OM System M.Zuiko Olympus OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm Review
A sharp, well-built superzoom for OM System cameras, but its slow f/4-5.6 aperture and high price make it a niche choice.
Overview
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.
Performance
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.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Optical quality is excellent for its class. 98th
- Build quality feels great and is weather-sealed. 96th
- Incredibly versatile 28-300mm equivalent range. 94th
- Lightweight at just 283g for such a long reach. 88th
Cons
- Slow f/4-5.6 aperture limits low-light use. 27th
- Bokeh quality is poor, scoring in the 28th percentile. 30th
- Autofocus is merely average, not fast or silent.
- At $600, it's expensive for what you get.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 14 |
| Focal Length Max | 150 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | Micro Four Thirds |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 58 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 500 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.55 |
Value & Pricing
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.
vs Competition
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.
| Spec | OM System M.Zuiko Olympus OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm | Sirui Sirui Sniper Series f/1.2 Lens Black 56mm Sony E | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35mm F1.7 Z-Mount for | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Canon Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 14-150mm | 16mm | 35mm | 24-70mm | 17-70mm | 18-150mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/1.2 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E, Fujifilm X, Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | false | false | true | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 283 | 384 | 179 | 676 | 544 | 309 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Zoom | — | — | Zoom | Zoom | Telephoto |
Verdict
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.