OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm
Score: 84/100
Tamron 150-500mm
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD offers superb sharpness and effective 3-mode vibration compensation in a relatively portable super-telephoto package. Its drawbacks include a variable aperture that hampers low-light AF and a heavy build that benefits from tripod use. Best suited for wildlife and sports photographers who need long reach without the bulk of native lenses.
The Olympus 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO is a professional-grade, weather-sealed zoom offering razor-sharp optics and industry-leading 7-stop image stabilization. Its trade-offs are a slower constant f/4 aperture, some distortion at extremes, and a heavier package. It excels for hybrid shooters and travelers needing a versatile, rugged all-in-one lens.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
4best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.15 mbest | 0.6 m |
| ↓ lower better | 561 gbest | 1,879 g |
8.3best | 3.3 | |
7 | 9best | |
0.3best | — | |
17best | — | |
11best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E-mount |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | MSC | VXD |
Optics(5) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 12-100 mm | 150-500 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0 | 5-6.7 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.15 m | 0.6 m |
Zoom Ratio | 8.33 | 3.33 |
Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 72 mm | 82 mm |
Weight (g) | 561 g | 1879 g |
Length (mm) | 116.8 mm | 211 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77.5 mm | 94 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the OM System 12-100mm f/4 IS PRO for its razor-sharp optics, industry-leading up to 7-stop Sync IS, and rugged IP53-sealed construction. They commend its fast, quiet MSC autofocus and the versatile 24-200mm equivalent range, calling it a class-defining all-in-one solution, while noting the constant f/4 aperture and occasional distortion as the main trade-offs.
Everyday users celebrate the lens as a travel-friendly "do-it-all" tool that delivers sharp images, reliable weather sealing, and game-changing stabilization for handheld video. Common criticisms focus on the f/4 aperture being too slow for indoor events, occasional corner softness at 100mm, and the lens's size and weight on smaller bodies.
“do-it-all convenience for travel (one lens replaces multiple)”
“sharp images wide open”
“reliable weather sealing in rain/dust”
Professional reviewers consistently praise the Tamron 150-500mm for its excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, especially when stopped down, and for its 2-3 stop VC system that makes handheld shooting at 500mm viable. The VXD autofocus is lauded for speed, quietness and reliable bird-tracking, while the weather-sealed build and Arca-Swiss tripod collar add rugged appeal. Critics note the extending barrel's exposure to elements, the slower variable aperture that hampers low-light AF, and the reduced 15 fps burst on Sony A1 compared with native lenses.
Everyday users echo the pros highlighted by experts, valuing the lens's sharp handheld wildlife results, close-focus flexibility and strong price-to-performance ratio. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight during extended handheld use, occasional low-light autofocus hesitation, and concerns about the extending barrel in dusty or rainy environments.
