by Ian Burley
Are the two different versions of the 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 that different?
Download our sample images and make your own mind up
I have been asked on more than one occasion if I think the new SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive autofocus) version of the trusty Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200 f/2.8-3.5 ED zoom (on the right, above) has been improved in an optical sense. On paper, its design looks identical, with To help further the debate, below are links to samples taken with both lenses using an Olympus E-3. I took sample images at 50mm, around 100mm and 200mm, both with the aperture wide open and stopped down to an optimal f/5.6. The in-camera JPEG and RAW files have both been made available for you to examine.
The new SWD version of this lens does have slightly altered optics. It's plain to see just by looking down the front of both lenses side by side. My guess is that the SWD version had to be altered to accommodate the big sonic ring motor at the front of the lens. Physically, the new lens, especially with its over-size hood - complete with door for accessing a rotating filter, looks appreciably bigger than its predecessor. However, the new lens is actually slightly lighter - possibly because of the SWD focus motor. The tripod mount flexes less than the original version, which is a welcome improvement.
It was a rather grey day when these samples were recorded, but there is a reasonable amount of fine detail and contrast to test the lenses. I haven't yet bench-tested the new lens, but as soon as I have, I will let you know!
Click on a thumbnail below to view the full size in-camera JPEG on your browser (around 4-5MB) or right click and download the target file. Underneath is a download link for the corresponding RAW file.
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P4188861 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD @50mm, 1/500th, f/2.8, ISO 100. |
P4188862 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD @50mm, 1/100th, f/5.6, ISO 100. |
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P4188863 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD @101mm, 1/320th, f/3.2, ISO 100. |
P4188864 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD @101mm, 1/100th, f/5.6, ISO 100. |
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P4188865 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD @200mm, 1/320th, f/3.5, ISO 100. |
P4188866 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED SWD @200mm, 1/320th, f/5.6, ISO 100. |
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P4188867 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED (Mk.I) @50mm, 1/500th, f/2.8, ISO 100. |
P4188868 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED (Mk.I) @50mm, 1/125th, f/5.6, ISO 100. |
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P4188869 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED (Mk.I) @96mm, 1/500th, f/2.9, ISO 100. |
P4188870 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED (Mk.I) @96mm, 1/125th, f/5.6, ISO 100. |
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P4188871 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED (Mk.I) @200mm, 1/320th, f/3.5, ISO 100. |
P4188872 - Olympus Digital Zuiko 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5 ED (Mk.I) @200mm, 1/125th, f/5.6, ISO 100. |
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Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Four Thirds User editorial team Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Here is a direct photographic comparison of the original and new SWD versions of the Olympus Digital... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I'm really keen to hear some feedback to these sample images. Is there a big difference?
Ian... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I would like to hear comments too. I am still waiting for my SWD, first ordered and paid for in Febr... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
February? Where did you order it from?! (Oh, hang on - this is the customs caper in Spain, no? :(... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Yes indeed, the Spanish customs caper ! The story goes from the bizarre to the ridiculous. The custo... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
There was a mis-labeling of two of the SWD shots, which has now been corrected.
The first six ima... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Seems like you need to find a trustworthy place in town to accept deliveries for you. Bad luck, I... (more)
John Perriment Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Bear,
So sorry to hear this tale. My view is that if it was a secure "sign for" service that T... (more)
John Perriment Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I've downloaded one image from each of the lenses and cannot see any difference on my monitor. It... (more)
Wickster Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Interesting. Thanks for the comparison, it'll help me me out later when I graduate from my kit lense... (more)
David Dunnico Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I've had bad experiences with TNT too (though nothing as expensive as Bear). What makes them even mo... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
John
Thanks for the words of encouragement. The Spanish legal system, however, is fundamentally d... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Thanks Ian.
See my post in response to John's comments for a brief overview of the town. A trustw... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Cheers mate
If TNT has actually left it in the village then I will get it - it is only a matter o... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
A message from a very happy Bear ! Walking down the street today the owner of the local tobacconist ... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I have to confess that Julia and I had a good chortle when we read your post above - in relief mo... (more)
Bear Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Will post as soon as I have some - off to a 'concert' at a local bar tomorrow night so will be inter... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I'm still hoping for some more feedback on the samples - is the SWD version noticeably better? :)
... (more)
thestickman Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I don't know if it will be too late, but perhaps for the London meet there could be an unofficial po... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I have both the new and old 50-200s and will be able to bring them to the next meet.
Olympus a... (more)
thestickman Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
I hope they do :D I think I'll be picking up the 50-500mm and the 25mm over the next couple of we... (more)
Rick D Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Hi Ian,
Nice bit of work on the comparison images. I have to say, after poring over them they're ... (more)
Ian Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Thanks Rick. In answer to your question about the old and new lens hood fittings, unfortunately, ... (more)
Rick D Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Thanks for your followup, Ian.
I guess I'm not surprised, as the 12-60 hood bayonet design seems ... (more)
nrdlnd Re: Comparing the Digital Zuiko 50-200 old and new
Hi,
I can't see much difference. What Olympus said was that the "boquet" should be diffferent but... (more)