Mid-March will see the release of the new M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f/4 PRO lens for the M4/3 format with a new design and IP53 weather-resistance to match the OM-1 camera.
Angled view of the M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f/4 PRO lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)
Heralded in the September 2021 lens roadmap, the 40-150mm f/4 PRO lens features the same IP53 weather-resistance rating as the OM-1 camera and second-generation 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II lens. It covers the same focal lengths as an 80-300mm lens on a full-frame camera. Its optical design includes 15 elements in nine groups, among them two ED lenses, one Super ED lens, one HR lens and two aspherical lens elements, as shown in the diagram below.
The optical diagram shows the positions of the exotic elements in the new lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)
The lens also features ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating to minimise ghosting and flare and can match the performance of the OM-1 camera, including with the High Res Shot mode. It also supports the camera’s Focus Stacking function.
A cutaway view of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4 PRO lens. (Source: OM Digital Solutions.)
Claimed as the world’s most compact and lightweight fixed aperture telephoto zoom lens, it boasts a retracting mechanism and internal zooming to maintain a constant length while in use. IP53-rated weather resistance, a constant f/4 maximum aperture and a minimum focus distance of 70 cm across the focal length range make this lens an ideal partner for the OM-1 camera.
The 40-150mm f/4 PRO lens provides a higher-specified alternative to the 40-150mm f/4-5.6 II lens and a considerably smaller and lighter alternative to the M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens. The table below compares key specifications of the three lenses.
| 40-150mm f/4 PRO | 40-150mm f/4-5.6 | 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO | |
| Announced | February 2022 | June 2011 | September 2014 |
| Extends while zooming | Yes | No | |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | ||
| Lens construction | 15 elements in 9 groups | 15 elements in 11 groups | 16 elements in 10 groups |
| Exotic elements | 2 ED, 1 super ED, 1 HR and 2 aspherical | 1 DSA, 1 aspherical ED, 1 ED, 3 HR | 1 aspherical ED, 2 aspherical, 1 SED, 3ED, 1HD |
| Optical coatings | fluorine coating on front element | ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) Coating | |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9 | |
| Weather resistance | IP53 standard | IPX1 standard | |
| Focus drive | Stepping motor (MSC) | Screw drive micromotor (MSC) | Dual linear motors (VCM) |
| MF clutch mechanism | No | Yes | |
| Minimum focus | 70 cm | 33 cm | 70 cm |
| Maximum magnification | 0.21x | 0.22x | 0.21x |
| Filter size | 62 mm | 58 mm | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (Diameter x L) | 68.9 x 99.4 mm | 63.5 x 83 mm | 79.4 x 160mm |
| Weight | 382 grams | 220 grams | 760 grams (880 g with tripod adapter) |
| Lens hood supplied | Yes, LH-66E | Yes, LH-61C | Yes, LH-76 |
| Tripod collar supplied | No | No | Yes |
The M.Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f/4 PRO lens is due for release in early March at an RRP of AU$1499. It is supplied with a LH-66E lens hood. Click here for more information.
SPECS:
Picture angle: 30 to 8.2 degrees (diagonal)
Minimum aperture: f/22
Lens construction: 15 elements in 9 groups (including (2 ED, 1 super ED, 1 HR and 2 aspherical elements); coatings
Lens mounts: Micro Four Thirds
Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded aperture)
Weather resistance: Yes, to IEC 60529 IP53 standard
Focus drive: High-speed imager AF (MSC) using stepping motor
Stabilisation: No; relies on camera’s IBIS
Minimum focus: 70 cm
Maximum magnification: 0.21x at 150mm
Filter size: 62 mm
Dimensions (Diameter x L): 68.9 x 99.4 mm
Weight: 382 grams
Standard Accessories: Front and end caps, lens hood (LH-66E), wrapping cloth
RRP: AU$1499
Distributor: OM Digital Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Ph: 1300 659 678, https://olympus-imaging.com.au/
