The Olympus 40-150mm f2.8 – Updated

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A check on my ongoing log of camera equipment purchases shows that my last lens purchase was almost exactly two years ago now, and specifically the 40-150mm f2.8. There are still a few m4/3 lenses that I’m keeping an eye on – including an ultra wide-angle of roughly between 7 to 14mm coverage, and also a general all-purpose travel lens of 12-80mm or so coverage. None constitute a real pressing need though since our travel photography needs are largely met by the 12-40mm and 40-150mm f2.8s, so I’m happy to wait until good deals for these other lenses show up, either new or as pre-loved equipment.

The one lens that has turned out to be quite a surprise from projected to actual use is the Olympus 40-15mm f2.8. Specifically, at the point of purchase, I’d intended the lens to be just for occasional use. But the two years I’ve had this lens have seen it become a regular staple for me to take pictures of our kids whenever we’re out of doors both in and out of Singapore, full moons, and most recently now – of our Syrian hamster and two cavies.

The lens really lives up to its ‘Pro’ designation: it’s unfailingly sharp even wide-open at f2.8 – though subject motion, especially when coupled with lower shutter speed settings that are necessary when I’m shooting our pets at home is a perpetual challenge – and the lens, interestingly, seems to find the optimal focusing solution ever so slightly quicker on my Panasonic GX85 than the Olympus E-M1.

Pictures as always!

Danny, our black/vienna chestnut, remains the more timid and skittish of our two cavies. He can also be a little rough. On more than a few occasions, we’ve observed him snatching food from his more affable and also genial brother, Rudolf.
Rudolf, our chocolate-coat Sheltie, is now distinctly larger, possibly on account that he’s a much more carbo and fiber person, preferring hay and food pellets over veggies, while Danny is the total opposite.
We’ve been bringing the kids out to ride their kick scooters on weekends. Peter is still unable to launch himself confidently though, and prefers to piggy ride on my e-scooter!
Hannah on the other hand scoots with ease. In fact, the speed in which she can coast along is about 13-14 km/h now, which is about the speed I go on the Passion10 e-scooter when on shared paths.
The two do bicker a bit at home – usually starting when Peter takes one of Hannah’s things without her OK-ing it first, but the two seem to still genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Hope they’d be forever be close!