Olympus 300mm f/4 Review for Wildlife/Bird Photography
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- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- The Olympus 300mm f/4 is Olympus' best super telephoto prime lens available. It's light and agile, incredibly sharp, and has some great functionality built in. So, is there anything to dislike about this lens? Check out this review to see what I like and don't like about it.
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Image Quality
1:37 - Autofocus
2:00 - Image Stabilization
2:51 - Build and Special Features
4:33 - Who is this Lens For?
#wildlifephotography #birdphotography #olympus300mm
Before commenting, 3 questions to think about :)
1. Ask yourself how many camera lenses you've reviewed and compared that are current and not outdated.
2. Why would OM Systems ask for my feedback on this lens personally in meetings if I was just trying to put them down?
3. I'm making less money on affiliate sales because I point out the downsides I notice about each camera :) So honesty is the only goal here
I am skeptical of any review or comment where money (or affiliate links) is involved.
I have no business relationship with any camera company or store. Never will.
I have owned this lens since it was launched back in 2016 and even though I have acquired the 150-400 F/4.5 I will never part from it as it is a great, highly portable tool when hiking or when shooting high paced action/BIF. Jeremy, I think you forgot to mention the build quality as well as the weather and dust sealing. And that the lens accommodates both the MC14 and MC20.
It’s a great lens! I see why you like it 🙌🏻 and I did talk about build quality for a brief moment in the video ☺️ I didn’t mention weather sealing as that’s mostly a given nowadays with super telephotos, but of course it has it
Much concern about “Professional Cameras”, when really it all comes down to the photographer using the proper tool. The legitimacy of being a “PRO” or not comes from the images and the work and not because of the Camera used! There is no better or worse, what exists is the tool and the correct use of that tool.
And as a setup feature for manual focus correction, you can setup om-1 for manual and autofocus without the manual focus clutch. Just by using manual focus ring and it would switch to manual focus or you can use autofocus again. Thats my setup, inspired by Espen Helland.
Most definitely! I love that ability too as I've used that on a few brands. Super helpful :)
I've had this a few years now and it's my favorite lens. The full frame equivalent in depth of field is f8 as you say, but for light gathering capability it is F4 no matter the format, and for wildlife in its natural habitat that speed comes in very handy.
I can see why it would be a favorite! And yep you’re right, f/4 is great and handy for that low light 👌
It is a lovely lens, that's true! But whilst it's true that f/4 technically is f/4 no matter the format, in practical applications a full-frame sensor has 2 stops better high ISO performance than a M43 one, assuming similar sensor tech. That's why people say an f/4 M43 lens is equivalent to f/8 FF not just in DoF, because a M43 f/4 lens at ISO 400 has similar levels of noise to a FF f/8 lens at ISO 1600, meaning both can use the same shutter speed in a given situation.
You’re 100% right, thanks for taking the time to type it out, I got a little lazy 😂
@@JeremyNeipp Completely understandable, debates about equivalence get exhausting very quickly! As both a FF and a M43 shooter, I find it frustrating that so many influencers (and manufacturers!) are happy to peddle the myth that M43 is exactly the same as FF save for the DoF. In my tests I agree with M43 advocates that you will usually not be able to tell the difference between a M43 and a FF raw image, assuming low ISO, no DoF differences and similar sensor resolutions, but the differences arise when you bump the ISO up and/or in post when you push the dynamic range and bring up shadows. If I want maximum flexibility, I take my FF gear; if I need a smaller kit (either because of weight/capacity limits, to avoid being conspicuous, or for macro photography with one hand), I take the M43.
Thanks for the vid btw :) As another FF L-mount nature shooter, I really enjoy hearing what you have to say. I really hope Panasonic do release a high-res body with the S5ii's PDAF, because between that and the OM-1, I don't think there's much else I could want for in my kit!
Thank you for following along! I agree about what you were saying, the same furthering of misinformation to keep people feeling good about their gear frustrates me as well. No hate against MFT, I just wish we could all be more honest about it and where it succeeds and falls shorter.
And glad that you’re an L-Mount as well! I’m sure that Panasonic will have some great stuff coming soon for your liking :)
I also bought an OM-1 camera. I want the Olympus 300mm F4 IS Pro lens.
Your video was very interesting. thank you. from Japan
Glad you enjoyed it! It's a solid lens for that camera, my top pick :)
Thank you for the review, Jeremy. I also prefer zooms over primes, and I preferred to by the Panasinic Leica 100-400 and the Olympus 40-150 f2.8 with the 1.4 teleconverter. Both lens have a sliding lens hood, and are lighter than most supertelephoto lens for FF, which is also something I personally prefer.
Love it! Glad you enjoyed :) Yea I love the versatility of a zoom for sure. And the sliding lens hoods are so convenient
Hi Jeremy,
Just found your channel. Great video on the lens and appreciate the comments. One area not covered is the macro capabilities of this lens, which I have found is brilliant for the likes of insects for example. This I find, is an area where reviews do not take into consideration the other positive aspects of this lens and why the price might be more than expected (however, can be purchased for under £2000 in UK in some outlets new, and second hand presently, in excellent condition at under £1650 from MPB).
Thanks for the encouragement! ☺️ Personally, I don’t do macro photography which is why I didn’t review that portion of it as I don’t want to overstep outside of my area of expertise, but I’m sure that it would be a great feature of that lens, so thanks for sharing!👌
Very good review. However, I don't think anyone buys MFT to be better than full-frame. If that was the case, we'd all be shooting medium format. I think the better question to answer might be just how close does it come to full-frame during "golden hour" lighting conditions favored by most wildlife photographers. Your own results suggest MFT is good enough for most photographers. Thanks for giving MFT a chance.
Great thoughts, thanks for sharing! I always appreciate how thoughtfully you comment. Youre 100% right in that we would all be shooting Medium Format of that was the case. Honored to give MFT a try and I think you’re right, for many hobbyist, this with the OM-1 is more than enough :)
..... no idea what your talking about ? Full frame whatever .... learn how to take pictures and full frame will not allow you to do that it's way to expensive
Great review. Very informative.
Thanks Craig! Glad you found it valuable
What about the Olympus 100-400mm in comparison? That's a great lens, but it's f5-6.3 instead of f4.
have the lens now (for my OM1 and later this week also for a new G9II) - bought a used one in realy good shape - it is fantastic - have the 1.4 and 2x TC with it - it stays realy sharp with both - if I compare the images I get with it to the images from the 100-400 I wish I had bought it sooner - even compared to my Nikon Z7 with the Sigma 150-600 (also with some realy sharp pictures) I prefer the OM1 with the 300 - so I just sold my Nikon gear and gonna by the G9II from the money - I also have the OM 40-150 2.8, the 12-40 2.8 and the 60 2.8 Macro
this is so far the best affordable wildlife lens. 👍
Wonderful review. I have owned this lens as well as the newer 150-400 mm lens and agree with your assessments fully. Thanks!
Thank you! Glad you liked the review ☺️🙌🏻
Great review. I was pretty serious about getting an Om1 with this lens for wildlife. But since Im pretty much always in bad light situation you've got me thinking if that would be the best choice. What combo would you rather recommend? Here, Id pay roughly 1800€ for a like-new lens and 1900€ for the body. What would a better option for that money be? A Lumix S5ii would be slower when it comes to AF? I don't like the feel and usability of a Sony. Nikon?
I think the OM1 + this 300mm lens is really built for the wildlife photographer who knows that they are going to consistently be taking wildlife portraits in brighter lighting scenarios and also wants to benefit from the lightweight and flexibility of the MFT setup. So if that's not you then personally I would recommend steering towards full frame.
In my experience, the S5II really isn't any slower than the OM1, if so, it's fractional, and in my experience the AF has been more accurate than the S5II.
It's a hard choice, but if your budget is 4k then I would go for the S5II + Sigma 150-600 Sport setup. If you have a higher budget then maybe consider going towards something like the Z9 or a few of the higher Sony options (the new A9III if you have that type of money). I would say the S5II is the best FF option in the price range you mentioned though and Panasonic will be releasing some other great options to upgrade your FF camera in the future soon if you feel it's necessary :)
Hi Jeremy - what do you think of the image quality of the Om-1 plus this 300mm prime vs the sigma 150-600mm or another zoom on the s5ii at 600mm? Curious what combo of optics and sensor size delivers the best results at around 20 to 24 mp
That’s a very close call, but I think my answer really comes down to low light being much much better on the S5II, and exclusively tight portraits in brighter exposure scenarios being better on the OM1 w/ 300 prime due to how sharp that 300mm is. In most other ways it’s a pretty close wash but in those two ways there is a definitely one that is better than the other.
I really like your review except the saying "mft is a way worse sensor than FF". I know what you want to say, but I really believe Image quality is not bad how often said, especially with this dream of a lens
I don’t think I said “way worse”, but it definitely isn’t quite at the same standard as a FF sensor. No shame in that, it just is the reality that more physical space for the sensor will give you more space for light capture which in turn does better in low light and creates a more shallow depth of field
shallow depth of field isn't everything, particularly for nature. I've seen an Instagram account of a FF photographer who focuses on Owls. Great shots, but all just heavily blurred backgrounds. No environment, context or story at all, it gets boring.@@JeremyNeipp
If you had to choose between the 300 and the 150-400, which would you choose?
You’ll find out in the review I’m releasing tomorrow on the 150-400! :)
Sadly you didn't manage to test affordalbe Olympus 100-400mm f5-6.3 lens that is a knock-off of very respectable Sigma FF DSLR lens. I must say that a lens based on new Sigma 100-400mm design with Sync-IS and SH1 50fps drive speed support would be my dream lens. I use OM-1 but I am not pleased with my telephoto options, most of which I can't afford.
Hello, if depth of field is not important, you get a 600mm/4.0 wich corresponds to the angle of view of FF. And as you know, they cost 10000Euros more. Aperture 4.0 remains 4.0 no matter the size of the sensor. And the greater depth of field is not always a disadvantage. 10.000 Euro for a little less dof is nonsense.
You can buy a 600mm /4 for around 9k in the US which translates to only 6,000 (5,500 Euros) more not 10,000.
And yes 4.0 is 4.0 is regards to light, but that’s negated by the fact that it’s an MFT sensor which will struggle by more than the 2 stops that the lens gained most likely. Even when I met with OM Systems they were able to confirm low light disadvantages with me
Regardless, I wouldn’t personally pay the 6,000 extra dollars and I agree that’s a steep price to me, however, it doesn’t change the reality of what’s better. Just trying to be honest in my review and let the user decide
Modern software easily lets you add blur. Depth of field is a non issue. My wife shoots FF, there is not a 2 stop advantage. If you can get a new FF 600 F4 for $9000 please buy us one.
So these lenses can’t zoom)
There is SYNCING IS are you insync..........
Yes
The 300mm is a good lens, along with the Olympus 100-400. I don’t recommend the Panasonic 100-400 due to its history. The Panasonic 100-300 is good for what it is.
But, alas, they are all m43 so ...
I agree with that general lens statement. But yes all are MFT, so consider accordingly haha