Conclusion

Uniquely combining a classic focal range of 100-400mm (in 35mm terms) with a fast F2.8 aperture, the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO is a fantastic if somewhat pricey addition to the OM System line-up.

As the spiritual successor to the excellent Olympus M.Zuiko 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro from way back in 2014, which we dubbed "the best Micro Four Thirds zoom lens to date", the new 50-200mm ups the ante in every way, from the extra telephoto reach to the in-lens image stabilisation and increased sharpness - and it also comes in pro-white, too.

Add in true 1:1 macro with the 2x teleconverter fitted, 7 stops of stabilisation even at 800mm, the inner zoom mechanism, full weather-sealing, focus stacking support and a constant aperture of F2.8, and it's pretty clear that this is the best super telephoto zoom for Micro Four Thirds users on the market, and one of the best 100-400mm lenses for any system.

You'd maybe expect such a fast, wide-ranging zoom lens to be over-bearingly big and heavy, but that's simply not the case with the 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO. Weighing in at 1250 g / 2.76 lb with the Tripod Adapter fitted and measuring 225.8mm in length and 91.4mm in diameter, this is a super telephoto lens that you can use hand-held all day long.

The main downside is the price - the full RRP of £2999.99 in the UK and $3699 in the USA certainly makes the made-to-order 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO a considered purchase, especially as the older but still very popular 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro is less than half the cost.

If you can stretch to this 2025 lens, though, and you don't mind pairing it with a teleconverter, it could effectively replace both the 40-150mm and 100-400mm zooms in your kit bag, making it much more financially viable.

Overall, the new OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm F2.8 IS PRO is a somewhat surprising but very desirable lens that every Micro Four Thirds wildlife and sports photographer should consider.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	5
Value for money	4