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OM System 150-600mm f5.0-6.3 IS Lens Review

As custodians of the micro four thirds platform, OM System has busied themselves with not only the release of the flagship OM-1 Mark II camera, but also a new high performance zoom lens.

OM System 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens Video Review

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS is the brands first super telephoto micro four thirds lens, with a full-frame equivalent focal range of 300-1200mm. It’s compact, lightweight, benefits from Sync image stabilisation, and delivers high image quality, but is it the lens which will transform your wildlife, bird and nature photography?

Join us for this OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens review, which includes samples and a hands-on video, to find out just how capable it is, and whether it will be your next must-have long lens.

When was the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS Lens released?

The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS Lens was released on January 30, 2024. It follows the successful launch of the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm F/3.5 Macro IS PRO Lens, joining an existing range of over 30 M.Zuiko models.

How much is the OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens?

The OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens is targeted at advanced photographers and is priced accordingly at £2,499.00. This positions it as a premium option within the range, comparable to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F/4 IS PRO, but with the advantage of being a zoom vs prime.

Lens features

The following list highlights this lens’ key features.

• Compatible with teleconverters
• Premium optics
• Sync IS (Max 7-stops)
• Excellent usability
• Voice coil motor AF system
• IPX1 splash and dust proof performance
• Fluorine coated front element
• 9-bladed aperture design
• 0.7x (full-frame equivalent) maximum image magnification
• 95mm front filter thread
• Weighs 2,065g

Seagull, captured with OM-1 Mark II camera @523mm. Settings: 1/640 sec. f/6.3. ISO 5000.

What is the OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens for?

Due to its extended reach, robust build with IPX1 weather sealing, efficient image stabilisation, and relatively low weight, the OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens is well-suited for capturing subjects such as:

• Wildlife
• Birds
• Sports
• Action
• Aviation
• Astronomy and moon photography
• Trains
• Paparazzi

Furthermore, by adding the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital MC-14 1.4x Teleconverter, or M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 reach is extended to a maximum 2400mm (full-frame equivalent), which presents the opportunity to capture extremely distant subjects, as well as very small birds and other animals in their natural habitat.

Whether using a teleconverter or not, the OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens offers the advantage of a significant working distance from your subjects. This feature proves invaluable, particularly in wildlife photography, where getting too close can disturb or frighten animals and birds.

Seascape, captured with OM-1 Mark II camera @150mm. Settings: 1/400 sec. f/5.0. ISO 80.

Image quality

OM System has utilised an optical formula with 25 elements in 15 groups, including 4 Super ED lenses, 2 ED lenses, 6 HR lenses, 1 HD lens. The 4 Super ED lenses effectively control chromatic aberrations, ensuring colours are rendered with accuracy and clarity.

The 2 ED lenses further enhance image sharpness and contrast by minimising optical distortion. Additionally, the 6 HR lenses and 1 HD lens contribute to precise light transmission and dispersion, resulting in images that are not only incredibly sharp, but also free from unwanted artefacts, delivering exceptional optical performance across the entire zoom range.

Tele-macro capabilities

One of the benefits which a super telephoto lens can provide, is the ability to capture close-up shots with beautiful details of small subjects. To this end the OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens does not disappoint, thanks to its high 0.7x magnification (35mm equivalent) at 0.53m focus distance.

Whether it's delicate insects, vibrant flowers, or tiny textures that often go unnoticed, this lens allows you to maintain a comfortable working distance while achieving a magnification ratio ideal for tele-macro photography.

Squirrel, captured with OM-1 Mark II camera @600mm. Settings: 1/640 sec. f/6.3. ISO 2500.

Image stabilisation

At long focal lengths any camera shake becomes far more pronounced. To combat this, 5-axis sync IS helps you achieve steady handheld shots all the way to 2400mm (35mm equivalent). The lens delivers up to 7-stops (wide) and 6-stops (tele) with a Sync IS compatible camera, such as the OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II, which is reviewed here, or 6-stops (wide) and 5-stops (tele) without a compatible camera.

Ergonomics and useability

Despite its extensive reach, the OM System 150-600mm lens maintains excellent balance and offers intuitive access to essential features. Photographers gain easy access to control settings including the focus limiter, focus mode and image stabilisation (IS). Additionally, it features a customisable function button, which can be setup according to individual preferences.

Best accessories for the OM System ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS Lens

Perhaps one of the most compelling accessories you can add to extend the functionality of the super telephoto lens is the OM System EE-1 Dot Sight. This is an especially useful addition when photographing fast moving birds and wildlife.

Once calibrated to the lens, this shoe-mount accessory allows you to keep your eye on the subject with the camera away from your face, while AI Detection AF and the lens handle the shot, so you never miss a moment.

You can also add 95mm lens filters for various shooting conditions, such as the Olympus M.Zuiko PRF-ZD95 PRO Protection Filter and B+W Basic Circular Polarising Filter MRC 95mm.

OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18 f/4.0-5.6 II Lens

We would be remiss not to mention the ultra wide angle zoom lens, which launched alongside the camera and telephoto zoom. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 II features an ultra lightweight design with a unique optical formula to maintain image quality despite its portable size.

It weighs 154g, is perfect for stills and video, and arrives with an RRP of £599.99.

The OM System 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS lens is a powerful tool for advanced and professional nature photographers. With an extensive zoom range, rugged build, effective image stabilisation, and impressive optical quality, it's well-suited for capturing distant wildlife, birds, sports, and more.

Bring distant subjects closer in your frame with the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS Lens, which is available to order today.

If you’re considering an upgrade or moving from another system, why not grab a free quotation to discover how much we’ll pay you for your unwanted gear. It’s not only fast and free, but takes all of the hassle when you want to sell your camera to upgrade.

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By Nick Dautlich on 30/01/2024