Center Valley, PA—The just-announced Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro is a super–telephoto zoom lens with all-weather performance. Moreover, with a built-in 1.25x teleconverter, the lens covers a 300–1000mm–equivalent focal length. Yet, it weighs a portable 4.1 pounds and is 12.4 inches long.
For tripod-free shooting, the lens integrates 5-axis sync IS (image stabilization) to deliver 8 shutter speed steps of compensation (at a 300mm equivalent). As a result, Olympus says the new lens achieves up to 1000mm–equivalent handheld super–telephoto shooting. At a 1000mm equivalent, it delivers up to 6 shutter speed steps of image stabilization, when using the built-in teleconverter.
What’s more, when paired with the optional M.Zuiko Digital 2x MC-20 teleconverter, the Micro Four Thirds ultra-zoom lens is capable of 2000mm–equivalent shooting.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro Specs
The lens’s design consists of 28 elements in 18 groups. It includes a newly developed large-diameter EDA (extra-low dispersion aspherical) lens and four super ED lenses. They reduce flares and color bleeding across the zoom range, for edge-to-edge clarity. Olympus Z Coating Nano technology is also employed to suppress reflective light and provide sharp images, even in difficult shooting environments.
Notably, the body has a built-in 1.25x teleconverter. It enables 1000mm–equivalent handheld super–telephoto shooting by flipping down the teleconverter. In addition, the lens is compatible with optional M.Zuiko Digital MC-14 1.4x and MC-20 2x teleconverters. When paired with the MC-20, it is capable of 2000mm–equivalent shooting.
What’s more, the lens offers a close focusing distance of 4.27 feet across its entire zoom range. Its maximum magnification of 0.57x increases to 0.71x using the built-in teleconverter for tele macro shooting. Furthermore, the lens is compatible with focus stacking. Consequently, the user can create composite images with crisp focus from front to back.
Moreover, the barrel is made of magnesium alloy. The lens hood is a lightweight carbon fiber to ensure the center of gravity does not shift due to imbalance when the hood is used.
In addition, the use of optimal materials in each area of the lens maintains strength while delivering a compact, lightweight body for mobility. Pairing the lens with the dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof Olympus OM-D E-M1X permits photographers to shooting in rain and snow.
Also, the lens’s heat-resistant coating reflects the infrared rays of sunlight. Consequently, it keeps temperatures inside the lens from rising. The front element of the lens also has a fluorine coating to provide a scratch–resistant surface and easier cleaning.
Additional Features
Another feature is an inner zoom system that maintains the original length of the lens, even when increasing zoom magnification. Other features include a rubberized zoom/focusing ring; preset focus functions that let users recall favorite focal positions; a tripod base plate that’s easy to carry; strap eyelets to improve portability and reduce load on the lens mount; as well as a rubber lens end cover.
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150–400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro lens is available for preorder. It retails for $7,499.99. It will begin shipping late January 2021.
Len Accessories
Olympus also announced several complementary accessories for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro lens that are included with it. However, the new Zuiko PRF-ZD95 Pro protection filter is sold separately. The filter has a ZERO coating to suppress flare and ghosts from reflections. It also employs a fluorine-coated black-edged glass. With a satin, glare-reducing black aluminum frame, it sells for $324.99.
Moreover, the following accessories are included with the lens. The lightweight, carbon fiber LH-115 lens hood boasts durability. A flocked finish on the inside of the hood prevents internal reflection.
The CSS-P121 lens strap is for exclusive use with a super-telephoto lens. It is made of mesh material to prevent discomfort. It has cushioning as well as an anti-slip texture.
The LC-115 lens cap is a cloth cover-style cap that’s easy to attach and remove for quick shooting.
Finally, the LSC-1642 is a purse-string lens case with three-layer construction that protects the lens. Photographers can also use it to store the lens with the lens hood, lens cap, protection filter and teleconverter attached.
