Rent the OM System M.Zuiko 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO in Canada — the ultimate reach-per-weight super-telephoto, delivering up to a 1000mm-equivalent field of view in a lens you can hand-hold. Built for wildlife, birding, aviation and sports on Micro Four Thirds, it’s a specialist tool with no real rival for portable reach. Key points:
- 150-400mm at a constant f/4.5 — a 300-800mm equivalent field of view on Micro Four Thirds
- Built-in 1.25x teleconverter flips to a 375-1000mm equivalent at f/5.6 with a switch on the barrel
- Remarkably light for the reach at around 1.875kg (4.1 lb) — a hand-holdable super-telephoto
- Class-leading 5-axis Sync IS (up to around 8 stops) and weather-sealed PRO build
Our thoughts
Nothing else gets you this much reach in something you can carry and hand-hold all day. On Micro Four Thirds the 2x crop turns 400mm into an 800mm-equivalent view, and the built-in 1.25x teleconverter pushes that to 1000mm-equivalent at the flick of a switch — ideal when a bird takes flight. The image stabilisation is extraordinary, so sharp handheld shots at huge effective focal lengths are realistic. For serious birders and wildlife shooters who don’t want to lug a giant prime, it’s the dream lens.
— Will, Founder
Key specifications
| Lens mount |
Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length |
150–400mm (300–800mm equivalent) |
| With built-in 1.25x TC |
187.5–500mm (375–1000mm equivalent) at f/5.6 |
| Maximum aperture |
f/4.5 (constant) |
| Minimum aperture |
f/22 |
| Stabilisation |
5-axis Sync IS — up to ~8 stops (150mm) / ~6 stops (400mm) with compatible bodies |
| Extra reach |
Compatible with MC-14 (1.4x) and MC-20 (2x) teleconverters, on top of the built-in TC |
| Filter thread |
95mm |
| Build |
Weather-sealed PRO construction |
| Size & weight |
Approx. 31.4cm (12.4″) long; approx. 1,875g (4.1 lb) |
Compatibility & what you might add
- Fits any Micro Four Thirds body — OM System, Olympus and Panasonic cameras. Sync IS is at its best on OM System bodies with in-body stabilisation.
- Add even more reach with an MC-14 or MC-20 teleconverter, which stack with the built-in 1.25x TC for extreme effective focal lengths.
- Takes 95mm screw-in filters — a protector or polariser is a sensible pairing.
- For long sessions, a monopod or gimbal head helps, though the strong IS makes handheld very doable. Browse more Micro Four Thirds lenses.
Q&A
How much reach does it really give?
A lot. On Micro Four Thirds the 2x crop factor turns the native 150-400mm into a 300-800mm equivalent field of view. Engage the built-in 1.25x teleconverter and you reach a 375-1000mm equivalent. Add an external MC-20 2x teleconverter on top and you can push well beyond 1000mm equivalent — all while staying hand-holdable.
How does the built-in teleconverter work?
A lever on the barrel engages a 1.25x teleconverter inside the lens, extending your reach instantly without removing the camera from your eye or swapping anything. It’s ideal for wildlife and birding, letting you react the moment a subject moves closer or further away, while keeping autofocus and image quality high.
Can I really hand-hold it?
Yes — that’s the whole point. At around 1.875kg it’s light for a lens with this much reach, and the 5-axis Sync IS (rated up to roughly 8 stops with compatible bodies) makes sharp handheld shots at huge effective focal lengths realistic. For extended sessions a monopod still helps, but you’re not tied to a tripod the way you would be with a full-frame super-telephoto.
What cameras does it work with?
Any Micro Four Thirds camera — OM System, Olympus and Panasonic bodies. It’s at its best on OM System bodies, where Sync IS combines the lens and in-body stabilisation for maximum handheld performance. Tell us your camera and we’ll help you get the most from it.
Who is it best for?
Wildlife, bird, aviation and sports photographers who need extreme reach without the weight and cost of a giant full-frame prime. If you want to chase distant subjects handheld and travel light, this lens is in a class of its own for portable reach.
