The Tamron 80-200/2.8 isn't an elephant tusk? It's been quite awhile since
I've seen a Vivitar S1 70-210, but IRRC the Tamron is slightly bigger.
Perhaps my experience is pretty limited but the only zooms I've seen that
are bigger than the 80-200/2.8 have significantly longer focal lengths.
When I bought my 70-150 many years ago I remember looking at the Vivitar S1
70-210 (which had been getting great reviews) and betting that I would never
take it backpacking. I've never regretted getting the Zuiko 70-150/4. I
think an aperture of f4 in that focal range almost defines it as "consumer"
grade. The "pro" grade would aim for more speed. I've been very happy with
the quality of the pictures from the 70-150/4 and personally think of the
trade off more as weight vs. speed rather than consumer vs. pro. Most of the
Zuko telephoto range would fall into the consumer vs. pro class. The desired
small size forces that trade off. The plastic/Cosina versions were a latter
trade off that was made. YMMV
-jeff
-----Original Message-----
From: John A. Lind
Regarding the OM 75-150 and 70-210, my benchmark "comparator" for their
optics (and other mid-tele zooms) is the Tamron Adaptall 80-200/2.8 ED. Its
optics are quite excellent and with (IIRC) nine aperture blades. It's also
bigger, noticeably heavier (enough to have its own tripod mount), much more
costly, and well outside "mid-tele zoom with 49mm filter ring" class. It
has slight pincushion at the long end but not enough to be problematic
unless there is a very strong, straight line very close and parallel to a
frame edge, and running along at least most of it. Its filter ring also
rotates with focusing. Nevertheless, it provides an example of what is
possible in a mid-tele zoom without being an "elephant tusk" and a standard
against which the compromises made for smaller size, lower weight and less
cost can be measured.
-- John Lind
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