While some people worry that Olympus has fallen following their announcement of an MOU to sell to JIP. Olympus has settled some of those concerns by announcing updates to their lens roadmap.

150-400mm

The much anticipated M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is on schedule to be released in Winter 2020. With it's built-in 1.25x teleconverter, it boasts a 35mm equivalent maximum focal length of 1000mm. No, I haven't had a chance to test one out, but it looks enviable! Web_lens roadmap_191125

In addition to the 150-400mm, two new lenses, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 8-25mm F4.0PRO as well as an unspecified macro lens, have been added to the roadmap.

I can't say what Olympus will look like 10 years from now, or what the photography/camera industry will look like even a few months from now given COVID. But I am optimistic that if Olympus is officially sold to JIP and they continue pursuing this roadmap, I think there is a lot Olympus users have to look forward to.

Birdy AF

They also quietly announced an upcoming firmware update for the Om-D E-M1X to have Bird Detection AF. So we are now planes, trains, automobiles, and birds. Olympus has such a strong birding community, I'm sure this comes as very welcome news.

Steve Ball

Speaking of Olympus bird photography community, Steve Ball, aka @old_steve1 has transitioned from Olympus National Account Executive to Olympus Educator. Having worked with him when I spoke at Glazer's in Seattle, I can say he is a wonderful addition to the Olympus Pros group and I'm thrilled he'll be less behind the scenes and get to be more active in teaching others how to optimize their Olympus gear. He has so much knowledge to share.