that support Sync IS, the lens helps reduce the effects of camera shake at extreme focal lengths. This can make handheld shooting more practical than many photographers would expect from a super-telephoto zoom. Whether tracking birds in flight, shooting from a vehicle, or working on uneven ground where a tripod is impractical, the stabilization system supports more flexible shooting techniques and can help improve keeper rates.
Fast autofocus for wildlife and action
Capturing moving subjects at long distances requires fast and dependable autofocus. The M. Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x IS PRO is designed for quick, accurate AF performance suitable for birds in flight, field sports, and unpredictable wildlife behavior. The lens responds well to modern subject-detection and continuous autofocus systems in OM SYSTEM bodies, helping photographers maintain focus on challenging, fast-moving subjects. Manual focus override also gives users direct control when precision adjustments are needed.
Close focusing adds versatility
Unlike many long telephoto lenses that are used only for distant subjects, this lens also offers impressive close-focusing capability. That means it can be useful not only for distant wildlife but also for frame-filling detail shots of animals, flowers, reptiles, and compressed landscape compositions. The ability to move from far-off subjects to tight close-ups without changing lenses makes it especially useful in the field, where time and conditions often limit lens changes.
PRO construction for harsh environments
As part of the OM SYSTEM PRO lineup, this lens is built to withstand difficult working conditions. Its robust weather-sealed construction helps protect against dust, moisture, and cold temperatures, making it suitable for early morning birding sessions, mountain environments, wet grasslands, coastal air, and changing outdoor weather. This level of durability is especially important for photographers who spend extended periods outdoors and need gear that can perform reliably in the field.
Handling and support in the field
A built-in tripod foot enhances balance and support when using monopods, tripods, gimbal heads, or window mounts. Even though the lens is relatively portable for its class, support options can be very helpful for long sessions or when waiting on distant wildlife. The lens is also well suited to handheld panning and tracking thanks to its optimized size, thoughtful control placement, and internal stabilization. For photographers who alternate between handheld and supported use, it offers an excellent blend of flexibility and control.
Who this lens is for
This lens is best suited for advanced enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize reach, mobility, and all-weather reliability. Bird photographers will appreciate the equivalent 300-800mm range and instant 1000mm-equivalent option. Wildlife photographers will benefit from its compactness compared to traditional large-format systems. Sports and aviation photographers can use the zoom flexibility to react quickly as subjects move nearer or farther away. Nature travelers and expedition shooters will value its ability to cover enormous focal lengths with one lens.
How it compares
Compared with full-frame super-telephoto zooms, the OM SYSTEM 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x IS PRO offers dramatically more effective reach in a more portable form factor. While full-frame systems may provide shallower depth of field, the Micro Four Thirds format allows this lens to deliver a powerful combination of subject magnification, manageable size, and practical stabilization. Compared with shorter telephoto zooms, this lens is clearly aimed at specialists who need more distant subject coverage and premium professional construction.
Usage tips
For the best results, pair this lens with a high-performance OM SYSTEM or Olympus body that supports advanced autofocus tracking and Sync IS. Use shutter speeds appropriate to subject motion rather than relying on stabilization alone for moving wildlife. A monopod or tripod with a gimbal head can help reduce fatigue during long observation periods. When working with birds or animals, pre-focus near the expected subject distance to improve acquisition speed. The built-in teleconverter is especially useful when you cannot physically move closer or when a small subject suddenly becomes the priority in the frame.
Recommended accessories
Useful accessories for this lens include a sturdy monopod for mobile fieldwork, a gimbal head and tripod for extended wildlife sessions, extra camera batteries for long outdoor days, fast UHS-II memory cards for burst shooting, a rain cover for severe weather, and a protective padded lens case for transport. A compatible OM SYSTEM teleconverter may also be of interest to users seeking even greater effective focal length, depending on the camera and shooting situation.
Product history and system context
The 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x IS PRO represents OM SYSTEM's and Olympus's long-standing focus on creating highly capable, field-oriented optics for the Micro Four Thirds mount. It is a flagship wildlife and sports lens that demonstrates the system's philosophy: achieving professional results with gear that remains relatively compact, weather resistant, and practical for travel and outdoor use. For photographers invested in the OM SYSTEM ecosystem, it stands as one of the most advanced and desirable telephoto options available.
Brand
lens specification
| Lens Min. Focus Distance | 1.3m / 4.3 ft. |
| Lens Filter Size | 95mm |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | 8.2° to 3.1° (approx.), 35mm equivalent: 4.1° to 2.5° with teleconverter engaged at the long end |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 (f/5.6 with built-in teleconverter) |
| Focus Type | Auto / Manual |
| Mount Type | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal Length | 150-400mm (187.5-500mm with built-in 1.25x teleconverter) |
| Weight | Approx. 4.1 lb / 1875 g |
| Dimensions | Approx. 4.5 x 12.4 in. / 115.8 x 314.3 mm |
| Image Stabilization | Yes, optical image stabilization with Sync IS support |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.57x (35mm equivalent approx. 1.14x) |
| Optical Design | 28 elements in 18 groups |
- OM SYSTEM M. Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC 1.25x IS PRO Lens
- Lens hood
- Front lens cap
- Rear lens cap
- Built-in rotating tripod collar/foot
- Lens case
- Documentation
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