The Olympus OM-D E-M1

[FracturedRabbit]

There's a firmware update for the 60mm macro too.

I also have been waiting for the 40-150mm since they announced it more than a year ago. Hopefully it will arrive in Thailand soon!

[Tywais]

Olympus site states the 40-150 f/2.8 is due out in November 2014. B&H Photo has it available for pre-order. Still waiting, but in the mean time a PC Mag review 5 stars.

By Jim Fisher

The Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f2.8 PRO ($1,499.99) is a serious lens. It covers a longer telephoto zoom range then the standard pro 70-200mm zooms when paired with a Micro Four Thirds camera, and is incredibly sharp from edge-to-edge throughout the entirety of its range, even at f/2.8. You don't see that type of image quality every day, and there's even a dedicated 1.4x teleconverter available for purchase if you need a longer reach. The 40-150mm lives up to its PRO moniker, running circles around the budget-friendly M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6 R$149.00 at Amazon in every conceivable way save for size. It's because of this that we're not only bestowing Editors' Choice accolades on this top-end telezoom, but we're going as far to give it a 5-star rating. Those don't come often, but there are a lot of reasons that this lens is deserving.

The 40-150mm$1,499.00 at Amazon is huge when compared with other lenses designed for the Micro Four Thirds system, but fairly compact when you hold it against similar f/2.8 telezooms for full-frame SLRs. It measures 6.3 by 3.1 inches (HD), weighs in at just under 2 pounds, and uses large 72mm front filters. The lens is sealed against dust and moisture and is rated for use in freezing temperatures, which makes it an ideal companion for the similarly sealed OM-D E-M5$599.00 at Amazon and OM-D E-M1 cameras.

Construction is excellent; the metal barrel is cool to the touch. There's no optical stabilization in the lens, as Olympus builds that feature into its camera bodies. With the exception of the GX7Best Price at Amazon, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras lack in-body stabilization. Owners of high-end bodies like the GH4 may want to consider a Panasonic telezoom with in-lens stabilization, like the Lumix G X Vario 35-100mm F2.8 ASPH.£895.00 at Amazon instead.

More here - PC Magazine

[FracturedRabbit]

Local dealers tell me it will be "soon". My cash awaits.

[Spacer]

So my stepson asked to use my EM-1.

Anyone here know where I can download a Thai version of the manual?

[sunshine51]

^^^ Spacer...try a camerastore near you, perhaps they may have one or maybe they can

photocopy one for you. If not...try Google...

[Tywais]

^^^ Spacer...try a camerastore near you, perhaps they may have one or maybe they can

photocopy one for you. If not...try Google...

I spent a lot of time earlier on Google and YouTube and no luck. The Thailand Olympus site even redirects you to the Japan site when looking for manuals and then show only English. Found English, Spanish and French. In the meantime, I see the site has a new manual for the Version 2.0 firmware recently released so I downloaded it.

[Spacer]

Thanks Tywais, I came up with the same results in my search.

[Goompa]

Not familiar with the EM 1 , bugger should have bought that as well , but can you change the local language in camera and then help directing via the English menu - instruction manual that way ? Just a thought , sorry if no help to your cause .

Goomps

[Tywais]

Not familiar with the EM 1 , bugger should have bought that as well , but can you change the local language in camera and then help directing via the English menu - instruction manual that way ? Just a thought , sorry if no help to your cause .

Goomps

The EM-1 does have quite a few language choices on it including Thai. Usually when you select a menu option a popup comes up giving a brief description of the function.

[Spacer]

Waiting on a reply from my photographer niece. If I find one I'll post it here.

My stepson is new to photography so he will likely just keep it in auto mode.

[FracturedRabbit]

Just an update on the 40-150mm. AVCamera in Bangkok received stock today. Mine will be on the way by courier tomorrow!

[FracturedRabbit]

It's here!

P1030239 by pattayadays.com, on Flickr

Initial impressions: Built like a particularly well built tank. Smaller than it appears in photos (the lens hood adds apparent bulk). Lighter than I expected and balances perfectly on the E-M1. Fast autofocus (needs firmware 2.2). Close focuses such that it is almost a macro lens. 1.4 converter doesn't obviously degrade IQ.

There will be photos.

[Goompa]

I sincerely hope so ! I feel your energy FR , next on the list .... for me that may be

[FracturedRabbit]

With caveats that this is not a good photo, shot into the light, underexposed and at high ISO, it does illustrate how this lens is close to being macro.

PB290033 by pattayadays.com, on Flickr

Closest focusing distance is 0.7 metre, and this applies whether you are at 40mm or 210mm with the 1.4 extender attached. This shot is cropped; but butterflies/dragonflies/flowers can fill the frame, and live subjects will be less likely to disappear given you are further away from them than you would be with a macro lens. Going to be a great sports lens, and a great lens for close-ups too!

[Tywais]

Don't see a price on Avcamera yet. Do you mind telling us the cost? Suspect my GH2 + 14-140mm kit lens will be going up for sale soon so buying that lens doesn't hurt too much.

Just updated to 2.2 now.

[FracturedRabbit]

I have been nagging AVCamera for the past month to make sure he kept one for me. I expect whatever he received was already reserved.

I ordered the kit which contains the lens with the 1.4 extender; 57,900 baht. I justified it on the basis that it was 100,000 baht cheaper than the Canon 300mm lens I used to own!

[Goompa]

Market day at Goompa's place , some Canon gear has got to go !

[FracturedRabbit]

Another ridiculously close-up shot from the 40-150mm:

PB290107 by pattayadays.com, on Flickr

[Goompa]

Nice shot ! just a quick question FR , does the 1.4 extender help with macro shots or is just for tele lenses

[FracturedRabbit]

The extender can only be fiited to the 40-150mm, and I think some other future Pro lenses. The design of other lenses means it cannot be used with them. As the closest focusing distance of the 40-150mm is 0.7 metres, irrespective of focal length, using the extender will give you a more zoomed in shot when using the lens as a semi-macro. Using the extender changes the minimum aperture from F2.8 to F4.

[MJP]

Seems there's a dose of LBA going round at the moment.

[FracturedRabbit]

First try at action shots this morning.

PB300204 by pattayadays.com, on Flickr

Very pleased with the IQ, looks great at 100%.

[Tywais]

300mm fixed f/4 lens (600mm 35mm equiv). Attach the Olympus MC-14 1.4x teleconverter and you have 840mm!

Olympus ED 300mm f/4 PRO Lens to Start Shipping in November

According to the latest rumors from FT, OlympusM.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm f/4 PRO Lens will start shipping from Nov 15, 2015. But there is yet no info about the price and specs of this lens.

lens-rumors.com

[FracturedRabbit]

Limited uses for the 300mm; the recently released 7-14mm will probably sell more. I find the 12-40mm and 40-150mm cover most needs.

[Tywais]

Limited uses for the 300mm; the recently released 7-14mm will probably sell more. I find the 12-40mm and 40-150mm cover most needs.

Probably the bird/animal watchers will find it of interest. Or girls at the beach. But not for me. I have the Panasonic 100-300mm (200-600mm 35mm equiv) lens and rarely use it. Just moon shots and there are just so many of those you can take.

[rhythmworx]

The more I look at the EM1 and look at reviews the more I think "this is the camera for me"

It's got a lot going for it, live view bulb mode even via wireless sounds great.

Smaller form factor, very customisable interface, great support via firmware updates, top quality optics and build at a fraction of the cost and size of similar DSLR lenses.

etc...

I really think this will be my next camera, including the 12-40 and 40-150mm

Try before you buy: Take a camera home for three days! Includes the 12-40

Worth it just to have a play with it.

[FracturedRabbit]

Limited uses for the 300mm; the recently released 7-14mm will probably sell more. I find the 12-40mm and 40-150mm cover most needs.

Probably the bird/animal watchers will find it of interest. Or girls at the beach. But not for me. I have the Panasonic 100-300mm (200-600mm 35mm equiv) lens and rarely use it. Just moon shots and there are just so many of those you can take.

The 100-300 has very average IQ, and indeed not a very useful range. Although in a different price bracket, the 40-150 is staggeringly good and has a range that you can use almost anywhere.

[Tywais]

My new toy. Finally got around to getting the Olympus Zuiko 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens. (80-300mm FOV equiv on 35mm camera). Also got a Carry Speed Slim strap for the weight. Shown mounted on my Olympus E-M1. Between the two lenses I have 12-150 (24-300mm equiv) range at fixed f/2.8.

[Goompa]

Ouch !

[shaggy1969]

Ouch !

I have just given my poor old kit lenses a real dirty look !!!

God I hate my life