After reading a few comments, I think I need to clarify a few things. 1. Yes, I have quit being Olympus Visionary/Ambassador, that is still true. I left, and I am not looking back. I have no more contact and relationship with OM Digital Solutions. That bridge is burned. 2. I quit being an ambassador, but I did not quit the system. I still believe in Micro Four Thirds, all the things I said in the past I have not changed my mind a single bit. I still actively shoot with my Olympus gear both for professional jobs and for my own personal projects. I hope this carries some weight to what I have been doing as a photographer/reviewer, that I do not simply "jump ship", and still believe in what I have preached thus far. 3. I am in good relationship with OMD World Imaging, local official distributor for OMSystem/Olympus products. They have been super supportive and helpful to me all these years. They loaned me the lens. In good faith, I shall do my best to do my review and create content with the lens. 4. Fact - OM Digital Solutions did not even provide OMD World Imaging (local representative) a sample unit. The lens I was testing was a new opened unit from a retail box, sacrificed so that I can make my content. This shows how much OMD World Imaging cares about me and my endeavors. I wish OM Digital Solutions have been more supportive, but I shall not comment further on this. 5. Possibility of me returning to become OMSystem Ambassador is now ZERO. And that is perfectly fine. I have to move on, and I hope that you are here with me on my photography journey. I am here making content non stop, even after I have quit, week after week, and I am doing my very best!
Hey Robin! Just wanted to let you know I am finding myself hitting the 'Like' button, THEN I watch the video. Probably that amazing smile! I am glad to see you still in the game and you have never steered us wrong. Life does throw us curves at times and in decade #7 (for me) I've had to deal with a lot of oh-by-the-way' challenges. Thank you for what you do - you are definitely in your element!
Robin, your eyes have an aperture of maybe F32, but your vision is amazing. I really enjoy watching your videos and you are a huge asset to Olympus/OM System users. Thanks for another really great video. Of course, thumb up to the OM System company for what it creates for us. I'm sorry for my English :)
This should not come from a retailer who is already struggling due to the recent pandemic and shrinking camera market. OM System, unfortunately, things won't work out with them.
Beautiful video and images. I am actually blown away by the level of detail and sharpness this lens renders. I am equally impressed with the smooth bokeh at the long end, very smooth. A win for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Great shots and nice teaser video. Now stop already! I don't need another lens. Or do I. I love the f4 pro series because the are the perfect compromise for hiking and backpacking. Lightweight, weather sealed and bright enough for outdoor photography. I look forward to your full review. Though I will probably not watch it till I have saved up some money🙃
Thank you Robin, your positive, real world reviews always make sense, you have a way of letting the viewer know what they need, without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail, while at the same time, remaining positive and not tearing down a company or a product. Well done on this first look, makes me want to visit Malaysia again.
Excellent video Robin, this looks like a really interesting lens and very sharp, love the images it produces. Looking forward to your full review of this lens, thank you for all your hard work for the photographic community.
Thanks for the first look! I'm so glad you're still working with Olympus equipment, I really value your opinions and sample image/videos from your videos! Looking forward to your in depth review. Cheers from Boston!
Thanks for this excellent video. Anxious for your full review. I'm more than just a little jealous that you have such an amazing bird park near you. Your video and photos showcase it so well.
This lens looks to be a great lens, and I love the fact that it is so much more compact than the f/2.8 Olympus version. That said, I never did purchase the f/2.8 lens for professional work, because Olympus drug their feet in coming out with that lens, and by the time they had, I had invested in the excellent Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 -- which I love. The extra 50mm reach was never a problem for me, because I still have my old 4/3's 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 lens which I used for my corporate conference jobs. If I were not retired from pro work, this new 40-150mm f/4 Pro would already be in my bag. However, I have the outstanding 12-100mm f/4 Pro, and the Panasonic f/2.8 lens, so I'm set. It is definitely a very sharp lens.
I have this lens on one camera and the 8-25 on the other. I can hike all day with these and get the images I want. For low light, I use my primes. The weight and image quality are the deciding factors for me at his time of my life. Glad to hear your opinion of it and that they provided a lens to test.
I have the OM-D E-M10 MkIII and an original 40-150mm F4 lens (and a few other great lenses) and I love it! I frequently get asked to take photos for sporting events, graduations and reward ceremonies. I'm told I'm a pretty good photographer but I always say "It's not me, it's the camera." :-)
I have slowed down on shooting weddings, so won't be posting much on that but portraits definitely. I have posted a portrait 85mm video recently, have you seen that?
I found that I prefer using my 40-150 f4 R over my 12-40 f2.8 due to the compression but in natural light shoots when it’s cloudy I get noise from the high iso. I would love to have this lens, but I think even for street photography I would do the 12-100. Guess I’ll save up a little more for the f2.8
If you have the 12-100mm then the 40-150mm does not make much sense. Get the F2.8 version so you can attach teleconverter to extend the reach of the lens.
I assume this lens is not a bad option for landscape photographers who shoot stopped down regardless of the light situation and need something they can lug around more easily. The videography is beautiful, you captured some really nice footage!
Glad to see you doing more reviews of the system I shoot. You always do a great job of being informative and upbeat and always with a smile. It sure sets you apart from others. Looking forward to the final review. ( edit) did I miss what you were filming on?
great video Robin! this lens seems so sharp! I think this can do a great combo with the Pana 10-25 F1.7, one body with 2 lenses can do everything when traveling. but I will still go with my 12-100, hence it's a one for all lens though its IQ is not as good as 1025, but I prefer carrying 2 systems with fixed lenses, more fun
One of many things olympus did right was make great optics at a competitive price. For me there are only 4 camera brands I would consider for this reason, Olympus, Lumix (because of the compatibility with olympus), Nikon and Canon. The only camera I would probably never buy is Sony because I don't like their colour technology.
I'm glad your local rep was able to loan this to you for a test. I recently acquired an om10 3 and have been looking at lens options. I think the 2.8 with 2x convertor would be a better fit for my needs (birds in the woods). I have to say your results are excellent with this model!! I'm surprised you were able to get such sharp images at those slow shutter speeds on birds!!
This PRO lens is way out of my enthusiast budget, and I'm sure it's a wonderful lens, BUT the budget m.Zuiko 40-150 f/4-5.6 "kit" lens is also very sharp to my eyes and can produce beautiful images as well. It's my personal opinion that only a true professional may "need" this PRO lens, but any professional worth his salt as a photographer can also create spectacular images with virtually any decent modern lens, including the "cheap" 40-150 f/4-5.6 m.Zuiko. It's enjoyable to watch interesting and informative videos about very expensive lenses, but for most of us enthusiasts, I believe that they're really for "informational purposes only".
I like the Pro lens mostly for the water resistance and build quality. I like to take the camera to the beach a lot and also like to use it in the rain. The Panasonic 35-100 2,8 is a pro lens. Sharp, water resistant, very light and can be bought second hand for £350-£400 used. It lives on my em1 ii. I agree your 40-150 is sharp enough but I don't get enough sun to use it. Haha
Superbe vidéo Robin, personnellement j'utilise le 40-150 f2.8 pro avec un om-d e-m1 mark iii et franchement c'est fantastique, les images sont à tomber sur le cul.
Dear Robin, I have been using the Olympus 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 for years now. With the appearance of this 40-150 mm f/4 Pro, I wonder whether it is not time to buy it. But doubt whether this purchase will give me any added value? In particular the optical quality would it be better?? Can you tell me more? Please give your opinion if possible Thank you Freddy (from Belgium)
Hello Robin or everybody reading this comment, I was looking to upgrade my Panasonic 45-175 f4-5.6 to the new Olympus 40-150 f4 pro. I am only not sure whether the 25mm less would be a problem for me, even though it doesn't sound like much. Do you think that a cropped picture from the pro Olympus lens would still be sharper than a full size image of my not as sharp as a pro lens panasonic? Even the panasonic becomes sharper at 150mm compared to 175mm, but I imagine the Olympus to be even sharper, so it would give some freedom to crop a bit to make the 25mm difference equal.
I think the image quality is very similar between the F2.8 vs F4, but you cannot deny the F2.8 version has better advantage in low light, and blurring the background (shallower DOF).
There is no 40-150mm F3.5-4.5 for Micro Four Thirds. If you are referring to the old DSLR lens, then yes, the new 40-150mm PRO is 10x better. The fact that it is a native Micro Four Thirds lens wins.
I saw different reviews of this lens and downloaded original jpegs, and none of them looks as good as in your review. Strange. Maybe you played a bit with camera's saturation.
I think you are referring to the crickets screaming in the background. The only solution is not to record my video there, but I want to be as "on location" as possible for these kind of videos.
Why do you (and others) always walk around and show these lenses in action, with no lens hood in place? Do you put more importance in the length and size of a lens instead of its ability to block some glare and give you better contrast, less light ghosts or degradation?
Go watch my video on why I don't use lens hood. Also, won't you want to know how bad the lens is without the hood? And if the lens performs so well already without the hood, why then do we need the hood? No you don't get better contrast, light ghosts, etc. If the lens is susceptible to flare, I WILL FREAKING REPORT IT. No lens hood is going to stop me.
@@robinwong You are right of course, because this is your channel and you can show and state what you believe. But stray light "can" go across your lens and "can" reduce contrast. I'm not talking about flare. The lens hood also helps protect the lens element, but a lot don't care about that, or think that is the only benefit a hood provides. Anyway, OM (or Olympus) supplies a lens hood with a lot of lens for a reason. When they don't supply a lens hood, Olympus followers in the past freaked out. So, they have a use and multiple possible benefits, and a following.
After reading a few comments, I think I need to clarify a few things.
1. Yes, I have quit being Olympus Visionary/Ambassador, that is still true. I left, and I am not looking back. I have no more contact and relationship with OM Digital Solutions. That bridge is burned.
2. I quit being an ambassador, but I did not quit the system. I still believe in Micro Four Thirds, all the things I said in the past I have not changed my mind a single bit. I still actively shoot with my Olympus gear both for professional jobs and for my own personal projects. I hope this carries some weight to what I have been doing as a photographer/reviewer, that I do not simply "jump ship", and still believe in what I have preached thus far.
3. I am in good relationship with OMD World Imaging, local official distributor for OMSystem/Olympus products. They have been super supportive and helpful to me all these years. They loaned me the lens. In good faith, I shall do my best to do my review and create content with the lens.
4. Fact - OM Digital Solutions did not even provide OMD World Imaging (local representative) a sample unit. The lens I was testing was a new opened unit from a retail box, sacrificed so that I can make my content. This shows how much OMD World Imaging cares about me and my endeavors. I wish OM Digital Solutions have been more supportive, but I shall not comment further on this.
5. Possibility of me returning to become OMSystem Ambassador is now ZERO. And that is perfectly fine. I have to move on, and I hope that you are here with me on my photography journey. I am here making content non stop, even after I have quit, week after week, and I am doing my very best!
Hey Robin! Just wanted to let you know I am finding myself hitting the 'Like' button, THEN I watch the video. Probably that amazing smile! I am glad to see you still in the game and you have never steered us wrong. Life does throw us curves at times and in decade #7 (for me) I've had to deal with a lot of oh-by-the-way' challenges. Thank you for what you do - you are definitely in your element!
@@scottmunford3472 ..We all do that!….📸🤣😘
Well you at least had the opportunity to test it think about it, iam in africa nowhere near to see it or test.
I am watching your videos for the excellent content, the inspiring images and not for the gear.
@@scottmunford3472 thanks you are being too kind. More importantly thanks for staying with me and I really do appreciate all the support!
You should travel and do some workshops, I bet hundreds of people would sign up. I would.
travel is a bit difficult at the moment, when things get better, for sure.
Robin, your eyes have an aperture of maybe F32, but your vision is amazing. I really enjoy watching your videos and you are a huge asset to Olympus/OM System users. Thanks for another really great video.
Of course, thumb up to the OM System company for what it creates for us.
I'm sorry for my English :)
OMD World Imaging - get this man an OM1!
This should not come from a retailer who is already struggling due to the recent pandemic and shrinking camera market. OM System, unfortunately, things won't work out with them.
Wow that baby is SHARP!!! Another lens to add to my collection. Thank You Robin! Keep up the great work!
Beautiful video and images. I am actually blown away by the level of detail and sharpness this lens renders. I am equally impressed with the smooth bokeh at the long end, very smooth. A win for sure. Thanks for sharing.
The bokeh is indeed very pleasing! And yes the fine details and contrast this lens renders is quite remarkable.
Great shots and nice teaser video. Now stop already! I don't need another lens. Or do I. I love the f4 pro series because the are the perfect compromise for hiking and backpacking. Lightweight, weather sealed and bright enough for outdoor photography. I look forward to your full review. Though I will probably not watch it till I have saved up some money🙃
Thanks Mike! Yeah the F4 PRO series make sense for those who prefer light-weight and compact options.
Such great memories of this bird park, if you are passing through KL, don't miss it, hi Robin and soon to KL.
Agreed!
Thank you Robin, your positive, real world reviews always make sense, you have a way of letting the viewer know what they need, without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail, while at the same time, remaining positive and not tearing down a company or a product. Well done on this first look, makes me want to visit Malaysia again.
Excellent video Robin, this looks like a really interesting lens and very sharp, love the images it produces.
Looking forward to your full review of this lens, thank you for all your hard work for the photographic
community.
Thanks Tony, you are being too kind!
Thanks for the first look! I'm so glad you're still working with Olympus equipment, I really value your opinions and sample image/videos from your videos! Looking forward to your in depth review. Cheers from Boston!
Thanks Bob, appreciate that. I need to work more and shoot more sample shots before I can make my review. Coming soon for sure
Looks like a fine lens. Your images and the birds knock this session out of the park! Wow! Amazing sharpness and colors! Thanks 🙏
Thanks for this excellent video. Anxious for your full review. I'm more than just a little jealous that you have such an amazing bird park near you. Your video and photos showcase it so well.
Thanks, appreciate the kind words! If you do come to KL do visit the bird park!
Your reviews always go that extra mile Robin thank you.
Thanks Thomas for noticing! I appreciate that
This lens looks to be a great lens, and I love the fact that it is so much more compact than the f/2.8 Olympus version. That said, I never did purchase the f/2.8 lens for professional work, because Olympus drug their feet in coming out with that lens, and by the time they had, I had invested in the excellent Panasonic 35-100 f/2.8 -- which I love. The extra 50mm reach was never a problem for me, because I still have my old 4/3's 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 lens which I used for my corporate conference jobs. If I were not retired from pro work, this new 40-150mm f/4 Pro would already be in my bag. However, I have the outstanding 12-100mm f/4 Pro, and the Panasonic f/2.8 lens, so I'm set.
It is definitely a very sharp lens.
The video of the two green parrots in the still 3 section were beautiful~~ romantic couple
My favourite shot too!
I have this lens on one camera and the 8-25 on the other. I can hike all day with these and get the images I want. For low light, I use my primes. The weight and image quality are the deciding factors for me at his time of my life. Glad to hear your opinion of it and that they provided a lens to test.
Interesting, I'm thinking along those lines so thanks for the comment.
Primes for low light, that is what I do too!
@@brianlaunchbury4491 I have a 56/1.4 in my lens pouch when I see something I want separation.
Thanks, Robin, for an interesting video about this lens! I am impressed with the image quality that you showed us. Take care!
Thanks Gilbert, appreciate the kind words, I am impressed by the lens so far too
Thanks for the great video and detailed images using this lens! It’s definitely a sharp lens!
Thanks Caitlin working hard on the full review now
You give a great video! It will fit perfectly with my OM5. Thank you for your always smiling and helpful rewiews.
Thanks, Robin, from Brussels / Belgium !
Amazingly sharp - and some amazingly low shutter speeds!
Thanks, 5-Axis IS is real!
Great Video and Information. Thank You Robin.
Thanks Doug! Appreciate that
I have this lens and it works very well. It is heavier than I would like, but not as heavy as it could be. Nice images!
Thanks Gene, I think the weight is ok!
love the outcome on the peacock damn nice colors in photo and video as well.
Thanks Van! Let's shoot moreee
@@robinwong definitely.. soon
Thank you.
My pleasure to share
I have the OM-D E-M10 MkIII and an original 40-150mm F4 lens (and a few other great lenses) and I love it! I frequently get asked to take photos for sporting events, graduations and reward ceremonies. I'm told I'm a pretty good photographer but I always say "It's not me, it's the camera." :-)
Were you referring to the 40-150mm F4-5.6 R lens? That is an excellent lens too!
@@robinwong Yes that's the one! Yes it is a great lens.
@@shoutatthesky I'm already planning and saving for my next camera.
I always enjoy watching your videos. This video was very helpful for the lens I was considering purchasing. Thank you.
Im happy to see you doing a bit more street photography wildlife and mayby in future you will show us you wedding and portrait shoots too
I have slowed down on shooting weddings, so won't be posting much on that but portraits definitely. I have posted a portrait 85mm video recently, have you seen that?
Incredible place. I really need to come here. I can't get that close to birds with my 100-400 :)
Great as always RW!
Thanks!
Just WOW.
Robin,Great 👍👍👍
I found that I prefer using my 40-150 f4 R over my 12-40 f2.8 due to the compression but in natural light shoots when it’s cloudy I get noise from the high iso. I would love to have this lens, but I think even for street photography I would do the 12-100. Guess I’ll save up a little more for the f2.8
If you have the 12-100mm then the 40-150mm does not make much sense. Get the F2.8 version so you can attach teleconverter to extend the reach of the lens.
Thank you robin, fantastic review as always. GAS has hit home. 😂
Thanks druid
I assume this lens is not a bad option for landscape photographers who shoot stopped down regardless of the light situation and need something they can lug around more easily.
The videography is beautiful, you captured some really nice footage!
Thanks so much. Pushing myself to do more video stuff lately!
I plan to use mine frequently for landscape and architectural photography. I tested it down to f8 and it is extremely sharp from f4-f8.
Awesome photography youtuber. Keep up the good work.
Nice lens.
Indeed
Glad to see you doing more reviews of the system I shoot. You always do a great job of being informative and upbeat and always with a smile. It sure sets you apart from others. Looking forward to the final review. ( edit) did I miss what you were filming on?
As usual excellent shots. This lens is a bit above my budget but it looks amazing.
Robin I enjoy your reviews and love your energy. Officially subscribed :)
great video Robin!
this lens seems so sharp! I think this can do a great combo with the Pana 10-25 F1.7, one body with 2 lenses can do everything when traveling.
but I will still go with my 12-100, hence it's a one for all lens though its IQ is not as good as 1025, but I prefer carrying 2 systems with fixed lenses, more fun
Great video as usually Robin. This is a nice lens, its just not bright enough for me.
Sure, there is the brighter F2.8 version
One of many things olympus did right was make great optics at a competitive price. For me there are only 4 camera brands I would consider for this reason, Olympus, Lumix (because of the compatibility with olympus), Nikon and Canon. The only camera I would probably never buy is Sony because I don't like their colour technology.
I'm glad your local rep was able to loan this to you for a test. I recently acquired an om10 3 and have been looking at lens options. I think the 2.8 with 2x convertor would be a better fit for my needs (birds in the woods). I have to say your results are excellent with this model!! I'm surprised you were able to get such sharp images at those slow shutter speeds on birds!!
If you know you are dealing with low light, then the F2.8 version will give you a clear advantage. The 5-Axis IS helps a lot!
I thought you quit OMS? Great video again, Robin
I did. Why? I got the lens from local retailer, which has nothing to do with OMDS.
This PRO lens is way out of my enthusiast budget, and I'm sure it's a wonderful lens, BUT the budget m.Zuiko 40-150 f/4-5.6 "kit" lens is also very sharp to my eyes and can produce beautiful images as well. It's my personal opinion that only a true professional may "need" this PRO lens, but any professional worth his salt as a photographer can also create spectacular images with virtually any decent modern lens, including the "cheap" 40-150 f/4-5.6 m.Zuiko.
It's enjoyable to watch interesting and informative videos about very expensive lenses, but for most of us enthusiasts, I believe that they're really for "informational purposes only".
I like the Pro lens mostly for the water resistance and build quality. I like to take the camera to the beach a lot and also like to use it in the rain. The Panasonic 35-100 2,8 is a pro lens. Sharp, water resistant, very light and can be bought second hand for £350-£400 used. It lives on my em1 ii. I agree your 40-150 is sharp enough but I don't get enough sun to use it. Haha
Amazing photo and video quality Robin! Do you think the 12-100 f4 would give the same quality at same focal lengths?
I think the image quality from all the F4 PRO lenses are looking very similar, and that is a good thing. They are consistently sharp
Thanks Robin🙂
bonne vidéo bonjour de France
this one I can afford and justify purchasing
F4 lens, Pro? Maybe a bright sunny day pro lens.
hello robin thanks for your great videos, is the last image of this video is a subliminal image ? 75 mm ? 1.8 ? ;)
Another great job on the review, have you ever used the Panasonic Leica 50-200 2.8-4.0? That's what I'm considering next, I shoot a G9 and EM5 III.
I'm actually curious about the cheaper, consumer, 45-150 lens.
Another informative presentation with beautiful photos. Also, love the wrist strap, what is the model and maker?
Superbe vidéo Robin, personnellement j'utilise le 40-150 f2.8 pro avec un om-d e-m1 mark iii et franchement c'est fantastique, les images sont à tomber sur le cul.
Dear Robin,
I have been using the Olympus 14-150 mm f/4-5.6 for years now.
With the appearance of this 40-150 mm f/4 Pro, I wonder whether it is not time to buy it.
But doubt whether this purchase will give me any added value?
In particular the optical quality would it be better??
Can you tell me more?
Please give your opinion if possible
Thank you
Freddy (from Belgium)
Robin, have you reviewed the M.Zuiko Digital 25mm F1.8, if so where do I find the video!? Cheers.
Hello Robin or everybody reading this comment, I was looking to upgrade my Panasonic 45-175 f4-5.6 to the new Olympus 40-150 f4 pro. I am only not sure whether the 25mm less would be a problem for me, even though it doesn't sound like much. Do you think that a cropped picture from the pro Olympus lens would still be sharper than a full size image of my not as sharp as a pro lens panasonic?
Even the panasonic becomes sharper at 150mm compared to 175mm, but I imagine the Olympus to be even sharper, so it would give some freedom to crop a bit to make the 25mm difference equal.
I am guessing this doesn't work with the teleconverters.
No it does not
Good info but I have the 40-150 2.8. It’s tack sharp for a zoom and would be hard for this one to match. Thoughts ?
I think the image quality is very similar between the F2.8 vs F4, but you cannot deny the F2.8 version has better advantage in low light, and blurring the background (shallower DOF).
@@robinwong Is there any noticeable difference in AF speed? Or flare?
It's 10 times more expensive than 40-150 3.5-4.5, but is it 10 times better?
There is no 40-150mm F3.5-4.5 for Micro Four Thirds. If you are referring to the old DSLR lens, then yes, the new 40-150mm PRO is 10x better. The fact that it is a native Micro Four Thirds lens wins.
@@robinwong Yes Robin I was talking about old one. And at that point I would prefer set of 35-100 and 50-200 for price of 40-150 pro.
I saw different reviews of this lens and downloaded original jpegs, and none of them looks as good as in your review. Strange. Maybe you played a bit with camera's saturation.
Is it for Olympus Mirrorless ?
Is it still backward compatible with older m43 Olympus cameras?
It is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds format cameras
@@robinwong just wondering if I need to update all my cameras too just to use this lens...thanks
Hi, Robin. Thanks for your first impressions. I am considering trading my Panasonic 35-100 2.8 for this lens. Would you?
I also considering 35-100 2.8 and t40-150 f4 pro, seems like the size is similar. The pana one is f2.8 but om f4 seems really sharp
Thanks for your video Robin but there is an hissing quite bad for my ears. Am I alone to ear that?
Insects in the park. Can’t remove them
I think you are referring to the crickets screaming in the background. The only solution is not to record my video there, but I want to be as "on location" as possible for these kind of videos.
@@robinwong how impressive is this insect scream 😁😳. Don't worry about that. Thank you.
Why do you (and others) always walk around and show these lenses in action, with no lens hood in place? Do you put more importance in the length and size of a lens instead of its ability to block some glare and give you better contrast, less light ghosts or degradation?
Go watch my video on why I don't use lens hood.
Also, won't you want to know how bad the lens is without the hood? And if the lens performs so well already without the hood, why then do we need the hood?
No you don't get better contrast, light ghosts, etc. If the lens is susceptible to flare, I WILL FREAKING REPORT IT. No lens hood is going to stop me.
@@robinwong You are right of course, because this is your channel and you can show and state what you believe. But stray light "can" go across your lens and "can" reduce contrast. I'm not talking about flare. The lens hood also helps protect the lens element, but a lot don't care about that, or think that is the only benefit a hood provides. Anyway, OM (or Olympus) supplies a lens hood with a lot of lens for a reason. When they don't supply a lens hood, Olympus followers in the past freaked out. So, they have a use and multiple possible benefits, and a following.