40-150 zoom ring

[ac12]

I am thinking about getting the 40-150 specifically for the extra stop of speed over the 12-100.
BUT, having used the 12-40 and 12-100, where there is significant drag on the zoom ring, is the zoom ring on the 40-150/2.8 similar? Can I expect a lot of drag?

 

[turbodieselvw]

Do you mean resistance in the zoom ring when zooming in and out? my 40-150 zooms in and out as smooth as a babies bottom. Maybe you should try it out at a store, if there is one close to you, to see if it's to your liking.

 

[Hendrik]

On my copies, both the 12-x lenses have unequal drag on the focus and zoom rings - the focus rings are easier to move, especially that on the 12-100, which is super easy. In contrast, my 40-150 Pro displays equal drag on the focus and zoom rings and they most closely match the drag of the focus ring of the 12-40. Others' mileage may vary.

Edited to add: Resistance aside, all the rings are smooth as silk.

 

[ac12]

Yes, I mean the resistance to turning the zoom ring.
The 12-40 and 12-100 are smooth, but they just feel over dampened. Like just a little too much grease in the mechanism or a steep zoom cam.

I understand that for an extending zoom, the zoom ring has to push/pull all that metal and glass. And with a short throw (turning arc), the zoom cam has to be steep.

As Hendrick mentioned, I did notice that the focus rings on both lenses have different drag, the 12-40 being much more than the 12-100.
Thank You Hendrick, I now have a comparison point.

 

[retiredfromlife]

I have both the 12-40 & 40-150 and as others have said both feel fine to me. My guess is if you dont like the feel of other Olympus pro zooms yoy may not like the 40-150 either.

The feel of a lens can be very subjective, If possible try one before you buy.

 

[Aperture Don]

My 40-150 2.8 is actually easier and smoother than my 12-40 2.8. I think that part of the reason is that the 40-150 is an internal zoom as opposed to the 12-40.

 

[Carbonman]

I just checked all 3 zooms. The 12-40 and 12-100 are pretty similar; the 40-150 is noticeably easier to zoom than the others. I don't find the 12-40 or 12-100 to be unduly stiff. They probably have just enough resistance designed in to prevent zooming when the lens is pointed straight down.

 

[ac12]

Thanks guys.
Now I have a few hours to make my decision, while it is still in stock at 20% off.

update:
Just checked and they are out of stock, so my decision was made for me.
That f/2.8 lens is just so tempting.

 

[Replytoken]

Thanks guys.
Now I have a few hours to make my decision, while it is still in stock at 20% off.

update:
Just checked and they are out of stock, so my decision was made for me.
That f/2.8 lens is just so tempting.

Keep an eye out for it. It is one of my favorite lenses, and reminds me of my Nikon 70-200 VRII, another favorite. The IQ is definitely a step up form a lot of my glass. Hoefully your patience will be rewarded. And I forget to mention, it is quite light for its size and FL and speed.

--Ken

 

[jhawk1000]

My 40-150 2.8 is easier to zoom than my 12-40 2.8 but neither is hard to zoom.