Decided on Oly 300mm F4 Pro instead of 40-150mm F2.8 Pro, some advice wanted.

Skeeterbytes said:

Were it to have macro ability it could be a huge hit.

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Skeeterbytes said:

ETA Just saw the rumor site images of a 200/2.8, so maybe not a phantom after all. It would squeeze into the space between the 40-150/2.8 and 300/4. Were it to have macro ability it could be a huge hit.

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Denjw said:

Xx123456xX said:

After some feedback from fellow forum members, and digging deeper into reference photos, I've decided that the 300 will better suit my needs than the 40-150. I'll be willing to pay more and tolerate more size and weight.

I'll most likely be shooting predominantly on a tripod, but, at this extreme length, would IS be beneficial even on a tripod?

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When using a tripod the norm is to have the IS off. Olympus advises that in their manuals. Not sure what Panasonic says but I assume its the same.

Denjw said:

Since I have a GH5, I assume Sync-IS won't work, so should I opt for OIS or IBIS?

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No Sync IS won't work. Don't know much about Panasonic cameras but I think the GH5 IBIS would be more effective then the lens IS in this case depending on the number of stops it achieves. But you may need to experiment which works better.

The 300mm F4 introduces additional Yaw and Pitch IS and the In-lens IS performance is equivalent to 4 shutter speed steps according to Olympus.

Denjw said:

When I ditch the tripod, would the decorative ring be noticeably less cumbersome or uncomfortable than the tripod collar?

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I shoot handheld with the 300mm F4 and tried to use it without the tripod collar and with the decorative ring. But I never felt comfortable so I have reverted to using it handheld with the tripod collar and the foot resting in my left hand.

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MichaelInGC said:

Is that an Olympus 200/2.8? Or Panasonic? Or other? Out of curiosity what site did you see this on?

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MichaelInGC said:

pdk42 said:

As for IS settings when tripod mounted - I think that the latest Oly bodies are pretty good at detecting when they are tripod mounted and will automatically disable IS.

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I am not questioning your statement, but what makes you say that? Is it based on some article you read? Or something you saw on the Olympus website? Or is it just a personal observation?

I think it would be helpful to know.

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Skeeterbytes said:

Panny lens, as reported on the 4/3 Rumors site. The photos seem authentic and the lens has some interesting controls, including a button I think is labeled "memory" that could potentially be a one-touch distance preset.

We'll know more about both pieces of gear relatively soon.

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