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ZD 150mm ƒ2.0, my favorite wildlife lens.

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Phocal

Phocal

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On Saturday I took this photograph of an American Alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis) at Brazos Bend State Park in Texas with my EM1 and ZD 150mm ƒ2.0, aka Little Tuna. This has become my favorite lens because of its amazing IQ and versatility to take both the EC-14 and EC-20.



EM1 w/ ZD 150mm ƒ2.0 - ISO 200, 1/4000 @ ƒ2.8 w/ -2/3 EV.

EM1 w/ ZD 150mm ƒ2.0 - ISO 200, 1/4000 @ ƒ2.8 w/ -2/3 EV.
 
Hi Phocal

The 150mm always impresses both what it looks like and what it shoots. I've never seen one, or used one for that matter, but am curious, how does the lens handle? Weight, balance, autofocus speed, etc.? I've read some reviews but it is a rare lens and just as rarely do I hear about these more mundane qualities. I'd love to hear more about the lens.
 
ajendus said:
Hi Phocal

The 150mm always impresses both what it looks like and what it shoots. I've never seen one, or used one for that matter, but am curious, how does the lens handle? Weight, balance, autofocus speed, etc.? I've read some reviews but it is a rare lens and just as rarely do I hear about these more mundane qualities. I'd love to hear more about the lens.
Click to expand...
 
I also have the 150/2 from the E-5 days, but have not yet tried it with the ECs and MMF3 on my E-M1s. I'll have to play with these this weekend. Thanks for the comments on this combo.
 
That is possibly the only lens that I regretted never buying. When buying one was a possibility, I really didn't have the need. Now there have been a number of times when it would have been ideal.
 
Not just the lens, that is one heck of a shot. Love the low angle perspective and the details. Surrounded by greens just makes this stand out so well and the shallow DOF isolates it beautifully. Excellent lens obviously, but some shooting from behind it as well.

All the best and great to see.

Danny.
 
ajendus said:
Hi Phocal

The 150mm always impresses both what it looks like and what it shoots. I've never seen one, or used one for that matter, but am curious, how does the lens handle? Weight, balance, autofocus speed, etc.? I've read some reviews but it is a rare lens and just as rarely do I hear about these more mundane qualities. I'd love to hear more about the lens.
Click to expand...
 
OzRay said:
That is possibly the only lens that I regretted never buying. When buying one was a possibility, I really didn't have the need. Now there have been a number of times when it would have been ideal.
Click to expand...
 
Phocal said:
On Saturday I took this photograph of an American Alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis) at Brazos Bend State Park in Texas with my EM1 and ZD 150mm ƒ2.0, aka Little Tuna. This has become my favorite lens because of its amazing IQ and versatility to take both the EC-14 and EC-20.

EM1 w/ ZD 150mm ƒ2.0 - ISO 200, 1/4000 @ ƒ2.8 w/ -2/3 EV.

EM1 w/ ZD 150mm ƒ2.0 - ISO 200, 1/4000 @ ƒ2.8 w/ -2/3 EV.
Click to expand...
Really a great shot!

And yes, the 2.0/150mm is really worth a thought or two as an alternative to the 4.0/300mm as the price is about the same, length of the lens much shorter ... theanks for making me thinking ;-)

Jan
 
Ken610 said:
I also have the 150/2 from the E-5 days, but have not yet tried it with the ECs and MMF3 on my E-M1s. I'll have to play with these this weekend. Thanks for the comments on this combo.
Click to expand...
 
nzmacro said:
Not just the lens, that is one heck of a shot. Love the low angle perspective and the details. Surrounded by greens just makes this stand out so well and the shallow DOF isolates it beautifully. Excellent lens obviously, but some shooting from behind it as well.

All the best and great to see.

Danny.
Click to expand...
 
You really nailed it, and took advantage of what that awesome lens can do. I love the vegetation, the contrast, and the way you got the DOF so well.

I sometimes wish I still had my little tuna, that lens is fantastic, and the OOF abilities are out of this world.
 
Phocal said:
nzmacro said:
Not just the lens, that is one heck of a shot. Love the low angle perspective and the details. Surrounded by greens just makes this stand out so well and the shallow DOF isolates it beautifully. Excellent lens obviously, but some shooting from behind it as well.

All the best and great to see.

Danny.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Not a terribly compelling subject, but he did allow me in pretty close before flying off in a huff, lugging his "prize." I revisit the shot on occasion to remind myself what a splendid job the 150 does rolling off focus. So very smooth.


Nom-nom-nom

The 40-150 Pro is no slouch and much easier to use and shoot, but the two lenses are unique unto themselves in their respective "looks."



Hey, babee, lookin' good!

Hey, babee, lookin' good!



Cheers,

Rick

--
Equivalence and diffraction-free since 2009.
You can be too; ask about our 12-step program.
 
Last edited:
Great capture, with an other-worldly lens.

Congrats.
 
One of my favorite lens - Nice work.

378925c10166476db552f8a8db614296.jpg

Anthony
 
Thanks for the reminder, phocal. I'll try some playing with it this weekend.
 
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