OM System has announced the launch of the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens. This is the upgraded second-generation version of the lens the company released in 2020. The OM System cameras use a four-thirds sensor. Therefore, the new lens has a field of view equivalent to a 200-800mm lens on a full-frame sensor camera.
Image stabilization
The main upgrade with the new M.Zuiko 100-400mm II lens compared to the previous model is the improved optical image stabilization. The first generation of the lens only delivered up to three stops of stabilization. However, the version II 100-400mm lens supports OM System’s Sync IS which delivers up to seven stops of image stabilization. Sync IS combines the optical stabilization in the lens with the in-body image stabilization built into compatible OM System camera bodies. Even if your camera doesn’t support Sync IS, the new lens still offers an impressive 4.5 stops of stabilization.
Improved weather sealing
The new M.Zuiko 100-400mm II lens has improved weather sealing and is rated IPX1. This means that it offers protection against vertically falling water drops so it should be fine if you get caught in a rain shower. OM Systems also says that the lens construction prevents dust and moisture from entering, giving you peace of mind when shooting in harsh environments.
Optical design
The other specifications of the M.Zuiko 100-400mm II lens are the same as the previous generation model. It is constructed with 21 lens elements in 15 groups. These include four extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, two high refractive index (HR) elements and two Super HR elements. Additionally, the close focus distance is 4.3 feet (1.3 meters).
Maximum aperture
The maximum aperture of the new M.Zuiko II lens is F5.0 at 100 mm and F6.3 at 400 mm. Therefore, it’s not going to be a great lens to use in low-light situations. However, you should still be able to get a shallow depth of field with such long focal lengths. In addition, the aperture has a nine-bladed circular iris, so you should get a smooth bokeh in the out-of-focus parts of your image.
Construction
The new M.Zuiko 100-400mm II weighs around 2.5 pounds (1,125 g). However, this figure excludes the tripod adaptor, lens hood and lens caps. The included tripod adaptor also has a foot with an Arca Swiss mount for use with compatible tripods and other mounts. Also, the new lens is just over 8 inches (205.6 mm) in length and 3.4 inches (86.4 mm) in diameter. The filter size is 72 mm.
What we think
The new OM System 100-400mm II lens doesn’t offer a lot of new features compared to the first-generation model. However, if you have a camera body that supports Sync IS, then the seven stops of image stabilization is a big improvement. And the enhanced weather sealing means you can be more confident when the weather turns bad. If you already own the previous version of this lens, these factors might not convince you to upgrade. But for OM System shooters looking for a new telephoto zoom lens, the M.Zuiko 100-400mm II has a lot to offer.
Pricing and availability
OM System says that the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens will begin shipping on February 27, 2025. It will retail at $1,499.
