It uses 21 elements in 15 groups,including four Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses for suppressing colour bleeding, two Super High Refractive Index (Super HR) lenses, and two HR (High Refractive Index) lenses. Even though it has a more obvious plastic construction than the 300mm, it still has a very rugged feel to it.

The OM System/Olympus lens has a smoother zoom ring, a conventional hood (which incidentally also fits the firm’s 40-150mm f/2.

For example, the lens’ various switches are more awkward to get at when shooting in the portrait format. I can’t speak to the 150-400, but “pro” lenses vs cheap lenses also tend to have the great advantage of ergonomics. The lens's optical construction is designed to use just two small lens elements for focusing, allowing for responsive and fast AF performance. By using longer focal lengths to shoot flowers, you can eliminate much of the background clutter which really makes the flowers stand out.

I enjoy these topics about the 150-400mm lens because, it is my understanding that the wait time is over Six Months or longer.I used the 5x5 focusing grid and was very pleased with how quickly (and accurately) the lens grabbed the little subjects. Given the fact that this 100-400mm lens includes many of Olympus' top amenities and features, such as several high-performance optical elements, IPX1-rated weather-sealing and being one of the few Zuiko lenses with optical image stabilization, it's surprisingly not designated as a "Zuiko Pro" lens like the 300mm f/4 or the upcoming 150-400mm. These bring extraordinary telephoto reach, equivalent to 1100mm and 1600mm at full telephoto, respectively. From top to bottom on the lens barrel they control the 3 position AF Limiter, AF/ MF selector, and In-Lens IS.

The sophisticated stabilization works with any camera body to help compensate for hand shake, producing sharp shots from any angle. IS lens is capable of 200-800mm equivalent1 telephoto shooting on its own, which can be further extended when paired with the optional (sold separately) M. It may just be me and the fact that I'm using older Olympus cameras, but with the Olympus 100-400mm I get sharper photos with the camera's IBIS off and the lens' OIS on. It provides the flexibility that I want, provides great image quality and, with the two available teleconverters, I get an incredible equivalent focal length range, from 200 - 1600mm.

Long telephoto lenses, especially for full-frame cameras, can easily tip the scales at well over five pounds and can approach almost two feet in length with their big lens hoods. I also used the lens with the E-M1 III and despite this smaller camera body, the lens also feels very comfortable and balanced. All are easily accessed with the left thumb of a photographer and are spaced sufficiently apart for easy identification and use.