5 people have reviewed this model.
| About - Olympus Zuiko Digital 18-180mm f3.5-6.3 |
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The Olympus Zuiko Digital 18-180mm f3.5-6.3 is part of the SLR lens test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, SLR lens models like the Zuiko Digital 18-180mm f3.5-6.3 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
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| About This Brand |
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Until 2002, Olympus sold film-based, 35-mm SLR cameras under the Olympus OM system. The company currently sells digital SLRs, which use the Four Thirds sensor system, under its E-series line of DSLRs, and lenses under the Zuiko Digital label. It is also developing cameras and lenses using the new Micro Four Thirds system. Olympus currently has more than 20 Zuiko Digital lenses in varying focal lengths that it splits into three classes: super high grade, high grade, and standard. Old Olympus film-camera lenses can be used with the Four Thirds system using an adapter ring. |
| Features & Specs - Olympus Zuiko Digital 18-180mm f3.5-6.3 | |
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Kit bodies |
Data not available |
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Zoom ratio |
10X |
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Bayonet |
Four-thirds system |
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Weight (oz.) |
15.3 |
| More features and specs | |
| Additional Information (The information below has been supplied by an external source.) |
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| General Information | |
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| Manufacturer | Olympus Corporation |
| Manufacturer Website Address | www.olympusamerica.com |
| Product Line | ZUIKO |
| Product Name | Zuiko 18mm - 180mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Digital Zoom Lens |
| Product Type | Lens |
Consumer Reports User Reviews
Already own it? Write a review
By from
Great Lens!
8/6/2009
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comment:
I really like this lens- it works well as a telephoto and is capable of very sharp closeup pictures.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Other User Reviews
By
User has 2 of experience with this product
Good Walk Around Lens
04/01/2008
Strength
Zoom Range
Weakness
Not a very fast lens.
I bought this lens so that I would not have to hassle with changing out the two kit lenses. It is a good lens for bright light and outdoor shots. The lens is not fast enough for outdoor sports under stadium lights or indoors under average light conditions when I could not use a flash. In both situations I missed a lot of shots when attempting to zoom in on a subject. For the money the lens works as advertised.Know these limitation before making a purchase.
Source: Price Grabber
By
User has 20 Days of experience with this product
Zuiko 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 ED Lens for Olympus Digital Cameras
02/18/2008
Strength
10x(36-360mm equivalent) magnification, Convenience.
Weakness
f3.5 at widest, f6.3 at tele end; Hunting in low light conditions; Minimum focusing distance 42cm or 17in.
The lens feels better as far as construction quality is concerned and much more convenient than having to carry 14-45mm and 40-150mm kit lens. However, aperture at tele end in 6.3---which results in hunting, other than in brightly lit conditions. Very smooth zoom action & lens lock works to keep lens in place especially when being carried around. Sharpness throughout zoom range is decent, not much noticeable barrel distortion or pincushioning either. Overall, a very good starter lens & highly recommended.
Source: Price Grabber
By
User has 1 Month of experience with this product
Universal Macro-Zoom Lens
01/24/2008
Strength
Universality, 10x magnification, Fast Focusing in good light condition, sturdy body
Weakness
a little pricey and a little heavy
This is a great lens to go with Olympus E410/E510 and earlier models. I was eyeing it with interest since it was first offered and, in fact, this lens was the primary reason why I decided to opt for Olympus as oppose to other well-known brands like Nikon and Canon. Universality is the key for me, although for the professionals this may sound amateurish. However, for anyone who feels like ordinary digital point-and-shoot camera doesn't satisfy your wish for speed, quality and clarity of photos, this is a great entry into world of DSLR cameras. Prices can easily rack from hundreds into thousands for any DSLR - and I mean only camera body and 1-2 basic lenses. So when I had a choice between bundle of E410 with 14-45mm and 50-140mm and one with 18-180mm I didn't hesitate. The convenience of having one lens covering practically the same range outstripped even the price hike of over $200 (yes, this one lens cost more that the other two - at least when you buy them as bundle). I didn't regret about this decision when I tried the other set in nearby Circuit City - the zoom ratio is FAR better than any of these lens. 10x magnification is also a great advantage - being able to switch between macro shooting - like flowers insects and such - to taking a shot of flying bird is tremendous pleasure for me. Macro photography lover - keep in mind that lowest focusing distance is about 42cm/17in, so if you like to practically 'touch' the subject - it is probably not the lens for you. Zoom is also pretty decent for the price and combined with resolution of 10M you have plenty of cropping choice. The focusing is very good, especially in decent lighting conditions, in the dark room it might take a little while to focus properly. The choice of aperture is pretty good starting at 3.5. This is given that Olympus places this lens in it's standard grade. So when you decide to upgrade - you have the High Grade and Super-High Grade to go to. Personally I am considering buying a Prime (non zoom) lens of 50mm - which is the equivalent of the normal human sight. This one at the time of writing this review cost about the same as the 18-180mm and belong to High Grade. You can find detailed characteristics of all available lens here.http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/lens/dea/products/lens/18-180_35-63/index.aspNow here are few wishes to Olympus. I will not discuss the focusing in dark conditions mentioned above, as it is really a minor thing and may be corrected with time and experience, especially since the firmware of the camera AND lens is upgradeable. However considering 435g weight of lens (it has the lock to keep it from unfolding) combined with 375g of body E410, you will understand that this will make you change your photographing style - moving to the pro's level - just like you expected. In the review of E410 camera I mentioned that lack of proper grip hurts ergonomics of E410, so I strongly suggest that you go for higher model E510 which has traditional ergonomics especially if you buy this lens. Even in that case you will need use second hand to hold the lens as it is pretty heavy. But this is only fair given the durability and the quality of the lens. The same goes for the price - it is high, but the lens is worth every penny of it. Overall - great win and perfect introduction into DSLR.
Source: Price Grabber
