Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras (Four Thirds System)
This lightweight, compact lens has a 10x zoom range covereing the equivalent of a 36-360mm lens on a 35mm camera. The closest focusing distance is down to 45cm in entire zoom area, and 0.23x (equivalent to 0.46x on a 35mm camera) of magnification allows for superb macro shots. Two ED lenses and two aspherical lenses compensate for optical aberration to give the lens high-performance through the entire zoom range.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
18 - 180 mm Comparable Four Thirds and Micro 4/3 Focal Length: 36 - 360 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 6.3 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Four Thirds |
| Format Compatibility | Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 62° - 6.9° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 17.7" (45 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.23x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.34 |
| Groups/Elements | 13/15 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 62 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.33 x 3.07" (8.46 x 7.80 cm) |
| Weight | 15.34 oz (435 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 51 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (25)
- Easily interchangeable (25)
- Durable (19)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (19)
- Strong construction (19)
Cons
- Poor in low light (8)
- Slow focus (8)
- Heavy (5)
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (19)
- Sports/action (15)
- Wildlife photos (15)
- General purpose (14)
- Weddings (11)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (17), Enthusiast (8), Casual photographer (7), Semi-pro photographer (5), Casual user (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great travel lens.
I have had this lens for close to 2 years. This is a great general purpose lens. Take anywhere anytime, especially outdoor activities. Cheap enough that if it breaks, replace it. Good ...Read complete review
I have had this lens for close to 2 years. This is a great general purpose lens. Take anywhere anytime, especially outdoor activities. Cheap enough that if it breaks, replace it. Good enough that most pictures are incredible (good optics). Biggest issue is trouble with FL-36 and red-eye reduction, flash has trouble synchronizing (both with E-500 and E-510). I thought it was the camera until I tried other lenses. It has trouble focusing in low light, so indoors photos are usually a challenge. While the lens has its drawbacks, in their website Olympus does define three levels of quality on their lenses, and this one is at the low one. You are getting what you pay for (and more), a great general purpose lens for most of your activities. I would recommend a tripod when at the 180 range, but if you have the E-510 you can get by without.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Everything youd expect from a super zoom
This lens is a joy to work with, but you have to be willing to live with its sharpness limitations when you look at the pictures.
I have an E3 that I use...Read complete review
This lens is a joy to work with, but you have to be willing to live with its sharpness limitations when you look at the pictures.
I have an E3 that I use primarily for macro photography and portraits. I slap the 18-180 on the camera when I'm going on an outing with my kids and don't want to interrupt the fun by changing lenses. It is respectably fast in any light, super lightweight (compared to the metal-body E3), and the super-zoom can handle any subject material from landscapes to tight portraits to action. Combined with the fast focus and frame rate of the E3, this lens gives me a wonderful sense of freedom.
After 2 years with this lens I still feel a bit let down when I get home and process the shots. The focus is never anywhere near as sharp as any other prime or 3X lens I own. But this is what one expects with a super-zoom. I have tried to deal with it by using a lens-specific sharpening setting when importing photos to my software.
The trade-off is worth it. I catch lots of moments that no other combination of components could capture, but at effectively half the resolution that the camera is capable of.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 51 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I purchased this lens as a last minute fix for a one lens solution. I was shooting my very first wedding (family member) and I wanted a better lens than the two that came with my e520. This being my first big camera lens buy, I was really nervous. Some of the reviews said the shutter speed was really slow.
In the end, the shutter speed felt right with the e520. I got some gorgeous pictures with bright, vibrant colors. If you need a relatively cheap lens, I say go for it! I think you'll like this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I am a enthusiast amateur photographer. This zoom lens works very well with my E-520 . I am using the wide angle range more than I expected. This zoom lens is worth the money. It exceeds the quality of the standard 14-42 and 42-150 kit lenses when comparing the print quality. When using the aperture priority settings in the 100-800 iso range the results for 8x10 are excellent. It has added new life to my E-520 years.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I use this for travel and general photos.The sharpness of this lens is noticeably better than the two kit lenses. I am very pleased with the result I have had.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Being a amateur photographer for years. I relish digital photography I purchased the 18-180 zuiko lens to get more versatility.This lens has been a pleasant surprise and I'm very satisfied with it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
- Slow focus 180mm
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
[...] I have used this for about two weeks now, and have found it to be as advertised and more. It replaced the kit 50-150 kit lens and what an improvement. I am amazed at the clarity and focus of this lens. At full extension, a bit slow in the AF, but other that this little niggle, I am very impressed with the lens. This lens is making a better photographer out of me. Works superbly on my E-600. A very happy customer.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portrait
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Since I am an Olympus user for years, I own five Olympus lenses for my E30 and I challenged myself to use two lenses only on my photography trips. I decided to use both 9@18mm and 18@180mm. With these lenses I cover a wide spectrum of photography. But the 18@180mm is very special it gives me so much latitude when I have to zoom in on my subjects. The downside is its apertude f/3.5-6.3 which sometime is not enough.
But I do like this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I was looking for a zoom lens for my Olympus E510 that would cover a majority of my zoom requirements while avoiding the need for lens change overs. This lens fits the bill. It zooms smoothly and has adequate aperture for most needs. I have retired the two lenses that came with the camera kit originally. I have owned it only for three weeks and have taken sufficient number of pictures with it to be satisfied in general with ease of use and quality. Weight is not a problem as the original tele-zoom lens is just as heavy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Not the most expensive lens out there for sure. But I was replacing the original zoom lens that came with my Evolt 500. So far I am pleased.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Great picture quality
- Rugged
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
18-180 lens is a great lens. Good and durable. A great walk around lens, I did not find it heavy,very managable.
I was hoping it would be a great lens for inside action shots. Unfortunately not fast enough lens to capture indoor action shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rugged
Cons
- Pricey but worth it
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
This lens is a great overall lens. 18mm for those landscape shots and easily zooms up to 180mm for close ups. Very nice for traveling when your short on cargo space. A little pricey, but compared to other lenses on this category of lenses, it's well worth the price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Able to use this lens for close ups, landscape and anything else that piques my fancy. Just a great lens for my E-3.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I was looking for a lens that would cover a large range - wide angle to telephoto and still give me crisp pictures. So far I am very happy with this lens, though I have a lot of experimenting to do yet!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I used it to take family photos so far.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Gave the lens to my father for Christmas, hard man to please but he liked it. He has not had much chance to use it but it focuses well and gave him the little bit of added zoom he was looking for.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- General Purpose
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Very versatile - no need to keep switching lenses and is a fairly light, solid well constructed lens. Overall a good all purpose lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None yet
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
A solid lens. Feels strong, well put together. Sharp image. Easy to use. Not exactly light, but, that goes with the strong construction.
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Great Lens, wide range and good value. Its a little dark at the high end.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
- Wide choice of uses
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
From the first time I used this lens to take a picture of the finches on our bird feeder, I have been very satisfied with its performance.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
I bought this lens to replace the two lenses that came with my E520. I wanted the convenience of a single lens with the ability to take wide angle landscape shots and portraits of my grandchildren.
This lens meets my needs, although I was disappointed to discover that for Olympus, 18-180mm us actually 36-360mm. Good for the telephoto end, not so good for the wide angle.
Overall I am very happy with the lens.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
Comments about Olympus 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens:
Normally I am using either the 12-60 or the 50-200 Zuiko lens on my E3, however after traveling for weeks on Borneo, this equipment is actually to heavy in the jungle when you also need a backpack for your private things. I have bought the 18-180 Zuiko lens and a Loewepro Outback 200 in order to be able to travel with only one lens and a camera bag which makes is possible at the same time to use a backpack for private things. For the time being I haven't yet taken a lot of photo's with the 18-180, however it is build like the other Zuiko lenses, meaning that the quality is as expected. With sufficinet light conditions the AF is fast and the quality of the pictures in general is good. I am looking forward to the next trip to do a more detaied test.
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Hoods & Covers
- Price: $39.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $11.99
Protective Wraps & Mats
- Price: $9.00
What's in the Box
- LC-62B 62mm Front Lens Cap
- LR-1 Rear Lens Cap
- LH-65 Lens Hood
- User's Manual
- 1-Year U.S.A. Limited Warranty
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