Olympus Announces New Redesigned 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II for $549.99

Amin Sabet · #1 January 29th, 2013, 08:04 PM

As widely rumored, Olympus has officially announced a new version of its 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 lens. The optical design of the lens is the same as the prior version. Differences from the prior version include a cosmetic redesign, new lens coatings to reduce ghosting and flare, and a significant price reduction from $900 down to $550.

Press Release:

Quote:

ZOOM POWER FOR THE PEOPLE: REDESIGNED OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO® ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II LENS

Super-Telephoto Shooting Power for Micro Four Thirds Users with Minimal Lens Flare

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 29, 2013 – Olympus makes high-performance super-telephoto shooting more accessible than ever before by introducing the affordable M.ZUIKO ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II lens (35mm equivalent 150-600mm). Olympus has redesigned the lens to match the distinctive OM-D E-M5® and PEN® Micro Four Thirds® series cameras and added a new advanced ZERO (Zuiko Extra-low Reflection Optical) coating to keep scratches off, and eliminate ghosting and lens flare even in bright lights.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm 1:4.8-6.7 II telephoto lens boasts the same high focal length and first-class components as its predecessor, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm 1:4.8-6.7, and is capable of bringing faraway subjects like children’s faces, animals and landscape features vividly to life with superb-quality close-ups. Olympus fitted a circular aperture that ensures a professional-looking bokeh with smooth and even background defocusing.

The compact size and light weight of this tiny telephoto lens make it convenient to carry. Olympus has redesigned the lens to match the distinctive OM-D E-M5 and PEN series cameras. The lens includes Olympus’ near-silent MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) focusing technology to reduce the whir that can otherwise ruin movie playback on a High-Definition TV.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm 1:4.8-6.7 II benefits from the 5-axis image stabilization of the OM-D E-M5 and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN compact system cameras for brilliant still images and high-definition (HD) video capture.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4-6.7 II Lens will be available in March, 2013.

Estimated Street Price: $549.99

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm F4.8-6.7 II - PEN and OM-D - Lenses | Olympus

Amin Sabet · #2 January 29th, 2013, 08:05 PM

Old version:

New version (not to scale):

RT_Panther · #3 January 29th, 2013, 08:06 PM

Dang that's cheap!

JJJPhoto · #4 January 29th, 2013, 08:14 PM

I'm happy to have a new, more affordable telephoto zoom, but I'd be even happier if Olympus made a m4/3 version of the 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 with MSC focus and that beautiful bokeh I get from my 50-200mm on the 4/3 mount.

Talanis · #5 January 29th, 2013, 08:16 PM

I like the new look. Seems sturdier. I love the new price :)

yekimrd · #6 January 29th, 2013, 08:21 PM

Oh boy, now I'm tempted to re-buy this lens (in its newer form). Except I'm scared that they may announce a fast telezoom as soon as I buy this. Good thing they didn't make this weather-sealed, otherwise I would've been 110% in.

Amin Sabet · #7 January 29th, 2013, 08:33 PM

I'd be all over this if I still had an E-M5. Since my E-PM2 IBIS isn't as effective as the OMD IBIS, I'm sticking with the Panasonic 100-300, which has OIS.

ssgreenley · #8 January 29th, 2013, 08:36 PM

I've been debating whether or not to sell my 75-300 since I moved to DC six months ago (no real wildlife to shoot here). Sadly, I don't think I'll get my money's worth now...

Hudsonhites · #9 January 29th, 2013, 08:50 PM

I would love a micro 4/3 version of the 50-200mm. I would settle for a micro 4/3 version of the 70-300mm f4-5.6 at $549.99. I have no interest in this new 70-300mm f4.8-6.7 it's just too slow. Olympus who gave us such great zooms with decent speed right from the beginning with the 4/3 system. Olympus seems to have no interest in giving us the same in micro 4/3. Instead the just keep reworking the zooms they already offer. I guess the next new zoom will be a 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 mk III.

jloden · #10 January 29th, 2013, 09:06 PM

Anyone know what the draw is for this over the older 75-300? Is this notably smaller, lighter, or better IQ than the previous one?

I'm likely to stick with the 100-300 for my telephoto since I use Panasonic bodies so far and want the OIS, but I'm just curious if there's any compelling changes. I'm still kinda hoping to see a fast prime or zoom at 300mm or longer for wildlife personally, but that's probably a ways off.