OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO vs OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO
The bottom line
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is a zoom (150-400mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is a 300mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/4 vs f/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 300mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 150mm vs 300mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 150-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 300mm can't reframe.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $2,499 vs $7,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 300mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 1475g (3.25 lb) it's lighter than the 1875g (4.13 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO opens to f/4 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is 150-400mm, OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is 300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is a zoom (flexible framing), the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is $2,499, $5,000 under the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO.
- ›Weight: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is 1475g (3.25 lb) vs 1875g (4.13 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO or the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO better?
The OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is a zoom (150-400mm) and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO is a 300mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/4 vs f/4.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 300mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 150mm vs 300mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 150-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 300mm can't reframe. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO?
Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO if you're on a budget — $2,499 vs $7,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 300mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 1475g (3.25 lb) it's lighter than the 1875g (4.13 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO and the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO?
Aperture: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO opens to f/4 vs the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 150-400mm | 300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 35 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 26 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Angle of View | 8.3° – 3.1° | 4° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 300-800mm | 600-600mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | DSP |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 140 cm | 200 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.48x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $7,499 | $2,499 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 72mm |
| Diameter | 130mm | 92.5mm |
| Length | 313.7mm | 227.2mm |
| Weight | 1875g (4.13 lb) | 1475g (3.25 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
