An uncertain future for Olympus e-System, 4/3s and lenses (1 Viewer)

I thought fellow BFers would be interested in this feature relating to the future of the Olympus 4/3 system and lenses.

It seems we will not have any new lenses or bodies anytime soon, and the long-term future of the system appears unclear.

I use an e501 body with 70-300mm zoom for insects with pleasing results. I'd hoped that the 100mm macro (long in the Oly lens roadmap) and maybe an affordable long-range zoom would come.

I have heard a lot of different rumours about the future of Olympus 4/3 recently. The linked statement which you have posted seems reasonably reassuring. They obviously hope their users will either opt for the professional level E-5 or the consumer grade Pen series. However, they haven't ruled out further 4/3 lenses or bodies in the future, albeit they will probably be mirrorless designs with EVFs. We have a reassurance that they will continue to produce 4/3 lenses for a few more years but I don't think there is any prospect of any new longer lenses.

I have no intention of swapping to another system as long as they continue to support my existing equipment. In fact, with incredible mis-timing, I am awaiting delivery of a new 50-200 SWD lens tomorrow. Is that faith or foolishness?

Ron

Ron, tell us your first impressions about your new 50-200.

Hi Cristian. My 50-200 SWD arrived on Friday. I had been tempted to get one for months but an extra £40 reduction on the already competitive price at Argos made it irresistible at £760. That is £90 cheaper than the next cheapest price and around £150-250 cheaper than most other retailers.

First impressions are positive. It seems beautifully made and the zoom action is smooth. I hope it stays that way! It seems lighter and smaller than I remember, although it is definitely a bit of a beast compared to the 70-300. It is quite nicely balanced on the E-30 which helps. I was very impressed by the accompanying case - I don't think the 70-300 has one at all.

Unfortunately, I have been suffering from flu for more than a week, so I haven't been able to test it as much as I would have liked. However, on Saturday I took some shots in the back garden with the EC-14 attached. First impressions are that the focusing is definitely much snappier than the 70-300 and there is no motor whine to speak of. I am especially pleased about that as I find it embarrassing to be photographing in a hide with the lens whining away every time I miss the bird.

I am sure in-flight shots will be much easier now, as it seemed to latch onto the bird instantly. The light was not good but I even managed to get a shot of sorts of a Starling in flight, something that I wouldn't even have attempted before.

I will give you further impressions, when I am feeling a little more human and have had a chance to try it out under better conditions. In the meantime here are a couple of garden shots.

The exif data for the Dove is: 1/200 sec, f/4.7, ISO 400, 194 mm, hand held.
The Nerine flower is: 1/400 sec, f/4.7, ISO 400, 184 mm, hand held.

Ron

Nice pics, Ron.

Thanks Cristian. I hope I can do better with a bit of experience.

As this is a little off topic for this thread I will start a new one for further comments on the 50-200 SWD.

Ron