This lens forced me to invest in the m43 system. You're right .. it's perfect for a trip to the zoo. The build quality is amazing. AF speed and accuracy - unmatched by any 70-200 I have tried. For me it is the number 1 lens, followed by the 17mm 1.2. Two weeks ago I bought a 300mm f4. I've used it before but the price has always held me back. I am writing about it because I have a few words about the teleconverters. Mc14 works great with 40-150 pro. However, I do not recommend the mc20 for this lens, especially for astrophotography. I have no idea why, but the image quality drops drastically (chromatic aberration, sharpness). I have no idea why the mc 20 works so well with the 300mm f4, but doesn't work with the 40-150pro. It's ok for daylight photography, but absolutely not for astrophotography. Unfortunately, my tracker can't handle a 300mm f4 and a mc20 with a 40-150 pro doesn't make sense for astrophotography. I believe that dual is is not needed in this lens, but it would be useful. I have no problem taking a picture of the moon in high res handheld mode with 300mm f4, but with the 40-150pro it is very difficult. Good review.
I know this is 2 years old, however, tonight I'm using the Sky Watcher Az-GTI in EQ mode, and am going to use the EM1 Mkiii and the fantastic 40-150 f2.8. Shooting the Heart Nebula if'n all goes well. Awesome video, thanks!!!
I have never done Astrophotography and I never knew about different aspects of it. This short video has taught me so much that I didn't know. Thank you so much for making this review! That said, are you interested at all about the newly announced 40-150 f4? I know you at the end you stated you were interested in it but I'm wondering if the likelihood of f4 being not as sharp and you would have to stop down further. Will this be an effect that could hurt an image? Looking at your equipment size definitely doesn't matter. I never purchased the 40-150 2.8 because it's much too large for my own personal interest. But, I'm very interested in hearing what you think about the newly announced lens. Thank you again! Also I see why you use the E-M1x. That's definitely useful for what you shoot!
I would be interested in trying it out. I am on the Olympus program so I can get it on lone from them. I probably will. I bet though that the F4 will not need to be stopped down. The newer lenses seam to perform better. With it being a Pro level lens too. I did a review of the 100-400 and found it could be used at its widest aperture on the long end and it is not a pro lens.
One of the crown jewels of the M43 platform, I’d argue. And one of my favorite lenses I’ve ever owned on any system. Arca Swiss? Look into the Haoge LMR-OM415 Lens Collar to replace the stock Olympus lens collar. There are some concerns mentioned on Amazon, but the copy I purchased has none of those issues… and indeed, has had none. If has been a great addition to the 40-150/2.8.
The lens hood for the 60mm f/2.8 Macro is ALSO retractable, but sold separately, if I remember how I got it correctly. It's been a while. But it doesn't make that little lens look bigger, just longer.
Video shows Olympus body on mount. How do you control Olympus camera (not the ZWO) from astro software (like N.I.N.A). I can not find ASCOM driver for Olympus Camera. If you are aware of ascom driver for the Olympus (OM-1) camera, please post the link. Thanks for the reviw.
That's next on my list. I'm enjoying the hell out of my EM1-III and 12-40 f/2.8, but I want something longer for wildlife. Haven't gotten into astro yet, but I get down to Mesa Verde at least once a year. Have to give it a shot. Thanks for your review!
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Holy Cow! You can really reach out and touch someone with this mofo. I've just been shooting landscapers and some animals, but it's amazing.
Thanks so much for all your videos, I have learnt so much and you have convinced me to get into astrophotography - I have just ordered the Skywatcher Star Adventure 2i Pro. My only decision now is camera and lens!! My use will be 60% astro, 20% motorsports, 20% everything else. Option 1) EM1 Mkiii + the 40-150 F2.8 pro in this video. I already purchased the 8mm fisheye for some fun with astro landscape and in the pits at the track. But I have been very tempted to look at going down the full fame Sony path Option 2) Sony A7C full frame with the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. These two look to be a great combo with great continuous AF for the track and full frame for astro. May aim with astro is deep sky so will eventually also look at a refractor (80mm skywatcher APO or Redcat 51mm). So my hard decision point right now is Olympus 4/3 vs Sony Full frame - I'm hoping the sensor size doesn't make too much of a difference when it comes to deep sky and telescopes, in which case I may stick with Olympus.
First of this is awesome. I am so glad my video are motivating others to try this very tuff field of photography. It is very rewarding I promise you that. Sounds like what you need is an Em1x because of the tracking of moving objects especially motor sports. I know it does not have the Starry Sky AF but it will eventually thought a firmware update. And that update could happen any day now. As for the Sony vs 4/3 size debate. A larger sensor will only create a wider field of view and resolution in astrophotography. As far as brightness in this field they are the same. Most of the so called FF and light sensitivity is BS by marketing departments.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thank you so much for the reply! I think the EM1X is a bit too much for me - size and cost. My first camera was the EM5 Mki and I liked the compactness. I'm glad you said that regarding FF vs 4/3 - there is too much debate out there and information overload at times. The astronomy.tools website I found was useful at trying to explain pixel size and density matching to telescope focal length etc. Their CCD Suitability tool demonstrated to me that matching the camera to telescope was more important that simple sensor size. I think I will go with the EM1 Mkiii and 401-50 pro with MC1.4. Although I am tempted by the Oly 100-400 as just saw your video on that too! Big lens though and may be a telescope would be more what I was after once entering that range. Fortunately I am only 20 min drive away from Bortle 2 here in New Zealand.... except we are now heading into Summer and daylight savings... late sunsets... :(
@@rfingerboards8752If you are using a tracker I would say the 40-150 is a better match. plus the size of your rig needs to be as light as possible. So a lighter more compact camera is a good choice. Eventually you will want to do guiding but for now do accurate polar alignments and do around 60 sec exposures.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Brilliant. Thank you! Star Adventurer is being shipped from Auckland today, will now start shopping for EM1 and 40-150. Appreciate your advice/help.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel well my EM1Mkii and 40-150 pro have arrived. Can't wait to try it out on the Star Adventurer. Although for some reason Olympus Workspace gives me an error when trying to update the camera - so I've already emailed Olympus Australia. Quick question if you can spare a few seconds. SD Card size and speeds for deep sky astro? Thanks.
I agree. It could be smaller. I think the Em1 Mk2-3 were the perfect size. But it does fit me ok. It is still the smallest built in battery grip camera around, hope the next generation they go back to a smaller size. I think they might. A lot of the reviews said they thought it was large for a MFT camera. \
Loving all that weathersealing flex fyeah Olympus M43 master race HAHAHAHAHAHA That said right - how does this compare to the Rokinon 135mm f2 especially for astrophotography? For an all-rounder (especially for travel) nothing beats the f2.8 lens line from Olympus but astrophotography is more demanding than any other photography niche out there. PS - have you tried the 1.4x TC on the 100-400mm? My big brain plan when I travel to Japan for vacation was to buy the 100-400mm new in a smaller camera store (they're cheaper than chains like say, Bic Camera or Yodobashi) then get a used 40-150mm+1.4x TC combo (the used market there is chefs-kiss.gif). Then the pandemic happened. Good thing Amazon JP ships to where I am so I have the 100-400mm now.
I did do a review on the 100-400 but never tried the teleconverter except on the moon. It's a bit slow with the teleconverter on there. The Rokinon is a tempting lens to get but I think I would only use it with my dedicated cameras because they need the MF option that is mechanical. Otherwise I would bet it gives same performance. Just about everyone stops it down to f4 to get good results in astrophotography.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel I was planning to use the 1.4x TC for planetary along with the 100-400mm, but I'm not sure if 560mm is enough focal length to resolve details for Jupiter or Saturn. Eh, I guess my next astro purchase would be the Askar FRA400 f5.6 since the focal length of the ACL200 is covered already either by the 100-400mm at f5-ish, or the 40-150mm at f4 with the TC, and anything beyond that means getting a non-portable big boy mount. Thanks!
@@marcusa3177 You need 2000mm minimum to do planetary. I would recommend either and SCT or a macistove for planetary. They re actually not too expensive.
Mate great review. I’ve had this combo (Em1x + 40-150) for years and it’s a superb all rounder. Any chance you could do a video on taking star/moon shots with this combo and post processing etc, in layman’s terms for dummies like me? Regards from Down Under
Hay Mate. I am envious of the sky that you have down under. And probably have less light pollution too. Anyway I actually did do some videos just like that. Check them out here. I used a different lens is all. the 100-400 because I did not yet have this lens. ua-cam.com/video/Dok2DZdm9jw/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/F__mzIdqUOY/v-deo.html
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Many thx mate. I will go back and trawl through your other videos more thoroughly. And on the 40-150 lens hood, mine disintegrated a few months ago. Great design but fatally flawed. I'm not going to buy another one of these in particular, but need to find a replacement that wont self destruct. I think possibly the new 100-400 version may work on the 40-150
it is an interesting lens shade..... BUT, We've lived with it for several years. AND, the lens shade is super fragile. It is easy to pop off the securing ring and discovering the lens hood is hard to manage --- oddly enough, lens shade/hood problems seem to happen right when a time-critical picture is about to be taken (or not). We've been frustrated by the hood often enough to know how to deal with it (ignore the issue when the hood breaks in the middle of a photo-shoot) just fix things after the picture taking is over. Looks like nice engineering?....no, not so much. That being said, we like the lens and use it often; the glass is fantastic. So we get good pics, but the hood sucks (IMHO).
I have a Canon hood that kind of fits ok (little wobbly). The original has a timer in it and it explodes at an inconvenient moment. Pretty much I think it’s just the design of the retaining ring at the base of it. Eventually (maybe on a cold day) the small adhesive strips in it let go and the ring can slide right off, leaving you with the hood in one hand and the ring hula hooping around the lens body while the bearings and copper springs bounce off into the vegetation never to be seen again. I still love it. Just wish there was some other way of retaining the ring. Maybe if it had three screws, or even just plastic tabs that lock into it when it is assembled. And the lens is great of course. Edit: LH-76D fits the 40-150 perfectly (from the 100-400mm). Nice alternative for anybody who prefers a simple reversible hood. Note that the retractable hood from the 40-150 will not fit the 100-400mm though.
There is a way to prevent this from happening, take small pieces of electrical tape and put 3 of them around the back end of the hood, helps to secure the ring that holds the small balls in place, works for me.
This lens forced me to invest in the m43 system. You're right .. it's perfect for a trip to the zoo. The build quality is amazing. AF speed and accuracy - unmatched by any 70-200 I have tried. For me it is the number 1 lens, followed by the 17mm 1.2. Two weeks ago I bought a 300mm f4. I've used it before but the price has always held me back. I am writing about it because I have a few words about the teleconverters. Mc14 works great with 40-150 pro. However, I do not recommend the mc20 for this lens, especially for astrophotography. I have no idea why, but the image quality drops drastically (chromatic aberration, sharpness). I have no idea why the mc 20 works so well with the 300mm f4, but doesn't work with the 40-150pro. It's ok for daylight photography, but absolutely not for astrophotography. Unfortunately, my tracker can't handle a 300mm f4 and a mc20 with a 40-150 pro doesn't make sense for astrophotography. I believe that dual is is not needed in this lens, but it would be useful. I have no problem taking a picture of the moon in high res handheld mode with 300mm f4, but with the 40-150pro it is very difficult. Good review.
I know this is 2 years old, however, tonight I'm using the Sky Watcher Az-GTI in EQ mode, and am going to use the EM1 Mkiii and the fantastic 40-150 f2.8. Shooting the Heart Nebula if'n all goes well. Awesome video, thanks!!!
An Arca Swiss footplate would be a great idea and could be built into a replacement collar to lessen the cost of replacing the whole lens and collar.
Haoge makes one, can be found online.
There are actually a lot of aftermarket ones available. Which speaks for how demanded it is.
I have never done Astrophotography and I never knew about different aspects of it. This short video has taught me so much that I didn't know. Thank you so much for making this review! That said, are you interested at all about the newly announced 40-150 f4? I know you at the end you stated you were interested in it but I'm wondering if the likelihood of f4 being not as sharp and you would have to stop down further. Will this be an effect that could hurt an image?
Looking at your equipment size definitely doesn't matter. I never purchased the 40-150 2.8 because it's much too large for my own personal interest. But, I'm very interested in hearing what you think about the newly announced lens. Thank you again! Also I see why you use the E-M1x. That's definitely useful for what you shoot!
I would be interested in trying it out. I am on the Olympus program so I can get it on lone from them. I probably will. I bet though that the F4 will not need to be stopped down. The newer lenses seam to perform better. With it being a Pro level lens too. I did a review of the 100-400 and found it could be used at its widest aperture on the long end and it is not a pro lens.
One of the crown jewels of the M43 platform, I’d argue. And one of my favorite lenses I’ve ever owned on any system.
Arca Swiss? Look into the Haoge LMR-OM415 Lens Collar to replace the stock Olympus lens collar. There are some concerns mentioned on Amazon, but the copy I purchased has none of those issues… and indeed, has had none. If has been a great addition to the 40-150/2.8.
I have actually wondered about those. Might have to pick one up now.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel I picked one up for my 40-150/2.8... Works well for me.
The lens hood for the 60mm f/2.8 Macro is ALSO retractable, but sold separately, if I remember how I got it correctly. It's been a while. But it doesn't make that little lens look bigger, just longer.
I do want to pick one of those up eventually. I always liked macro. Especially in my film days.
Video shows Olympus body on mount. How do you control Olympus camera (not the ZWO) from astro software (like N.I.N.A). I can not find ASCOM driver for Olympus Camera. If you are aware of ascom driver for the Olympus (OM-1) camera, please post the link. Thanks for the reviw.
I do not use NINA. The developer refuses to make a MAC versions of it so I won't ever be able to try it.
That's next on my list. I'm enjoying the hell out of my EM1-III and 12-40 f/2.8, but I want something longer for wildlife.
Haven't gotten into astro yet, but I get down to Mesa Verde at least once a year. Have to give it a shot.
Thanks for your review!
You'r welcome. Its quite fun to do this and a challenge too.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel I just pulled the trigger on this lens. Also got the teleconverter, so 600 mm equivalent!
@@danielpittman889 It is a very versatile lens. I think you will love it.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Holy Cow! You can really reach out and touch someone with this mofo. I've just been shooting landscapers and some animals, but it's amazing.
Thanks so much for all your videos, I have learnt so much and you have convinced me to get into astrophotography - I have just ordered the Skywatcher Star Adventure 2i Pro. My only decision now is camera and lens!! My use will be 60% astro, 20% motorsports, 20% everything else. Option 1) EM1 Mkiii + the 40-150 F2.8 pro in this video. I already purchased the 8mm fisheye for some fun with astro landscape and in the pits at the track. But I have been very tempted to look at going down the full fame Sony path Option 2) Sony A7C full frame with the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. These two look to be a great combo with great continuous AF for the track and full frame for astro. May aim with astro is deep sky so will eventually also look at a refractor (80mm skywatcher APO or Redcat 51mm). So my hard decision point right now is Olympus 4/3 vs Sony Full frame - I'm hoping the sensor size doesn't make too much of a difference when it comes to deep sky and telescopes, in which case I may stick with Olympus.
First of this is awesome. I am so glad my video are motivating others to try this very tuff field of photography. It is very rewarding I promise you that.
Sounds like what you need is an Em1x because of the tracking of moving objects especially motor sports. I know it does not have the Starry Sky AF but it will eventually thought a firmware update. And that update could happen any day now.
As for the Sony vs 4/3 size debate. A larger sensor will only create a wider field of view and resolution in astrophotography. As far as brightness in this field they are the same. Most of the so called FF and light sensitivity is BS by marketing departments.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thank you so much for the reply! I think the EM1X is a bit too much for me - size and cost. My first camera was the EM5 Mki and I liked the compactness. I'm glad you said that regarding FF vs 4/3 - there is too much debate out there and information overload at times. The astronomy.tools website I found was useful at trying to explain pixel size and density matching to telescope focal length etc. Their CCD Suitability tool demonstrated to me that matching the camera to telescope was more important that simple sensor size. I think I will go with the EM1 Mkiii and 401-50 pro with MC1.4. Although I am tempted by the Oly 100-400 as just saw your video on that too! Big lens though and may be a telescope would be more what I was after once entering that range. Fortunately I am only 20 min drive away from Bortle 2 here in New Zealand.... except we are now heading into Summer and daylight savings... late sunsets... :(
@@rfingerboards8752If you are using a tracker I would say the 40-150 is a better match. plus the size of your rig needs to be as light as possible. So a lighter more compact camera is a good choice.
Eventually you will want to do guiding but for now do accurate polar alignments and do around 60 sec exposures.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Brilliant. Thank you! Star Adventurer is being shipped from Auckland today, will now start shopping for EM1 and 40-150. Appreciate your advice/help.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel well my EM1Mkii and 40-150 pro have arrived. Can't wait to try it out on the Star Adventurer. Although for some reason Olympus Workspace gives me an error when trying to update the camera - so I've already emailed Olympus Australia. Quick question if you can spare a few seconds. SD Card size and speeds for deep sky astro? Thanks.
Have you tried the 150mm f2
I had the 35-100mm f2 regret selling it
Em1x is made for people with giant hands
I agree. It could be smaller. I think the Em1 Mk2-3 were the perfect size. But it does fit me ok. It is still the smallest built in battery grip camera around, hope the next generation they go back to a smaller size. I think they might. A lot of the reviews said they thought it was large for a MFT camera. \
I just purchased an em1x and have this lens and the 35-100 f2 and can’t wait to try it out!
Loving all that weathersealing flex fyeah Olympus M43 master race HAHAHAHAHAHA
That said right - how does this compare to the Rokinon 135mm f2 especially for astrophotography? For an all-rounder (especially for travel) nothing beats the f2.8 lens line from Olympus but astrophotography is more demanding than any other photography niche out there.
PS - have you tried the 1.4x TC on the 100-400mm? My big brain plan when I travel to Japan for vacation was to buy the 100-400mm new in a smaller camera store (they're cheaper than chains like say, Bic Camera or Yodobashi) then get a used 40-150mm+1.4x TC combo (the used market there is chefs-kiss.gif). Then the pandemic happened. Good thing Amazon JP ships to where I am so I have the 100-400mm now.
I did do a review on the 100-400 but never tried the teleconverter except on the moon. It's a bit slow with the teleconverter on there.
The Rokinon is a tempting lens to get but I think I would only use it with my dedicated cameras because they need the MF option that is mechanical. Otherwise I would bet it gives same performance. Just about everyone stops it down to f4 to get good results in astrophotography.
@@TheNarrowbandChannel I was planning to use the 1.4x TC for planetary along with the 100-400mm, but I'm not sure if 560mm is enough focal length to resolve details for Jupiter or Saturn.
Eh, I guess my next astro purchase would be the Askar FRA400 f5.6 since the focal length of the ACL200 is covered already either by the 100-400mm at f5-ish, or the 40-150mm at f4 with the TC, and anything beyond that means getting a non-portable big boy mount.
Thanks!
@@marcusa3177 You need 2000mm minimum to do planetary. I would recommend either and SCT or a macistove for planetary. They re actually not too expensive.
Thank you very much... 👌👍👍🙏🙏
Great video... 👌👌👏
Greetings from Spain... "SALUDOS... 👋🙋😃 "
Thank you very much!
The way you talk I can tell you are really smart
Mate great review. I’ve had this combo (Em1x + 40-150) for years and it’s a superb all rounder. Any chance you could do a video on taking star/moon shots with this combo and post processing etc, in layman’s terms for dummies like me? Regards from Down Under
Hay Mate. I am envious of the sky that you have down under. And probably have less light pollution too. Anyway I actually did do some videos just like that. Check them out here. I used a different lens is all. the 100-400 because I did not yet have this lens.
ua-cam.com/video/Dok2DZdm9jw/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/F__mzIdqUOY/v-deo.html
@@TheNarrowbandChannel Many thx mate. I will go back and trawl through your other videos more thoroughly. And on the 40-150 lens hood, mine disintegrated a few months ago. Great design but fatally flawed. I'm not going to buy another one of these in particular, but need to find a replacement that wont self destruct. I think possibly the new 100-400 version may work on the 40-150
How better is it from panasonic 35- 100mm f2.8 ?
No idea. I have never touched a Pany lens.
it is an interesting lens shade..... BUT, We've lived with it for several years. AND, the lens shade is super fragile. It is easy to pop off the securing ring and discovering the lens hood is hard to manage --- oddly enough, lens shade/hood problems seem to happen right when a time-critical picture is about to be taken (or not). We've been frustrated by the hood often enough to know how to deal with it (ignore the issue when the hood breaks in the middle of a photo-shoot) just fix things after the picture taking is over. Looks like nice engineering?....no, not so much. That being said, we like the lens and use it often; the glass is fantastic. So we get good pics, but the hood sucks (IMHO).
Its a wonder Oly never made it an option. I Think thought that there are secondhand options that do work from third parties. I know I have seen them.
I have a Canon hood that kind of fits ok (little wobbly). The original has a timer in it and it explodes at an inconvenient moment.
Pretty much I think it’s just the design of the retaining ring at the base of it. Eventually (maybe on a cold day) the small adhesive strips in it let go and the ring can slide right off, leaving you with the hood in one hand and the ring hula hooping around the lens body while the bearings and copper springs bounce off into the vegetation never to be seen again.
I still love it. Just wish there was some other way of retaining the ring. Maybe if it had three screws, or even just plastic tabs that lock into it when it is assembled.
And the lens is great of course.
Edit: LH-76D fits the 40-150 perfectly (from the 100-400mm). Nice alternative for anybody who prefers a simple reversible hood. Note that the retractable hood from the 40-150 will not fit the 100-400mm though.
i buy UV lens is to protect the camera, once I shoot I remove it.
I’ve had two of those lens hoods break on me and don’t plan on buying a third. They are too fragile for field work.
I can understand that they must be fragile.Having never broken a lens hood I never thought to address it.
There is a way to prevent this from happening, take small pieces of electrical tape and put 3 of them around the back end of the hood, helps to secure the ring that holds the small balls in place, works for me.
Be careful with that lens hood, they break!!
That is what they say. So far going two years with mine without issue.
You need to change the title of the video. Astrophotography was missed in this video... only the last 30 seconds
Those are only pictures at the end. How it use it is what matters for astro.