OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Prime lens
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The OM SYSTEM (formerly known as Olympus) M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO is a powerful telephoto prime lens designed specifically for Micro Four Thirds system cameras. It offers a compelling combination of portability, performance, and optical excellence, making it an attractive option for professionals and enthusiasts alike. In this comprehensive review, we will explore every aspect of this lens, from its design and construction to its optical performance, handling, and suitability for various genres of photography.
Design and Construction
Physical Attributes
The M.Zuiko 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO boasts a sleek and robust design, typical of the PRO series lenses from OM SYSTEM. Measuring approximately 227 mm in length and weighing just under 1.27 kg, this lens strikes an impressive balance between portability and durability. Its relatively compact form factor makes it easier to carry around compared to full-frame equivalents, while still delivering excellent reach.
Weather Resistance
One of the standout features of this lens is its weather-sealed construction. The lens is resistant to dust, splash, and freeze down to -10°C, making it suitable for use in harsh environments. This level of protection ensures peace of mind when shooting outdoors, whether in rainy conditions or cold climates.
Focus Clutch Mechanism
The lens incorporates a focus clutch mechanism, which allows users to switch seamlessly between manual and auto-focus modes simply by pulling the focusing ring towards or away from the camera body. This intuitive design enhances usability and provides a tactile experience when fine-tuning focus manually.
Tripod Collar
For added stability and ease of use when mounted on a tripod, the lens comes with a removable tripod collar. This accessory helps distribute the weight evenly, reducing strain on the camera’s mount and improving overall handling.
Optical Performance
Sharpness and Contrast
The optical performance of the M.Zuiko 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO is nothing short of remarkable. The lens delivers outstanding sharpness across the entire frame, even when shooting wide open at f/4.0. Images exhibit excellent detail and clarity, making this lens ideal for capturing distant subjects with precision.
Contrast is also impressive, contributing to the overall vibrant and lifelike appearance of photographs. Colors are rendered accurately, and there is minimal loss of saturation even in challenging lighting conditions.
Chromatic Aberration Control
Chromatic aberrations, commonly seen as colored fringing along high-contrast edges, are effectively controlled in this lens. Thanks to the inclusion of three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, the M.Zuiko 300mm minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring clean and crisp images free from unwanted color artifacts.
Bokeh Quality
Despite being a telephoto lens, the bokeh produced by the M.Zuiko 300mm is smooth and pleasing. The nine-blade circular aperture contributes to the aesthetically appealing out-of-focus areas, adding a professional touch to portraits and close-up shots.
Flare and Ghosting
Flare and ghosting are well-controlled thanks to the ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating applied to the lens elements. This proprietary coating reduces reflections and glare, maintaining image quality even when shooting directly into bright light sources.
Image Stabilization
The built-in image stabilization (IS) system of the M.Zuiko 300mm offers up to 6 stops of compensation, enabling handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds without introducing noticeable blur. When paired with compatible OM SYSTEM cameras featuring in-body image stabilization, the combined effect can provide up to an impressive 7 stops of stabilization.
This feature is particularly beneficial for wildlife and sports photography, where fast-moving subjects require rapid adjustments and steady framing. The effective stabilization allows photographers to capture sharp images even in low-light situations, extending the lens’ versatility.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system of the M.Zuiko 300mm employs a Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) mechanism, ensuring fast, quiet, and accurate focusing. This technology is especially valuable for videographers, as it minimizes noise pickup during recordings.
In practice, the lens focuses quickly and reliably, locking onto subjects with ease. Tracking moving subjects is also efficient, making the lens suitable for action photography. The manual focus override function further enhances control, allowing for fine adjustments without having to switch focus modes.
Handling and Usability
Ergonomics
The ergonomic design of the lens contributes to its user-friendly nature. The focus ring is smoothly damped, providing a satisfying tactile feedback when adjusting focus manually. The zoom ring, though non-existent since it is a prime lens, would have been equally well-engineered had it been present.
The lens hood attaches securely and can be reversed for storage, minimizing its footprint when not in use. The included lens caps fit snugly, protecting the front element from scratches and debris.
Portability
As mentioned earlier, the relatively small size and weight of the lens make it highly portable. This is a significant advantage for photographers who need to travel light or those who prefer to hike long distances without being burdened by heavy gear.
Accessories
In addition to the standard accessories like the lens hood and caps, the M.Zuiko 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO is compatible with various optional accessories. One notable example is the MC-14 1.4x Teleconverter, which extends the focal length to 420mm (35mm equivalent) while maintaining excellent optical quality.
Suitability for Various Genres
Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photographers will appreciate the M.Zuiko 300mm’s reach and sharpness. The ability to get close to animals without disturbing them is invaluable, and the fast autofocus ensures that fleeting moments are captured with precision.
Sports Photography
For sports photography, the combination of fast autofocus, effective image stabilization, and excellent tracking capabilities makes this lens a strong contender. Whether photographing athletes on the field or capturing fast-paced action sequences, the M.Zuiko 300mm delivers consistent results.
Bird Photography
Bird photographers often require long focal lengths to capture detailed images of their subjects. The M.Zuiko 300mm, coupled with the optional teleconverter, provides ample reach for bird photography, enabling stunning captures of feathered friends in their natural habitats.
Landscape Photography
While not primarily designed for landscape photography, the sharpness and contrast of the M.Zuiko 300mm make it capable of producing striking landscape images. Compression effects can add depth and drama to scenes, especially when photographing distant mountains or expansive vistas.
Travel Photography
Travel photographers benefit greatly from the portability and versatility of this lens. Its weather-resistant construction and image stabilization mean it can handle a variety of shooting conditions, from cityscapes to rural landscapes.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the M.Zuiko 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO with similar offerings from other manufacturers, it stands out for its unique blend of portability, weather resistance, and optical performance. While some competitors may offer slightly better specs in individual areas, few match the overall package provided by this lens.
Final Thoughts
The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO is a testament to the engineering prowess of OM SYSTEM. It combines exceptional optical performance with a rugged, weather-resistant design, making it a reliable tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re into wildlife, sports, or travel photography, this lens is sure to impress with its sharpness, speed, and versatility.
In conclusion, the M.Zuiko 300mm is a worthy investment for anyone seeking a high-performance telephoto prime lens that doesn’t compromise on portability or durability. Its outstanding features and capabilities make it a top choice for those who demand the best from their photographic equipment.
