Worth the wait

More than a year ago, Olympus announced a 40-150mm F2.8 lens. I immediately lusted after it. My favourite sports lens was the amazing Canon 300mm F2.8; and here was something for Micro Four Thirds with the same effective focal length with greatly reduced bulk and hopefully greatly reduced price. There was even a video showing a pre-production version:

I watched the video several times and waited for the lens to arrive in the shops.

Nothing happened.

Then this year the buzz started to build again that it was going to be released; for the second time. And today was the day.

Seems like it was worth the wait, the specs are stunning. Olympus Micro Four Thirds lenses are excellent, but some of the older Four Thirds lenses are even better. Olympus reckon this new lens bests even their Four Thirds offerings; so IQ should be great. Built to the same standard as the 12-40mm, complete with manual focus push-pull ring and weather proofing; and with a close-focus distance of 50cm; which will make it into an amazing almost-macro lens for all manner of beasties who do not want to be approached too closely.

Price is $1,500. Not sure what that will mean in Thailand; but there is a space waiting in my dry cabinet….. I might even return to shooting polo.

More here.

Where you also note that there is new firmware if you are an E-M1 owner, and the option of a silver version if you are not currently an E-M1 owner. Good times.

Comments 🔗

2014-09-16 | Parry says

Gearhead!

2014-09-17 | Spike says

Dear Mr. Pot Thank you for your comment. Kettle

2014-09-18 | Parry says

Dear Mr. Kettle,

I extend my deepest condolences on the sad loss of your Leica fund following the tragic purchase of a BMW for the Missus.

If there’s anything we can do, please don’t ask.

Mr. Pot

2014-09-19 | Clive says

I guess the big question will be whether an Olympus zoom can match the sharpness of your old Canon prime on that APS-H sensor in your 1-DS. If not, aren’t Panasonic bringing out some long primes shortly?

Sadly, we may have to wait one more generation of Olympus cameras to get to one with the firmware for full predictive, tracking AF at the higher frame rates. But then, the current 1 and 5 are pretty good…

2014-09-19 | Spike says

She has driven it half the way home on a trip to the shops. I spent my time cowering in the passenger seat making loud sucking noises through my teeth and whimpering occasionally. She has never asked to drive it since.

2014-09-19 | Spike says

Will find out soon; have registered my interest with Big Camera and await their call.

2014-09-19 | Parry says

Result!!! I tried teaching the old woman to drive years back. Terrifying. Ended up in a rice paddy. Then another go and took out a school sign. Various SIL’s tried and ended up having near nervous breakdowns. Hopeless. Funny thing is she’s like Valentino Rossi on a bike, albeit 700lbs heavier now. She recently bought herself a four door SUV pick-up thing and it’s tough trying to get her in it. Sometimes she has to ride in the back. Other people have to drive.