Olympus' 300mm is a Micro Four Thirds giant (pictures)

Though small by dSLR standards, its new pro 300mm lens is pretty big for a system used to more compact lenses.

Lori Grunin

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

Jan. 5, 2016 7:00 p.m. PT

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Pretty long for the system

Fast, long lenses necessarily require a lot of elements and big glass, so it's not surprising that this one is pretty big for Micro Four Thirds.

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Focus cuff

That front section is the manual focus cuff. When you pull it back, you're in manual-focus mode, when extended, it autofocuses.

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Switches

The lens has a focus-limiter switch with three choices: 1.4-4m, 1.4m to infinity (the entire range), and 4m to infinity. There's also a programmable function button and stabilizer toggle.

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With teleconverter

If you need more reach, Olympus' 1.4x teleconverter can increase the effective focal length to 420mm (a 35mm- equivalent angle of view to 840mm) and 0.67x magnification.