It's refreshing to see a video out that was not outright trashing OM Systems. Constructive criticism and suggestions are nice to see.

As you say, whether a person appreciates the Olympus 150-600mm will depend on what type of photographer they are. As a birder, I always feel that my zoom is not enough, and very often it is hard to get near to the bird. So it didn't take long for me to decide to sell my Olympus 100-400mm for the Olympus 150-600mm. I have been using it for about more than a month. I do not regret my decision to get it. The extra zoom is very noticeable, the lens is just as sharp, the AF is fast, the push-pull zoom allows me to get better birds-in-flight shots, and I can still add a TC1.4 if I need extra reach. The only problem is the extra weight, which I will take some time to get used to. I know that people are complaining about the price being more expensive, but I don't see the point of complaining when this is the only option for OM users to reach 1200mm.

I complimented OM systems on the future firmware update. I do own the OM-1 and totally love that camera. I do use it for wildlife, landscape and severe weather chases here in Canada. I have already pre-paid for the OM-1 MII, which should arrive tomorrow at our store. Unfortunately I have to wait until Monday to take hold of it due to the Embargo date. The Mark II will be my main camera with the Mark I as my backup. I will also be getting the 150-600 as well. Since there is lots of down time storm chasing, I do like to photograph wildlife, birds and abandoned structures that we encounter during a chase. I 100% agree with you on te communication aspect of OM Syetems to this point. I do hope that they will streamline that in the future. Sadly there is no OM System rep for Canada or North America as far as I know. I do wish they would change that. Anyway, keep up with the great reviews, commentary and content.

A 600mm lens is a 600mm lens... independently from sensor dimensions and crop factor. The front lens dimension is mathematically related to maximum aperture vs. focal length... independently from sensor dimensions. The only things that could have been done smaller are the rear lenses, not a lot to spare at the end.

Nice video. I honestly have zero negative things to say about OM’s handling of this. They bought the OM-1 design finished from Olympus and released pretty much as they bought it. Likely looking to get some cash flow going. Once they really started to develop the firmware further they found that the RAM not sufficient to support more complex algorithms for the AF. So they added more RAM and, firmed up the dials and added the Graduated ND. They added capability that the original didn’t have. I think that’s a great sign that they are trying to develop this further. They are taking the design and refining it. I am glad that they are continuing to do at least one update for the OM-1. They don’t have to and likely weren’t planning on it but it seems that they are listening. I am mostly a bird photographer for my own amusement these days but was a professional in another life (it seems) and AF is everything these days in bird photography. The OM-1 is great but is not as consistent as some other brands. IMO it does grab the subject faster than the others. Early reports on the AF seem quite positive. I will be buying a Mk2. I might acquire the 150-600 at some point. I have used bigger lenses on my Canon bodies that were much shorter in equivalent focal length. I threw away 1500 USD on a Canon R7 just get more focal length. I wouldn’t mind it being a bit smaller and lighter and I wish it was cheaper as well but I paid just as much for the Canon 100-500mm that was generally too short for birds and a bit slower as well. Fabulous lens but not ideal for birding. I mostly shoot with the 300mm F4 Pro lens and the 2 TCs if needed. I complained a lot to my wife (who pretends to listen) about the lack of a mid-priced high quality zoom for birding from OM. now I will have to find something else to complain about.

Brain, this video is a breath of fresh air after all the uninformed bashing of OM System on so many other channels. I think you are spot on with your description of the place and purpose of this lens in the OM System and MFT world. And look at what it does for the focal length range of the OM System product line!! There was no such uproar when the 100-400mm was released by Olympus and it is a FF Sigma design upgraded for use on Olympus bodies, but some seem to want to bash OM System for any reason, even after they did a better job converting this Sigma lens to MFT by adding full SyncIS and other features. I have the 100-400mm Olympus, which as noted is a FF design, and also the 100-400mm Pana Leica which is a native MFT design and there just isn't that much difference in size. The Oly is only about 10% larger. A native MFT designed 150-600mm lens just wouldn't be that much smaller than this FF design. The size savings comes because the MFT sensor doubles the effective focal length of a lens. I have two OM-1's and although I've not had any AF problems I am encouraged that OM System has announced this 2.0 firmware update. They need to better manage the reality and perception of their support for their products, especially their flagship models. Included in this update will be the ability to map the Menu button function to the Delete button like on the OM-1 Mk II. This is a perfect example of a "small" thing which delivers a disproportionally large message that "we care about our customers". It would be even better if they were to provide this same Menu button assignment as a firmware update for the E-M1 Mk III since it has the same Menu button placement as the OM-1s. I have every confidence that OM System will earn - is earning - the respect and trust of the "Olympus" community. They appear to be learning quickly and listening to their customers and no company every went wrong by doing those things.

As a companion for the Em2, 3, and OM-1, without any argument, the 12-40mm F2.8 is unbeatable. Oly's 150-400mm F4.5 is every Olympus owner's wet dream. Unfortunately I'm not going to sell a kidney to get one. The 150-600mm is a good comprimise. It may fail to match the top notch quality of the 150-400 but I'm told it is still a great, sharp lens. Comparing the wieghts of the 150-400 and 150-600, they are very similar, about 2Kg. I never heard any compIaints about the wieght or size of the 150-400. Even the 300mm F4 is 1.5Kg. Why is there all the controversy over the wieght and size of the 150-600? Any telephoto lens has to have plenty of sharp glass, therefor being of reasonable size and wieght to do its' job. I will look forward to compare sharpness of the 150-600 with the 300mm F4 or 40-150mm F2.8. Here's hoping my antiquated OM-1 original is still up to the task. Sorry to say, the Oly 100-400 was a bit lacking and I sold it.

The 12-45mm f4 is a fantastic companion to the 20mm f1.4. both are basically the same size and share the same filter thread.

This is an objective analysis of the 'pros' and 'cons'. Well done, Brian.

Helpful personal perspective. Thanks!

Thanks Brian. This is a very positive review. I think that OM Solutions is heading in the right direction with this updated OM-1 Mark II and the other products like the 150-600mm lens. You're 100% right, the lens is not for everyone, and I think we'll hear more in the near term from other photographers. Thanks again for your review. 👍 📷 👋

If I hadn’t bought the 100-400, I would buy the 150-600 for the extra reach and sync IS. About the weight it approx. 200 grams heavier than the white pro lens. In my view not a big deal. I agree with you it is not a lens for everybody. It requires a lot of practise to make good photos with a super tele. I now got an OM-1 II I traded in one of my OM-1’s. So I have one of each. The mark II is faster to work with and I have to make mistakes for the autofocus not to work. The GND is great. I have tried bird photography, I am still an idiot doing that but the Mark II gave many more sharp photos. This past three days I have done indoor portraits with the 45mm. f!.2 and the 20mm. 1.4 . It nails the focus every time. Mark I was not bad at it either. But with the mark II I didn’t pay much attention to the autofokus. Photographing kids requires attention on everything else than the camera. I would love if OM System would give some love to the camera for portraits it is pretty good at it.

Hello Brain, I just received my OM-1 mark 2 it’s fabulous. Combined with the 100-400mm, 12-100mm pro and the 1.4x converter there is not muts more to wish for.

I swapped from a Nikon d7000 to a Lumix G9 but kept my Sigma 150-600 contemprary lens for occasional use on the G9 with an adapter. This gives me the same range as the OM1 with the 150 -600 but without AF on only in body IS. However, I just bought a Nikon D50 and an FTZ adapter. Now I can use the 150-600 with AF and the len's 4 stops IS. The camera + adapter was around £500 used and if I had to buy the lens it would have been around another £500 used. I might lose some of the OM's high end functions and am limited to 900 rather than 1200mm but for around £1000 this combination offers some interestng possibilities - especially when used on a tripod where the OM's IS advantage would be less significant.

Hi Brian, I think that OMDS has made a top move to work with third part constructors. Internally several technical adjustments are made to combine with the bodies and work fantastic.

Not long before the information regarding this 150-600 came out, i wished for a 100-400 replacement to be 100-600 or 150-600. So i was disappointed with this one at first as it is big and heavy, but I’m coming around now. However, i already put out a hint towards OM System regarding the new Sigma 500/f5.6. That is be very interested in as an OM System lens.

Good stuff, bud. Thanks for your videos, from New York!

This is what I wanted to here from you when the 150-600 were presented. Criticism should be for what it is, to bring out what possibilities a product have and not only what feels bad on the paper. That lens is not for us. Its for the ones that need it. But for us, uts a plug in the product line that makes MFT more complete. As people complain, les money is brought into the MFT market and less development can be done. I want a 85-350 proper sized Zuiko lens f/4. I hope in the future one will be built. But we MFT users need, Yes need to be positive about the range of equipment the MFT line up gives us. Only if we strive and make the criticism in a good manner we get sales up, and new products into the market. That was what I didnt find from any vlogger who didnt test the 150-600 before the release day.

Nice points and perspective Brian. For the people who want small lenses there’s the F4 Pro series and more. The 150 to 600 is for a different purpose… A different market. It fills a gap between the big white lens and a 100 to 400 another choice strengthening the MFT ecosystem. People need to keep in mind their markets are more strongly driven by purchases. If you want many more small lens lenses on the market, then go buy a new small lens. (there are already many many great ones to choose from.) Your R&D plus market comments on the 150-600 are spot on. Another detail is that the lens could not be much smaller. The physics is that it is a 600 mm lens at a f5.3 regardless of the size of the sensor. The advantage for MFT is that it gives equivalent angle of view of a 1200 mm lens while maintaining the f5.3… Which as you correctly pointed out, would be massive in size and cost on FF. I greatly enjoy my OM 1.1 as it is, yet welcome the 2.0 firmware announcement. A great camera will get better. (Now to save for the OM1.2 to replace my EM1.2 to have a full OM setup).

I have several of the Pro lenses including the 90 macro. It was that lens that got me into the m43 space. I also have the M.Zuiko 100-400. It was that lens that convinced me that I have no desire to use a telephoto that is not a Pro lens. That is just me though. I'm glad some people will find the 150-600 to fit their requirements. As for the OM-1 Mark I - due to the way I use the AF on that camera, I have little reason to desire the mark II. I'm a little relieved at that - I spent my money on a different product that I have been wondering about for a year and finally placed the order for it. I do wish the naming of the model would have more closely followed from the past, OM-1n or even OM-1m (for more memory; more money 😛).

Hallo Colin, I had an OM-1 and their is a improvement in the auto focus.

Thank you for your upbeat appraisal of especially the mk2 after what seems a lot of undeserved bitterness. I have one now and am very impressed with its performance, especially in autofocus/subject tracking and IS. I accidentally forgot auto iso and found I got very sharp images at 125th sec at 500mm on the 150-400 TC (it was raining). Considering its price in real terms is less than the mk1 at launch (£1999 mk1 vs £2199 mk2 or 10% after 2 years of 4-10% inflation) it seems a fair price for what is, for me, an improved camera. I hope to talk to David Smith at Wex tomorrow. I need to ask about the 9-18mm which seems to be forgotten.

I already brought the om1 mk2. The human AI was very responsive (I would say it works as good as my Nikon Z9), the menu can touch now, it look like an (Complete version of OM1) But I think the price too high for its offer. If the price was same as G9MK2 , it will be more reasonable

I’ve traded in one of my OM-1’s for a mark II. I would love to have the 150-600 instead of my 100-400. Mostly because of the sync-is. There are less than 200 grams difference between the 150-400 pro and the 150-600. So 200 grams extra for 200mm extra reach for a fraction of the price. Seems fait to me. My only problem.: I do not have the money. 🤠

I‘ve got the 100-400mm f5-6.3 which weighs 1.120kg, 39.5oz, so only take it out if necessary. At least you can fit an Teleconverter to it and I have the MC14, which makes things perfect. I actually love it, but as said, only use if necessary. I don’t shoot wildlife so the new bigger lens can stay in the shop. Emilie Talpin uses it and the 90mm macro and has reviewed both on her channel. The 90mm macro I use often. It too is magnificent and far better than the 60mm macro, where the focus tends to hunt. It also takes the teleconverters, so makes it extremely useful. It weighs 453g, 16oz, and can be handheld quite easily. I mostly use the EM1 mk3. Careful Brian, OMS might make you an OMS Ambassador! Good review!

I agree. The problem is not the product in general, despite this lens is too big and heavy for MFT average user. Problems with these releases have to do with marketing, oportunity and communication. It appears to be a reaction to Panasonic G9-II release, that threatens OM's leadership in ( wildlife only) MFT's photography

Sigma has announced that they no longer make lenses for m4/3 - but they have so far made good lenses for the format, all developed either for the full frame or the APS format, so I see no problem in OM-System buying/borrowing product data on the lens, and then developing it for the m4/3 mount. I am the happy owner of an OM-1 mk1, and with what I normally shoot, there is only one thing in the mk2 I would like to have - the Live GND option.

First, I echo your viewpoint on the 12-45 f/4 pro lens. Love this lens. I'm interested in the OM-1 mkii. My OM-5 already has the OM System name plate (Camera pairs well with the 12-45). I'm interested in the computational features and improved AF. I have the 100-400. The 150-600 would be nice, but I'm simply do not normally shoot at that focal length. I hope OM Systems brings the same synch IS to the 100-400 mkii. Finally, you're spot on on the f/1.8 primes. They need weather sealing. Otherwise, they're great lenses.

If OMDS can add SyncIS to the new 150-600mm lens, I see no reason it can't do the same for the previous 100-400mm, as both lens are adapted from Sigma's FF design. Maybe in Mark II in the future.

Good video. I have been thinking about moving from Fuji to OM or Panny for a smaller hiking/travel setup to compliment my Nikon Zf. I am glad to hear they will be releasing a firmware for the mark 1…how have the firmware updates they provided so far been? Have the improvements been only minor?

Have you seen there is a new Lumix 28-200 zoom released about £800?

People who don’t shoot wildlife especially with birds don’t realize how important image stabilization is. Everything over 500mm you need big stabilization to get sharp shots. Using the Sigma lens as a reference and modify on it is the best OM system could possibly do. People don’t realize OM system is now a relatively small company while it still has relationships with all the other companies that had a tie to Olympus. To make a 1200mm equivalent lens would probably require a lot of R&D and resources and to price it below the 300f4 is even more difficult coz they won’t be selling a ton of these specialized lens. It does not make sense financially. Would they make this lens smaller and lighter starting from scratch. Perhaps but probably not a lot smaller and lighter. Maybe 300 g lighter. It is not really worth it. This lens is still amazing for what it can do at 1200mm with 7 stop of IS. The Sigma lens alone can’t give you the stabilization. But hey, people like to bash m43 and with the competition nowadays, one left player is good for other companies but 2024, m43 is still here and we still have flagship cameras like OM-1 mark ii and Panasonic G92. We might even get a GH7 soon.

Hi Brian. I feel I'm in a lucky position to own an OM 1 mk 1 camera, that already can do far more than I need it to do, so don't feel the need to upgrade to the newer model. Even without the promised firmware update later this year, the camera is a wonderful bit of kit to use, but I never say no to a free firmware update 😂. I don't shoot spots or wildlife so the long lens doesn't interest me, but the ninety mm macro does. I had the sixty mm macro for a while, but just couldn't get on with that silly little switch on the side of the lens. I will look forward to your review of the ninety mm macro if you're able to get your hands on one. Hope your diet and good health are doing fine, keep up the good work 👍

Brian nice review, but it could be better with some examples of images.

Anyone tried the 150-600 on a Lumix body? I have a g9 m II and would love to see if this combination would work for wildlife videography. Would love to know how the stabilization works.

No professional sports photographer paying his bills with sports photography uses Micro Four Thirds. That's just not a thing. If you can find ONE accredited sport journalism photographer using a Micro Four Thirds camera as their main setup, I'll eat one of my MFT lens caps.

Thanks for the nice video. If You can get the hands on again, could You give an opinion about comparism of 150-600 vs 150-400, with respect of handling and result (sharpness etc). I suppose there will be a difference, because of the tremendous price difference, but will it show in practice ?. Or Do You know if someone has done this comparism? At the moment i can live without either lens, but time might come ..?

Hi Brian, I met Craig at the Newcastle branch of LCE last Saturday in Gosforth. I have the mk1 and I don't think there's enough change to warrant an upgrade at the moment.

Dear Brian, I agree with most of what you said, still for me is a show stopper, it still is a big and heavy lens. Me coming from FF Nikon I have those big heavy lenses with extreme reach and reliable and fast AF. I switched to Olympus because of weight and size not because of quality what so ever. And yes, Sigma is ok. Marketing, yes again it was not done properly in my opinion. I do believe OMS was trying to bring something to the market that has no real concept behind. Why didn't they build a smaller, lighter lens with less reach but with a properly calculated extender? Just as an example, it worked for most manufacturers very well. They wanted to much and did not do it right. My honest opinion dear. Have a great weekend and excellent light. Cheers.

Is the 150-600 waterproof / weather sealed for the OM-S ?? Can they garuntee they will issue firmware updates for the lense if the lense requires as such . I've had the EF c version for over 2 yrs . Even though it was released years ago .. They haven't bothered releasing any firmware for it ..I wasted 40 quid on the USB dock..

I got the 90 mm macro, but how do you make 16 times MAGNIFICATION for godsake? Please tell me, because now I feel like a dombo😢😢😢

Ok, so when are you going to get a OM-1 Mark II sir?😊

The bad bit is that you can buy the Sigma lens for far less with a different mount. What is to stop Sigma from bringing out the lens with an OM bayonet? People would be right miffed at that after they have forked out 2k+.

I wear the Sigma 150-600 EF on a crossbody strap to help with the weight, but my shoulder gets tired after walking around and aiming it at birds for a few hours. I dread taking it, and grab a Sigma 100-400, or the LUMIX 100-300 on my G9II. I love the images of the 150-600, but I save it for short trips.

I just can't understand the obsession about the lens being made by Sigma. Little do 'photographers' know that Sigma, Tamron, Cosina, etc have been the OEM suppliers to Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Minolta (now Sony), etc for years and years. Indeed that is how Sigma and Tamron became what they are today, by making lenses for these camera manufacturers and still do today. Fuji has two different lens ranges, and guess who makes the budget line?

I’ll probably get the 150-600, but I will wait till they’ve started shipping. I’d still like to hear more reviews. Red35 has done a review and loved it. Thank you for another fun video. Greetings from Colorado!

had the sigma, its big and heavy believe me, thats why i sold it, Too heavy to walk around with. But you are getting 1200mm🤥

To carry around 2 kg full frame lens for m43 use is ridiculous

I feel the pricing of this lens is too high. It's not a PRO lens, and not ip53 resistance, and the image quality (from samples) appear to confirm it's not as sharp as 300pro. If someone is there to purchase this lens and OM-1 II, for the same price, it's possible to get the same optics Sigma 150-600 + Sony A7R5. Or for the lens price alone, one can get a S5 II with the same Sigma lens. That says how bloated the price is...