Designed to meet the needs of the professional photographer, Zuiko Digital lenses were born of an uncompromising commitment to performance. The lenses feature high resolving power, to get the most out of the imaging element. Zuiko Digital lenses allow light to strike the image sensor at a near-perpendicular angle, minimizing degradation and light loss. This large, award-winning family of lenses is perfectly matched to work exclusively with digital cameras so every pixel is properly exposed.This is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus system which enables the lens to achieve an AF speed about two times faster3 than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-quality performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.
Designed to meet the needs of the professional photographer, Zuiko Digital lenses were born of an uncompromising commitment to performance. The lenses feature high resolving power, to get the most out of the imaging element. Zuiko Digital lenses allow light to strike the image sensor at a near-perpendicular angle, minimizing degradation and light loss. This large, award-winning family of lenses is perfectly matched to work exclusively with digital cameras so every pixel is properly exposed.This is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus system which enables the lens to achieve an AF speed about two times faster3 than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-quality performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.
in 3 offers
last seen 1 Oct 2026
The lowest price we last saw for Olympus Zuiko Digital EZ-5020-2 Ed 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD Four Thirds Lens [DJO] was $330.00 at CeX, compared across 3 retailers (last seen 1 Oct 2026). Prices may have changed since.
The all-time low we recorded was $324.83 on 20 Apr 2026.
Prices last updated 1 Oct 2026.
Olympus Zuiko Digital EZ-5020-2 Ed 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD Four Thirds Lens [DJO]
Designed to meet the needs of the professional photographer, Zuiko Digital lenses were born of an uncompromising commitment to performance. The lenses feature high resolving power, to get the most out of the imaging element. Zuiko Digital lenses allow light to strike the image sensor at a near-perpendicular angle, minimizing degradation and light loss. This large, award-winning family of lenses is perfectly matched to work exclusively with digital cameras so every pixel is properly exposed.This is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus system which enables the lens to achieve an AF speed about two times faster3 than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-quality performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.
Designed to meet the needs of the professional photographer, Zuiko Digital lenses were born of an uncompromising commitment to performance. The lenses feature high resolving power, to get the most out of the imaging element. Zuiko Digital lenses allow light to strike the image sensor at a near-perpendicular angle, minimizing degradation and light loss. This large, award-winning family of lenses is perfectly matched to work exclusively with digital cameras so every pixel is properly exposed.This is a high-performance super-telescopic zoom lens that features, for the first time, the Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) autofocus system which enables the lens to achieve an AF speed about two times faster3 than the previous ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 model. ED lens elements are used extensively to correct the color blurring that can occur when telescopic lenses are extended to their maximum focal length, while the digital-dedicated design ensures high-quality performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 1.2 meters throughout the zoom range.
Last updated at 01/10/2026 23:43:05
Olympus ED 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD
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Olympus Zuiko Digital 2.8-3.5/50-200mm ED SWD f. Four Thirds
Olympus Zuiko Digital Ed 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 Swd Telephoto Zoom Lens
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originally posted on ebay.com
I have an Olympus E-M5 micro 4/3 camera and use the 4/3 Olympus 50-200 (older non SWD model) lens with a Panasonic DMW-MA1 4/3 -> m4/3 adapter. The E-M5 doesn't have the phase detect focus this lens was designed for. The E-M5 will auto-focus, but very slowly and not always tack-sharp. I use auto-focus to get close and then manual focus to get crystal-clear results. Works just fine for still/slow moving subjects. I bought this lens for photographing frogs at dusk. This is a wonderful low-light lens for still subjects (frogs, deer, perched birds). Combined with a high ISO and the E-M5's in-camera stabilization I can get clear photos of objects I can barely see by eye. Picture quality is Excellent!! Large-ish lens for OM-D E-M5, but I am able to comfortably hand-hold ... MoreI have an Olympus E-M5 micro 4/3 camera and use the 4/3 Olympus 50-200 (older non SWD model) lens with a Panasonic DMW-MA1 4/3 -> m4/3 adapter. The E-M5 doesn't have the phase detect focus this lens was designed for. The E-M5 will auto-focus, but very slowly and not always tack-sharp. I use auto-focus to get close and then manual focus to get crystal-clear results. Works just fine for still/slow moving subjects. I bought this lens for photographing frogs at dusk. This is a wonderful low-light lens for still subjects (frogs, deer, perched birds). Combined with a high ISO and the E-M5's in-camera stabilization I can get clear photos of objects I can barely see by eye. Picture quality is Excellent!! Large-ish lens for OM-D E-M5, but I am able to comfortably hand-hold camera and lens (for hand-holding, I do take the tripod foot off). Shorter and significantly lighter than Canon 70-200. WAY smaller / lighter than "equivalent" focal length Canikon (100-400mm) Someday, perhaps, I will spring for a phase-detect focusing camera like the E-M1 and get improved auto-focus speeds. I am very happy with my purchase - and the photos I can take with it!!
originally posted on ebay.com
Anyone with an Olympus M-1, M-3 or an M-5 camera should own this lens. I am not a professional photographer, but I have been taking pictures for over fifty years. Please keep this in mind as you read my review. I just purchased a used M-3 body and this is the first lens I bought for it. My previous experience with a 4/3 camera is with an Olympus E-510, so I am not new to an Olympus camera. There always seems to be compromises with a zoom lens, but I cant seem to find one with this one. The first thing I noticed about the lens is that it is heavy, which for me is a good thing because it helps me steady the camera. The quality of the lens seems top notch. The auto focus is fast, maybe not as fast by todays standards, but it is plenty fast for my needs. Picture quality ... MoreAnyone with an Olympus M-1, M-3 or an M-5 camera should own this lens. I am not a professional photographer, but I have been taking pictures for over fifty years. Please keep this in mind as you read my review. I just purchased a used M-3 body and this is the first lens I bought for it. My previous experience with a 4/3 camera is with an Olympus E-510, so I am not new to an Olympus camera. There always seems to be compromises with a zoom lens, but I cant seem to find one with this one. The first thing I noticed about the lens is that it is heavy, which for me is a good thing because it helps me steady the camera. The quality of the lens seems top notch. The auto focus is fast, maybe not as fast by todays standards, but it is plenty fast for my needs. Picture quality is amazingly sharp. I especially like the close ups that I have taken with it, they are beautiful. I can already tell within the short time I have used this lens that it will become my go to lens. There are plenty of good deals on this lens right now, so be sure to pick one up. You will be glad you did.
originally posted on ebay.com
If you are interested in wildlife or bird photography, this is perhaps the absolute best value on the market for some micro 4/3 cameras. If your camera has phase detect auto focus (such as all Olympus Pro cameras, including the 2013 e-m1 mark 1, which I have), this lens will work well IF you get a 4/3 adapter to micro 4/3. The Olympus MMF-3 is the ideal adapter, but it is pricey. My lens came with an aftermarket adapter that works, but is not weather sealed. I found this lens to focus extremely fast, and even when adding a 1.4 teleconverter to the lens, which gives an effective reach of 560mm (35mm equivalent) I can still hand hold most of the time and get excellent results. For the price, I am thrilled with this lens. The only real problem I have had with this lens ... MoreIf you are interested in wildlife or bird photography, this is perhaps the absolute best value on the market for some micro 4/3 cameras. If your camera has phase detect auto focus (such as all Olympus Pro cameras, including the 2013 e-m1 mark 1, which I have), this lens will work well IF you get a 4/3 adapter to micro 4/3. The Olympus MMF-3 is the ideal adapter, but it is pricey. My lens came with an aftermarket adapter that works, but is not weather sealed. I found this lens to focus extremely fast, and even when adding a 1.4 teleconverter to the lens, which gives an effective reach of 560mm (35mm equivalent) I can still hand hold most of the time and get excellent results. For the price, I am thrilled with this lens. The only real problem I have had with this lens is in using auto-focus in very low light with little contrast on the subject. It really hunts in that situation, but then, that's true with most any lens with this older e-m1. I've attached a couple of photos that illustrate how sharp this lens is. The Black-capped Chickadee is cropped significantly from the original image, and is still pretty decent. The flower photo was without the 1.4 teleconverter, and the warbler was with it. Detail is quite sharp in both.
Olympus ED 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD
Free delivery
Olympus Zuiko Digital 2.8-3.5/50-200mm ED SWD f. Four Thirds
Olympus Zuiko Digital Ed 50-200mm F2.8-3.5 Swd Telephoto Zoom Lens
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
I have an Olympus E-M5 micro 4/3 camera and use the 4/3 Olympus 50-200 (older non SWD model) lens with a Panasonic DMW-MA1 4/3 -> m4/3 adapter. The E-M5 doesn't have the phase detect focus this lens was designed for. The E-M5 will auto-focus, but very slowly and not always tack-sharp. I use auto-focus to get close and then manual focus to get crystal-clear results. Works just fine for still/slow moving subjects. I bought this lens for photographing frogs at dusk. This is a wonderful low-light lens for still subjects (frogs, deer, perched birds). Combined with a high ISO and the E-M5's in-camera stabilization I can get clear photos of objects I can barely see by eye. Picture quality is Excellent!! Large-ish lens for OM-D E-M5, but I am able to comfortably hand-hold ... MoreI have an Olympus E-M5 micro 4/3 camera and use the 4/3 Olympus 50-200 (older non SWD model) lens with a Panasonic DMW-MA1 4/3 -> m4/3 adapter. The E-M5 doesn't have the phase detect focus this lens was designed for. The E-M5 will auto-focus, but very slowly and not always tack-sharp. I use auto-focus to get close and then manual focus to get crystal-clear results. Works just fine for still/slow moving subjects. I bought this lens for photographing frogs at dusk. This is a wonderful low-light lens for still subjects (frogs, deer, perched birds). Combined with a high ISO and the E-M5's in-camera stabilization I can get clear photos of objects I can barely see by eye. Picture quality is Excellent!! Large-ish lens for OM-D E-M5, but I am able to comfortably hand-hold camera and lens (for hand-holding, I do take the tripod foot off). Shorter and significantly lighter than Canon 70-200. WAY smaller / lighter than "equivalent" focal length Canikon (100-400mm) Someday, perhaps, I will spring for a phase-detect focusing camera like the E-M1 and get improved auto-focus speeds. I am very happy with my purchase - and the photos I can take with it!!
Anyone with an Olympus M-1, M-3 or an M-5 camera should own this lens. I am not a professional photographer, but I have been taking pictures for over fifty years. Please keep this in mind as you read my review. I just purchased a used M-3 body and this is the first lens I bought for it. My previous experience with a 4/3 camera is with an Olympus E-510, so I am not new to an Olympus camera. There always seems to be compromises with a zoom lens, but I cant seem to find one with this one. The first thing I noticed about the lens is that it is heavy, which for me is a good thing because it helps me steady the camera. The quality of the lens seems top notch. The auto focus is fast, maybe not as fast by todays standards, but it is plenty fast for my needs. Picture quality ... MoreAnyone with an Olympus M-1, M-3 or an M-5 camera should own this lens. I am not a professional photographer, but I have been taking pictures for over fifty years. Please keep this in mind as you read my review. I just purchased a used M-3 body and this is the first lens I bought for it. My previous experience with a 4/3 camera is with an Olympus E-510, so I am not new to an Olympus camera. There always seems to be compromises with a zoom lens, but I cant seem to find one with this one. The first thing I noticed about the lens is that it is heavy, which for me is a good thing because it helps me steady the camera. The quality of the lens seems top notch. The auto focus is fast, maybe not as fast by todays standards, but it is plenty fast for my needs. Picture quality is amazingly sharp. I especially like the close ups that I have taken with it, they are beautiful. I can already tell within the short time I have used this lens that it will become my go to lens. There are plenty of good deals on this lens right now, so be sure to pick one up. You will be glad you did.
If you are interested in wildlife or bird photography, this is perhaps the absolute best value on the market for some micro 4/3 cameras. If your camera has phase detect auto focus (such as all Olympus Pro cameras, including the 2013 e-m1 mark 1, which I have), this lens will work well IF you get a 4/3 adapter to micro 4/3. The Olympus MMF-3 is the ideal adapter, but it is pricey. My lens came with an aftermarket adapter that works, but is not weather sealed. I found this lens to focus extremely fast, and even when adding a 1.4 teleconverter to the lens, which gives an effective reach of 560mm (35mm equivalent) I can still hand hold most of the time and get excellent results. For the price, I am thrilled with this lens. The only real problem I have had with this lens ... MoreIf you are interested in wildlife or bird photography, this is perhaps the absolute best value on the market for some micro 4/3 cameras. If your camera has phase detect auto focus (such as all Olympus Pro cameras, including the 2013 e-m1 mark 1, which I have), this lens will work well IF you get a 4/3 adapter to micro 4/3. The Olympus MMF-3 is the ideal adapter, but it is pricey. My lens came with an aftermarket adapter that works, but is not weather sealed. I found this lens to focus extremely fast, and even when adding a 1.4 teleconverter to the lens, which gives an effective reach of 560mm (35mm equivalent) I can still hand hold most of the time and get excellent results. For the price, I am thrilled with this lens. The only real problem I have had with this lens is in using auto-focus in very low light with little contrast on the subject. It really hunts in that situation, but then, that's true with most any lens with this older e-m1. I've attached a couple of photos that illustrate how sharp this lens is. The Black-capped Chickadee is cropped significantly from the original image, and is still pretty decent. The flower photo was without the 1.4 teleconverter, and the warbler was with it. Detail is quite sharp in both.
This is my second 50-200mm. The first didn't fare too well with a 130+ foot drop off a rock face ( I said more than oops). I had to have another. The old 50-200mm had become my go-to lens and usually stayed right on the body of my E-3. (Get one and see if you don't do the same.) As their price reflects, Zuiko lenses are all well above average. I could have gotten other lenses and an adapter for less money...but you get what you pay for. My photos are clear and sharp and as close to lifelike as can be. Shooting in shade is not an issue. You are still able to freeze the fastest movement. I will say that the auto focus may sometimes hunt in candlelight and you may need to use the assist. Still, contrast and color are above reproach. The lens is simple to use. This lens ... MoreThis is my second 50-200mm. The first didn't fare too well with a 130+ foot drop off a rock face ( I said more than oops). I had to have another. The old 50-200mm had become my go-to lens and usually stayed right on the body of my E-3. (Get one and see if you don't do the same.) As their price reflects, Zuiko lenses are all well above average. I could have gotten other lenses and an adapter for less money...but you get what you pay for. My photos are clear and sharp and as close to lifelike as can be. Shooting in shade is not an issue. You are still able to freeze the fastest movement. I will say that the auto focus may sometimes hunt in candlelight and you may need to use the assist. Still, contrast and color are above reproach. The lens is simple to use. This lens weighs less than others of the same focal length as there is no onboard IS (image stabilization) feature on the digital Zuiko lenses. There's a selector for AF function with the focus and zoom rings. That's all you need. Oly, Panasonic, and others using the four thirds (4/3) format have built the IS into the camera bodies. That is why the Zuiko lenses are about 1/3 to 1/2 the size of their monster counterparts from Cannon and Nikon. If you pack all your equipment for field shots then weight is a big consideration. For the life of me I don't know why some folks still think a lens has to be big and weigh a ton to be good. The build quality is outstanding and just what you expect from an Olympus Zuiko product. Olympus said the lens is splash and dust proof. LOLL. They ain't kidding- My 50-200mm has seen driving rain in hurricanes, heat and ash in forest and wild fires, waterfalls, dust storms, city smog, surf, swamp mud, sand, and factory oily smoke, and out of the way portraiture in some of the worst terrain . It shook them all off with a wipe down with a soapy washcloth and rinse under the faucet. If you are going to spend your hard earned mony on equipment, get the best you can. You may not be going into a hurricane but you should have the same criteria as those who do. Take the 50-200mm on your next shoot. You won't go wrong.
I just recieved this glass by UPS. I bought it used and cannot see any signs that it has been used. Whoever had it took very good care of it. I bought it along with a new 12-60 f2.8 and both will be mounted to an E510(kit) that I bought from Adorama I don't know how many years ago. Both lenses were carefully packed and are in excellent condition. I've gathered some really decent shots with the kit lenses and had considered moving up to a larger sensor, but since I'm not making my living with a camera I decided to make the move to better lenses. I really love my 510 and the addition of these lenses should extend the life of my 510 by many years. I'm strictly an amateur and have been told I have a good eye. I don't know that to be the case, but I shoot what I like, ... MoreI just recieved this glass by UPS. I bought it used and cannot see any signs that it has been used. Whoever had it took very good care of it. I bought it along with a new 12-60 f2.8 and both will be mounted to an E510(kit) that I bought from Adorama I don't know how many years ago. Both lenses were carefully packed and are in excellent condition. I've gathered some really decent shots with the kit lenses and had considered moving up to a larger sensor, but since I'm not making my living with a camera I decided to make the move to better lenses. I really love my 510 and the addition of these lenses should extend the life of my 510 by many years. I'm strictly an amateur and have been told I have a good eye. I don't know that to be the case, but I shoot what I like, what appeals to me. What appealed to me was the versatility of the 510 and the enthusiasm of Olympus owners overall. I haven't had a chance to shoot these lenses, except for a couple of indoor shots, but I'm sure I won't be disappointed. So, for now, I'll give the lens 4 stars and Adorama 5 stars for such a great value.TTFN
As a professional Olympus E-3 photographer and photo instructor working in Africa, I often need to shoot in tough conditions ranging from desert dust to humid ocean beaches, misty mountain tops or even tense public protest situations - which dictated the choice of the E-3 bodies. I had a ZD70-300 lens which is optically good (as are all Olympus "designed for digital" lenses) but the focus was slower than I required when shooting fast-breaking action and the lack of dust/moisture sealing meant one could not use it in varied conditions without taking some sort of care to protect the lens. The 50-200 SWD, on the other hand, focuses rapidly enough to track weaving Premier league football players or birds in flight. It picks-out a politician from a debating chamber and ... MoreAs a professional Olympus E-3 photographer and photo instructor working in Africa, I often need to shoot in tough conditions ranging from desert dust to humid ocean beaches, misty mountain tops or even tense public protest situations - which dictated the choice of the E-3 bodies. I had a ZD70-300 lens which is optically good (as are all Olympus "designed for digital" lenses) but the focus was slower than I required when shooting fast-breaking action and the lack of dust/moisture sealing meant one could not use it in varied conditions without taking some sort of care to protect the lens. The 50-200 SWD, on the other hand, focuses rapidly enough to track weaving Premier league football players or birds in flight. It picks-out a politician from a debating chamber and snaps it all into focus before you can blink. It is also sealed agaisnt moisture and dust so weddings on rainy days can now provide wonderful photo opportunities and one camera can hang around in the drizzle while the other with the 14-54mm ZD is used to wait for the perfect moment or vice-versa. A quick buff with a towel after coming in from the rain and all is sorted and the lens simply shrugs it all off and comes back for more. A factor to consider is that you effectively have a 100-400mm 2.8/3.5 optic in a package the size of competitor brands' 70-200mm lenses. Put another way, I have the reach and speed of a fast 400mm prime lens used by colleagues at sports events but who are stuck on monopods with heavy kit while I can move around and shoot hand-held. When looked at in that perspective, this lens is an absolute bargain for what it provides its owner. So while some may think it is heavy (and it is compared tot he ZD 70-300) it is a fifth of the mass of any other optic with similar speed and reach. Optically, it is clearly evident the lens is in a different league to the "normal" lenses and images are crisper, more saturated and have a "punch" lacking in the ZD70-300 (not that that lens is at all bad but it is just that the 50-200SWD is just so much better). It will lift your photographs into another level of quality. If you are considering whether the 50-200SWD is worth it there is no debate in my mind anymore. It absolutely is worth every cent and actually a bargain when compared to any other similarly performing optic on the market! If you can afford it, take the plunge and buy it - you will not have cause to regret your decision.
The Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Four Thirds is a bargain, you can get one of the sharpest bits of glass that the company has produced for a very reasonable figure. Its very well made (both the SWD and non SWD variants are as I have had both), weather sealed, very fast at f2.8-3.5, delivers superb bokeh. The lens works really well on an OMD-E-M1 when coupled with an MMF adapter and the end result is simply superb images. OK its not the fastest autofocus lens but its far from slow. Its a lot better image wise than a Siggy 70-200 f2.8 HSM OS on a Nikon D7100 body and that IS saying a fair bit as that combo works well and its also a lot less financially. Personally I think its a bargain as are the 14-54 and 12-60 versions.
I have noticed that while using this lens, if you are needing to get farther away to shoot macro, you may wish to put on the EC14 or the EC20 to this lens to get more distance so you don't scare away your subjects. But if you can and wish to get closer to your subject, put the EX25 on the lens. Either one results in EXCELLENT photo quality in terms of color and sharpness. I have owned this lens for over a year now, and have it whenever I leave the house with my camera. I realize the extra money put into the purchase has returned on my investment in the form of consistently high grade imaging and as a result, clearer, cleaner, crisper photographs. The same can be said of the Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD. Two remarkable lenses, both affordable to a majority of camera ... MoreI have noticed that while using this lens, if you are needing to get farther away to shoot macro, you may wish to put on the EC14 or the EC20 to this lens to get more distance so you don't scare away your subjects. But if you can and wish to get closer to your subject, put the EX25 on the lens. Either one results in EXCELLENT photo quality in terms of color and sharpness. I have owned this lens for over a year now, and have it whenever I leave the house with my camera. I realize the extra money put into the purchase has returned on my investment in the form of consistently high grade imaging and as a result, clearer, cleaner, crisper photographs. The same can be said of the Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD. Two remarkable lenses, both affordable to a majority of camera enthusiasts such as myself. This lens retains all functionality & image quality while using it with either the EX25 or the EC14. While doing macro work, be sure to use a sturdy tripod, as well as using a good ringlight. I'm looking into the Metz 15 MS-1 Ringflash for my E30 Body & 50-200 SWD kit for macro work. This will allow individual intensity ratios because it has 2 light tubes inside it.
First things first. I am not a professional photographer. What I do have is 35 years experience with SLRs ranging from a Minolta 303b in the 1970s, Olympus OM2n when it first came out and a Canon F1n with associated good amateur lenses so I have a serious amateur interest that has brought a lot of enjoyment over the years. Second, I'm not a pixel peeper and couldn't give a rat's furry little derriere about the arguing that goes on in forums by 'experts' who don't seem to take many pictures. If the result is good, the specs of the gear mean nothing is my rule. Though an older lens now, this remains a high quality lens with average to good speed for its focal length. It is a good trade off between speed and cost compared to Olympus 90-250 2.8. I chose it for these ... MoreFirst things first. I am not a professional photographer. What I do have is 35 years experience with SLRs ranging from a Minolta 303b in the 1970s, Olympus OM2n when it first came out and a Canon F1n with associated good amateur lenses so I have a serious amateur interest that has brought a lot of enjoyment over the years. Second, I'm not a pixel peeper and couldn't give a rat's furry little derriere about the arguing that goes on in forums by 'experts' who don't seem to take many pictures. If the result is good, the specs of the gear mean nothing is my rule. Though an older lens now, this remains a high quality lens with average to good speed for its focal length. It is a good trade off between speed and cost compared to Olympus 90-250 2.8. I chose it for these reasons following much research reading other users experiences. While it's not well matched with the em-5 because of focusing compatibility issues, it would suit the em 1 very well. I'm using the em-5 and I don't find this too much of a problem for my type of photography - birds, often in close proximity. I always use manual focusing anyway so compatibility doesn't matter to me so much as qualities like colour, contrast and chromatic aberration control. I started photography prior to the digital age so manual focusing comes naturally. However, the manual focusing is very highly geared and a lower gearing would be much better for manual focusing. It is easy to over focus manually an have to ease back and forth if you rush focusing. This means the em-5 50-200 is not a suitable setup for action photography. Don't even consider it as you will be hugely disappointed and frustrated. It is a little front heavy when used at 200ml. However, I use a good tripod anyway so again that's not so much an issue. If you are using a poor quality tripod/head combination the frontal weight could be a problem. Invest in a decent tripod and it will reward with razor sharp pictures with the qualities mentioned above. The tripod mount is ok but not outstanding. The rotation aspect feels a little agricultural, almost gritty at times. I know bokeh is a very subjective thing but it is, to my mind, a little inconsistent with this lens. At times it is stunning and at others, especially with sharply delineated background highlights, it can be harsh and distracting. Sometimes I have needed to take care to move to a slightly different angle to the subject to minimise any sharp background highlights. Because of the depth of field trade off with 4/3 format and a moderate f3.5 at 200mm I find I need to use this lens wide open nearly all the time to get the bokeh I want. Again this isn't TOO much of an issue but something you need to be aware of when using this lens. Generally speaking, if your photographic subjects allow you to take your time and not rush, you can get stunning results with the 50-200. I have experimented with heavy cropping of some of my best pictures and they are razor sharp, have very minimal chromatic aberration even at extreme cropping levels and have beautiful colour and contrast. You would think that some of my best pictures were taken with the Olympus 60mm macro when you compare the detail. That's not to say all my photographs are like this but it does indicate that the basics of the 50-200 are there and it is possible to get truly outstanding results if care and time are taken. Which suggests something about the uses for this lens, particularly on the em-5
I haven't had it long, but have used it to shoot long-distance candids at performances, macro with the ex-25 tube and some bird life with the ec-14 converter. It IS heavier than the cheaper zooms, but no heavier than any 35mm 300/4.5 and it trounces any I ever tried. With the converter I get 140 to 560mm equivalent without ridiculous expense or weight. With the tubes it is easy to get close (just 'rough focus' with the zoom ring) - then move fore and aft to get close-ups of timid animal life or hard to reach subjects. The sharpness is simply incredible! Having tried the lesser four-thirds tele-zooms, I am pleasantly surprised at the level of improvement over them. It reveals details that will astonish. If not, the nut behind the wheel needs upgrading, not the ... MoreI haven't had it long, but have used it to shoot long-distance candids at performances, macro with the ex-25 tube and some bird life with the ec-14 converter. It IS heavier than the cheaper zooms, but no heavier than any 35mm 300/4.5 and it trounces any I ever tried. With the converter I get 140 to 560mm equivalent without ridiculous expense or weight. With the tubes it is easy to get close (just 'rough focus' with the zoom ring) - then move fore and aft to get close-ups of timid animal life or hard to reach subjects. The sharpness is simply incredible! Having tried the lesser four-thirds tele-zooms, I am pleasantly surprised at the level of improvement over them. It reveals details that will astonish. If not, the nut behind the wheel needs upgrading, not the equipment! By itself at about 1.5 metres, (hand-held with the E3 and IS on), this lens was able to clearly resolve the watch movement serial number on a Seiko watch face to its owners disbelief. Even the youngest, keen-eyed colleague could barely SEE the numbers, let alone read them! In the JPG, it was as plain as day. With this lens, the proof is in the images - but only if you take due care care. It weights a bit, but considering what it can do - mmmmm. I turn the tripod mount upside-down and use it to mount my Metz 60 - no red-eye, even at 12 metres! I lusted after this for 4 years and should have bought this much earlier. Viva! A winner in my books - truly value for money. What must the top-pro lenses be like if THIS mid-range lens works this well and produces such saleable output?
