About Us
The Professional's Source Since 1973
  • Help
  • 800.606.6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Photography Expert - Live

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens

BH #OL100400B • MFR #V315070BU000
 61 reviews
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens
Key Features
  • Micro Four Thirds System
  • 200-800mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/5 to f/22
  • Two Super HR Elements, Two HR Elements
Characterized by its impressive range and reach, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS is a 200-800mm-equivalent super-telephoto zoom for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. This length is complemented by an advanced optical design that incorporates a series of ED and HR elements to minimize various aberrations and a ZERO coating also helps to control flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy.
In Stock
$1,499.99
$125/mo. suggested payments for 12 Mos.
with the credit card.§ 
or Save the Tax with the credit card.‡ 
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $109.99
Used for$1,199.95
Trade in your gear for cash: Learn more
Ask Our Experts
800.606.6969

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 ... Overview

Characterized by its impressive range and reach, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS is a 200-800mm-equivalent super-telephoto zoom for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras. This length is complemented by an advanced optical design that incorporates a series of ED and HR elements to minimize various aberrations and a ZERO coating also helps to control flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color accuracy.

This lens is also characterized by its optical image stabilization system that compensates for three stops of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting in difficult lighting conditions. A Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) autofocus system is also employed to realize quick and quiet focusing performance, and a focus limiter switch also helps to quicken focusing depending on the anticipated subject-to-camera range. The lens is also fitted with a removable rotating tripod collar for improved balance and support, and the lens is weather-sealed to guard against dust, moisture, and freezing temperatures to benefit working in harsh climates.

Spanning an impressive super telephoto range, this 100-400mm zoom is designed for Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras and provides a 200-800mm equivalent focal length range.
Two Super HR (high refractive index) elements and two HR elements are featured in the optical design to limit spherical aberrations for improved sharpness with reduced distortion. Additionally, three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements are also used to control chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and color fidelity.
A ZERO (Zuiko Extra-Low Reflection Optical) coating has been applied to individual elements to minimize lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.
Optical image stabilization minimizes the appearance of camera shake by approximately three stops to suit handheld shooting applications.
Movie & Still Compatible (MSC) autofocus system benefits both photo and video applications due to its smooth, quiet, and fast performance.
Minimum focusing distance of 4.3' offers a 0.57x maximum magnification to suit working with close-up subjects.
Focus range limiter allows you to constrict the focus system to 4.3-19.7', 4.3' to infinity, or 19.7' to infinity ranges for faster focusing performance depending on the subject type and distance.
Weather-sealed construction guards the lens against dust and moisture for working in harsh environments.
Rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.
Tripod collar provides well-balanced support when working from a monopod or tripod and permits quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations.
Compatible with the optional M.Zuiko Digital MC-14 1.4x and MC-20 2x Teleconverters to further extend the effective reach of the lens.
UPC: 050332193208

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 ... Specs

Key Specs
Focal Length
100 to 400mm (35mm Equivalent: 200 to 800mm)
Maximum Aperture
f/5 to 6.3
Lens Mount
Micro Four Thirds
Lens Format Coverage
Micro Four Thirds
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Filter Size
72 mm (Front)
Maximum Aperture
f/5 to 6.3
Minimum Aperture
f/22
Lens Mount
Micro Four Thirds
Lens Format Coverage
Micro Four Thirds
Angle of View
12° to 3.1°
Minimum Focus Distance
4.27' / 1.3 m
Maximum Magnification
0.57x
Optical Design
21 Elements in 15 Groups
Diaphragm Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Tripod Collar
Removable and Rotating
Filter Size
72 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)
3.4 x 8.1" / 86.4 x 205.7 mm
Length at Maximum Extension
10.45" / 265.5 mm
Weight
2.46 lb / 1120 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.95 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
13 x 6 x 6"

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 ... Reviews

Big improvement over the 75-300 II

By Leif
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-07-02

I've been shooting birds & insects with the Oly 75-300 II for 9 years and the Oly 100-400 is a huge improvement for me. I've had a lot of great shots from the 75-300 II, but it has several weaknesses. It has a tendency to give washed-out images from light bouncing around in the lens. Also distant birds etc. usually give disappointing results. Also (not sure if this is due to a few drops over the years), I started to notice major image flaws (smeared edges on one side of each twig, etc.), so I bought the 100-400. After 2 days with the 100-400 (actually from the first few photos) I'm seeing a huge difference. Images are so much higher in contrast, no more washed out images. Also, some nice surprises. The focus is so freakishly fast and accurate, I can aim at a little blob on a waving grass blade and get a nice crisp photo of an insect. Focus is so much better than the 75-300 II, and I never realized what a different it could make. Also, AF seems much better at choosing the subject, rather than the background. Also, the in-lens IS really works! I got a bunch of keepers using 1/100 to 1/200 sec at 400mm. IBIS never really did much for the 75-300 II and I always had to use much faster exposures. Bulkier size of the 100-400 definitely demands a slightly larger bag, but I'm loving this lens and it's absolutely worth it.

Fun lens to shoot with and worth the small compromises.

By Raul
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-14

I read a lot of mixed reviews regarding this lens. Especially in regards to it's softness at the extreme end. I myself have found this lens is capable of capturing sharp images at the extreme end as long as you are willing to bump up the ISO when necessary. This has turned out to be one of my favorite lenses due to it's reach, features, and most importantly it's close up capabilities. The examples I'm uploading are from the first day of shooting with this lens with the exception of the shot of the Starling using the MC20 2X teleconverter which was included free with my lens purchase.

High-quality and excellent build quality

By Richard
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-02

I bought this with an OM-1 after using the combination of camera and lens for two weeks in Costa Rica (see my OM1 review for more detail). It's hard to review the lens in isolation, but a couple of observations are in order: 1. Lens design is constrained by physics, primarily fundamental optics. Performance, light weight, quality - choose two. This lens is not equal to its big brother, the $7500 150-400 pro lens, but then again, it is 1/5 the price. It's also hard to beliee that it is not a better lens than, for example, a light-weight Canon 100-400 that costs half as much. 2. IMage quality has been outstanding. Hard to distinguish from $1500-2800 equivalent Canon and Sony lenses. 3. Build quality and ergonomics are excellent. Feels precise, zoom and focus are smooth. Weather-sealing is a major plus. If I was being really picky I might want the focus to be a little quicker and the zoom to be a tiny bit smoother and less stiff, but it's better than other lenses I have handled. The $7,500 version is probably better:) Would not hesitate to buy this again, strongly recommend with the OM1.

Not as heavy as some seem to think

By Breck
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-24

One reviewer (or perhaps one then just one), lamented the weight of this lens. This puzzled me. Because this is a very small lens in comparison with its bigger brother the 150-400mm + built-in 1.25TC. That lens IS heavy at 1,875grams, whereas the 100-400mm f/5.6 that we are considering here weighs 985 grams. Or, to put this into units Americans can better visualize, 1875 g = 4.13 lb; whereas 983 g. = 2.172 lb. How lightweight do you need your 100-400mm zoom to be? That's all. Just a short counter to those (I think) mis-leading reviews.

Great lens

By John
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-26

Gets high resolution and stable images. Not as heavy as I thought it would be

Good but heavy

By Greg
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-03

My 100-300 Lumix was stolen and thought that I'd like this better. No question better quality but the weight is a real negative. For that reason I'm probably going to return it and get another 100-300 or similar. I know that this lens the size and weight of this lens means I won't carry it often. If I were to get more serious about birding photography I'd stick with it.

Don't hesitate. Buy this lens!

By Sy
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-06-01

While certainly not in the caliber of the Olympus 150-400 Pro lens, this one can more than hold its own. And it costs one sixth of the pro lens! I use it for my bird photography and it does a great, great job! Actually, it's pretty amazing. Very sharp and very fast AF on my OM-1. Buy it!!!

Super lens

By Fred
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-05-29

Very good quality, fast af, sharp, just what I was hoping it would be, handheld shots with my em5 iii are great, i have been using the 75-300, I knew I had to get this lens when it came out, on sale for $1299, I'm loving this lens

See any errors on this page? Let us know

YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Why does this lens have some play when mounted on ...

Why does this lens have some play when mounted on an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera? Other lenses fit snugly.
Asked by: Edgardo
I cannot agree with the answer given by Daniel B&H staff below. The lens mount surface on both the lens and the camera itself is one of the most critically precise and dimensionally accurate components on the camera. Tolerances to within thousandths of an inch are required here. There should be zero perceivable play or movement with the lens correctly mounted to the camera. If all your other M.Zuiko lenses fit correctly on that camera, then you have a defective lens which should be replaced under warranty. If all your lenses have similar play or movement when attached, you have a damaged or defective lens mount on the camera. This might or might not be covered by warranty depending on the age of the camera and the type of damage to the lens mount.
Answered by: Lawrence
Date published: 2023-02-28

How would it work with a Panasonic GX8? Would the ...

How would it work with a Panasonic GX8? Would the in lens stabilization work?
Asked by: Greg
Yes, it will work with the GX8. The focus and stabilization would work without any issues.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-08-11

I have a Lumix g7 and amm considering this lens ...

I have a Lumix g7 and amm considering this lens or the panasonic lens of the same focal length. what would be the pros or cons of one lens over the other? They seem very similar.
Asked by: Clay
While I have not personally used the recently-announced Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens, from reviews posted online, while both lenses are good options, the Panasonic lens would be more compact in size and offers better stabilization when shooting with a Panasonic camera that is compatible with their Dual IS feature. It is also nice that the zoom ring can be locked at any chosen position (the Olympus lens can only be locked at the 100mm setting). The Olympus lens offers better sharpness at the lens' maximum aperture, has better optical stabilization when using the lens on an Olympus body (the Olympus lens has better in-lens stabilization, but is incompatible with Olympus' in-body stabilization; the Panasonic lens' built-in stabilization is inferior, but offers better performance when paired with a Panasonic camera with in-body Dual IS stabilization capability). The Olympus lens would also be compatible with Olympus' 1.4x and 2x teleconveters (there are no teleconverters designed for the Panasonic lens). The zoom ring is much smoother to operate on the Olympus lens compared to the stiffer zoom ring on the Panasonic lens. All that being said, both lenses have good performance, so it would come down to personal preference.
Answered by: Manzell
Date published: 2022-03-30

What settings for image stabilization are ...

What settings for image stabilization are recommended for use with this lens when paired with a E1-mkIII body? In camera only, lens only, or both. I typically take hand held photos of birds at high magnification.
Asked by: Mark
It is recommended to use both IBIS as well as lens OIS. Certain axes are more easily stabilized in-lens, and certain axes in-camera. Toggling both on will allow the camera to more accurate compensate for motion.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2022-01-04

Where is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm ...

Where is the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens manufactured?
Asked by: Douglas
This lens is manufactured in Japan.
Answered by: Jeremy
Date published: 2021-10-30

I purchased this lens to use with a BMPCC 4K but ...

I purchased this lens to use with a BMPCC 4K but none of the electronic lens control functions work: auto-focus, manual focus, iris control. I can hear the lens power up and IS seems to work but none of the other electronic functions work. Does anyone know of this issue? Is it not compatible with the BMPCC 4K? Thank you
Asked by: Ian
The lens is on the full compatibility list and should work.
Answered by: Bruno
Date published: 2021-06-03

Does this lens support pro capture function and ...

Does this lens support pro capture function and does it support in camera focus stacking?
Asked by: Judy
Yes this Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens is compatible with both Pro Capture and Focus Stacking
Answered by: Moe
Date published: 2022-05-17

Can you use both ibis in the Olympus one 1 3 and ...

Can you use both ibis in the Olympus one 1 3 and the is in the Olympus 100-400 at the same time?
Asked by: Joan
Yes, both stabilizations systems will work in conjunction with one another.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-07-21
  • y_2023, m_9, d_30, h_4CST
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvqa, vn_bulk_3.0.35
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasquestionsanswers, tq_30
  • loc_en_US, sid_1576153, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=HAS_STAFF_ANSWERS, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_bhphotovideo