Olympus 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)
The Olympus 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens is a super-telephoto lens for high focal distances, all in one extremely compact body. This lens offers a 4.3x zoom range, with an equivalent range of 140-600mm on a 35mm film camera. It is compatible with all cameras that share the Four Thirds System format.
The lens features 3 ED lens elements for optimum correction of chromatic aberrations. It offers a close focusing distance of just 3'.
- Provides extreme telephoto capabilities.
- 9-blade circular aperture diaphragm produces pleasing defocused effects.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
70 - 300 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 140 - 600 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility |
Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 18° - 4.1° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.15' (96.01 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.50x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:2 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.15 x 5" (8.0 x 12.70 cm) |
| Weight | 1.36 lb (620 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 225 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easily interchangeable (157)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (143)
- Strong construction (125)
- Consistent output (118)
- Durable (101)
Cons
- Slow focus (71)
- Heavy (53)
- Poor in low light (31)
- Lens creep (4)
Best Uses
- Wildlife photos (128)
- Sports/action (92)
- Landscape/scenery (91)
- Wildlife (67)
- General purpose (39)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (93), Enthusiast (58), Casual photographer (31), Semi-pro photographer (15), Semi-professional (9)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (58), Yes (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
really good lens for a low price
I know this is widely believed (justifiably) to be a rebranded and perhaps very slightly modified version of the Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6, that is available for most other mounts but not 4...Read complete review
I know this is widely believed (justifiably) to be a rebranded and perhaps very slightly modified version of the Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6, that is available for most other mounts but not 4/3. Sigma sells those at about half the price that oly charges for this. So I feel a bit cheated at the price, but Oly has been charging a lot for 4/3 lenses.
However, the lens itself is really good. It is terrific for macro and portrait photos (though you have to be at quite a distance from your subject!) because of really nice soft bokeh. The auto-focus can hunt a bit especially with difficult subjects (e.g. through blinds) or in low light, but is generally pretty good.
For the "main" purpose of the lens, telephoto zoom, it takes good pictures and the bokeh and depth-of-field when wide open allows you to do very nice things such as shooting birds obscured by branches. The manual focus switch on the lens helps there. With low light, of course , distant subjects are hard to shoot without a tripod, given that the lens isn't very fast, and auto-focus starts having trouble.
I have taken lovely shots of the moon; but none very successfully of birds in flight, for which the autofocus is probably too slow even in good light unless the birds are close by. Manual may work ok there, if you pre-focus to the expected distance.
One annoying thing about the lens is that (like the Sigma "original") the outer edge turns as it extends outwards, which means the hood turns too if attached, which means that any time you remove the hood you end up forcing the lens to turn which isn't nice. But preventing this would require a construction with an outer casing that would make the lens heavier. For its length (35mm efl of 600mm) the lens is really light. I usually travel with this one and the kit 14-42mm in my camera bag, with my E-510.
I think this is the only entry-level Oly lens that's made in Japan (the others are made in China), and in common with the semi-pros it has a metal mount. It is front heavy especially when extended, so a tripod mount would have been a nice feature.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good lens!
I bought this lens for taking photos of birds and other animals. I also own a 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD lens, which is a wonderful lens but just too heavy and bulky ...Read complete review
I bought this lens for taking photos of birds and other animals. I also own a 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 SWD lens, which is a wonderful lens but just too heavy and bulky to be carried around. The 70-300mm lens is a good substitute. The image quality is good. The downside is the autofocus. It just does not function well under slightly low light conditions when I used the 300mm end. Sometimes it does not even work under ambient light. It hunts back and forth, then stops at the wrong focal plane. Way far away from the correct focus. It seems autofocus only works well under very good lighting or one has to use an external flash like Olympus FL-36 as focus aid. Another thing I don't like this lens is the lens hood. It is very hard to take it off unless you mount the lens on a camera first.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 225 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Cost effective
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Althought slower to focus than the 140mm zoom that came with the camera(as was reported on other sites) this lens is truely excellent value for money.
At less than half the price offered by Australian companies B&H was excellent value. Xmas courier interruptions was a little disappointing but I will be back here for more gear
Dean in Oz
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
This lens is very affordable and has exceptional quality for the price. I take pictures of my daughter at sporting events and of wildlife and it performs flawlessly!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
this lenss picks up where the standard 50 mm left off with obviously longer range.Works well at close range but gives the ability to reach out to longer distances.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I bought a refurbished lens that looks new to me at a significant price reduction. I can find no problems with it and it functions well. I have an Olympus E-410 and it fits in well with my other lenses.
Because the camera body is smaller, this lens requires a steady hand, but this trade-off is well worth the benefits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Great for landscapes
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I use the lens mostly for nature shots and people/portrait studies with a E620 and E3 Olympus camera.
The quality and sharpness of the lens is great in bright daylight and exceeded my expectations especially if the price is considered.
The focusing is a bit slow in low light conditions
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
A bit slow in low light but awsome with full sun. I have done some very nice macro work and I'm getting great close-ups of Humming birds.
Olympus e-620
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I use this for landscapes and close up pictures.The lens is slow in focusing and the numbering on the lens body is confusing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close focus for macro
- Consistent Output
- Nice Bokeh
- Sharp
- Strong Construction
- Value for money
Cons
- Hunts in low light
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Airshows
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Sure this lens is a bit of a "focus hunter" and not the speediest focus-er but as an easy to carry versatile affordable superzoom (on fourthirds anyway) this would be hard to beat for value for money - how else can you get a 600mm equivalent lens for that money. Very good in reasonable light and that close focusing performance is very nice. Impressive sharpness and small size coupled with Olympus e-cameras IS means handheld in reasonable (not even great) light gives excellent results. Not so sure about high speed action though might be better to practice the manual focusing for that.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Excellent quality and value. Just finished a shoot in Acadia National Park. Lens creates great macros as well. [...] Light in the field. Slow focus in poor light conditions. Use manual focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
This lense does an outstanding job indoors, outdoors,with and without a flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I bought this for my wife for Mother's Day and thus far she really likes it. It interchanges just like the other Zuiko lenses that came stock with our Olympus e500. The zoom length is nice for our sons Baseball games and presumably for his football games this fall. The only thing we see an issue with is it does not perform well in low light. But we have two other lenses inside for that. Outside it seems great with a slightly slower auto focus/capture than what I would think for movement but it's not terrible, but for a [$] lens I thought it'd be better. But we are hobbyists not a pros. Also it's heavy :) but does not affect my rating.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Solid feel
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Need good light day
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I use it for landscape and its also quite incredible for macro..keep a fair distance ,then zoom in.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- A little Noise
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
took pics of ducks and geese. It was great because I got great shots with out them knowing I was there.
Later I took great shots at local park with water falls and nice pics all round.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I like photos using makro and this lens allow me take photos with a very high quality.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Used this for races at Sebring, Florida and was impressed with its performance.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Love Olympus Products. Been searching for this lens an found it at B&H Photo.[...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
Good quality at low price
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
I purchased this lens so I can get clear pictures of my daughter playing softball. She is in left field, so my other lens wouldn't pull her in to take a picture. This lens is great! I can take great pictures of her from the bleachers! I would recommend this to anyone.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Zuiko ED Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System):
gets me closer to wildlife, or distant subjects of interest. Focus is a little slow compared to more expensive lenses. But great bang for the buck.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $16.88
- Price: $32.39
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $15.95
What's in the Box
- LC-58C 58mm Lens Cap
- LR-1 Rear Lens Cap
- LH-61E Lens Hood
- 1-Year Warranty
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