Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 300mm f/4 IS Pro
Announced January 6, 2016
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 300mm f/4 IS Pro provides Micro Four Thirds shooters with a sharp, weather-sealed telephoto prime that features highly effective image stabilization for handheld shooting. Although it carries a premium price and significant weight for the system, it remains a top-tier choice for those needing 600mm-equivalent reach.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Stellar optical sharpness and image quality
- Useful features including focus clutch, Arca-Swiss foot, and close-focus capability
- Highly efficient built-in image stabilization
- Durable, weather-sealed tank-like construction
- Fast and precise autofocus performance
Cons
- High price point
- Heavy and large for the Micro Four Thirds system
- Manual focus clutch can be engaged accidentally
- Autofocus can hunt or be slow without the limiter
- Launch price $2,499.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 300mm f/4
- Mount & coverage Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus (0.24x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Micro-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1475g (3 lb 4 oz) · 92.5 x 227 mm (3.64 x 8.94 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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[A]t your disposal in a package light enough to hold for extended periods and that’s capable of being shot handheld even at shutter speeds slower than you’d generally be comfortable with is a very freeing experience.
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From the quick autofocus, to gimble-like image stabilization, crisp sharpness, and wide f/4.0 aperture, nearly every aspect of this lens is excellent.
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Considered against what users of other marques might pay, the cost of the Olympus 300mm f/4 does seem to be very reasonable.
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The Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS Pro is the perfect telephoto partner to the flagship OM-D E-M1 camera, forming a fast, well-built, relatively light-weight and fully-weather-proof system that delivers excellent image quality without breaking your back.
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The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO is the best telephoto prime lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras, and it's priced accordingly.
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So what it comes down to is if you are [on] Micro Four Thirds, that 300 millimeter f/4 is an excellent lens; it's the best lens that you can do.
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Putting aside all the possible comparisons between price, camera systems, sensor size and focal lengths (real and equivalent), I think it is also fair to remind ourselves that right now, there is nothing like the 300mm f/4 in the M4/3 system.
- Photo Review 9/10
For M4/3 shooters, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO is the only choice if you want a fast prime lens that offers the same field-of-view coverage as a 600mm lens on a 35mm camera.
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I’ll say it again, the image quality is nothing short of stunning, and with the amazing image stabilization you’ll be able to shoot at almost any shutter speed and in almost any light.
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This lens is also compatible with the extender MC-14 and with the new MC-20, and the bokeh is quite nice, and also the image quality, like all Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 300mm f/4 IS Pro lenses, there's nothing to complain about the image quality.
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This may not be the lens for every one (certainly not me), but if you do find a need for a 300mm lens in your type of photography, I think the 300mm is the answer to your prayers.
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I feel like this video has been overwhelmingly positive and I really have to say that's just the case. This is just an excellent, excellent lens.
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The overall performance winner? The Olympus 300mm f4 PRO.
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The Olympus 300mm f/4 IS PRO telephoto lists for $2,499, and I think that's a superb value.
- Darren Miles 45.2/50
To wrap up this review, we gave the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 300mm f/4 IS Pro series lens a 45.2 out of 50 and our highly recommended rating.
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This lens has a pretty much perfect image quality, it has great autofocus response, and has good image stabilization and some amazing features built into it.
