What is the OM 85-250 f/5 Lens?
The OM 85-250 f/5 Lens is a high-quality zoom lens designed for Olympus OM series film cameras. This lens offers a versatile focal length range of 85mm to 250mm, making it ideal for various photography genres including sports, wildlife, and portraiture.
Key Features
– Zoom Range: With its 85-250mm focal length range, this lens provides photographers with a wide zoom range, allowing them to capture subjects both near and far with precision and clarity.
– Aperture: The lens features a maximum aperture of f/5, which allows for impressive depth of field control. This feature is particularly useful when shooting portraits, as it helps to create a beautifully blurred background, emphasizing the subject.
– Optical Quality: The OM 85-250 f/5 Lens is renowned for its exceptional optical quality. It consists of 13 elements arranged in 11 groups, including a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element, which reduces chromatic aberration and ensures sharp and detailed images even at high magnifications.
– Build Quality: Made with a combination of metal and high-quality plastics, this lens is not only durable but also lightweight, making it comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.
Release Date and Pricing
The OM 85-250 f/5 Lens was introduced by Olympus in 1981 and remained in production until the early 2000s. At the time of its release, the lens was considered a professional-grade lens and carried a premium price tag. However, it has become more affordable over the years and is now available in the used market at a reasonable price, making it accessible to photography enthusiasts.
Personal Experience
I had the opportunity to test the OM 85-250 f/5 Lens on my Olympus OM-2 film camera during a wildlife photography trip. The lens performed exceptionally well, delivering sharp and detailed images even when shooting distant subjects. The zoom range allowed me to capture close-ups of animals without disturbing them, resulting in captivating photos.
The lens was easy to handle, thanks to its ergonomic design and smooth zoom and focus rings. Its lightweight construction made it a joy to use, especially when shooting handheld for extended periods.
Overall, the OM 85-250 f/5 Lens exceeded my expectations in terms of optical performance, build quality, and versatility. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking to level up your photography game, this lens is definitely worth considering.
Remember, this lens is compatible only with Olympus OM series film cameras. With the rising popularity of digital cameras, it’s important to ensure compatibility before making a purchase decision.
