NZ Photo Info

Shooting with the Olympus 40-150 (80-300mm equivalent) kit lens there are lots of occasions where I just don't have enough reach.

I am planning to get the new 50-200 SWD, EC-14 and EC-20 teleconvertors. But, still waiting on availability of the new 50-200 and EC-20 in NZ. So, after a lot of research decided to purchase the 70-300 ED lens in the interim.

My initial impression is that the image quality is better with the 70-300 than the old 40-150, which in turn is better than the new 40-150 kit lens.

It's definitely not the fastest lens (F4-F5.6) in the kit but it certainly fills a gap that I had. Even shooting at 400 ISO and post processing in Lightroom the results are excellent.

It works well on the E-510 and in complemented by the IS, it is easily and comfortably managed hand held for long durations. Unlike some other manufacturers, where you would need a tripod, monopod or some gym sessions if you planned on extended usage.

If you don't have an endless budget and are looking for something with more reach than the kit lens it will certainly fill this gap.

Rather than show you test shot comparisons of uninteresting charts and test patterns I took the lens out into the wild to photograph different subjects in varying conditions.

Sample Photos 70-300mm ED Lens

Hibiscus Flower

F5.0
ISO 400
1/400 Sec
108 mm

View larger version of the image in our Stock Image Gallery.

Surfer

F5.6
ISO 200
1/800 Sec
300 mm

View larger version of the image in our Stock Image Gallery.

Fireworks

F10
ISO 400
3.7 Sec
96 mm

View larger version of the image in our Stock Image Gallery.