Am i excepting to much from m4/3?

Auf Reisen wrote:

Auf Reisen wrote:

And how fast does it focus compared to the 75-300?

Thanks!

To answer my own question, I found this video (in Italian), testing single-AF on an EM-1. Seems about as quick as the 75-300.

Honestly, the 4/3 lenses are just a touch slower to focus than m4/3 lenses.  That said, they are just as fast as any of the lenses I used with my Canon gear and I have never had a time I felt like it was a detriment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFzUMk-YDdg

Oh, and I also checked the specs for the MMF 4/3 to MFT adapter. It's weather-sealed. So is the EC-14.

Yes, if you get an MMF-3 the entire setup is weather sealed.

Of course, one has to factor the price of the MMF and the price of the EC-14 in when comparing the SWD to other options. It doesn't look like that great of a bargain anymore at that point.

Really?

• 50-200 SWD - $450
• EC-14 - $175
• MMF-3 - $160 new (can find cheaper used)

The prices above for the lens and EC-14 are from KEH, you can find cheaper on eBay.  At the moment KEH/B&H/Adorama don't have an MMF-3 but you can find them down around $100 used normally.  Using the prices above you are at $785 and I bet if one spends a month looking you can easily get the entire setup for $600-$650.  The only lens that will provide similar focal range when put on an APSC camera while still providing weather sealing is the Canon 100-400 mk2, which is around $1500 used.  Yes there are other options close in price like the Sigma/Tamron 100-400 but they are not weather sealed.  You could also go with one of the 150-600 and get more reach but the only the higher end models like the Sigma "Sport" are weather sealed and a lot more expensive.  The "C" version is also a step down in IQ from the 50-200, better off just using one of the xxx-300 m4/3 lenses.  You can also buy the pieces as you find them, so you don't need to spend all the money at once, especially good for someone looking for great IQ and reach on a budget.  You can also get a cheap 3rd party adapter (with no weather sealing) for $25 initially and worry about the weather sealed MMF-3 later.

You can also pick up the EC-20 and have what I call a poor mans 100-400.  It ends up a touch slower aperture than the Panny 100-400 but still provides reasonably good IQ.

I have this printed 20" long on a metallic canvas and it looks amazing

With the TC's you end up with basically 3 capable lenses that will provide great IQ for under $800.  Granted with the EC-20 it's not the best at action because the auto focus is a tad slow, but it will still work for airshows.  Birds in flight may be a stretch but I did use the combo at an airshow just to test it out, will have to dig out those images.  I have this Flickr album with images using the EC-20.

I think this route will only make sense for people who have other 4/3 gear.

I switched from Canon (FF & APSC) to Olympus.  Initially I picked up an EM5 to play around with using an FD 400mm f4.5 lens.  I used that lens on my EM5 and Fuji XE-1 side by side for about 6 months while I evaluated both systems.  Back then Fuji had no telephoto lenses and nothing on the horizon and it was just before the XT-1 was announced...……….so no weather sealed options either.  After a lot of thought I went with Olympus because the IQ was there and I have always loved Olympus glass (the SHG lenses are to die for).  When I decided to leave Canon and go all in I picked up an EM1 and 50-200 SWD with the EC-14 and couldn't have been happier.  I was shooting a lot sports (still do) and needed a zoom but felt the 40-150 Pro was just a tad short for what I wanted.  I still have no desire to replace my SWD with the 40-150 Pro, perfectly happy with it's performance and reach.

I have also met a few others who went the 4/3 lens route when switching to m4/3 because the IQ is so good with those lenses and the price makes switching systems a lot easier.

I really do believe that from an IQ and reach perspective the 50-200 is bargain way to achieve that.  You can slowly buy the pieces (even starting with a dirt cheap adapter) to build up a kit that will give you an effective focal range of 100-800mm for under $800 that is also weather sealed.  Paired with an inexpensive used EM1 and you have a great kit that is capable of amazing images.

I will end with what is probably my favorite image from my 50-200 SWD to date

Regards,

Phocal