M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO and E-M1X firmware update with Bird detection

Super telephoto PRO lens that enables 1000mm* equivalent handheld shooting, and an E-M1X firmware update

his is the news that specifically wildlife, nature and outdoor sports photographers have been waiting for: the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is ready. This high-resolution, super telephoto zoom lens is equipped with a built-in 1.25x teleconverter and covers a wide focal length of 300-1000mm equivalent. In combination with the optional M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 up to an amazing 2000mm are possible. The lens is based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard and features a high-performance 5-axis sync IS. It delivers the world’s strongest motion compensation of 8 EV steps, perfect for handheld super telephoto shooting. This exceptional lens is available from end of January at an RRP* of 6,999.00 EUR. To enable the E-M1X photographers to take full advantage of the potential of the new super telephoto and other M.Zuiko lenses, the firmware has been enhanced: Bird detection has been added to the Intelligent Subject Detection AF developed with deep learning technology, which is based on AI. With this new function, the camera automatically prioritizes detection of a bird’s eye for focusing and tracking so the photographer can concentrate on composing images to capture a moment. The new firmware also includes various functional improvements such as RAW video data output to support professional video production. It will be available from 3 December 2020.

High-resolution zoom lens that enables 1000mm* equivalent super telephoto shooting

The lens body features a built-in 1.25x teleconverter, maintaining high optical performance while enabling up to 1000mm equivalent* handheld super telephoto shooting. The optional M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14 and the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20 are also supported. When combined with the MC-20, this lens allows focal lengths up to an amazing 2000mm*. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO features a closest focusing distance of 1.3m across the entire zoom range and close-up shooting performance with a maximum image magnification of 0.57x*, which increases to 0.71x* when using the built-in teleconverter for enjoying true telemacro shooting. A lavish 28 elements in 18 groups lens construction was adopted, including a newly developed large-diameter Extra-low Dispersion Aspherical lens and four Super Extra-low Dispersion lenses. This guarantees reduced flares and color bleeding across the entire zoom range and superb resolution to the edges of the image, even on a large-diameter lens with a fixed F4.5 aperture. Olympus original Z Coating Nano technology is employed to provide sharp, clear images also in difficult shooting environments, such as backlit scenes.

Compact, lightweight design with superb weather-resistant performance

Magnesium alloy is used for the lens barrel and a lightweight carbon fiber lens hood is used to ensure that the center of gravity of the lens does not shift toward the end when the lens hood is used. The use of optimal materials in each area of the lens helps maintain strength and precision while achieving a compact, lightweight design with a length of 314.3 mm and a weight of 1,875 g****. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is designed to give the photographer the ability to smoothly tune settings and functions as he shoots. Pairing it with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and its superb dustproof, splashproof, and freezeproof properties makes it possible to continue shooting in harsh weather conditions such as rain and snow with peace of mind. Compared with the black coating on conventional lenses, the heat-resistant coating on this model efficiently reflects the infrared rays of sunlight, keeping temperatures inside the lens from rising even in blazing hot weather for stable optical performance. The front element of the lens features a fluorine coating which provides a smooth and scratch resistant surface and makes it easier to clean for better maintenance.

World’s strongest 5-axis sync IS up to 8 EV steps** of compensation and fast, high-precision AF

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO supports 5-axis sync IS. At 300mm equivalent*, it achieves the world’s strongest image stabilization of 8 EV steps**. Even when extending the telephoto range up to 2000mm equivalent* by using the optional MC-20 teleconverter, image stabilization is still available. Its high image quality hand-held shooting capabilities make the lens a perfect addition specifically for wildlife, nature and outdoor sports photographers. Olympus’ original high-precision lens thinning technology enables the production of lightweight focusing lenses, enabling fast, high-precision focusing across the entire zoom range.

OM-D E-M1X firmware version 2.0 with Bird detection

Bird detection has been added to the Intelligent Subject Detection AF and can recognize a variety of birds of all sizes. When shooting, the camera focuses primarily on the bird’s eye and switches to detecting and tracking the head or body if the bird’s eye is not detected. This feature functions sufficiently well even in birds’ natural habitats where trees, plants and other obstructions can get between photographer and subject. This enables the photographer to concentrate on framing. The feature can be used in conjunction with Pro Capture, which is also a popular feature for photographing birds. This shooting mode exploits the virtual elimination of shutter lag and reaction time by recording sequential frames before the shutter release is fully pressed, and ensure the camera never miss decisive moments, such as when a bird takes flight or captures its prey. Birds are detected across the entire AF coverage area when shooting with all M.Zuiko Digital lenses, including super telephoto lenses. This works even at the periphery of the screen, offering a greater level of freedom for framing.

RAW video data output to the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder

4K 30P/25P/24P and Cinema 4K 24P video recorded on the OM-D E-M1X can be output as 12-bit RAW data and recorded in ProRes RAW format on the Atomos Ninja V HDR monitor recorder. This enables advanced professional video production post-processing tasks such as adjusting exposure and color grading of recorded footage.

Improved video image stabilization performance

The video image stabilization algorism has been revised for natural recording with minimal shaking even when panning.

Focus indicator display added

This feature makes it possible to quickly check the focusing direction and approximate focus position during manual focusing.

OM-D E-M1X, OM-D E-M1 Mark III, OM-D E-M1 Mark II and OM-D E-M5 Mark III firmware update

Firmware version 1.2 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark III, version 3.4 for the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, and version 1.3 for the OM-D E-M5 Mark III will be released simultaneously with firmware version 2.0 for the OM-D E-M1X on December 3, 2020:

Related accessories for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO

PRF-ZD95 (optionally available)

The optionally available Zuiko PRF-ZD95 PRO Protection Filter features ZERO Coating to suppress flares and ghosts from reflections and easy-to-clean, fluorine-coated, black-edged glass. It is a protection filter with a satin, glare-reducing black alumite frame. Available at an RRP* of 299.00 EUR.

LH-115 Lens Hood (bundled)

A lightweight carbon fiber lens hood with excellent durability. A flocked finish on the inside of the hood prevents internal reflection.

CSS-P121 Lens Strap (bundled)

A lens strap developed for exclusive use with a super-telephoto lens. It is made of mesh material to prevent sweating, has excellent cushioning, and an anti-slip texture.

LC-115 Lens Cap (bundled)

This cloth cover-style lens cap is easy to attach and remove for quick shooting.

LSC-1642 Lens Case (bundled)

This purse-string type lens case features a three-layer construction that protects the lens and can be used to store the lens with lens hood, lens cap, protection filter, and teleconverter attached.

Free warranty extension for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO

The new lens comes with a free six-month warranty extension***** when registered via the MyOlympus platform.