Initial impressions of the M.Zuiko 40-150mm f2.8 PRO lens & MC14

[Aussieden]

Had this combo on order for sometime but missed out on the first two shipments.

Initial impressions that it is quality built, compact and fits/balances nicely on the E-M1 with grip.
Also like the retractable lens hood and internal focusing so no external barrel extension.
Still playing around with settings but AF appears very responsive and accurate. Nice to able to shoot at f2.8 and f4.0 for a change.
Bokeh appears nicer then my 50-200mm SWD and IQ appears to be slightly better, but that is subjective at this stage.
Of course it doesn't have the reach of the longer telephotos so not ideal for birding. But will be real handy closeups such as shooting bugs, insects and butterflys.

Based on what this lens can deliver the 300mm f4 should be a very nice birding option.
A few test shots.
Cheers
Dennis

[Ross the fiddler]

Certainly lovely detailed photos with that lens (combo). I'm afraid I couldn't justify that expense for that lens combo now & went for a very good condition used 50-200 SWD lens instead as I already had the EC14 to use with it, so it is good to hear (read) your comments on the comparison of the two. I've been testing the latest C-AF Hi (firmware 3.0) on the E-M1 with the lens & with EC14. It obviously has some limitations but I'm impressed.

[Aussieden]

Certainly lovely detailed photos with that lens (combo). I'm afraid I couldn't justify that expense for that lens combo now & went for a very good condition used 50-200 SWD lens instead as I already had the EC14 to use with it, so it is good to hear (read) your comments on the comparison of the two. I've been testing the latest C-AF Hi (firmware 3.0) on the E-M1 with the lens & with EC14. It obviously has some limitations but I'm impressed.

Ross you should enjoy the 50-200mm SWD. I have used it on the E-M1 with the EC2.0 and achieved good results. The 40-150mm is naturally more responsive on the E-M1 but the 50-200mm performs well.
Dennis

[peterb666]

Thanks for the review. I got my 40-150 f/2.8 a couple of months ago but the 1.4x tele converter only arrived last week. It is a great combo and surprisingly sharp even at f/4. There is no need to stop down in low light.

One thing I have found (and this applies to the 40-150 without the TC as well) is that you do need a fair bit of contrast in your target to get reliable AF so I have found shooting things like lorikeets in trees is sometimes problematic. I put this down to the large AF area in the OM-D E-M5 and I would expect the E-M1 and E-M5 II would be better. Still beats the hell out of my old Panasonic 45-200 dog of a lens.

Here is one I took with the TC at 210mm f/4...

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8724/16961828865_c1dc28e9bc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rQRNMg)

Candelo Village Fair 04 Frank Yamma_S (https://flic.kr/p/rQRNMg) by peterb666 (https://www.flickr.com/people/23034038@N05/), on Flickr

I am sure I could have processed it a bit better but really like this shot.

[Ross the fiddler]

Thanks for the review. I got my 40-150 f/2.8 a couple of months ago but the 1.4x tele converter only arrived last week. It is a great combo and surprisingly sharp even at f/4. There is no need to stop down in low light.

One thing I have found (and this applies to the 40-150 without the TC as well) is that you do need a fair bit of contrast in your target to get reliable AF so I have found shooting things like lorikeets in trees is sometimes problematic. I put this down to the large AF area in the OM-D E-M5 and I would expect the E-M1 and E-M5 II would be better. Still beats the hell out of my old Panasonic 45-200 dog of a lens.

Here is one I took with the TC at 210mm f/4...

Candelo Village Fair 04 Frank Yamma_S[/url] by peterb666 (https://www.flickr.com/people/23034038@N05/), on Flickr

I am sure I could have processed it a bit better but really like this shot.

Peter, with Firmware 2.1 you have the option to select a small AF target now (just not as many as the E-M1 or E-M5 II). I assume you have the latest firmware (http://dl01.olympus-imaging.com/ww/ud2/ENU/0001/0970/index21a.html) updated in your E-M5? In fact, the latest 2.1 was "Precision of AF when M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens is mounted has been improved."

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to say what a great image you captured there.