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Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras

  • Price: $1,199.00
  • B&H # OL5020028SWD
  • Mfr# 261015

Product Highlights

  • Zoom Telephoto
  • For Olympus Digital & Four Thirds System
  • High Grade Series
  • Dust & Splash Proof Construction
  • Made in Japan

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The Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens is a high-performance zoom-telephoto lens that features, for the first time, the SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) autofocus system. 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-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. It offers an equivalent focal length in 35mm terms of 100-400mm.

The lens' autofocus is powered by Olympus' innovative SWD focusing technology. SWD combines different technologies to provide both high speed and high precision autofocusing, while allowing the lens to be operated with lower noise than before. Optimized for use with the new E-3, this lens enables the camera to demonstrate the full power of its high-speed capability, providing extremely fast focusing.

Special optical glass elements are used to correct various types of aberrations, while the 100% digital design ensures high-definition performance with clear, crisp images from edge to edge. Close-up shooting capability is also superb, with a minimum shooting distance of just 3.9' (1.2 m) throughout the zoom range.

Supersonic Wave Drive Technology
SWD technology allows for ultra-fast, whisper-quiet, high-precision AF. Two compact, high-powered SWD devices power autofocus at an ultra-high speed by exciting unique elliptical oscillations, while an ultra-compact 5.3mm x 4.3mm optical encoder detects and controls the lens drive position using direct rotation detection without reduction gear. This enables it to achieve a level of precision that's accurate to 5 microns (5/1000 mm). When used in combination with the E-3, which offers improved AF computation and lens-body communication rates, the SWD motors provide the fastest focusing speed of approximately 170 ms (0.17 seconds).
High Optical Quality
Features 3 ED elements to correct for various types of aberrations.
Internal Focus
Internal Focus system makes focusing smoother and faster.
Performance
Focal Length 50 - 200 mm
Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 100 - 400 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/2.8 - 3.5
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Four Thirds
Format Compatibility Four Thirds
Angle of View 24° - 6.2°
Minimum Focus Distance 3.94' (1.2 m)
Magnification 0.21x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:4.76
Groups/Elements 15/16
Diaphragm Blades 9
Features
Image Stabilization No
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Physical
Filter Thread 67 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.41 x 6.18" (8.65 x 15.7 cm)
Weight 2.19 lb (995 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras
 
4.9

(based on 102 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (89)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (13)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (106)
  • Strong construction (84)
  • Consistent output (60)
  • Durable (60)
  • Rugged (56)

Cons

  • Heavy (51)
  • Slow focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Sports/action (72)
  • Wildlife photos (60)
  • Landscape/scenery (44)
  • Weddings (34)
  • Low light (19)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (41), Semi-pro photographer (20), Enthusiast (12), Casual photographer (9), Semi-professional (8)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (48)

Reviewed by 102 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Amazing lens

By The Dean

from Wichita, Kansas

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Strong Construction

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Sports/Action
    • Weddings/Events
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

    I've moved from the 70-300 to this lens. What a difference. Fast, quiet and accurate focus. A bit heavier but not a problem. I did my first portrait session with it and the results were amazing. Sharp focus and smooth bokeh. Wish I hadn't waited so long but glad I made the upgrade.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

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    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    great lens

    By photo memories

    from River Falls, WI

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

    I was using a 12-60mm but wanted something to give that little extra to my photos, the 50 - 200mm does great. Like the clear color, very detailed. I do mainly portraits, with little flowers now and then. It is a little heavy will have to get use to that; tri-pod will help that. This will be my main lens along with the 12-60mm. I would recommend it to people.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Great Lens

    By Fradster

    from Reno, NV

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

    I have really enjoyed this great lens so far. The AF snaps right into focus in decent light and the photos are tack sharp and super vivid. There are times in low light situations where the AF isn't the best, but the manual focus works great en lieu of the AF in those situations. I shoot weddings, portraits, and lots of other stuff and I'm glad to have this lens as part of my arsenal. My only real wish with this lens is to have 2.8 throughout the zoom range.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    A must for Olympus 4/3rds users

    By Brian C

    from Allen, TX

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

      This lens has super fast auto focus and is razor sharp even wide open. a great companion to my 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Zuiko.Even at 2.2lbs it feels nicely balanced on my E-620 with HLD-5 Battery pack.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Great lens

      By Wildlife shooter

      from Ottawa, Canada

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Fast / accurate auto-focus

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

      Intend to use this lens for wildlife photos. Trials to date are giving me 9 out of 10 focused shots compared to 1 out of 10 with my 70 - 300 lens. The SWD is fantastic. Great for taking action shots of the grandkids.

      Paired with the 12 - 60 SWD lens I don't see a need for any other lenses.

      The only downside is it is a heavier than my 70 - 300 but doesn't take long to get used to.

      Although these lenses challenge the budget, they are worth it.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

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      5.0

      Amazing lens! Sharpest ever!

      By Siphon

      from Boise, ID

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

      Excellent lens thats sharp and has a great usable aperture of F2.8 (100mm) - F-3.5 (400mm). No len creep as well!

      It is a little on the heavy side. But i'm happy with the results.

      Share this review

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Top Value

      By CTM

      from Nevada

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

        Can't beat this with a stick--one of the true values out there.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Awesome Product

        By Dracoart

        from Hillsborough, NJ

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

        I was told that a good lens is more important than a newer camera. They were right! What a difference this lens made! I was using the Zuiko 70-300mm lens for shooting air shows and sporting evens, but this 50-200 lens with the 1.4 teleconverter was even better. I still had great zoom, fast focus and much clearer photos when shooting the Navy's Blue Angels this Labor Day weekend! It is a heavy lens, but well worth it's weight! It also comes with a very nice case and tripod mount.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        5.0

        Amazing la difference with "good glass"

        By Pic Plinker

        from Woodland Hills CA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Nice Bokeh
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Heavy

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

        Fast focus - great for aerial shots as well as landscape and nature pics. Plan to utilize this along with my OLY 12-60mm companion lens for all high quality shoots.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

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        5.0

        Fantastic

        By Grandpa

        from Riverside, CA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Weddings/Events
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

          I bought this lens for my E620 as a replacement for my 40-150mm kitlens. It is expensive but, "you get what you pay for" couldn't be more true in this case. I have been using it for the last few weeks and it is fast, focus is spot on, and the picture quality is great.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          I'm in LOVE with it.

          By Daphne of Ellenburg Photography

          from Creola, Alabama

          About Me Pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Nice Bokeh

          Cons

          • I haven't found one yet

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

          I love it. I use it for everything! I shoot mostly people & the focus is amazing. Awesome Bokeh! It's fast. It's lighter than all my pals 50-200's - I just love it! It was worth every penny and is a great partner to my 12-60 2.8

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Top performer

          By SLR_guy

          from San Diego, Ca.

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Reviewer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Macro Photography
          • Sports/Action
          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

          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 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.

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          • No

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          5.0

          Good !

          By yokosky2003

          from hong kong

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

            Cons

              Best Uses

                Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                its very good resolution capabilities throughout the zoom range

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                GREAT LENS!!!

                By Evgeniy

                from Moskow, Russia

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Nice Bokeh
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Night Photography
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                I bought this lens to use with my Olympus E-620. I love to photograph nature (animals in the forest, the birds on the branches and in flight). Previously, I used in those shootings 70-300, but I'm not getting a lot of good shots.
                But now with 50-200mm I enjoyed the fast focus, sharp and clear images even when a shortage of light. I liked the balance in ligaments the camera and lens when mounting on a tripod. I was surprised that almost all of my pictures are good quality, and some simply gorgeous.
                Also I tried to do portraits, landscapes and pictures of the city nightlife. And I got excellent results.
                The lens is wonderful!!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                Bright and sharp!

                By OlyGirl

                from USA

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • 50mm-200mm is a plus
                • Consistent Output

                Cons

                • Weight

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                The ability to use lower light and still get the shot makes this lens worth the money. Interior and exterior shots come out clear and sharp. A little heavy for all day hand-held shooting but not a concern if using mono or tripod.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                I am in love

                By withwingss

                from Iowa

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                this lens is amazing! I love it....fast focus and it never lets me down. I was going to buy one used, but I decided I wanted to spend the full amount and have a product that did not have a thing wrong with it. It does everything I need, from a group shot to fast moving bird. I took it to the beach and shot a bunch of amazing shots!

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                very fast focus, superior sharpness

                By TWDe

                from Newark, DE

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Indoors/Low Light
                  • Weddings/Events
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                  This lens, 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD, is used with an E-520 and an E-30. The results with the E-520 are a marked improvement over the kit lenses; especially in less than ideal lighting conditions. However, this lens mated to the E-30 performs superbly. The Olympus color is present without selecting vivid. Focusing happens almost as fast as your eye can detect it. I have not used this lens under all conditions but I have detected no aberrations or fringing. I have used it with the EC-20 2x teleconverter mated to the E-30. As might be expected, focusing can get a little glitchy at dusk or dawn (teleconverter = loss of two f stops) All the same, it produces remarkably sharp images even when tasked to perform with a teleconverter. In comparison to much of the competition, this lens will outperform, if not match, other manufacturer's comparable lenses at a significantly lower cost.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                  (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Nice Lens

                  By monte

                  from Northwest Minnesota

                  About Me Pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Rugged
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • NONE

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Sports/Action
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                  This lens is very good and combined with the 12-60mm gives me all of the range I need with just 2 lenses.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  AWESOME LENS!

                  By bpr515

                  from Lehigh Valley, PA

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Rugged
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Weddings/Events
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                    Oh, how I love this lens. I originally owned the 70-300mm Oly zoom lens, but have been upgrading as my photography career has grown. I loved the 70-300, but this lens blows it away. It is a BEAST! Optics are crystal clear and the word I keep coming back to is smooth. The lens just functions beautifully. I also really like the SWD focus technology. I'm not sure what it does, exactly, but I find it to be much smoother (that word again) than the 70-300 and it feels different. I really like the lens and am looking forward to shooting with it for a long time to come.

                    FYI, the lens is heavy (as others have mentioned). I kind of dig that as well. Definitely feels like quality. I have the lens on my E-620 with the battery grip and I don't have any balance issues with it at all.

                    Bottom line: if you're ready to take the plunge into the world of good glass, I'd HIGHLY recommend this lens. You won't regret it!

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

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                    5.0

                    Picture Perfect!

                    By Joel

                    from Fort Mill, South Carolina

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Rugged
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Portraits
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras:

                      I'd been thinking for some time about getting a lens of the caliber, but wasn't sure my skill level warranted a purchase of this magnitude. I decided to take the plunge, rationalizing that if I have really good equipment, then ergo, my picture should improve.

                      Having had the chance to use this lens, I can honestly say it's simply terrific. The images are sharp, crisp and the DoF that I can achieve is awesome. This is a bright lens. The auto focus is incredible fast - Much faster than my other lenses.

                      The only potential downside it the weight, however, what would one expect? It's a big lens, and it should have some heft.

                      I'm pleased beyond my expectations.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

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                      What's in the Box

                      Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD Zuiko Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras
                      • Front Lens Cap (LC-67B)
                      • Rear Lens Cap (LR-1)
                      • Lens Hood (LH-70C)
                      • Lens Case (LSC-1220)
                      • 1-Year Worldwide Warranty
                       
                       
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