50-200 swd or not for mFT

The AF speed difference between the two versions on μ43 isn't significant. The biggest focusing problem with SWD (I cannot say for the original) is that the AF just isn't accurate enough of the time to be particularly useful. The main benefit of the SWD over the original on a μ43 camera is the access to a mechanically coupled focusing ring, which makes MF significantly easier than it otherwise would be. I was in a similar position as you and I went with the SWD version for that very reason. I don't use telephotos often enough, but wanted something with better IQ than what's available. And since I mainly shoot static subjects, AF didn't really matter to me.

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--Mike