Posted by David Bostedo on August 10, 2010 at 11:08 PM
I already have the Zuiko 12-60 SWD, so the lens I'd like to get is the Olympus 50-200, but the price is a bit steep. The 70-300 is available at a reduced price right now for about $270, which seems like a good deal.
Any opinions on the lens? I realize it's a bit on the slow side, but it seems like a good compromise for the price.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on August 10, 2010 at 11:53 PM
I have the Zuiko 70-300mm. It's disappointing, especially at the upper end. I have found it unusable for bird photography; it just doesn't create a sharp enough image. I spent a lot of time with test shots, trying to see if I was doing something wrong. But it's just soft. I can't recommend it.
I used to carry the 70-300mm as my emergency backup lens. When the bayonet mount failed on my 300mm f2.8 failed in Ecuador, I switched to it and ended up discarding every photo I took.
I also have the 50-200mm (the pre-SWD version) and it is far superior, works with a 1.4 TC (not so much with a 2.0TC) and focuses faster to boot.
Discussion
1 repliesAny opinions on the lens? I realize it's a bit on the slow side, but it seems like a good compromise for the price.
I used to carry the 70-300mm as my emergency backup lens. When the bayonet mount failed on my 300mm f2.8 failed in Ecuador, I switched to it and ended up discarding every photo I took.
I also have the 50-200mm (the pre-SWD version) and it is far superior, works with a 1.4 TC (not so much with a 2.0TC) and focuses faster to boot.