CameraReview

OM System M.Zuiko ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II

OM System · 100–400 mm · f/5–6.3 · Image Stabilization

OM System M.Zuiko ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS II

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Physical 64
Optics 53
Features 96
Construction 41
62
SCORE /100
Buying Options
What We Like
+Exceptional 7-stop image stabilization with Sync IS when paired with compatible OM SYSTEM cameras
+Compact and lightweight design (1.125kg) makes it highly portable for a 200-800mm equivalent telephoto zoom
+Excellent image quality with 21-element optical design featuring ED and HR elements for sharp, contrasty images
+Strong weather sealing (IPX1 rated) with fluorine coating, ideal for outdoor and wildlife photography
+Telemacro capability with 1.3m minimum focus distance and 0.57x magnification (35mm equivalent) for close-range shots
+Compatible with OM teleconverters (MC-14 and MC-20) for extended reach up to 1600mm equivalent
Worth Knowing
−Aperture range of f/5.0-6.3 is relatively narrow, requiring higher ISO in lower light conditions
−Some users report mild 'donut' bokeh in out-of-focus highlights with specular reflections
−Teleconverter use, especially the 2x MC-20, results in diminished image quality and difficult handling
−Larger and heavier than some competing options (e.g., Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm)

General

About This Lens
The M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II is a remarkable achievement in telephoto lens design that combines impressive reach, excellent image quality, and professional-grade features in a package that remains practical for extended use. The camera can synchronize the lens IS with its built-in IBIS system, boosting stabilization to up to 7 stops. The IPX1 weather sealing and fluorine coating on the front element demonstrate OM SYSTEM's commitment to field usability, making this lens reliable in challenging weather conditions.
BrandOM System
Release Year2025
Production Status
ⓘ
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Version
ⓘ
The iteration or release number of a particular lens model.
II
Lens Mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro Four Thirds
System
ⓘ
Indicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to.
Micro Four Thirds
Maximum Format
ⓘ
Largest sensor size compatible with the lens.
Micro Four Thirds

Physical

64/100
Lens Weight1125 g
Lens Diameter
ⓘ
Width of the lens at its widest point
86.4 mm
Lens Length
ⓘ
How long the lens is from front to back.
206 mm
Front Filter Compatible
ⓘ
Some lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove.
Yes
Front Filter Size
ⓘ
Diameter of attachable filters.
72 mm

Optics

53/100
Focal Range
ⓘ
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
100–400 mm
Aperture Range
ⓘ
Largest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end)
5–6.3
Focal Length Angle of View12°–3.1°
Flange Focal Distance
ⓘ
Distance from lens mount to sensor.
19.25 mm
Diaphragm Type
ⓘ
Structure and design of the aperture
Automatic
Blades
ⓘ
Number of diaphragm blades in aperture
9020
Zoom Lens
ⓘ
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
Yes
Zoom Mechanism
ⓘ
System enabling zoom function
Manual
Zoom Ring
ⓘ
If zooming is adjusted using a zoom ring
Yes
Zoom Type
ⓘ
The design or approach to zooming
Rotary
Closest Focusing Distance
ⓘ
Minimum distance for a subject to be in focus.
130 cm01500
Maximum Magnification
ⓘ
Largest size a subject can be reproduced
0.29x
Autofocus ModeYes
Manual ModeYes
Manual Focusing RingYes

Features

96/100
Weather Sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Fluorine Coating
ⓘ
Coating to repel water and oil from lens elements.
Yes
Built In Lens HoodNo
Lens Hood TypeRound
Zoom Lock
ⓘ
Zoom lock allows the zoom ring to be locked at the desired focal length
Yes
Teleconverter
ⓘ
A teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification
Yes
Image StabilizationYes
IS Efficiency
ⓘ
IS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides.
4.5 stops

Construction

41/100
Elements
ⓘ
Lens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens.
21
Groups15
Aspherical Elements
ⓘ
The number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration.
0
Bi Aspherical Elements
ⓘ
Elements with two non-spherical surfaces
0
Low Dispersion
ⓘ
Elements that reduce chromatic aberration
4
Super Low Dispersion
ⓘ
Advanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration
2
CA Reduction
ⓘ
Built-in features to reduce chromatic aberration
0
Internal Focusing
ⓘ
Internal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate.
Yes