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Wildlife lens weight versus IQ

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Mephistopheles* said:
Hazel123 said:
Fantastic pictures. That is quite a difference in lens size.
Click to expand...
But the PL100-400 is significantly lighter than the 300mm f4 and Oly 100-400mm. For my money, it's the best long telephoto image quality per ounce there is in the m4/3 lineup. It is my go to lens for birds, wildlife, and any bugs I shoot at a distance, such as butterflies and dragonflies.
Click to expand...
I don't have either the PL or Olympus 100-400, but all the images I have seen from both lenses show better IQ from the PL than the Olympus. The OIy has a more complex lens design and it was obviously designed and manufactured by Sigma based on their FF and ASP-C 100-400 model with changes for M43. Whereas the PL appears to have been designed and manufactured by Leica for Panasonic as a native M43 lens.

I did take a 75-300 to South Africa and used it with the EM1.2 and was never happy with any of the images from 200-300mm.
 
Algreen345 said:
Mephistopheles* said:
Hazel123 said:
Fantastic pictures. That is quite a difference in lens size.
Click to expand...
But the PL100-400 is significantly lighter than the 300mm f4 and Oly 100-400mm. For my money, it's the best long telephoto image quality per ounce there is in the m4/3 lineup. It is my go to lens for birds, wildlife, and any bugs I shoot at a distance, such as butterflies and dragonflies.
Click to expand...
I don't have either the PL or Olympus 100-400, but all the images I have seen from both lenses show better IQ from the PL than the Olympus. The OIy has a more complex lens design and it was obviously designed and manufactured by Sigma based on their FF and ASP-C 100-400 model with changes for M43. Whereas the PL appears to have been designed and manufactured by Leica for Panasonic as a native M43 lens.

I did take a 75-300 to South Africa and used it with the EM1.2 and was never happy with any of the images from 200-300mm.
Click to expand...
I have the oly 100-400, my friend has got the PL 100-400, my copy of oly is sharper than his PL.

This comparison also claims edge for olympus: https://mirrorlesscomparison.com/mi...pus-100-400mm-vs-panasonic-100-400mm/#quality

The oly is sharp, if the images are soft it is not the lens to blame but almost always the af of camera misses a tiny bit or shake occurs. That is my conclusion.



I just took this image through window, processed with dxo pureraw with global lens sharpness OFF, no extra sharpness was added. I find it pretty damn sharp.

18094c7e84e141a8861aac1ae70ad871.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hazel123 said:
I know there are a few threads about wildlife lenses for micro four thirds, and I've looked into which ones are available. But am trying to weigh up the best thing for my needs. Weight is always a factor for me due to slight wrist problems. On the other hand I tend to always go for the best IQ or get frustrated - so I have generally used smaller prime lenses.

After a difficult year I've decided to do some new things and want to get out more and do some bird and mouse photography - small creatures. I live in a rural area so subject matter is abundant.

I've read all the reviews of the Olympus and Panasonic 100-400 zooms. I would love to get the Olympus 300mm for the IQ - but feel it will be too heavy for me, for the length in particular (longer lenses balance out the weight more) and I think a zoom lens would be better for wildlife photography and versatility.

So I'm actually keen on the idea of the smaller, lighter Olympus 75 to 300. Admittedly it doesn't have the reach of a 400mm. But I am just wondering if the IQ is "good enough" to not frustrate me.

Also be interested to hear on the "handling" of the Olympus 100-400 which is not light but does seem quite long and possibly the weight is balanced out ergonomically during use?

And does anyone find a monopod works well? For wildlife. (Might negate the weight aspects).

I'll also need a new Olympus body as currently only have the EM10ii
Click to expand...
So I got the Olympus 75-300. It's a nice size and weight with my EM10ii, easy to use handheld and pleased with the image quality (it was good light).

Going to have to send it back though because the zoom ring sticks in various places and there is an issue with the autofocus. Basically it just won't lock focus on anything. It's pot luck whether the picture is in focus, as after focusing it goes in and out of focus a few times. Doesn't seem to lock on. And as there's no manual focus button I relied on autofocus.

Is this just an issue with this lens?
 
Hazel123 said:
Hazel123 said:
I know there are a few threads about wildlife lenses for micro four thirds, and I've looked into which ones are available. But am trying to weigh up the best thing for my needs. Weight is always a factor for me due to slight wrist problems. On the other hand I tend to always go for the best IQ or get frustrated - so I have generally used smaller prime lenses.

After a difficult year I've decided to do some new things and want to get out more and do some bird and mouse photography - small creatures. I live in a rural area so subject matter is abundant.

I've read all the reviews of the Olympus and Panasonic 100-400 zooms. I would love to get the Olympus 300mm for the IQ - but feel it will be too heavy for me, for the length in particular (longer lenses balance out the weight more) and I think a zoom lens would be better for wildlife photography and versatility.

So I'm actually keen on the idea of the smaller, lighter Olympus 75 to 300. Admittedly it doesn't have the reach of a 400mm. But I am just wondering if the IQ is "good enough" to not frustrate me.

Also be interested to hear on the "handling" of the Olympus 100-400 which is not light but does seem quite long and possibly the weight is balanced out ergonomically during use?

And does anyone find a monopod works well? For wildlife. (Might negate the weight aspects).

I'll also need a new Olympus body as currently only have the EM10ii
Click to expand...
So I got the Olympus 75-300. It's a nice size and weight with my EM10ii, easy to use handheld and pleased with the image quality (it was good light).

Going to have to send it back though because the zoom ring sticks in various places and there is an issue with the autofocus. Basically it just won't lock focus on anything. It's pot luck whether the picture is in focus, as after focusing it goes in and out of focus a few times. Doesn't seem to lock on. And as there's no manual focus button I relied on autofocus.

Is this just an issue with this lens?
Click to expand...
The zoom ring does have some friction, and can feel quite sticky sometimes. If you hold the lens straight up/down, does the zoom ring move smoothly ?

Is your camera battery OK ? A dodgy battery can cause the lens AF motor to play up and focus hunt.
 
Only you know if the lens has enough IQ to not frustrate you.

I have the Panasonic 100-300mm lens, a lens not usually talked about as having sensational IQ, but I am extremely satisfied with it. When using it at 300mm on a hot day you may run into hot air rising issues, that is not the lens's problem.
 
I think the battery is ok. Don't have any issues with other lenses. I have two batteries so will try the other one. It doesn't actually seem to hunt as such - it seems to lock on - but then when looking through the viewfinder, the view just goes in and out of focus. Very distracting. If it is hunting it is very quiet (no sound) and not that obvious. Just visually goes in and out of focus.

Just made me want to switch to manual focus as it seemed so unreliable. Incidentally - how do you use manual focus on this? The ring doesn't seem to do anything so I guess I need to set something in the menu (miss having a manual focus button on the lens).
 
Hazel123 said:
I think the battery is ok. Don't have any issues with other lenses. I have two batteries so will try the other one. It doesn't actually seem to hunt as such - it seems to lock on - but then when looking through the viewfinder, the view just goes in and out of focus. Very distracting. If it is hunting it is very quiet (no sound) and not that obvious. Just visually goes in and out of focus.

Just made me want to switch to manual focus as it seemed so unreliable. Incidentally - how do you use manual focus on this? The ring doesn't seem to do anything so I guess I need to set something in the menu (miss having a manual focus button on the lens).
Click to expand...
I don't know about the E-M10 II, but on my E-M5 II I can set MF on the Super Control Panel.

Or you can set S-AF + MF, so that if AF fails then you can reset focus with the lens focus ring.

Does that help ?
 
Last edited:
Hazel123 said:
I think the battery is ok. Don't have any issues with other lenses. I have two batteries so will try the other one. It doesn't actually seem to hunt as such - it seems to lock on - but then when looking through the viewfinder, the view just goes in and out of focus. Very distracting. If it is hunting it is very quiet (no sound) and not that obvious. Just visually goes in and out of focus.

Just made me want to switch to manual focus as it seemed so unreliable. Incidentally - how do you use manual focus on this? The ring doesn't seem to do anything so I guess I need to set something in the menu (miss having a manual focus button on the lens).
Click to expand...
Hello Hazel, sorry to hear you are having problems. I have had a 75-300 MK2 for about 6yrs now - fitted to both Panasonic and Olympus cameras, - and have never had the problem you are describing.

Something is obviously not right. Have you a nearby colleague that shoots with micro 4/3 who can try your lens. ... Just to make sure it's not a glitch with the camera?
 
Hazel123 said:
Hazel123 said:
I know there are a few threads about wildlife lenses for micro four thirds, and I've looked into which ones are available. But am trying to weigh up the best thing for my needs. Weight is always a factor for me due to slight wrist problems. On the other hand I tend to always go for the best IQ or get frustrated - so I have generally used smaller prime lenses.

After a difficult year I've decided to do some new things and want to get out more and do some bird and mouse photography - small creatures. I live in a rural area so subject matter is abundant.

I've read all the reviews of the Olympus and Panasonic 100-400 zooms. I would love to get the Olympus 300mm for the IQ - but feel it will be too heavy for me, for the length in particular (longer lenses balance out the weight more) and I think a zoom lens would be better for wildlife photography and versatility.

So I'm actually keen on the idea of the smaller, lighter Olympus 75 to 300. Admittedly it doesn't have the reach of a 400mm. But I am just wondering if the IQ is "good enough" to not frustrate me.

Also be interested to hear on the "handling" of the Olympus 100-400 which is not light but does seem quite long and possibly the weight is balanced out ergonomically during use?

And does anyone find a monopod works well? For wildlife. (Might negate the weight aspects).

I'll also need a new Olympus body as currently only have the EM10ii
Click to expand...
So I got the Olympus 75-300. It's a nice size and weight with my EM10ii, easy to use handheld and pleased with the image quality (it was good light).

Going to have to send it back though because the zoom ring sticks in various places and there is an issue with the autofocus. Basically it just won't lock focus on anything. It's pot luck whether the picture is in focus, as after focusing it goes in and out of focus a few times. Doesn't seem to lock on. And as there's no manual focus button I relied on autofocus.

Is this just an issue with this lens?
Click to expand...
Have you tried using the smallest single AF box with S-AF?

It sounds like there might be something wrong with the lens
 
Last edited:
Hazel123 said:
I think the battery is ok. Don't have any issues with other lenses. I have two batteries so will try the other one. It doesn't actually seem to hunt as such - it seems to lock on - but then when looking through the viewfinder, the view just goes in and out of focus. Very distracting. If it is hunting it is very quiet (no sound) and not that obvious. Just visually goes in and out of focus.

Just made me want to switch to manual focus as it seemed so unreliable. Incidentally - how do you use manual focus on this? The ring doesn't seem to do anything so I guess I need to set something in the menu (miss having a manual focus button on the lens).
Click to expand...
Hazel - I think you should get that lens replaced. That is not normal lens behavior. I don't have the 75-300, but I do have the Panasonic 100-300 ii and like it. I also have a bunch of m4/3 lenses and none of them behave like the 75-300 you describe. Has the optical view finder been properly adjusted for your eye? If so, send the lens back and try again.

Might try the old string/chain trick attached to your tripod screw and pulled tight with your foot to help steady things - if you have not the monopod. I haven't read the entire post. I also have the PL 100-400 lens. No stickiness in the zoom and quite sharp. Works with Olympus cameras also. Maybe used?

Finally, I think your EM10 mark ii is just fine.

Peace. ... and Best Wishes.

John
 
Last edited:
Hazel123 said:
  1. Hazel123 wrote:
I think the battery is ok. Don't have any issues with other lenses. I have two batteries so will try the other one. It doesn't actually seem to hunt as such - it seems to lock on - but then when looking through the viewfinder, the view just goes in and out of focus. Very distracting. If it is hunting it is very quiet (no sound) and not that obvious. Just visually goes in and out of focus.

Just made me want to switch to manual focus as it seemed so unreliable. Incidentally - how do you use manual focus on this? The ring doesn't seem to do anything so I guess I need to set something in the menu (miss having a manual focus button on the lens).
Click to expand...
The front ring on the lens is for manual focus. When you have the focus selector set to S-AF or C-AF you should be able to adjust the focus manually while continuing to half press the shutter release button.

Alternatively you can assign manual focus to one of the programmable buttons though respect that the EM10 has few to spare.

However if the zoom ring is sticking you must send it back immediately.

While I come back to recommending the f4 40150 as the ability to crop the image harder will produce a better result than an uncropped one from even the f2.8 40150 + MC20.

Of course this might well be be because of my inability to hand hold a 1kg 300mm lens.

The f4 40150 weighs in at 382 grammes which is even lighter than the 75-300!



Rockin’ Robin

Rockin’ Robin
 
Last edited:
Hazel123 said:
Hazel123 said:
I know there are a few threads about wildlife lenses for micro four thirds, and I've looked into which ones are available. But am trying to weigh up the best thing for my needs. Weight is always a factor for me due to slight wrist problems. On the other hand I tend to always go for the best IQ or get frustrated - so I have generally used smaller prime lenses.

After a difficult year I've decided to do some new things and want to get out more and do some bird and mouse photography - small creatures. I live in a rural area so subject matter is abundant.

I've read all the reviews of the Olympus and Panasonic 100-400 zooms. I would love to get the Olympus 300mm for the IQ - but feel it will be too heavy for me, for the length in particular (longer lenses balance out the weight more) and I think a zoom lens would be better for wildlife photography and versatility.

So I'm actually keen on the idea of the smaller, lighter Olympus 75 to 300. Admittedly it doesn't have the reach of a 400mm. But I am just wondering if the IQ is "good enough" to not frustrate me.

Also be interested to hear on the "handling" of the Olympus 100-400 which is not light but does seem quite long and possibly the weight is balanced out ergonomically during use?

And does anyone find a monopod works well? For wildlife. (Might negate the weight aspects).

I'll also need a new Olympus body as currently only have the EM10ii
Click to expand...
So I got the Olympus 75-300. It's a nice size and weight with my EM10ii, easy to use handheld and pleased with the image quality (it was good light).

Going to have to send it back though because the zoom ring sticks in various places and there is an issue with the autofocus. Basically it just won't lock focus on anything. It's pot luck whether the picture is in focus, as after focusing it goes in and out of focus a few times. Doesn't seem to lock on. And as there's no manual focus button I relied on autofocus.

Is this just an issue with this lens?
Click to expand...
What's your budget? If weight is your only concern (since both 100-400 zooms seem to be in your budget), you'd do much better with a Panasonic Leica 50-200 f2.8-4 and a 1.4x TC. The Pany TC costs $300 used, and the lens costs $1100 used, but as low as $900 if you're patient.

It weighs only 650 gm and balances well. It's very compact. Its sharp across the frame up to 135mm and even at 200mm, its sharpness at the center rivals that of prime lenses.

Cropping to get a 300mm FOV (i.e. not using a TC) will get you a 12 MP image, which is enough for many cases as well.

The E-M1ii and G9 are both capable cameras. The G9 might work better for you because the lens's OIS will sync with the G9's IBIS. On my E-M1ii I had to turn off the lens OIS to get adequate focusing speed. Once I did that, the lens focused very quickly and dependably.

I loved mine but hardly ever used the focal range and so sold it recently. Often I go out with only my 300mm Pro and TCs and do not miss any other lens - but that's me.
 
I've never had similar problems with mine. You seem to have gotten a defective lens.
 
Thanks. I'll check that out, but most lenses I can just attach to the camera and autofocus works spot on. Image quality is fine. But will be sending it back for a replacement because of the sticky zoom ring as well.
 
Jack Tingle said:
I've never had similar problems with mine. You seem to have gotten a defective lens.
Click to expand...
I think so. Gut feeling with sticking zoom ring and inability to lock onto focus and stay there. Love the lens otherwise! It feels very good on my EM10ii and photos that were in focus (including at longest zoom) are nice and sharp. Had no problems using it handheld.

Always tricky as I could end up replacing it for a softer one! But - no point in having autofocus if it doesn't work. Maybe it's been dropped?
 
Hazel123 said:
Jack Tingle said:
I've never had similar problems with mine. You seem to have gotten a defective lens.
Click to expand...
I think so. Gut feeling with sticking zoom ring and inability to lock onto focus and stay there. Love the lens otherwise! It feels very good on my EM10ii and photos that were in focus (including at longest zoom) are nice and sharp. Had no problems using it handheld.

Always tricky as I could end up replacing it for a softer one! But - no point in having autofocus if it doesn't work. Maybe it's been dropped?
Click to expand...
Having said that - I would prefer a lens with a manual focus selector on the barrel.
 
The "it's soft at 300mm" knock has 3 parts in my experience.
  1. Handholding a 300mm, non-OIS lens with only IBIS is marginal. You'll be getting bad shots due to slight movement. Try it on a tripod/monopod/beanbag to see if it's the lens. Keep your shutter speed above 1/200th. Preferably above 1/250th.
  2. AF challenges: Olympus CDAF is not great in dim or lower contrast environments. I often punt & go to MF. So often I dedicated the M10 II's Fn3 to MF toggle. Otherwise you have to use the SCP. No lens body switch or clutch on this lens.
  3. Marketing probably said, "278mm? No, no, it has to be 300! So what if 10% of the lenses will be soft? Who cares?"
 
Hazel123 said:
Jack Tingle said:
I've never had similar problems with mine. You seem to have gotten a defective lens.
Click to expand...
I think so. Gut feeling with sticking zoom ring and inability to lock onto focus and stay there. Love the lens otherwise! It feels very good on my EM10ii and photos that were in focus (including at longest zoom) are nice and sharp. Had no problems using it handheld.

Always tricky as I could end up replacing it for a softer one! But - no point in having autofocus if it doesn't work. Maybe it's been dropped?
Click to expand...
Hazel, you are UK based? Hdew has new 75300’s @ £339.

Return the lens for a refund and buy a new one.
 
Atho said:
Hazel123 said:
Jack Tingle said:
I've never had similar problems with mine. You seem to have gotten a defective lens.
Click to expand...
I think so. Gut feeling with sticking zoom ring and inability to lock onto focus and stay there. Love the lens otherwise! It feels very good on my EM10ii and photos that were in focus (including at longest zoom) are nice and sharp. Had no problems using it handheld.

Always tricky as I could end up replacing it for a softer one! But - no point in having autofocus if it doesn't work. Maybe it's been dropped?
Click to expand...
Hazel, you are UK based? Hdew has new 75300’s @ £339.

Return the lens for a refund and buy a new one.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Shame I didn't see that earlier. I re-bought it on Amazon at £394. I didn't find it soft at 300mm - it was fine. Light was good though.
 
Jack Tingle said:
The "it's soft at 300mm" knock has 3 parts in my experience.
  1. Handholding a 300mm, non-OIS lens with only IBIS is marginal. You'll be getting bad shots due to slight movement. Try it on a tripod/monopod/beanbag to see if it's the lens. Keep your shutter speed above 1/200th. Preferably above 1/250th.
  2. AF challenges: Olympus CDAF is not great in dim or lower contrast environments. I often punt & go to MF. So often I dedicated the M10 II's Fn3 to MF toggle. Otherwise you have to use the SCP. No lens body switch or clutch on this lens.
  3. Marketing probably said, "278mm? No, no, it has to be 300! So what if 10% of the lenses will be soft? Who cares?"
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip to dedicate the FN3 to MF toggle :-)
 
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