1. Olympus Camera Om D

Not a surprise in that Olympus would offer a superzoom, but rather that it was tagged with the Pro designation, which Olympus reserves for its best optical designs. From a practical standpoint, what we have here is a stay-on-the-camera lens. That's because it covers 24mm to 200mm (equivalent).

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Lab Test Results

• Blur

• Chromatic Aberration

• Vignetting

• Geometric Distortion

(From Olympus lens literature) A high-performance digital specific telephoto zoom lens that's one of the lightest and most compact in its class. This Zuiko Digital Lens includes 3 ED glass lens elements to correct chromatic aberrations and features a maximum aperture of f/2.8-3.5. Like all Zuiko Digital Lenses, the barrel and all connections are designed using all-metal components and rubber seals make it highly resistant to dust and moisture. The 50-200mm zoom comes with a lens case, lens hood, removable tripod adaptor front and rear lens caps.

Introduction
The Olympus 50-200mm ƒ/2.8-3.5 Zuiko digital lens forms part of Olympus' 'High Grade' lineup of lenses, developed for the top level brightness, close-up shooting capability and sharpness. The lens is built with 'Dust and splash-proof construction' which allow the lens to be used even in harsh conditions. Available for around $900.

Since Olympus digital SLR cameras employ the four-thirds imaging sensor, any lens attached to the body will have an effective focal length (in 35mm terms) of double the listed length. Thus, for this particular lens, it will exhibit an effective focal length of 100-400mm. The lens takes 67mm filters, and comes with several accessories: a bowl-style lens hood, a lens carrying case and a lens-collar tripod mount.

This lens isn't a 'constant' lens, in that as you increase the focal length, the maximum aperture size decreases. The following table reflects the change as you zoom:

These figures just correspond to the focal lengths marked on the lens; in actual usage, the widest aperture adjusts quite precisely in conjunction with the focal length setting. As you zoom in and out at the widest aperture, you can see the aperture changing in one-tenth increments.

Sharpness
Olympus has done some extraordinary work with this lens. Meant to be versatile across a wide range of apertures and focal lengths, the 50-200mm ƒ/2.8-3.5 is very sharp wide open at ƒ/2.8, though sharpness is at its best below 100mm. Set to a focal length greater than 100mm at ƒ/2.8, the sharpness profile becomes a little uneven across the frame. Curiously, according to our lab results, there is a 'sweet spot' of sharpness at 70mm. When set to ƒ/2.8, even at its 'worst', sharpness does not exceed 2 units on our scale.

Sharpness improves at ƒ/4, and the uneven sharpness seen above 100mm settles down. Below that, sharpness registers at 1 unit, which is about as sharp as we can measure. Optimal across-the-frame sharpness is obtained at ƒ/4, 70mm. Diffraction limiting starts to set in at ƒ/16, but even here you're not exceeding 2 units on the blur scale. Even at its worst, ƒ/22 at 200mm, you're at 3 units on the scale. Superior results.

Chromatic Aberration
Resistance to chromatic aberration seems to be tuned to the wider-angle focal length settings for this lens, the worst registering at 3/100% of frame height when set to 70mm or below - these are results you would see only when looking at the individual pixels of an image, and even then, only in the corners. Above 70mm, the story changes a bit, and some CA shows up in the corners of the image (registers pretty consistently from 70-200mm at 6/100% of frame height, but these are still very small numbers).

Shading ('Vignetting')
The 50-200mm has excellent performance with regard to vignetting. The only case where you see any shading of signficance is wide open at around 150mm, where there is almost a half-stop of light fall-off in the corners. The lab results also show a half-stop loss at 200mm, ƒ/22, but I couldn't recreate it in practical testing.

Distortion
There are some points of distortion for this lens, but nothing so severe that it would even warrant correction in post-processing: in a nutshell, there is some barrel distortion evident below 70mm, and some pincushion above 70mm. Its worst point seems to be about 0.3% pincushion distortion when set to around 150mm. As if to confirm that this lens has been optimized for use at 70mm, this is the point where barrel and pincushion distortion meet, and there is 0% distortion according to our test chart.

Autofocus Operation
The 50-200mm autofocuses quickly, but not as quietly as we would have liked. It's not a subtle noise, but it's a small price to pay for excellent autofocussing performance. Point-to-point focusing is very quick and the noise is not so obvious in these cases; it's only when the lens racks through the entire focus range that the serious motor noise comes into play.

Macro
The focus range scale on the lens shows a closest-focus distance of 1.2 meters (3.9 feet), and our results bear this out. Maximum image magnification is listed at 0.42x (in 35mm film terms), and the 50-200mm can be fitted with the Olympus EX-25 extension tube, increasing its magnfication to 0.49x (35mm terms). This isn't a lens that would be typically used for macro work.

Bokeh
Click on these thumbnails for full-size samples:

Olympus Camera Om D

Build Quality and Handling
The 50-200mm is very solidly built. It still seems to be finished with a fair number of plastic parts, but at 1,070 grams (almost 38 ounces, or 2.3 pounds), there's a lot of glass and metal under the shell. The lens mount is metal, compared to the plastic of less expensive Olympus glass. The fit and finish of this lens is superb; there zoom and focus dials rotate with a velvety smoothness, and the textures have an excellent traction. Setting it apart from less expensive Olympus lenses is a distance scale.

Mounted on the E-510, the camera balance is very top-heavy; this is not a lens intended for one-handed use. With two hands, it balances very nicely, however you're better off turning the tripod mount to the right (or removing it) for hand-held use, as it gets in the way of the zoom ring. The lens-collar tripod mount is a very solid piece of equipment which enables camera rotation, and the lens barrel is marked with dots to show 90-degree rotation points.

The front filter doesn't turn while focussing or zooming, and just over a quarter turn on the zoom dial covers the entire focal range. It's worth noting that the zoom ring doesn't cover the focal range in a linear fashion; there's a lot of travel between 50mm and 70mm, over an inch of ring movement, but the distance between major focal lengths decreases rapidly as you go higher. For example, there's only about a quarter-inch of ring movement between 150mm and 200mm.

Alternatives

Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 ED Zuiko Digital ~$260
With a lower price tag, this lens is a strong performer in the optical department, with excellent results for sharpness and resistance to chromatic aberration. If you don't need the wider aperture range, the longer telephoto distance, or the better build quality of the High Grade line, the 40-150mm is an excellent alternative within the Olympus line.

Olympus 70-300mm f/4-5.6 ED Zuiko Digital ~$400
While we haven't yet tested this lens, we'd be remiss not to include it as an alternative. It isn't in exactly the same category as the 55-200mm, but if you were willing to compromise on the focal length and aperture differences, it would probably end up being an excellent choice.

Sigma 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 DC ~$130
As of the time of writing, Sigma is the only third party manufacturer supporting the four-thirds system, and this is the only choice that approximates the range of focal lengths. It's a slower lens, both for autofocus and aperture choice, but at a fraction of the cost of the Olympus 50-200mm, it could be a viable alternative for those on a budget.

Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX DG HSM APO ~$950
If you're going to zoom out, why not zoom out all the way? Affectionately known as the 'Bigma' by a loyal following of users, it's signficantly heavier than the Olympus, ridiculously long when zoomed out, as well as being slower both in terms of autofocus and aperture choices. But: can you imagine using it as a 100mm-1000mm lens on an Olympus body?

Olympus 90-250mm f/2.8 PRO ED Zuiko Digital ~$5,200
For what would be a premium price, this is the only alternative in the Olympus line that equates the level of quality and reasonably approximates the range of focal lengths and apertures. We haven't yet tested it, but given the performance we've seen from other lenses in the Olympus Super High Grade lineup, we can only imagine it would have excellent optical characteristics.

Conclusion
The 50-200mm ƒ/2.8-3.5 would be an excellent choice for sports or event shooting for someone with an Olympus body: quick and responsive, with an good telephoto range and still fast even when fully zoomed out. You do pay a bit for the quality you're getting, and there isn't much else to fill the range of focal lengths this lens offers, but if you're partial to the Olympus lineup, you won't regret having this lens being a part of your arsenal.

Sample Photos!
Sample photos are available of two laboratory test targets to help in our readers' evaluation of the lenses we test. The VFA target should give you a good idea of sharpness in the center and corners, as well as some idea of the extent of barrel or pincushion distortion and chromatic aberration, while the Still Life subject may help in judging contrast and color. We shoot both images using the default JPEG settings and manual white balance of our test bodies, so the images should be quite consistent from lens to lens.

As appropriate, we shoot these with both full-frame and sub-frame bodies, at a range of focal lengths, and at both maximum aperture and f/8. For the 'VFA' target (the viewfinder accuracy target from Imaging Resource), we also provide sample crops from the center and upper-left corner of each shot, so you can quickly get a sense of relative sharpness, without having to download and inspect the full-res images. To avoid space limitations with the layout of our review pages, indexes to the test shots launch in separate windows.

To see the sample shots from this lens captured with this lens on our test body, just click on either of the thumbnails below, and scroll as needed in the window that appears.

Olympus 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 Zuiko Digital User Reviews

• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbyTnt1(1 reviews)
  Some people may find it heavy

  I bought this lens second hand in January 2014 to use with the EC14 on the OM-D E-M1. Before this purchase I used the Panasonic 100-300mm as my main nature/birding lens. In well lit conditions the Panasonic compares pretty well, particularly up to 250mm. The contrast focusing is reasonably fast and accurate as well. The 50-200mm does hunt a little on the E-M1 if the background is busy or bright. Other than that it provides some stunningly sharp images. Even with the EC14 it is a great combination. It is certainly heavier than the 100-300mm and this is a valid consideration if you are going to carry, and hand-hold, the lens for extended periods. Other than that? The Olympus 50-200mm lives up to its reputation for excellent optical quality and I think it is well worth the extra weight.

  reviewed April 5th, 2014(purchased for $500)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbydda(13 reviews)
  It's a bit heavy

  Left the Olympus camp for Nikon - do however loved this lens and the 12-60. Got it for a cheap price.
  Tried the SWD version. Preferred this one based on the price. Technically it's even a bit faster on some of the focal lengths (due to the SWD engine in the newer version they had to give in a small (read very small) % of speed).
  If you find one at the price I paid, don't hesitate ... go for it !

  reviewed July 18th, 2011(purchased for $500)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbybarcoiris(2 reviews)
  none

  very smooth handling, fast and good focus, sharp, use allways wide open for nice bokeh, nice glass, not yet used over a tripod. very happy with, one e-1 with it, the other e-1 with 11/22mm...and 50f2 in the pocket...ready for anything.

  reviewed March 13th, 2009(purchased for $775)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbyswintonphoto(4 reviews)
  Razor sharp, great max aperture, built like a tank, pro quality

  I have been using this lens for about a year now, and have never looked back. It produces amazingly sharp images. It is actually fairly small in my opinion for its max aperture and zoom range. No problems with distortions. It is extremely well built.
  I am a professional photographer, and rely on this in many settings from weddings to sports. It performs extremely well in these settings, and I love it. I would recommend it to anybody who wants high quality telephoto image. Can't go wrong with this AMAZING telephoto lens.

  reviewed November 22nd, 2008(purchased for $850)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbyailame(4 reviews)

  My favorite lens.
  This lens extended my photographic extent dramatically. It helped me take great pictures I wouldn't be able to do otherwise. I find the IQ pretty much aligned to IQ of its wider sister 14-54mm f2.8-3.5.
  Though being my most expensive photographic device ($2000) I have never regretted this money. And especially currently in combination with IS (E-3).... it is very powerful device.

  reviewed December 22nd, 2007(purchased for $2,000)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbyKenH(4 reviews)
  None

  Great image quality, sharp with good contrast.
  This lens has very good defocussing (Bokeh).
  This is a great lens to add to your Zuiko collection.

  reviewed January 2nd, 2007(purchased for $799)
• 9 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbyllbeanie1(17 reviews)

  great lens, what else can i say

  reviewed January 1st, 2007
• 7 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbycra3y(3 reviews)
  Slow AF, hunting at long end, lack of IS, weight

  This is second mainstream tele lens that in pair with ZD 14-54 2.8-3.5. It is larger and havier that younger lightweight and cheaper brother - ZD 40-150 3.5-4.5.
  Build quality is very good, but AF is weak (especially on long end) of this lens in pair with lack of stabilization (like IS/VR ). It is necessary to raise iso in dim light to avoid shake in 200mm (400mm) - tripod is indicated
  This lens is perform well, but it won't resolve 1300 lw/ph with E300 (imatest resolution target shot at raw processed byc dcraw and lightroom with no sharpening at all). This lens satisfied E1,E330 sensor resolution but do not exceed E300/E500/E400 sensors.

  reviewed November 24th, 2006(purchased for $850)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbymacdaddy(2 reviews)
  bulky; heavy if not used to a big pro-level zoom; but lighter than competitors

  I have three Olympus zooms and this has become my favorite. It has incredible 'presence', providing bright, detailed, SHARP photos from edge-to-edge. The bokeh and depth of field make art shots so much fun with this lens.
  Be warned, though, this is a BIG, somewhat heavy lens and does its best on a good tripod. Every 4/3rds user needs this lens in their arsenal of lenses. That said, though, compared to other manufacturers lenses that are as fast and cover this range, it's a real lighweight!

  reviewed November 18th, 2006(purchased for $775)
• Not stabilized

  I used this lens extensively on an African trip shooting wildlife. The light weight was a real plus as we had severe weight restrictions due to small aircraft transfers.
  The results were rather remarkable considering the now relatively low resolution of the E-1.
  I have made cropped prints of animal faces up to 20 x 24 inches, and I am continually astounded at the sharpness of the facial features, smooth bokeh, and even illumination across the frame from edge to edge.
  The only complaint is the lack of image stabilization. I hope that the new version of the E1 contains some form of sensor stabilization to help to realize the full potential of this lens.
  Every time I think that I should sell the E system, I remember the quaiity of this lens, and I hope that the new version of the E-1 body will justify my decision to keep the lenses that I own.

  reviewed October 23rd, 2005(purchased for $1,000)
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbyJay(4 reviews)
  Good low light capabilities and excellent sharpness and contrast

  When this lens arrived and I unpacked it, I was really surprised at how heavy and long it was. When I put it on my camera I realized that this is a specialized lens -- and an excellent one at that. A few months latter I got a Sigma 18-125 to use in more everyday, travel situations.
  I'm looking forward to the Oly 18-180 to replace the Sigma and will continue to use the Oly 'Big Gun' on special occasions.

  reviewed October 23rd, 2005
• 10 out of 10 pointsand recommendedbysteverh(1 reviews)
  This is a big, heavy lens - but it looks very impressive with the lens hood on!

  I've had some excellent pictures with this lens. It's a big beefy thing, but handles beautifully on the E1. Got some great shots at an air display recently.

  reviewed October 20th, 2005

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