I have still using the OMD EM5. I'm looking into getting a telephoto zoom that covers the 200mm (35mm equivalent) focal length.
My choices are
1. Panasonic 35-100
2. Oly 75-300
3. Panasonic 100-300
4. 40-200
Or, I could upgrade to the EM1 and get the Zuiko 50-250mm . How is the non-SWD version of this lens compared to the ones above in terms of sharpness and focusing ability?
My question is, other than cost and faster aperture, which one should I get for wild life? I'll be shooting at 200mm+ focal lengths (35mm evquivalent)
It is a difficult question..
4) Forget about the 40-200mm Panasonic : I have read many complaints about it. It is the oldest long zoom issued for MFT.
3) I own a 100-300mm Panasonic and I don't like it. It is not bad at the short end on relatively near subjects, but forget the long end : it will loose a lot of contrast and mine isn't even able to focus at infinite. Some like that zoom however. It may be due to sample variation. It is a rather heavy lens compared to the Olympus 75-300mm.
2) I never shot with the 75-300mm Olympus. It is lighter, but a tad slower at the long end. IQ may not be very different from the 100-300mm : they are in the same category. Olympus has issued a second version, whose price is now competitive with the 100-300mm Panasonic.
1) Panasonic 35-100mm : it has a very good reputation and is clearly a level above all the others. But it may be a little short at 100mm compared to your other choices. Among the four you named, this is the one I'd get.
I don't know anything about the 4/3 lenses. Usually they have good reputation for long zoom, but they may be very heavy.
Are you in a hurry ? Two new lenses are announced by Olympus for this year : a "pro" 40-150mm fast zoom and a 300mm F4 tele. If the 40-150mm is on par with the 12-40mm, then I would get one.
If you are in a hurry, may be get the actual Olympus 40-150mm, it is a cheap and very light zoom offering surprisingly good results for its price and size. Some got it for as low as 99$. Then when the higher IQ zooms are issued, you won't have lost too much money. The only inconvenient of the 40-150mm, which I own, is the when you shoot at 150mm with the hood, it becomes quite long and you won't remain unseen..
The issuing of the Olympus 40-150mm is imminent, it should arrive before the summer.. From the pictures, the Panasonic 35-100mm will be more compact, but it has less reach. Personally, I own the light Olympus 40-150mm, plus the Panasonic 100-300mm and I'm waiting to see how the Olympus "pro" 40-150mm will compare with the Panasonic 35-100mm before I make any decision between the two.