Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II review

A soda can-sized 150-600mm lens? The Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II is a brilliant budget super telephoto

Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II review
(Image: © James Artaius)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II isn't going to beat pro glass in terms of sharpness, but where else can you get a 150-600mm equivalent that fits in your pocket? Giving super sharp results from the wide to the midway point, and still producing good results at the long end when used with consideration, this is an affordable and capable lens that's ideal for finding your way in wildlife and sports shooting.

Pros

  • +

    Sharp through most of range

  • +

    Fast autofocus

  • +

    Minimal distortion

Cons

  • -

    Sharpness dulls at 300mm

  • -

    No lens hood

  • -

    No image stabilization

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II occasionally gets a bad rap – mainly because lots of people slap it on their camera, slide it out to 300mm, take a couple of snaps from the hip and decide that it's too soft. 

Well, this lens doesn't just deserve better than that – it is better than that. Like any other super telephoto, the Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II can't be powered by pure nonchalance; it's a 150-600mm equivalent lens (in full frame terms) and, as such, needs to be used with some consideration to get the best results. Which can be pretty darned good. 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

James Artaius
Editor

James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.