Product Description

This powerful super-telephoto zoom lens with large-aperture (fixed F stop type) is equivalent to 180-500mm on a 35mm camera. Only fixed focal super-telephoto lens could have provided wide-open F2.8 shots in the past, however, this lens provides F2.8 shots in entire zoom area. Therefore, it can give the best framing at once even if you are in the restrained shooting spot. The best choice for the nature and sports photographer. Luxurious three ED lenses are used to give the highest image quality with optimal resolution and contrast.

Product Details

• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 261013
• Dimensions: 12.95 pounds

Features

• Product #: 261013
• Manufacturer: Olympus America
• Manufacturer Item #: 261013
• UPC: 050332154506

From the Manufacturer
Sports and nature photographers will love the versatility of this powerful yet easy to handle super-telephoto zoom lens, built specifically for digital photography. Its fast f2.8 aperture and impressive zoom range let you shoot moving subjects with confidence while its splashproof, dustproof design and all-metal barrel construction provide extreme durability in any environment. Three ED glass lenses provide outstanding image quality with optimal resolution and contrast. A built-in computer microprocessor communicates directly with the camera's software to correct lens distortions, shading, and exposure information for even further image accuracy.

The sophisticated line of Zuiko Digital lenses is designed to professional standards to provide professional results in every facet of their use. Coreless motors provide impressive speed. A dedicated computer processor supplies intuitive image data transfer. A wide focal range gives you the flexibility to perfectly frame and capture detailed images near and far. Precision crafted optics--including fine aspherical and ED glass elements--produce the finest image results. And a digital specific design based on the Four Thirds System makes this lens virtually effortless to carry and use. This is not a lens built specifically for the E-1 Digital SLR; it is a lens built specifically for you.

Customer Reviews

Adequate, with Trade-offs
I already own Zuiko's excellent f2.8 300mm fixed lens, Olympus 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto ED Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras. It's a superb lens, and works very well with both Zuiko's 1.4X teleconverter, Olympus EC14 1.4x Teleconverter Lens (for at f/2.8 on E-System lenses), and its 2.0X teleconverter, Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras.

But there are situations in which you need more flexibility; the bird or the animal is too close for a fixed 300mm, for example. So I purchased the 90-250mm. And after two weeks of field photography, I have to say it's a decidedly mixed bag.

On its own, without a teleconverter, the lens is good. For a wide range, powerful telephoto, it gathers an impressive amount of light, and has the same f2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range. It's simply not as razor sharp as the fixed 300mm, but it's still quite sharp. The teleconverters are a different story, however. The 1.4X is adequate, unless you want exceptional detail. With the 2.0X teleconverter, though, results are generally unacceptable for my work. I suppose that the additional lensing required for a zoom cross some tipping point.

And the lens is definitely slower-focusing than my 300mm on my E-3 body. Birds in flight are possible with the lens by itself, but combined with a teleconverter, the lens can't keep up, even in bright light.

Which leaves the lens in a special, fairly niche: if you need just a 90-250mm, wide aperture lens, this is a fine product. If you are looking for a bit more flexibility, or if you are photographing rapidly moving targets, perhaps not. And teleconverters significantly impair sharpness, especially the 2.0X. It will have a place in my camera bag - a large space. But it's simply not as useful as I hoped.