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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SteveClifton" data-source="post: 1629840" data-attributes="member: 48420">Thanks for your kind complements Ron. As I've said before, I always use the lens on a tripod with insects for sharpest results, though I know yourself and Cristian prefer to hand-hold. For what it's worth I don't think you'll see much loss in reach between 300mm and 283mm.Regarding build/image quality, all the reviews I've read state that this lens is at least as good optically as comparable lenses from Canon/Nikon, even from users who use two systems. My build quality 'issues' might be unfounded, and isn't it why we pay insurance afterall-to protect against accidental damage? I haven't heard many other reports of poor build on 4/3 forums about this lens, other than the odd sticking seal similar to mine. Thankfully their customer service is good. When I bought an Olympus DSLR it was mainly on the strength of their lenses, and the fact that you get a lot of kit for your money. I didn't, if I'm honest, ever think I would consider paying this much for a lens, but this is a common mistake in under-estimating future needs and the amount you might be prepared to spend on enhancing your 'arsenal' further down the line.  As I already own this lens, I'm now left wondering where to go from here for extra reach. I like the pictures I'm getting from this lens, but considering that both the above pictures of small birds were extremely close (about 8 feet) I don't feel it has enough reach for most of my needs where the subject is a little further away. Where Olympus let themselves down, and their customers IMO, is that they don't maximize on their major advantage which is their 2x crop factor, which as you know means you get considerably more reach than the competitors from an equivalent length lens. Imagine a lens like Canon's 400 f5.6 prime specifically made for Olympus cameras. Now that would level the playing field considerably!Perhaps when Oly introduce their next flagship body, they will also bring out some more (long) lenses? As they did with the E3. If I ever do switch over to a Canon 300 or 400 lens, I would still consider keeping this lens for short range work, as I like it so much. I am put off though, by the prospect of buying and upgrading 2 sets of bodies. It's certainly worth watching what Olympus do in the next year or two.Steve</blockquote>

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