Lens Summary
Brand: Olympus
Also Known As: Olympus 150mm f/2
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Four Thirds
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Four Thirds
Release Date: 2004-09-27
MSRP Price: $2499
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: The 150mm f/2.0 Zuiko Digital Lens (focal length equivalent to 300mm on a 35mm film camera), is unprecedented in combining a first aperture of f2.0 with exceptionally compact size, low weight, and telephoto power. It offers, thanks to the use of Super ED and ED lens elements, exceptionally sharp imaging with an absolute minimum of chromatic aberration. It also has superb defocusing characteristics that make it possible for photographers to precisely achieve their creative goals.
Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 150mm f/2 Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 150mm |
| Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Format | Four Thirds |
| Compatible Format(s) | Four Thirds |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | No |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7.69 |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/2.0 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 8.2° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 11 |
| Lens Groups | 9 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 1 ED, 1 Super ED lens element |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.40m |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 82mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.0 x 15.0cm |
| Weight | 1.61kg |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
What an amazing lens! When I got it, it didn’t leave the camera for about a week. It took a couple days for me to “see” the way the lens sees, so I could find situations for it, but then, I couldn’t stop shooting!
It is tack-sharp, razor-sharp, don’t-shoot-old-people sharp, at any aperture, corner-to-corner.
Yea, it’s big and heavy, but it’s ƒ/2! What do you expect?
Perhaps it’s biggest challenge is the focal length. It is too short for wildlife, and too long for portraiture. On the other hand, it gives you a nice “shouting distance” range from your subject that puts them at ease, whereas sticking a shorter lens in their face might make them uncomfortable.
This is a wonderful lens for available-light theatre, indoor sports events, and candid portraiture. Combined with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II’s outstanding IBIS, I can easily shoot this hand-held at 1/15th, where subject motion is the limiting factor.
Since the end of the 4/3rds system, this lens has begun to show up used for decent prices. I got mine for $828 at KEH.com. One can also look at lens rental businesses, as they replace their older stock.
One other “gotcha:” it really requires a PDAF-capable camera for usable auto-focus speed. As far as I know (late 2019), this includes only the E-M1 and variants.