Longan
•
Junior Member
•
Posts: 27
Semi-beginner birder in M43, where to go from now (picture heavy)
Feb 1, 2020
16
I got more and more into birding during the last two years and adapted a bit my equipment (45-175 > 75-300 ; EM10>EM5.2>EM1.2) and post-processing (now dxo2 with PRIME and default sharpening). I also improved my technique to the point where there are some bird shots I am pleased with. However, I am sometimes / often disappointed with IQ. The answer is a mix of technique (getting closer to crop less), glass and post-processing. I would like to hear from the M43 birders where they would go from now based on the comparison of a few shots below arranged in three categories: (A) those that reached "my" satisfaction level, (B) those that did not, (BA) depends on my mood.
(A) Shots that reached "my" satisfaction level
75-300; 1/125; f:6.4; 234mm; ISO2500
75-300; 1/250; f:6.5; 258mm; ISO1600
75-300 ; 1/400 ; f7.1 ; 300mm ; ISO 250
(B) Shots that failed to reach "my" satisfaction level
75-300; 1/400; f7.1; 300mm; ISO 1250
75-300 ; 1/60 ; f6.7 ; 264mm ; ISO4000
75-300; 1/400; f7.1; 300mm; ISO1600
one with the 75mm f/1.8
75 f1.8 ; 1/40 ; f2 ; 75mm ; ISO2500
(B-A) a borderline shot
75-300; 1/320; f6.7; 300mm ; ISO4000
75-300; 1/4000 ; f/6.7 ; 275mm ; ISO3200
My main observations (seen also several times here): It is better to not go all the way to 300mm with the 75-300 (I usually cannot afford to stop it down); I do not like shots above ISO1600 (even with the EM1.2)... However in underwoods, there is simply not enough light... For birds in flight, with very high SS, light is also an issue. Also sometimes 300mm is really needed (small birds not that close).
I am thinking about the 300mm f4 but the $ amount is a change of scale in my photography budget. So I am gathering external advices to convince myself it is about time to upgrade...
Thanks for your comments / answers / help.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5
Olympus E-M5 II
Olympus E-M1 II
Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH
Panasonic Leica Summilux DG 25mm F1.4
+6 more
ANSWER:
This question has not been answered yet.