Home / Technology / OM Lens Price Hike: Tariffs Drive Up Camera Gear Costs
OM Lens Price Hike: Tariffs Drive Up Camera Gear Costs
5 Dec
Summary
- OM System's 40-150mm F2.8 lens increased to $1,799.99 due to tariffs.
- The lens features weather sealing but lacks fluorine coating on the front element.
- In-body stabilization on OM cameras compensates for the lens's lack of OIS.
The OM System 40-150mm F2.8 lens, a well-regarded telephoto zoom, has recently seen its price jump to $1,799.99. OM System cited increased tariff rates as the reason for this price adjustment. This lens, originally an Olympus product, is praised for its portability, fast autofocus, and optical quality, making it a 'goldilocks' choice for many Micro Four Thirds photographers. It maintains its robust build and weather-sealed construction from its original design.
While the lens offers excellent performance, it has a few drawbacks compared to newer models. The front element does not feature fluorine coating, requiring more careful cleaning than lenses with this protective layer. Additionally, it lacks optical image stabilization, a feature present in other OM System telephoto lenses. However, the in-body stabilization found in OM cameras effectively compensates for this, enabling sharp shots even at slower shutter speeds.
Despite the price increase and minor design considerations, the 40-150mm F2.8 remains a versatile professional-grade zoom. Its F2.8 aperture is beneficial for low-light shooting and creating shallow depth of field. It also pairs with teleconverters, although this may impact image sharpness. The lens's enduring appeal lies in its balance of size, performance, and desirable aperture for enthusiast photographers.
