Olympus E-M1X bolstered by monster 2000mm super telephoto lens combo

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro

Coinciding with the reveal of the Olympus E-M1X, the mirrorless giant has announced a new super telephoto lens and converter that deliver an astounding 2000mm maximum zoom – perfect for the pro sports and wildlife market being targeted by the ‘reimagined’ flagship. 

Olympus E-M1X review

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro, to give its full name, is a super telephoto zoom with an equivalent 300-800mm range in 35mm terms. If that weren’t impressive enough, it features a built-in 1.25x teleconverter that extends its maximum focal length to an equivalent 1000mm (while reducing the widest aperture to f/5.6).

The 150-400mm f/4.5 is part of Olympus’ Pro series of lenses, which feature optimum image quality, compact construction and market-leading robustness, being dust, splash and freezeproof. 

It also boasts in-lens image stabilisation and supports Olympus’ Sync-IS technology; when combined with the 5-axis in-body stabilisation of the E-M1X, this delivers a remarkable 7.5EV stops of stabilisation.  

The MC-20 doubles the focal length of Olympus' three Pro telephoto lenses

Also announced was the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20, which doubles the focal length of its master lens. When attached to the new 150-400mm f/4.5, it becomes a staggering 2000mm equivalent. 

Factor in the 7.5 stops of stabilisation afforded by the E-M1X, this promises unprecedented handheld telephoto shooting potential. 

The MC-20 boasts the same weatherproofing as the Pro lenses, and will also be compatible with the Olympus 300mm f/4.0 and 40-150mm f/2.8 optics. In addition to doubling the telephoto range, it doubles the maximum shooting magnification as well – paving the way for tantalising macro possibilities. 

We were highly impressed by the teleconverter in our Olympus MC-20 review. While the teleconverter is available now, the 150-400mm f/4.5 lens isn’t due to arrive until 2020. 

Read more:

The best Olympus cameras in 2019 

The best Micro Four Thirds lenses for your Olympus or Panasonic camera

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.