In addition to the new OM-1 II mirrorless camera, OM System has announced a new super telephoto zoom lens for its micro four thirds system: the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 IS.
The micro four thirds sensor format has a 2x crop factor, meaning the new lens has a full-frame equivalent focal length range of 300-1200mm, making it the world's longest zoom lens if you use it with a micro four thirds camera, like the new OM-1 II. In addition, it is compatible with the brand's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters; Combine it with the latter and you have a zoom range of 600-2400mm. Wow.
Thanks to 5-axis 'Sync IS', OM System says the new lens provides up to 7EV stabilization at its wide-angle end, or 6EV at its telephoto end when used with the OM-1 II, meaning that It's entirely possible to shoot handheld at the maximum focal length and still get sharp shots – incredible stuff, as long as you can frame your subject in the first place, and that's no easy task with such a versatile zoom.
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As surprising as the new M.Zuiko 150-600mm may seem, especially for wildlife photography, its design is actually inspired by the existing full-frame Sigma 150-600mm F5.0-6.3 'sports' lens. As such, it's nothing new in itself, just that you get much greater reach given the 2x micro four-thirds crop factor, plus its identical close focusing distances of 0.56m (wide angle) to 2.8m ( telephoto lens) provide better maximum magnification. up to 0.7x. Therefore, this is also a lens capable of macro photography.
That Sigma 150-600mm mirrorless lens for L-mount or Sony E-mount is designed for thicker full-frame cameras and weighs a beastly 4.55 lbs / 2.06 kg. The OM System version does the same thing, which makes it a bit of a mismatch when paired with the lightweight OM-1 II or other OM System (formerly Olympus) cameras. It's a shame really, because this micro four thirds system prides itself on being a smaller and lighter system than the full frame.
The new OM System version is also much more expensive: its list price of $2,699.99/£2,399.99 (around AU$4,600) is almost double that of Sigma's own version and more than the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. Oh. Still, it is much more affordable than the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F/4.5 TC 1.25x IS Pro professional lens which costs around 3 times the price and consequently you could swap many more units.
When you consider the system this IPX1 rated dust and splash proof lens is a part of, with a new camera like the OM System OM-1 II having unrivaled image stabilization and autofocus performance for bird photography, Then the new 150-600mm becomes an even more exciting prospect, especially for birdwatchers. We hope this lens proves very popular. Shipping is from the end of February 2024.
