Good performance, no accessories

I finally got the M.ZUIKO 75-300mm f / 4.8-6.7 ED MSC II allowed myself to expand the zoom range of my OM-D E-M5 up to 600mm KB. To avoid constantly having to specify the KB-equivalent: the crop factor of the MFT system is 1: 2, so that all data is multiplied by 2 give the corresponding focal length at small / frame format.

The Olympus 75-300mm II with its dimensions of 116.5mm x 69mm not really small and with 423 grams also not easier than, for example, the Panasonic Lumix G 45-200mm f / 4-5.6 OIS, (100mm x 70mm / 380Gramm) but offers more 200mm focal length converted to small picture. For this, however, it starts not at 45, but only 75mm. But it is precisely at this point I am using the KIT of the OM-D EM-5, the 12-50 already well supplied. In addition, there is still the 40-150mm ED MSC R in my possession. This also equal to a few words. The abbreviation MSC indicates the particularly fast and quiet autofocus, which certifies the problem-free use for videos.

The quality feel is okay, although, as with the rest of the Varios M.ZUIKO system, plastic is also the dominant material. Annoying: for the price of the lens is not even receive an Olympus lens hood or a carrying bag. Alone for the lens hood LH61E requires Olympus around 40 Euro MSRP. A godsend for the third-party market, with about 10-15 euros for the same piece of plastic is not likely to reap enough profit. Even more annoying: Although the 40-150 R and 75-300 II have a diameter of 58mm, the lens hoods are not compatible. The LH-61D of the 40-150 has namely two, the LH-61E of 75-300 against three bayonet pins.

Now a few words about the performance: the light intensity is not just the feature that the 75-300 II leaves are good there, because with 1: 4.8 to 6.7, it is rather below average. As long as the sun is prevalent all good and the 300mm can be a good time thanks to the image stabilizer my OM-D. Shutter speeds to 1 / 360s are just barely doable with a steady hand.
Prefers to but and the sky is heavily overcast, a tripod is a must if one wants to use the 75-300 sense and without turning on the ISO-screw.

The sharpness is excellent in my opinion of 75 to 200 mm, can be on the last 100 mm but then significantly. At the long end, the telephoto lens loses then felt the sharpness and also shows significant chromatic aberration, even at f /. 8 The latter can be drawn out thanks to modern EBV. Makes sense to use the lens is in my opinion, if the focus is on focus, to a maximum of 220mm. This makes it the angesprochenem 45-200 Panasonic are already way ahead of as this loses its sharpness already in the range from 150mm. For the Panasonic lens is also available at significantly lower prices and thus a direct comparison would not be fair. With partial sunlight and Lensflares comes the 75-300 amazing along well and I am positive and pleasantly surprised.

Olympus has in its portfolio nor the favorable M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm 1: 4.0-5.6 R MSC Vario which for a street price of 190, - is to get Euro (RRP 329, -). This I have already for some time. It is small (83mm x 63mm) and light (191 grams) and fits into any camera bag. I have compared images shot with 75 and 150mm. As you might expect, shows the 40-150 good, but not to the very good sharpness of the 75-300 zoom-reaching power. It now goes into the pocket of my PEN E-PL3 and supplemented here the 14-42 II KIT lens.

The 75-300 I think is a successful and highly recommended lens even in sunlight has little problems with stray light or lens flares.
Nevertheless, it annoys me that Olympus saves on simple things like a lens hood. This costs the last star!