Description
This powerful super-telephoto zoom lens has a large-aperture (fixed F stop type) and is is equivalent to 180-500mm focal lenth on a 35mm camera. Only fixed focal super-telephoto lens could have provided wide-open f/2.8 shots in the past, however, this lens provides f/2.8 shots through the entire zoom range making it a best choice for the nature and sports photographer. Three ED lenses are used to give the highest image quality with optimal resolution and contrast.
Features
Sports and nature photographers will love the versatility of this powerful yet easy to handle super-telephoto zoom lens, built specifically for digital photography. Its fast f2.8 aperture and impressive zoom range let you shoot moving subjects with confidence while its splashproof, dustproof design and all-metal barrel construction provide extreme durability in any environment. Three (3) ED glass lenses provide outstanding image quality with optimal resolution and contrast. A built-in computer microprocessor communicates directly with the camera's software to correct lens distortions, shading and exposure information for even further image accuracy.
Item Includes
• Olympus 90-250mm f/2.8 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)
• Front & Rear Lens Caps
• Tripod Adapter
• 105mm Protective Filter
• Lens Pouch
• User Manual
• 1-Year Olympus U.S.A. Limited Warranty
Reviews
Adequate, with Trade-offs, October 26, 2008
By James D. DeWitt "Alaska Fan" (Fairbanks, AK United States)
I already own Zuiko's excellent f2.8 300mm fixed lens, Olympus 300mm f/2.8 Super Telephoto ED Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras. It's a superb lens, and works very well with both Zuiko's 1.4X teleconverter, Olympus EC14 1.4x Teleconverter Lens (for at f/2.8 on E-System lenses), and its 2.0X teleconverter, Olympus Zuiko EC-20 2x Teleconverter for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras.
But there are situations in which you need more flexibility; the bird or the animal is too close for a fixed 300mm, for example. So I purchased the 90-250mm. And after two weeks of field photography, I have to say it's a decidedly mixed bag.
On its own, without a teleconverter, the lens is good. For a wide range, powerful telephoto, it gathers an impressive amount of light, and has the same f2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range. It's simply not as razor sharp as the fixed 300mm, but it's still quite sharp. The teleconverters are a different story, however. The 1.4X is adequate, unless you want exceptional detail. With the 2.0X teleconverter, though, results are generally unacceptable for my work. I suppose that the additional lensing required for a zoom cross some tipping point.
And the lens is definitely slower-focusing than my 300mm on my E-3 body. Birds in flight are possible with the lens by itself, but combined with a teleconverter, the lens can't keep up, even in bright light.
Which leaves the lens in a special, fairly niche: if you need just a 90-250mm, wide aperture lens, this is a fine product. If you are looking for a bit more flexibility, or if you are photographing rapidly moving targets, perhaps not. And teleconverters significantly impair sharpness, especially the 2.0X. It will have a place in my camera bag - a large space. But it's simply not as useful as I hoped.
