Olympus's super-telephoto zoom with built-in IS, covering a massive 200-800mm equivalent.
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS was released in 2020 as the first native IS (Optical Image Stabiliser) super-telephoto zoom for the Micro Four Thirds system, providing a 200-800mm full-frame equivalent range. The built-in IS cooperates with in-body IBIS on compatible Olympus and Panasonic bodies through Dual IS 2, providing significantly extended stabilisation for handheld wildlife and birds-in-flight photography. The 200-800mm equivalent reach at 1,120g is substantially lighter than full-frame telephoto equivalents.
The optical design uses 21 elements in 15 groups. Nine rounded aperture blades produce smooth out-of-focus rendering. The 72mm filter thread is large for an MFT telephoto — requiring a dedicated filter set. At 1,120g the lens is the heaviest in the Olympus MFT lineup; a monopod is practical for extended wildlife sessions. Minimum focus distance of 1.3m. IS is built in, cooperating with body IBIS through Dual IS 2 for enhanced combined stabilisation. Variable aperture from f/5 at 100mm to f/6.3 at 400mm.
The 200-800mm equivalent reach is the defining practical characteristic for wildlife and birding photography: at 800mm equivalent the effective working distance for birds in flight and small wildlife subjects is substantially larger than what full-frame 400mm can cover. The combination of lens IS and body IBIS through Dual IS 2 provides sufficient handheld stabilisation for 400mm use in outdoor conditions — supplementing, but not replacing, a monopod for sustained heavy-lens photography.
On the used market the M.Zuiko 100-400mm IS is available at specialist MFT wildlife photography pricing. Condition checks: IS operation (lens-only IS and Dual IS 2 cooperation with compatible bodies), zoom ring smoothness, weather sealing, and front element for marks. The 72mm filter thread requires a dedicated filter set. Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds bodies from Olympus, OM System, and Panasonic; Dual IS 2 cooperation requires compatible Panasonic/Olympus bodies for full combined stabilisation.