The Big White Beast Olympus 150-400mm f/4.5 Pro IS TCx1.25 Thread

Tom Caldwell said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

the bluesman said:

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Sometimes with gear like the 150-400mm rather the pain of searching, waiting and the unknown it's best just to buy brand new, to me this lens is a keeper forever and if that means keeping me in the system so be it, yes if a good one comes up second hand grab it but that's if one comes along, there is room to move to get a great deal with these brand new, I got mine fore a decent price and had the pleasure of opening up a brand new untouched box, I have never looked back and just love the lens

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Bluesman. You make a very valid point. I have just found a used lens on MBP here in the UK with a price of £6179. For a couple of hundred pounds more I could purchase a new lens. I am aware that this lens does hold its value but I would not be willling to pay that price for a used 150-400. I must admit opening the box of a new camera/lens is very exciting. I will check if there any deals available on the lens brand new. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

I have never used them and I think that they may be grey importers ? but they are UK based and worst comes to the worst repairs and returns would go through them

They have a new 150-400mm F/4.5 listed at £4,999 , though on double checking it has went out of stock

https://www.cotswoldcameras.co.uk/O...-Lens?PPCT=1667989991&gPromoCode=UK_GG2025MAY

The company gets a very good review rating on trustpilot

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/cotswoldcameras.co.uk

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding James. That is an amazing price for the lens brand new and like you I suspect they are grey imports. I have purchased grey imports in the past without any problems. It is out of stock on the site. I am certainly considering buying new now so will keep on eye on this site for any other offers. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

It is such a premium product worth the wait good luck in your search. You are right about the used prices from MPB etc they are not discounted enough compared to new prices

Click to expand...

Tariffs will have a spin off into the used prices as well.

Click to expand...

SaltLuck said:

Tom Caldwell said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

the bluesman said:

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Sometimes with gear like the 150-400mm rather the pain of searching, waiting and the unknown it's best just to buy brand new, to me this lens is a keeper forever and if that means keeping me in the system so be it, yes if a good one comes up second hand grab it but that's if one comes along, there is room to move to get a great deal with these brand new, I got mine fore a decent price and had the pleasure of opening up a brand new untouched box, I have never looked back and just love the lens

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Bluesman. You make a very valid point. I have just found a used lens on MBP here in the UK with a price of £6179. For a couple of hundred pounds more I could purchase a new lens. I am aware that this lens does hold its value but I would not be willling to pay that price for a used 150-400. I must admit opening the box of a new camera/lens is very exciting. I will check if there any deals available on the lens brand new. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

I have never used them and I think that they may be grey importers ? but they are UK based and worst comes to the worst repairs and returns would go through them

They have a new 150-400mm F/4.5 listed at £4,999 , though on double checking it has went out of stock

https://www.cotswoldcameras.co.uk/O...-Lens?PPCT=1667989991&gPromoCode=UK_GG2025MAY

The company gets a very good review rating on trustpilot

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/cotswoldcameras.co.uk

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding James. That is an amazing price for the lens brand new and like you I suspect they are grey imports. I have purchased grey imports in the past without any problems. It is out of stock on the site. I am certainly considering buying new now so will keep on eye on this site for any other offers. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

It is such a premium product worth the wait good luck in your search. You are right about the used prices from MPB etc they are not discounted enough compared to new prices

Click to expand...

Tariffs will have a spin off into the used prices as well.

Click to expand...

The lens has been out for 5+ years. Inflation is up 15% during that time and no price change. Tariff's announced and still no price change. Doubtful we will see one.

Click to expand...

James Stirling said:

SaltLuck said:

Tom Caldwell said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

the bluesman said:

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Sometimes with gear like the 150-400mm rather the pain of searching, waiting and the unknown it's best just to buy brand new, to me this lens is a keeper forever and if that means keeping me in the system so be it, yes if a good one comes up second hand grab it but that's if one comes along, there is room to move to get a great deal with these brand new, I got mine fore a decent price and had the pleasure of opening up a brand new untouched box, I have never looked back and just love the lens

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Bluesman. You make a very valid point. I have just found a used lens on MBP here in the UK with a price of £6179. For a couple of hundred pounds more I could purchase a new lens. I am aware that this lens does hold its value but I would not be willling to pay that price for a used 150-400. I must admit opening the box of a new camera/lens is very exciting. I will check if there any deals available on the lens brand new. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

I have never used them and I think that they may be grey importers ? but they are UK based and worst comes to the worst repairs and returns would go through them

They have a new 150-400mm F/4.5 listed at £4,999 , though on double checking it has went out of stock

https://www.cotswoldcameras.co.uk/O...-Lens?PPCT=1667989991&gPromoCode=UK_GG2025MAY

The company gets a very good review rating on trustpilot

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/cotswoldcameras.co.uk

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding James. That is an amazing price for the lens brand new and like you I suspect they are grey imports. I have purchased grey imports in the past without any problems. It is out of stock on the site. I am certainly considering buying new now so will keep on eye on this site for any other offers. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

It is such a premium product worth the wait good luck in your search. You are right about the used prices from MPB etc they are not discounted enough compared to new prices

Click to expand...

Tariffs will have a spin off into the used prices as well.

Click to expand...

The lens has been out for 5+ years. Inflation is up 15% during that time and no price change. Tariff's announced and still no price change. Doubtful we will see one.

Click to expand...

There does seem to have been a noted increase in the used prices of a lot of camera equipment over the last few months or so not sure of the reasons. Prices, demand etc are quite different depending on our location . I am in the UK , Tom in Australia

Click to expand...

lokatz said:

J4Hug said:

I use a 3 Legged Thing monopod (2metre capability I think) with a Wimberly MonoGimbal (thankfully secondhand coz it’s expensive)

Click to expand...

FWIW: I use a Neewer GM39 monopod gimbal. It is VERY well made and costs a fraction of the Wimberly.

Oh, and when carrying it without a monopod, I find it a lot more comfortable to screw a shoulder strap, such as the BlackRapid Sport Breathe, into the lens foot. When using the strap mount eyes, the lens hangs vertically, banging against your legs or side. When attaching the strap to the foot, the lens hangs horizontally, so it won't get in your way, plus it is quicker to get into shooting position.

Click to expand...

SaltLuck said:

James Stirling said:

SaltLuck said:

Tom Caldwell said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

James Stirling said:

Postywood said:

the bluesman said:

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Sometimes with gear like the 150-400mm rather the pain of searching, waiting and the unknown it's best just to buy brand new, to me this lens is a keeper forever and if that means keeping me in the system so be it, yes if a good one comes up second hand grab it but that's if one comes along, there is room to move to get a great deal with these brand new, I got mine fore a decent price and had the pleasure of opening up a brand new untouched box, I have never looked back and just love the lens

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Bluesman. You make a very valid point. I have just found a used lens on MBP here in the UK with a price of £6179. For a couple of hundred pounds more I could purchase a new lens. I am aware that this lens does hold its value but I would not be willling to pay that price for a used 150-400. I must admit opening the box of a new camera/lens is very exciting. I will check if there any deals available on the lens brand new. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

I have never used them and I think that they may be grey importers ? but they are UK based and worst comes to the worst repairs and returns would go through them

They have a new 150-400mm F/4.5 listed at £4,999 , though on double checking it has went out of stock

https://www.cotswoldcameras.co.uk/O...-Lens?PPCT=1667989991&gPromoCode=UK_GG2025MAY

The company gets a very good review rating on trustpilot

https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/cotswoldcameras.co.uk

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding James. That is an amazing price for the lens brand new and like you I suspect they are grey imports. I have purchased grey imports in the past without any problems. It is out of stock on the site. I am certainly considering buying new now so will keep on eye on this site for any other offers. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

It is such a premium product worth the wait good luck in your search. You are right about the used prices from MPB etc they are not discounted enough compared to new prices

Click to expand...

Tariffs will have a spin off into the used prices as well.

Click to expand...

The lens has been out for 5+ years. Inflation is up 15% during that time and no price change. Tariff's announced and still no price change. Doubtful we will see one.

Click to expand...

There does seem to have been a noted increase in the used prices of a lot of camera equipment over the last few months or so not sure of the reasons. Prices, demand etc are quite different depending on our location . I am in the UK , Tom in Australia

Click to expand...

That is good to know, I will certainly look into that if true. There is always some equipment I could be compelled to let go of if the price is right

Click to expand...

jjbinx said:

lokatz said:

J4Hug said:

I use a 3 Legged Thing monopod (2metre capability I think) with a Wimberly MonoGimbal (thankfully secondhand coz it’s expensive)

Click to expand...

FWIW: I use a Neewer GM39 monopod gimbal. It is VERY well made and costs a fraction of the Wimberly.

Oh, and when carrying it without a monopod, I find it a lot more comfortable to screw a shoulder strap, such as the BlackRapid Sport Breathe, into the lens foot. When using the strap mount eyes, the lens hangs vertically, banging against your legs or side. When attaching the strap to the foot, the lens hangs horizontally, so it won't get in your way, plus it is quicker to get into shooting position.

Click to expand...

How do you lock the screws to stop them coming loose?
Also, I have this disturbing image in my mind of the threaded socket on the lens foot being pulled out - like a tooth being extracted. Teeth are ‘designed’ for compressive forces - you can bight down with a lot of pressure but it just takes moderate force and a little wiggle and the dentist can pull one right out.

Are you confident that the Olympus designers allowed for the lens to dangle off and jiggle around on that little tripod socket ?

They probably expected users to use the strap lugs they provided

If it was my $7500 lens I’d be adding a little tether from the main strap up to the strap lug

jj

Click to expand...

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Jeroen1969 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi Colin. Since I started this thread, I kept a keen eye on the second hand market. I've only seen some occasional advertisements on MPB UK, they sold pretty quickly. On eBay most of the used Big Whites are in Japan. For me it was not beneficial to buy one of those attractively priced lenses as the total costs after shipping and import would be very close to buying new, like you figured out for getting such a lens to the UK as well.

As I had a Safari trip on the agenda that will not reoccur in the near future, I decided to buy new from Germany, for €6.999,-. Just about €500 below recommended retail price. I got the lens a good week before that Safari trip to Uganda, that gave me some practice time. I do not regret this buy as I have not really seen any good used options since I acquired it. The lens itself keeps amazing me, as you have probably already seen through some of my postings.

At this very moment, eBay UK has a used copy available. You might want to check that one out? I don't see them getting much cheaper than that one...

Good luck!

Click to expand...

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Woody Meristem said:

Mike Lane compared the 100-400mm and the 150-400mm --

Given his conclusions and the use of my photos, there's just no way I could justify buying the 150-400mm -- it's much too expensive and too heavy for me. It's apparently a great lens, but at less than a fifth of the price I'll take the weather sealed, lighter, smaller and actually a bit more versatile 100-400mm. I'm quite happy with my Olympus 100-400mm and Thomas Stirr seemed happy with his until he got the 150-600mm for its extra reach; it's even larger and heavier than the 150-400mm -- https://smallsensorphotography.com/m-zuiko-100-400-review#comments

Click to expand...

Ken Croft said:

Ken Croft wrote:

Click to expand...

Ken Croft said:

I have the 300 Pro, and I too enjoyed Mike Lane's experience with the 100-400. Based upon that, I bought the 100-400 mk2. I found the sharpness so poor compared to not only the 300 but also to my other pro lenses that I knew I would never use it, and I returned it immediately. I do wonder even though Mike Lane is not an Olympus ambassador, whether his lens was something special, because quite frankly I was quite appaled by the one I received.

PS. I use the OM1 mk1

Click to expand...

Ken Croft said:

I have the 300 Pro, and I too enjoyed Mike Lane's experience with the 100-400. Based upon that, I bought the 100-400 mk2. I found the sharpness so poor compared to not only the 300 but also to my other pro lenses that I knew I would never use it, and I returned it immediately. I do wonder even though Mike Lane is not an Olympus ambassador, whether his lens was something special, because quite frankly I was quite appaled by the one I received.

PS. I use the OM1 mk1

Click to expand...

M44 said:

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Hi Colin,

I've seen that the BW is on backorder again as reconditioned version.

https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/m-zuiko-ed-150-400mm-f4-5-tc1-25x-is-pro-simple-reconditioned

There is no promotion for reconditioned items currently but when I saw this lens as reconditioned the first time there was no promotion either and I wrote to the support. They offered me a 20% discount for the BW, but while receiving the email, the official promotion started already with same discount level. What I want to say is that if you get in contact with OMDS support you should get a 20% code for the150-400 reconditioned version, that would be 5200£ according to my calculation.

With 2,5 years warranty this is an option to consider.

Mat

Click to expand...

HicHic said:

Ken Croft said:

I have the 300 Pro, and I too enjoyed Mike Lane's experience with the 100-400. Based upon that, I bought the 100-400 mk2. I found the sharpness so poor compared to not only the 300 but also to my other pro lenses that I knew I would never use it, and I returned it immediately. I do wonder even though Mike Lane is not an Olympus ambassador, whether his lens was something special, because quite frankly I was quite appaled by the one I received.

PS. I use the OM1 mk1

Click to expand...

You're giving OMDS too much credit. They certainly don't check their lenses for decentering before sending them out to YouTube influencers for review.

Just take a look at how bad this copy of the 150-400 was. Almost as bad as the one I bought.

Click to expand...

jjbinx said:

HicHic said:

Ken Croft said:

I have the 300 Pro, and I too enjoyed Mike Lane's experience with the 100-400. Based upon that, I bought the 100-400 mk2. I found the sharpness so poor compared to not only the 300 but also to my other pro lenses that I knew I would never use it, and I returned it immediately. I do wonder even though Mike Lane is not an Olympus ambassador, whether his lens was something special, because quite frankly I was quite appaled by the one I received.

PS. I use the OM1 mk1

Click to expand...

You're giving OMDS too much credit. They certainly don't check their lenses for decentering before sending them out to YouTube influencers for review.

Just take a look at how bad this copy of the 150-400 was. Almost as bad as the one I bought.

Click to expand...

That decentering looks bad, way beyond what I could write off as ‘sample variation’.
jj

Click to expand...

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

M44 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

Click to expand...

Hi,

I have used the refurbished offering they had in the OM System Shop a couple of weeks ago in Europe. I believe the offering has been in UK too. I got a what I believe great copy for 6000 Euro and two years warranty. As with the new lenses by registering the lens they gave an extra 6 months on top. While the lens has not been delivered in the original packing, the lens itself is flawless and as new.

I believe they are gathering another batch of reconditioned lenses and start sales again as the placeholders are still in the shop.

6K € is still a lot of money but I have the great white in the field since some weeks now and I am very happy with the results.

Regards

Mat

Click to expand...

Thanks for responding Mat. I had not considered a reconditioned lens so your response was most helpful. You got the lens at a very good price. Unfortunately, they do not have any available at present. I will monitor the site on a regular basis. Also. pleased to read that you are happy with the lens. Kind Regards, Colin.

Click to expand...

Hi Colin,

I've seen that the BW is on backorder again as reconditioned version.

https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/m-zuiko-ed-150-400mm-f4-5-tc1-25x-is-pro-simple-reconditioned

There is no promotion for reconditioned items currently but when I saw this lens as reconditioned the first time there was no promotion either and I wrote to the support. They offered me a 20% discount for the BW, but while receiving the email, the official promotion started already with same discount level. What I want to say is that if you get in contact with OMDS support you should get a 20% code for the150-400 reconditioned version, that would be 5200£ according to my calculation.

With 2,5 years warranty this is an option to consider.

Mat

Click to expand...

Thank you Mat for taking the time to respond yet again. I am very grateful. I have contacted OMDS requesting information about a reconditioned BW. This is certainty a route I would now take to get my hands on a BW. I was surprised to read that you had a warranty of 2.5 years. I will let you know how I get on. Kind Regards, Colin

Click to expand...

HicHic said:

jjbinx said:

HicHic said:

Ken Croft said:

I have the 300 Pro, and I too enjoyed Mike Lane's experience with the 100-400. Based upon that, I bought the 100-400 mk2. I found the sharpness so poor compared to not only the 300 but also to my other pro lenses that I knew I would never use it, and I returned it immediately. I do wonder even though Mike Lane is not an Olympus ambassador, whether his lens was something special, because quite frankly I was quite appaled by the one I received.

PS. I use the OM1 mk1

Click to expand...

You're giving OMDS too much credit. They certainly don't check their lenses for decentering before sending them out to YouTube influencers for review.

Just take a look at how bad this copy of the 150-400 was. Almost as bad as the one I bought.

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That decentering looks bad, way beyond what I could write off as ‘sample variation’.
jj

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Mine was like that too. OMDS said it's within manufacturing standards. Crazy standards for a lens of this price. I had to fight my case for a whole year to get it replaced with a non defective one.

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Postywood said:

Jeroen1969 said:

Postywood said:

Thank you so much for starting this thread. I have found the information provided very useful. I am now persuaded that I want this lens. However, I would if possible prefer to purchase a used/secondhand lens. Unfortunately, I have been unable to identify a lens for sale on the scondhand market here in the UK. They have dried up completely. I have tried Wex/LCE/SRS/Clifton etc without success. If anyone knows of a secondhand lens for sale here in the UK I would be very grateful if you could let me know. Colin

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Hi Colin. Since I started this thread, I kept a keen eye on the second hand market. I've only seen some occasional advertisements on MPB UK, they sold pretty quickly. On eBay most of the used Big Whites are in Japan. For me it was not beneficial to buy one of those attractively priced lenses as the total costs after shipping and import would be very close to buying new, like you figured out for getting such a lens to the UK as well.

As I had a Safari trip on the agenda that will not reoccur in the near future, I decided to buy new from Germany, for €6.999,-. Just about €500 below recommended retail price. I got the lens a good week before that Safari trip to Uganda, that gave me some practice time. I do not regret this buy as I have not really seen any good used options since I acquired it. The lens itself keeps amazing me, as you have probably already seen through some of my postings.

At this very moment, eBay UK has a used copy available. You might want to check that one out? I don't see them getting much cheaper than that one...

Good luck!

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Hi Jerome 1969. Thank you for responding to my post. I am pleased to learn that you are enjoying the lens. There were a few lenses for sale a couple of months ago but as I mentioned elsewhere they are now very scare in the UK. Thank you for pointing me in the direction of eBay.. The starting bid is very reasonable but unfortunately the seller will not post. It is collection only and the seller lives approximately 200+ miles away. Not sure about pursuing this. I will continue to look for a used lens for a couple of weeks but if nothing is forthcoming then I will purchase new. I have looked for special offers on the lens - cash back etc but nothing doing. You obviously had a great Safari. Kind Regards, Colin

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Postywood said:

I am completely baffled by the pricing on a used BW by MPB(UK). The “the like new lens” is priced at £6779. Please note no case or lens strap included. You can get a brand no lens with all accessories in some cases £200 to £300 below this price with a number of dealers. Is there such a scarcity of the BW used and new that they expect to sell at this price?

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