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Superfast glass for wild things TESTED: OM SYSTEM 50-200MM F/2.8 IS PRO
£2999
omsystem.com
Whether you are photographing animals or sports stars, this fast zoom is made for the great outdoors
Specifications
the latest OM-1 Mark II body to deliver up to seven stops of combined compensation. Even without in-body support, the optic offers five stops of correction, allowing handheld shooting at slower speeds than ever before. Autofocus is fast, quiet and assured. The lens locks onto subjects confidently, tracking everything from birds to sports athletes smoothly across the frame. Continuous AF performance is excellent, aided by minimal focus breathing and whisper-quiet operation. Close-focus capability is another strength: the minimum distance is 78cm throughout the zoom range, Focal length 50-200mm Mount MFT Image coverage MFT Aperture f/2.8-22 Aperture blades 9, rounded Construction 21 elements in 13 groups Image stabilisation 5-axis Sync IS, 7 stops Minimum focusing 78cm Filter size 77mm Dimensions (wxl) 91.4x225.8mm Weight 1250g
OM System has made no secret of its ambition to dominate the
outdoor photography space, and its latest professional zoom makes that intent unmistakably clear. The new M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS Pro is not just an update to the brand’s highly regarded 40-150mm f/2.8 but a bold leap forward in terms of reach, speed and stabilisation. With a constant f/2.8 aperture and an equivalent field of view of 100-400mm in full-frame terms, this is a serious telephoto for sports, wildlife and nature photography. At £2999 it’s a premium proposition, but it fills an important gap beneath the flagship 150-400mm f/4.5 IS Pro, offering a brighter maximum aperture in a more compact form. Despite its impressive specification, the lens remains relatively portable. Measuring 225.8mm in length and weighing 1250g with its tripod ring attached, it’s substantial by Micro Four Thirds standards but still smaller and lighter than most full-frame lenses. Construction is pro-level, with a tough
metal barrel, smooth operation and full IP53 weather sealing for dust, rain and freezing conditions. Both zooming and focusing are internal so the barrel length never changes, which is a major benefit for tripod use. The optical formula is new, using 21 elements in 13 groups with a complex mix of ED, Super ED, HR and E-HR glass, plus an aspherical ED element to suppress chromatic aberrations and flare. OM System’s Zero Coating II reduces reflections, while the 77mm filter thread is protected by a deep lens hood that includes an access panel for variable ND or polarising filters.
Handling is carefully refined. The zoom ring needs less than a quarter- turn to cover the full focal range, while the electronic focus ring is precise and well damped. A focus limiter switch, AF/MF selector, stabiliser toggle and programmable focus preset button are all logically placed. Four customisable function switches and an L-Fn button surround the barrel, and the supplied Arca-Swiss tripod foot can be detached without removing the lens. Stabilisation is a standout feature. The 50-200mm f/2.8 IS Pro is the first in its class to include built-in optical IS, working in harmony with
PERFECT PAIR The 50-200mm lens matched with the latest OM-1 body make for a winning combo to shoot wildlife
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