Chris Baitson tested the OM 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens you can get for $1499 at BHphoto and Amazon. His conclusion in shot:
The OM System/Olympus 40–150mm f/2.8 PRO is a sharp, versatile 80–300mm-equivalent zoom with a fast constant aperture—great reach, low-light and subject separation, clearly outperforming the cheaper 40–150mm kit.
This is a short translated summary of his 50-200mm lens review:
During his latest adventure in Namibia, YouTuber Amazing Alpha tested the OM System M.Zuiko 50–200mm f/2.8 PRO in real-world conditions. Mounted on the OM-1 Mark II, this compact setup covered a 100–400 mm full-frame equivalent range. When paired with the 2× teleconverter, it reached 800 mm while maintaining exceptional sharpness and contrast.
In the field, Alpha captured stunning wildlife scenes — from aerial bird fights to a lion hunt at dusk — all handheld. Thanks to the OM-1 Mark II’s stacked 20 MP sensor and remarkable in-body stabilization, he achieved sharp 50 MP handheld high-resolution shots and reliable autofocus performance even in fast action sequences at 50 fps.
The combination proved remarkably flexible: ideal for landscapes, macro, wildlife, and astrophotography. The built-in electronic ND filter simplified long-exposure work, while the 4:3 sensor format provided extra room for both landscape and portrait compositions.
Conclusion: According to Amazing Alpha, the 50–200mm f/2.8 PRO combined with the OM-1 Mark II offers an unmatched mix of portability, reach, and image quality — a lightweight setup capable of delivering professional results across every genre of photography.
2-axis IBIS: Basic stabilization helps nail handheld shots even without modern 5-axis tech.
Fast autofocus: Quick enough for street moments, even in today’s standards.
Robin’s verdict? It’s not about specs — it’s about fun, simplicity, and capturing great images without distractions. If you find a good used copy of the E-PM2, don’t hesitate — it’s still a little powerhouse worth owning.