The OM System recently unveiled the OM 3, along with the 17mm f1.8 II and the 25mm f1.8 II. The camera has received a positive review from us thanks to its ability to provide stunning visuals, computational photography, and great durability. As we stated, this device gives you images that barely need editing. While we are happy to hear about their advancements, we also recently received the news of a new zoom lens, which was added to the company’s roadmap on February 20. What is it about? Scroll down to find out.
Why We Need a 40-150mm F2 from OM System
According to the email that we received from OM System, this lens is going to be a mid-range telephoto zoom lens. The update was to help users be well-informed about their decisions, but at the moment, there is no information from the company itself about what this anticipated lens will be about. However, at The Phoblographer, we believe this will likely replace the existing 40-150mm, which had two distinct apertures: the f4 and the f2.8.
However, while a mid-range zoom like this getting an update is significant, it would be even more great if we could get one with a bright aperture like the f2 or f1.8. Why so? Because that is what photographers need with such a small sensor. Many years ago during the regular Four Thirds DSLR days, Olympus had f2 zooms. With a zoom range of 40-150mm, it is ideal for travel, portraits, weddings, wildlife, and even events. However, f4 and f2.8 can be really limiting in certain situations, such as low-light photography. You also can’t stop it down too much due to diffraction. But, if you switch this up with f1.8 or f2, photographers will get more pronounced and bold bokeh, which will be really ideal to separate the background from the subject, as well as to make the picture more appealing.
But that’s not all; a lens like this will be revolutionary because, so far, the closest any company has come to is having an F2.8 aperture for this zoom range. So, in a way, the OM System will revolutionize photography by giving photographers the means to use lower ISO during low-light shoots. We also believe if the company is able to achieve this feat, there will be some truly unique shots paired with their colors.
Can We Please get a Compact Camera, too?
In addition to this wishful thinking, we do believe that OM System should venture out and launch a new compact camera. It’s high time as we heard rumors about such a device in 2015. However, nothing ever came to fruition. OM System can give us a device that not only has a large sensor but also features like art filters, WiFi, multiple exposure modes, and more. Furthermore, the company has a range of wide-angle bright aperture lenses, which can be utilized better to get a device that can go against the Ricoh GR series or Canon S95.
Since our OM3 review stated that the device must be treated like a compact camera, it also means that they have just the right ingredients to create one with a fixed lens. Furthermore, OM System has great weather sealing and build quality, which will allow street photographers to get a device that can weather a storm. Lest we forget, Q3 has been really popular, and the resurgence of compact cameras has made Nikon and Canon push their directions, too. So, why not OM System?
Perhaps this may take another year, but we do hope that the company listens to its users. They have a chance to beat Fujifilm, and the company should take it up.