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OM System announces a more rugged, more stable version of its 100-400mm lens
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: OM System OM System is keeping things exciting with a handful of announcements all at once. Along with a new camera (the OM-3) and an updated set of prime lenses, it also revealed the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm (200-800mm equiv.) F5.0-6.3 IS II lens. The update to its super-telephoto zoom lens offers some subtle yet worthy changes, especially for those taking the lens into the great outdoors. One of the biggest changes is that the new version is Sync IS compatible, allowing the lens's stabilization system to be co-ordinated with in-body stabilization for improved motion correction. In addition, the 100-400mm F5.6-6.3 lens gains improved weather sealing. It now offers an IPX1 rating for protection against water. OM System has billed itself as a rugged option for adventure-loving photographers, so it makes sense that it would work to provide better build quality on its lenses. It also added a new fluorine coating to the front elements to help keep it clear of water, dust, and fingerprints. The tripod collar features a hinging design, making it easier to take off and on. Image: OM System Beyond weatherproofing, OM System reduced the new version's weight to 1,300g (2.8 lbs) with the tripod adapter on and 1,125g (2.5 lbs) without the tripod collar. That's a weight saving of 25g (0.9oz) compared to the original model, which, while not much, can make a difference when slogging through the backcountry. The tripod collar also features a hinged design, so you can remove it without needing to take the lens off the camera. The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will be available on February 27 for $1,500. Buy now:Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Sample images Our own samples taken with the updated 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II can be found in our OM System OM-3 sample gallery. Click here to see our OM System OM-3 samples Manufacturer samples Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab. Images supplied by OM System Press release: Introducing the OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II A Super Telephoto Zoom Lens with 5-axis Sync IS for Powerful Handheld Photography BETHLEHEM, PA, February 6, 2025 - OM Digital Solutions is thrilled to announce the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens, a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for the Micro Four Thirds System. Engineered for photographers who demand precision, reliability, and portability, this compact and lightweight lens empowers users to capture stunning images in the most challengingenvironments. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will be available for purchase beginning in late February 2025. Offering a focal length range of 200-800mm (35mm equivalent) and compatibility with the MC-20 2X teleconverter, extending the reach up to an impressive 1600mm, this lens delivers unparalleled versatility for bird and wildlife photography. Its 5-axis sync IS system offers up to 7.0 steps of shutter speed compensation, ensuring crisp, steady handheld shots even at extreme magnification. Built with an IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, this lens is designed to thrive in demanding outdoor conditions, making it the ultimate tool for capturing the beauty of nature. Key Features of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens: Unrivaled Reach: A compact, lightweight super telephoto zoom lens equivalent to 200-800mm on its own, extending to 1600mm with the optional MC-20 2X teleconverter. Advanced Image Stabilization: Supports 5-axis sync IS for exceptional handheld shooting with up to 7.0 steps of shutter speed compensation. Reliable All-Weather Durability: IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, plus a fluorine-coated front element for worry-free use in the toughest conditions. With its cutting-edge technology and robust construction, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens redefines possibilities for wildlife and outdoor photographers. Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens will be available beginning in late February 2025, at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 (US)/$2,099.99 (CAD). Detailed product specifications for the OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens Please see the OM SYSTEM website: Product Details & Specifications OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II specifications Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format sizeFourThirdsFocal length100–400 mmImage stabilizationYesCIPA Image stabilization rating7 stop(s)Lens mountMicro Four ThirdsApertureMaximum apertureF5–6.3Minimum apertureF22Aperture ringNoNumber of diaphragm blades7OpticsElements21Groups15Special elements / coatings4 ED, 2 Super HR, 2 H
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| Photo: OM System |
OM System is keeping things exciting with a handful of announcements all at once. Along with a new camera (the OM-3) and an updated set of prime lenses, it also revealed the M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm (200-800mm equiv.) F5.0-6.3 IS II lens. The update to its super-telephoto zoom lens offers some subtle yet worthy changes, especially for those taking the lens into the great outdoors.
One of the biggest changes is that the new version is Sync IS compatible, allowing the lens's stabilization system to be co-ordinated with in-body stabilization for improved motion correction.
In addition, the 100-400mm F5.6-6.3 lens gains improved weather sealing. It now offers an IPX1 rating for protection against water. OM System has billed itself as a rugged option for adventure-loving photographers, so it makes sense that it would work to provide better build quality on its lenses. It also added a new fluorine coating to the front elements to help keep it clear of water, dust, and fingerprints.
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The tripod collar features a hinging design, making it easier to take off and on. Image: OM System |
Beyond weatherproofing, OM System reduced the new version's weight to 1,300g (2.8 lbs) with the tripod adapter on and 1,125g (2.5 lbs) without the tripod collar. That's a weight saving of 25g (0.9oz) compared to the original model, which, while not much, can make a difference when slogging through the backcountry. The tripod collar also features a hinged design, so you can remove it without needing to take the lens off the camera.
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will be available on February 27 for $1,500.
Sample images
Our own samples taken with the updated 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II can be found in our OM System OM-3 sample gallery.
Click here to see our OM System OM-3 samples
Manufacturer samples
Press release:
Introducing the OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II
A Super Telephoto Zoom Lens with 5-axis Sync IS for Powerful Handheld Photography
BETHLEHEM, PA, February 6, 2025 - OM Digital Solutions is thrilled to announce the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens, a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for the Micro Four Thirds System. Engineered for photographers who demand precision, reliability, and portability, this compact and lightweight lens empowers users to capture stunning images in the most challenging
environments. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will be available for purchase beginning in late February 2025.
Offering a focal length range of 200-800mm (35mm equivalent) and compatibility with the MC-20 2X teleconverter, extending the reach up to an impressive 1600mm, this lens delivers unparalleled versatility for bird and wildlife photography. Its 5-axis sync IS system offers up to 7.0 steps of shutter speed compensation, ensuring crisp, steady handheld shots even at extreme magnification. Built with an IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, this lens is designed to thrive in demanding outdoor conditions, making it the ultimate tool for capturing the beauty of nature.
Key Features of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens:
- Unrivaled Reach: A compact, lightweight super telephoto zoom lens equivalent to 200-800mm on its own, extending to 1600mm with the optional MC-20 2X teleconverter.
- Advanced Image Stabilization: Supports 5-axis sync IS for exceptional handheld shooting with up to 7.0 steps of shutter speed compensation.
- Reliable All-Weather Durability: IPX1-rated splash-proof performance and dust-resistant design, plus a fluorine-coated front element for worry-free use in the toughest conditions.
With its cutting-edge technology and robust construction, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens redefines possibilities for wildlife and outdoor photographers.
Pricing & availability for OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens will be available beginning in late February 2025, at a suggested retail price of $1,499.99 (US)/$2,099.99 (CAD).
Detailed product specifications for the OM SYSTEM M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II Lens
Please see the OM SYSTEM website: Product Details & Specifications
OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | FourThirds |
| Focal length | 100–400 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| CIPA Image stabilization rating | 7 stop(s) |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 21 |
| Groups | 15 |
| Special elements / coatings | 4 ED, 2 Super HR, 2 HR elements, flourine coating |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.25 m (9.84″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.08× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Focus distance limiter | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1300 g (2.87 lb) |
| Diameter | 86 mm (3.39″) |
| Length | 206 mm (8.11″) |
| Materials | Magnesium alloy |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | Yes |
| Filter thread | 72 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | Yes |
