m43rumors post on mid-range zoom

StevenAdler said:

Probably, Olympus was designing lenses that others like Sigma manufactured going back to the 4/3 line. We already know that the Olympu 75mm f1.8 was made by Sigma and probably also the 300mm F4 Pro.

With the limited resources OM Systems has, it is far more efficient to use the design pattern for the Zuiko 50-200 SWD and have Sigma update the focus motor and manufacture the lens as and OEM. A 50-200 f2.8-3.5 with an m43 snappy focus motor, Sync IS, and weather sealing, compatible with the MC-14 would be a very popular lens.

Probably this has been in the works since before the acquisition.

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I think not. These days, lenses are not designed to correct for geometric distortion. Correctible distortion allows for much smaller lens design. This is one of the main reasons the 4/3 lenses were so much bigger and heavier than the m43 lenses.

Dann-Oh said:

The current roadmap shoes something in the range of a 50-200, they don't list any other details. The lens rendering makes the lens appear to be something of a "Little Tuna", the nickname for the 150-400F4.5 Pro is "Big Tuna". I would be really happy if the new lens is a ED 50-200mm F2.8 TC1.25x IS PRO.

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Little Tuna is Zuiko 150mm/f2.

Big Tuna is Zuiko 300mm/f2.8.

These were large and heavy lenses. The Big Tuna was a kg heavier than the Nikon 300/2.8 (I know, I had both).

The 150-400/4.5 is the "Great White".

And if the new lens is a white 50-200/2.8, then maybe "Lesser White". But a modern version of the Zuiko 90-250/2.8 would be great for sports.

StevenAdler said:

Probably, Olympus was designing lenses that others like Sigma manufactured going back to the 4/3 line. We already know that the Olympu 75mm f1.8 was made by Sigma and probably also the 300mm F4 Pro.

With the limited resources OM Systems has, it is far more efficient to use the design pattern for the Zuiko 50-200 SWD and have Sigma update the focus motor and manufacture the lens as and OEM. A 50-200 f2.8-3.5 with an m43 snappy focus motor, Sync IS, and weather sealing, compatible with the MC-14 would be a very popular lens.

Probably this has been in the works since before the acquisition.

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There’s already such a lens, and it was expressly designed for MFT. It’s the Panasonic-Leica 50-200 f/2.8-4 lens.

I just picked that lens up today to replace my OM 40-150 f/2.8 that I just sold. It’s sure to be cheaper than what OMS will charge for a likely Signa rebrand, so why no love for the existing MFT specific lens? It’s tiny compared to the FF version that may underlie this new offering.

That said, I can understand if MC-14 TC or OIS is a requirement. But the size difference- if it turns out to be yet another rebrand- will be significant.

Rafael Rivera said:

StevenAdler said:

Probably, Olympus was designing lenses that others like Sigma manufactured going back to the 4/3 line. We already know that the Olympu 75mm f1.8 was made by Sigma and probably also the 300mm F4 Pro.

With the limited resources OM Systems has, it is far more efficient to use the design pattern for the Zuiko 50-200 SWD and have Sigma update the focus motor and manufacture the lens as and OEM. A 50-200 f2.8-3.5 with an m43 snappy focus motor, Sync IS, and weather sealing, compatible with the MC-14 would be a very popular lens.

Probably this has been in the works since before the acquisition.

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There’s already such a lens, and it was expressly designed for MFT. It’s the Panasonic-Leica 50-200 f/2.8-4 lens.

I just picked that lens up today to replace my OM 40-150 f/2.8 that I just sold. It’s sure to be cheaper than what OMS will charge for a likely Signa rebrand, so why no love for the existing MFT specific lens? It’s tiny compared to the FF version that may underlie this new offering.

That said, I can understand if MC-14 TC or OIS is a requirement. But the size difference- if it turns out to be yet another rebrand- will be significant.

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The Panasonic TC14 can be used on the 50-200/2.8-4. Dual IS is available with that lens. The only thing missing is internal zoom. And compatibility with Olympus/OM System with the TC and Dual IS.

Of course, the problem is that the TC14 is no longer available, and costs a fortune on the used market.

MacroDonata said:

Story there saying that the roadmapped zoom "might" be a 70-200mm f/2.8, which most believe is another rebadged Sigma.

I have no idea how credible the source is.

I'd strongly prefer something out to 250 even if it meant f/4.

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A 60-250 F/4 would be sweet.

So why is it near impossible to get a 1.4 telecon for the Panny 50-200?

I had the 4/3 Oly 50-200 f2.80-3.5 SWD. Used it a lot but didn't like it. For me, it wasn't long enough for me and rarely used at less than 200mm.
I'm waiting for a water resistant 12/1.8 and 45/1.8. That, with the 17/1.8 MkII would be my ideal travel kit companions to the OM-3, with my 300/4 and tripod in the suitcase if needed.

offtheback said:

So why is it near impossible to get a 1.4 telecon for the Panny 50-200?

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Panasonic discontinued it. You can get one now for $674 from MPB.

On the other hand, Olympus MC-14's are still available new for $350 and used for around $250.

I recently purchased the Panasonic-Leica 50-200 f/2.8-4 and sold my OM 40-150 f/2.8. Beautiful images out of the OM lens- I really liked the constant f/2.8 aperture, and build quality was good. But there were a few issues for me. Namely:

• It's big for an MFT lens, so it makes it difficult to fit in a smaller bag with other lenses.
• The hood is bulky, making the lens even larger. And it's fiddly. Given reports I've read from others, I felt like I had to treat it with kid gloves or it could break.
• Focusing was very good on my G9II in daylight. When it got dark indoors, it was fine. Not great, but fine. Was faster on the EM5III I had. That said, AF Limiter solved that issue.
• No OIS. IBIS was good, but OIS- even without DualSync or SyncIS- is better for telephoto lengths
• Zoom ring operated in the opposite manner to what I was used to, i.e., Panasonic and Samyang zooms. More than serviceable, but I found myself more than once zooming in the wrong direction when I tried to capture my teammates in a road mile race two weekends ago.

BH shipped the PL 50-200 amazingly quickly, and it was waiting for me at home yesterday. Didn't get home till late, so couldn't thoroughly test it. Initial impressions are very favorable:

• Much smaller (shorter and narrower) and lighter than OM 40-140 f/2.8.
• Build quality was excellent, and felt a touch better than the OM. This is subjective of course, and the OM build is also great.
• DualSync image stabilization is excellent. Helps in low light indoor test shooting.
• Focusing was snappy, even in low light. Faster than OM on Panasonic bodies.
• Hood is reversible and good quality, and is of the normal type for the PL lenses
• IQ preliminarily is good, though I reserve judgment there until I can test the lens out under a variety of different conditions
• It extends with the zoom, and I can see the benefits of internal zooming, but honestly that has never been a purchasing concern for me

I have the PL200 f/2.8 lens with the 1.4x TC. I had thought of selling it, but thankfully realized I would have regretted it shortly thereafter. Phenomenal prime for MFT. I put the 1.4x TC on the PL 50-200, and it still felt smaller than the OM 40-150, and balanced very well on the G9II. No focus issues even in low light at night indoors, and DualSync again was excellent.

This sounds silly, but it brought me joy to behold a lens that reminded me of the benefits of MFT. I sold several of my MFT equipment over the weekend, including the OM 40-150, EM5III, G100, O60, and the O STF-8. But this lens- at least initial impressions- reminded me of why I need to keep a place in my camera gear for MFT.

Skeeterbytes said:

Seasider said:

Whatever it will be, it will be expensive and a disappointment to a lot of people and stellar to a few. Just my opinion. I'm sure the roadmap has it as a white lens which looks nothing like a 70-200 f2.8?

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Wo don't have much to go on beyond the thumbnail and fuzzy line.



So generic I can't say it looks like anything in particular. The bar begins after 40mm extending past 150mm (bar to the right is 300mm).

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Exactly. The dotted line passing through the word 'Zoom' is labelled '75mm'. It hardly looks like the short end is 70mm. Much more like the 50mm which was the figure originally speculated. Of course the roadmap may be deliberately or otherwise misleading, or they may have changed their minds due to cost. Certainly a 70-200mm range would be a disappointment to me - not nearly as useful as the 40-150mm F2.8 that I already have.

Mike

I am a big fan of the F4 series of Pro Oly lenses. I would like to see the series completed with a matching longer range zoom. Perhaps, 70-250mm F4 with syn IS. Price? In line with the other F4 Pro lenses and not $2,000+.

Greg

Skeeterbytes said:

While 70-200/2.8 is the obligatory short-tele pro zoom for 135 format, it seems an odd fit for m4/3 when the 40-150/2.8 already exists as the pro-level mid-tele zoom. An adapted 135-format 70-200/2.8 would be much larger than m4/3 dictates and I hope that's not what we're seeing.

I could make an argument for 50-200/2.8. 70mm too constraining on the short end.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Rick

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50mm on the short end would pair nicer with either the 12-40/2.8 or the 12-45/4. For a few it could also be nice to pair with the 8-25/4.

Not that I have the cash to for this, but a OM System Pro version of Panasonic’s PL50-200/2.8-4 would be good, better if it was a 50-250, but that’s my quixotic 2¢.

While I’m in dreamland, can we get a small but great 70-300/4-5.6.

My 40-150 f2.8 is such a fabulous lens that I don't think I would have any interest in the new lens if it were only going to reach 200mm. A new lens with a reach of 250mm with sync IS .. that would be a consideration!

UrbaneHobbit said:

The roadmap graphic sure does look like a full-frame 70-200 f/2.8! I don’t see how that would be differentiating within the MFT lens catalog, unless it had a built-in teleconverter...

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But there are already several 100-400mm lenses from which to choose.
Doesn’t 70-200mm fit nicely alongside 100-400 ?

jj

MacroDonata said:

Story there saying that the roadmapped zoom "might" be a 70-200mm f/2.8, which most believe is another rebadged Sigma.

I have no idea how credible the source is.

I'd strongly prefer something out to 250 even if it meant f/4.

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I was under the impression the lens was a 50-200 but didn't OM system had a debate what the lens should be?

My only concern there is already the very good Panasonic Leica 50-200mm 2.8-4 and anything faster means more expensive and bigger. Plus I thought Full Frame owners of the 100-400 used to stop down because the depth of field was too shallow and I find the PL50-200 depth of field to be perfect.

Now I did a quick google search because to see what the aperture range of the typical first party 100-400 and came across this thread. It about a married couple taking a compact 400mm 4.5 prime and a 100-400 with them on safari and basically getting the same shot at 400mm. So what they were doing is comparing both lenses and their image quality. What's interesting if the OM system lens is a 50-200mm 2.8 then you will get similar depth of field with a 100-400mm 4.5-5.6.

Beware Full Frame safari shots - Gas Warning

My only concern is this OM system 50-200 is likely to be more expensive than a first party 100-400mm 4.5-5.6. I don't like the idea of smaller formats having faster but more expensive lenses in an attempt to compete with larger formats. It might make sense getting one lens to save money getting a Full Frame camera but if you are just buying the fastest lenses for your format, maybe look at the larger formats?

I don't think it's a rebadged Sigma, the lens looks so different and it has the programmable buttons at the front. Maybe it's possible the optical formula and internals are the same with just a different body.

In any case, we already have 40-150s in both 2.8 and F4. Panasonic offers a 50-200. I can't see much demand for this lens unless the aperture is something special, which, judging from the photo - it's likely 2.8 or slower.

MacroDonata said:

Story there saying that the roadmapped zoom "might" be a 70-200mm f/2.8, which most believe is another rebadged Sigma.

I have no idea how credible the source is.

I'd strongly prefer something out to 250 even if it meant f/4.

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I will not buy a 50-200 I already have the PL version with TCs. A 70-250 or 70-300 with sync af and f4, which retains IQ with TCs as much as possible would be a great addition to the lens line-up and I would be in the queue to buy it!
tom

43rumors probably just making stuff up because there's bugger all else to talk about in terms of m43 recently.

Falling engagement with all the ads for software and Amazon sales.

50-250 f4 Pro with 1.25xTC and Sync IS

For less than the price of a small house!!!

Asherax said:

50-250 f4 Pro with 1.25xTC and Sync IS
For less than the price of a small house!!!

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How small? Tokyo small or Dallas small?

Concur that would be an ideal FL range. Different enough from the 40-150 to warrant a close look even from folks who already have that foundational lens.

Not a prediction FWIW. I'm struggling a bit seeing how it fits in the current lineup.