Introducing the OM SYSTEM 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II Lens
The other big announcement today...
In the early morning hours today, OM System announced the OM-3 mirrorless camera. It looks amazing. And with less fanfare, but maybe just as important, there was also an update for wildlife and sports photographers: the OM System 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II super-telephoto lens.
This is an update to the existing 100-400mm that provides an effective focal length of 200-800mm on micro four thirds cameras.
The improvements include 7-stop Sync IS, a tripod mount that can be removed while the lens is still attached to the camera, and a new Fluorine coating on the front optic. All of the upgrades are welcomed, but the impactful one is the image stabilization.
The previous model only provided for 3 stops of IS relying on sensor-based stabilization. IBIS works fantastic for shorter lenses but has diminishing returns for long telephotos. By including optical stabilization for the new lens, and syncing it with IBIS, the effectiveness jumps from 3 stops to an impressive 7 stops. That’s a big deal for an optic with this level of magnification.
OM System also says that: “The advanced optics of this lens, featuring 4 ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, 2 Super HR (Super High Refractive index) lenses, and 2 HR (High Refractive index) lenses, deliver crisp, superior performance across the entire zoom range. Additionally, the ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating minimizes ghosting and flares, ensuring clarity even in challenging backlit conditions.
With a closest focusing distance of 1.3 m and a 0.57x equivalent maximum magnification (telephoto setting: minimum field size of 60.3 x 45.3 mm), the lens is outstanding for telemacro photography, ideal for capturing small, easily startled subjects like insects. It also supports focus stacking mode, combining multiple images at varying focal points to create sharp, detailed images with extended depth of field, even in shallow telemacro scenarios.”
I would have loved this new optic on my OM-1 in Costa Rica last month! And if you add the MC-20 2X teleconverter, the maximum reach extends to 1600mm handheld!
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens will be available in late February 2025 at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 (US)/$2,099.99 (CAD).
Not bad for the second fiddle.
Notes: Images compliment of OM System USA. The affiliate product links in the article help support my research and writing.
Great article Derrick. I like my OG 100-400mm but it is a beast to cart about. Hand holding is challenging with the 2X teleconverter, but it is possible. You just need to keep the shutter speed up. It helps that the OM1 does an amazing job with noise control on high ISO jpg images. Topaz AI also works well on the RAW files. The fun begins when you use the 2X teleconverter and the 2X digital zoom for a whopping 3200mm of effective reach! Wow! The addition of the Sync IS will have me very tempted to upgrade.
I think everyones concerns about Olympus and the new ownership can finally be put to bed. They appear to be just as dedicated to us OG Oly users with new models and lens innovations like this one.