Olympus flagship telephoto zoom with exceptional optics in a compact weather-sealed body.
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO is the telephoto anchor of the Olympus PRO lens lineup for Micro Four Thirds, launched in 2014. On MFT it provides an 80-300mm equivalent range at a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout. The optical formula uses 16 elements in 10 groups, incorporating super ED, ED, EDA, and HR glass types. At 760g with a 72mm filter thread and IP53-rated construction — splash, dust, and freezeproof to -10C — the lens is built to the weatherproofing standard of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 series bodies it was designed to accompany. ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating reduces ghosting and flare in backlit conditions. Compatible with the MC-14 1.4x teleconverter to extend reach to 420mm equivalent.
Optical performance is exceptional for a telephoto zoom. At f/2.8 the lens is sharp from centre to corner across the focal range. The multiple ED and super-ED elements control chromatic aberration to a very low level; contrast and micro-detail resolution are high throughout the zoom range. Autofocus uses Olympus's MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) mechanism: near-silent and fast enough for action and sports subjects on current OM-D and OM System bodies with updated firmware. A minimum focus distance of 0.7m enables subject fill at the 150mm setting for portraiture and close telephoto work. The 9-blade aperture diaphragm produces smooth out-of-focus rendering.
Micro Four Thirds mount only, 72mm filter thread. A removable tripod collar is included for balance on a tripod or monopod. The MC-14 1.4x teleconverter produces a 56-210mm f/4 combination (112-420mm equivalent); the MC-20 2x teleconverter is also compatible at a further f/5.6 stop penalty. Compatible with all Micro Four Thirds bodies from Olympus, OM System, and Panasonic. The lens remains current in the OM System lineup under the brand adopted after the 2021 camera division sale to JIP. No internal zoom motor — this is a manual-zoom lens with an AF drive for focus only.
The M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO makes the strongest case for the MFT system in telephoto work: 300mm equivalent at f/2.8 at 760g is a combination no other mirrorless system matches at comparable size and weight. Used prices reflect its professional-tier specification. Before purchase, confirm autofocus operates silently and locks without hesitation across the zoom range, test the zoom ring for smooth and even action, and check weather seal integrity at the mount gasket and around the zoom ring. Verify the tripod collar rotates freely and locks positively. This is a serious long-term investment in the MFT system.