TLDR Review: Olympus 100-400mm Lens
Pros
- •Offers excellent super telephoto reach, especially when paired with the 1.4x or 2x teleconverter, effectively extending focal length up to 800mm or even 1600mm equivalent with surprisingly good image quality.
- •Fast and reliable autofocus performance that works well even in loight or overcast conditions, making it great for wildlife and bird photography.
- •Lightweight and more compact compared to many other super telephoto lenses, enhancing handheld usability during long shoots.
- •Exceptional image stabilization that combines lens and iamera 5-axis tech, allowing sharp handheld shots at very long focal lengths without a tripod.
- •Weluilt with sturdy metal construction, balancing size and weight well, including a removable handle to reduce bulk during transport.
- •Zoom ring is smooth and less stiff than some competing models like the Panasonic 1000, making manual zooming easier and more comfortable.
- •Minimum focusing distance of 1.3 meters allows for impressive closp shots of wildlife subjects.
- •Full zoom range remains accessible when using teleconverters, providing flexibility rarely found in similar lenses.
- •Compared to similar lenses, it provides great value for advanced amateurs due to its combination of performance, build quality, and price.
- •Weatheealed design suitable for outdoor use in varying conditions.
Cons
- •Maximum aperture of f/5..3 is somewhat limited, requiring higher ISO settings in lower light, which may increase image noise.
- •Performs best in good lighting; image sharpness and clarity can suffer in dimmer environments at longer focal lengths without faster shutter speeds.
- •Slightly bulky and over 1 kg in weight, which can feel substantial despite being lighter than some competitors.
- •No included lens hood, which is a surprising omission at this price point and can affect flare control.
- •Requires some patience and technique to maximize image quality at the extreme telephoto end (especially beyond 400mm).
- •Lacks sync image stabilization (IS) found in some highend lenses, making it a bit less stable under very shaky conditions.
- •Professionals might prefer brighter, heavier, and more expensive lenses with wider apertures and potentially faster glass.
- •Some users mention it could benefit from minor improvements in sharpening out of the box, relying on posrocessing for optimal results.
- •Zoom extension is shorter than some competitors, which may disappoint those who want a longer zoom barrel feel.
- •Concerns exist about the future development and support of the Micro Four Thirds system, which this lens belongs to.
Bottom Line
The Olympus ED 100-400mm lens is a smart pick for advanced amateurs and dedicated wildlife photographers looking for excellent reach and sharp image quality at a reasonable price point. It excels in handheld nature and bird photography thanks to its lightweight design, effective image stabilization, and fast autofocus—especially when extended with teleconverters. However, if you often shoot in low light or crave a brighter aperture, you might want to consider investing in heavier, more expensive alternatives. Also, don't forget to grab a separate lens hood since one isn’t included here. Overall, this lens delivers outstanding value and performance for its class and system. If teleconverter use and a balance of portability and reach are priorities, the Olympus ED 100-400mm stands out as a very capable option.
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