Olympus recommendation
QI’d love a prime telephoto lens for my Olympus mirrorless camera, but they are so expensive. Can you recommend a lens for wildlife and sport that isn’t more than about £1,000? Sue Porter
AThis is a really simple answer, Sue: take a look at the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro lens. It’s just about on your budget at £1,099, and I think it should give you everything you’re looking for.
With the crop factor on your camera, the 40-150mm focal length is effectively 80-300mm in full-frame terms, which is perfect for all sorts of photography in the areas you’re talking about, as well as for more general photography.
If you think 300mm is still too short, you could blow your budget and buy the MC-14 1.4x teleconverter (£249), so you can increase the lens’s flexibility to an effective 112-420mm – great for bird photography. As it has a constant aperture of f/2.8, using a teleconverter is no problem.
I know quite a few Olympus shooters who use this lens, and I’ve seen great images taken with it. Its focusing is fast and accurate, and the fact it is robust, splashproof and dustproof means there are no worries about using it in all sorts of conditions. Basically, you’re getting a professional-spec lens with a wide aperture, great-quality glass, excellent focusing and good general construction, all in a lightweight package for this kind of focal range.
I also know that Olympus is running a ‘try before you buy’ scheme for current Olympus camera owners; called ‘Test & Wow’, you could borrow the lens, along with the 1.4x teleconverter, before you commit to the parting with your cash. That’s a pretty impressive commitment from Olympus, which I think should be applauded. Go to www.olympus-europa. com to find out more.