OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II Review

This OM System 14-150mm is a solid 'one lens to rule them all' for Micro Four Thirds, but you're paying a premium for the brand name. The one thing you need to know is that it's optically sharp and well-built, but its slow f/4-5.6 aperture is a real limitation in anything but bright daylight. It's a great travel lens if you hate swapping glass, but it's not going to wow you with creative shallow depth-of-field shots.

The optical performance is surprisingly good for a superzoom, landing in the 87th percentile. That means it's sharp, which is the most important thing. What's less surprising is that its autofocus and stabilization are just average, sitting around the 48th and 41th percentiles respectively. It gets the job done, but don't expect lightning-fast tracking for sports or birds in flight.

At $600, it's a tough sell. You're paying for the OM System badge and the optical sharpness. If you absolutely need a single lens for everything and demand top-tier optics in that zoom range, it's your only real choice. For everyone else, the value proposition is shaky.

The most direct competitor is the Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II. It's optically very similar, often cheaper, and has Power OIS stabilization which pairs perfectly with Panasonic bodies. If you're on a budget, the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 is a fraction of the price and offers vastly better low-light performance and bokeh, but you lose all the zoom versatility. The Sony 24-240mm is for full-frame cameras and is a different beast entirely, but it shows what a slower superzoom can cost in other systems.

This is a specialist's lens. Buy it if you're an OM System shooter who needs a single, sharp, all-purpose lens for travel or hiking and doesn't care about shallow depth of field. For most people, especially those who shoot in lower light or want more creative control, you're better off with a fast prime like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 and just dealing with the hassle of swapping lenses.