DavidT Loc: Maryland

If you can wait, Olympus will be releasing a new 300mm (600mm equivalent) f/4 PRO lens later this year, hopefully). It is big by m43rds standards, but much smaller than the Canon 100-400 or Tamron 150-600 lenses. You are correct in your finding that the choices out there now for long telephotos lenses for mirrorless cameras are rather mediocre.

daldds Loc: NYC

I have read the other responses with interest, because yesterday I sold my 75-300 which I used with a E-M1 & E-M5.
I did NOT like the auto-focusing at the extreme length when I had to shoot even moderately quickly, let alone rapidly. If the time existed to steady the camera & sharpen the focus with the 14x focusing ring, I was fine. But, and this is a big but, I have learned that the lenses that come with the bodies area at best adequate, and the 75-300 is in that category. I now have a 7-14 Lumix, a 25 prime Lumix, & a Zuiko 12-40, (which is superb, btw.)
It is obvious to me that buying less than top of the line is a waste. Unfortunately.
Most of my photography is street, so I can wait for the newer long lenses to arrive. I believe there are a couple about to hit the market.
About 1 1/2 years ago I sold all of my Nikon & Canon equipment to switch over to MFT's and with these quality lenses, I do not regret it for a minute. I was just in Greece on a workshop (don't be jealous, it was a family gift for a well-advanced birthday), and all of my stuff was in a sling bag. What a difference!

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

I have the Olympus OMD EM10 and use the 75-300 for bird photography. Am very pleased with IQ. AND I carry this lens around in a small fanny pack.

Mark

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

The olympus m43 75-300 is a good serviceable and reasonably priced lens that is equivalent to 600 reach. I use the lens for wildlife though that's not my primary target, I do mostly landscape. Panasonic makes a similar m43 version. In the coming year a pro version of that length lens will come out from Olympus but it will be rather expensive. It will be top quality and probably 2.8 throughout. Google Jay Dickman for good examples of animals and birds with the current 75-300 lens. I know an amateur bird photographer who gets amazing images with the 75-300 on an EM10.

rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR

Suntouched, I have the 75-300 Oly lens to go with my EM5 and EM1. It gives me nice images under good light, and has an equivalent 600mm reach which, of course, is one of the main features of m4/3. You might give one a try and see if it meets your needs. I do not have the 40-150 pro, only but do have the 12-40. However, if the 40-150 is built like the 12-40, and you have the funds, you might try it with the converter, as previously suggested, and my guess is this will suit your needs.

pills Loc: Memphis Tennessee

I have the olympus 40-150 mm F 2.8 pro and 1.4 x teleconvertor which yields 420 mm F4 in full frame terms. It is extremely sharp with outstanding quality and light enough to comfortably hand hold.you would be quite pleased with this combo if you do not need greater than 420 mm reach. If not the olympus 300 mm F 4 is due out this fall I think but Will be expensive likely $2500 or up.

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Later this fall a new lens in the PRO series is expected to be released: 300mm. Paired with the 1.4 TC it will give you 420mm reach or the field of view of an 840mm full frame.
I haven't yet seen an expected price for this lens, though.

I am using the TC with the 40-150 PRO lens now, for a FF equivalent field of view of 420mm.

I'm eyeballing the 7-14mm myself, and even though these lenses have not yet been released, I'm feeding my piggybank regularly, I don't expect these lenses to be cheap.

See: http://www.dpreview.com/articles/0520169368/olympus-confirms-development-of-7-14mm-f2-8-and-300mm-f4-pro-lenses

LukesBeach Loc: Pawleys Island, SC

Honestly, when I got the big Tamron 150-600 I was shocked at the weight. In five months, I swing it around like my 50 prime. I seldom use a tripod unless I'm doing HDR or long exposure. I pan flying birds, do sunrise seascapes, even followed a bee and got some amazing detail, sharp as a tack. And, I saved some bucks over the Canon 100-400. So, you know what I recommend, for what it's worth.

pills Loc: Memphis Tennessee

daldds Loc: NYC

And, you're using this with an MFT?

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Is who using what with an MFT?



Had a quick look, release early June. Will have to wait to order that baby as there's a chance we'll be away on holidays then.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Well I am jealous :) I too have the Olympus 12-40 2.8 pro lens and it is wonderful.

oldbirder Loc: Western Washington

The Olympus 75-300 should work very well for you. I have one and like it a lot.

agillot

if you are willing to shoot birds in totally manual mode , and want a light /not pricey lens , you could try a T mount 500 mm long lens , i got a BOWER , and like it .sure the final result is not up to par with a $ 10.000 heavy lens . so for about $ 125 have fun , then later on you can go the big gun way .a old fashion lens will teach you about exposure , and the critical hand focus , especially on flying birds . look at amazon or ebay , make sure you get the adaptor that fit your camera .

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Thank you everyone for your responses. At this point this is what I am thinking:

The full size 150-600 Tamron is just too heavy for me.

The Nikon 80-400 is very expensive and heavy and very expensive- oh did I already say that :)

I have a Tamron 14-150 mm for the M-10 and while it is light and handy to have it is nowhere near the quality of the the Canon 100-400 II. I have to wonder if it is the same for the Olympus version.

I looked at the 300 mm Pro but there are no specs. It is sure to be expensive. It is sure to be heavy given that a lens collar is included. It is sure to be an excellent lens. Hmm

The 40-150 Pro with teleconverter - I am leaning towards this. I looked at the specs on B&H. Its heavy and pricey but doable.

I signed up for Jay's newsletter- he does amazing work.