I bought this lens for use with one of the smaller Olympus DSLR bodies to give me a 10:1 zoom "one lens" solution for use on future walking holidays. This is by way of upgrade from various Olympus wide zoom and other cameras which I have used on previous holidays. Inevitably, in going the DSLR route, I have had to accept some weight and bulk penalty, but this lens is reasonable, given its capability. I could have saved some weight by changing to an alternative make, but it might not perform as well as a proper Zuiko. Whilst I did not expect the image quality and speed to match that of the excellent (but heavier) Olympus Zuikio pro lenses, I have been very pleased with the results so far. I am particularly happy that this lens appears not to suffer from zoom creep, although it does have a lock, just in case. The 18-180 plus Exxx camera is a definite improvement from my previous "walking holiday" cameras. (Possibly with the exception of the excellent C8080WZ, althoug even this is only 5:1 zoom and does not do as well in low light). If you can accept the relatively slow speed and some quality compromises at the ends of the zoom range, and the lack of a very wide angle capability, this lens could be all you need for holidays. I intend to use mine with an image stabilised body such as the E520. This is well balanced and feels right. If I wanted an even lighter set-up without image stabilisation, I would chose an Olympus body from the E4xx series, although at the risk that it might be "front heavy" Would I chose it again - definitely, at the right price.Read full review
This is a 10X zoom, so it has + and - points. I bought it to replace the lightweight 14 - 42 ED and 40 - 150 ED which formed my going away kit. (This eliminates the need to change lenses and let dust into the camera). The zoom range is awesome and as long as the lens is stopped down a little produces excellent pictures. The downside is the lens is slow, for most of the range f6.3. So it is best used in bright sunlight. It is not an indoor or night lens, if you shoot in low light stick to the ED lenses mentioned above or pay a fortune for the olympus pro lenses. Having said that I have already taken several cracking pictures with it and with time may well use this lens a lot more. For those on a limited budget I recommend this lens. My camera is an Olympus E-1.
Fantastic lens. excellent picture quality, really sharp. Love it. would recommend this lens as it is very impressive.
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