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Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,420Lens mount:Four ThirdsMaximum focal length:250 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:14 °

Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

80%

6.7

Technical score

20%

7.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 52% of camera-lenses
6.7

Technical score

Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components

35%

7.9

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.7

Build & Handling

20%

7.3

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

â–²Better than 58% of camera-lenses
7.1

User score

User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

Based on 6 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 94% of camera-lenses
  • olympus-zuiko-ed-90-250mm-f-2-8
olympus-zuiko-ed-90-250mm-f-2-8

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8

Technical score
Technical score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 58% of models
Score components:

35%

7.9

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.7

Build & Handling

20%

7.3

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

8.2

Mount & Format

6.7
User score
User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 94% of models
Score components

70%

8.8

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

Based on 6 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
7.1
Popularity
Popularity
3.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 87% of models
Popularity:
Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 has a popularity score of 3 points, which is lower than 86.6% of camera lenses.
3.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 86% of models
Score components:

60%

6.8

Overall score

40%

3.0

Price

5.7
Lens type
telephoto zoom
Lens mount
Four Thirds
Sensor format coverage
Four Thirds
Filter thread size
105 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Supports Olympus EC-14 and EC-20.
Show more
Minimum focal length
90 mm
Maximum focal length
250 mm
Optical zoom
2.8xx
Maximum angle of view
14 °
Minimum angle of view
5 °
Show more
Focus motor
DC motor
Minimum focus distance
2.5 m
Minimum focus distance
2.5 m
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 2.5 m, which is farther than 97% of camera lenses and equal to 0.6% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.08xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.08x
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.08x, which is lower than 96.8% of camera lenses and equal to 2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via AF+MF setting.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
â–¼ Worse than 29% of models
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
3,270 g
Weight
3,270 g
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 3,270 g, which is heavier than 98.4% of camera lenses.
Lens length
276 mm
Lens length
276 mm
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 276 mm long, which is longer than 96.4% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
124 mm
Lens diameter
124 mm
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 124 mm, which is wider than 96.6% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports Olympus EC-14 and EC-20.
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has internal zoom
    Internal zoom
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This camera lens has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10.1% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    3
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    3 vs 2
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports Olympus EC-14 and EC-20.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    3
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    3 vs 2
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has internal zoom
    Internal zoom
    yes
    ★ Better than 90% of models
    This camera lens has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10.1% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • 2,760 g heavier
    Weight
    3,270 g
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (3270 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    3,270 g vs 510 g
  • 183.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    276 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (276 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    276 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 47 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    124 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (124 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    124 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2005
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    February 2005
    2005 vs 2016
  • 0.11 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.08 x
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.08 x vs 0.192 x
  • 18.6% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8
    the average camera lens
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.05 vs 8.360).
    7.05 vs 8.36
  • 18.6% lower user score
    User score
    7.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
    When it matters
    When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8
    the average camera lens
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.05 vs 8.360).
    7.05 vs 8.36
  • 2.68x more expensive
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,420 vs £530).
    £1,420 vs £530
  • 2.45x less popular
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 is less popular than the average camera lens (2.97 vs 7.3).
    2.97 vs 7.29
  • 21.7% worse value for money
    Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8 has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.66 vs 6.9).
    5.66 vs 6.89
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 2.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.5 m
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • 0.11 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.08 x
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.08 x vs 0.192 x
  • 2,760 g heavier
    Weight
    3,270 g
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (3270 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    3,270 g vs 510 g
  • 183.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    276 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (276 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    276 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 47 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    124 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (124 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    124 mm vs 77 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2005
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    February 2005
    2005 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
ephotozine.com
12/06/2006
Summary of the review
Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f/2.8 Interchangeable Lens Review
F
focus-review.com
24/03/2016
Summary of the review
Olympus 300mm f/4 Test - Focus Review (With mentions of the 90-250mm legacy)
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 6 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8

  • Constant fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range
  • Excellent build quality with robust all-metal barrel construction
  • Dustproof, splashproof, and weather-sealed design
  • Superb color rendition and high optical contrast
  • Pleasing, smooth background bokeh due to 9 rounded diaphragm blades
  • Highly versatile focal range for a fixed wide-aperture telephoto zoom

What we don't like about Olympus Zuiko ED 90 250mm F 2 8

  • Extremely heavy and bulky, making handheld shooting difficult
  • Autofocus is slow, prone to hunting, and lags behind modern standards
  • Very expensive original retail price and costly large 105mm filters
  • Legacy Four Thirds mount requires an adapter for modern Micro Four Thirds bodies
  • Noticeable fall-off in sharpness and resolution toward the edges
  • Sub-par performance and image degradation when paired with 2x teleconverters

Verdict

The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f/2.8 is a professional-grade super-telephoto zoom lens designed for the Four Thirds system, offering a versatile 35mm equivalent focal range of 180-500mm. Its standout characteristic is the fast, constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire 2.8x zoom range, supported by an advanced optical construction of 17 elements in 12 groups, including three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior contrast and resolution. Main pros include its exceptional image quality, robust weather-sealed and dustproof all-metal barrel, and the ability to maintain high speeds in low-light environments. However, notable cons are its substantial weight of approximately 3,270g, a large 105mm filter thread that makes filters expensive, and autofocus performance that is often described as slow and hesitant compared to modern native Micro Four Thirds lenses.

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