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BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

Started Feb 23, 2017 | Discussions
Geekapoo
Geekapoo Senior Member • Posts: 2,832
BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5
2

Traveled to Florida this past weekend (Rockledge area) and had an opportunity to shoot some BIF with my new 40-150 f2.8. Had read instances where folks had used the E-M5 for BIF and were fustrated. I can see why! Was easily one of the most challenging photo efforts I've had recently. My guess is that I had a keeper rate of 5%. The E-M5 AF (regardless of the settings) was a bad experience. Am hoping for some improvement when using the E-M1 w/software upgrade.

The lens is exceptional. I am very impressed with the resolution. The images can be extensively cropped and still look good.The E-M5 is exceptional...but not for BIF LOL. Had a very high keeper rate when the birds were not moving..

Cheers.  -Richard

 Geekapoo's gear list:Geekapoo's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Fujifilm X-E3 Sony a7R IV Sony a9 II Sony 35mm F1.4 G +15 more
Olympus 40-150mm F2.8 Pro Olympus E-M1
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Skeeterbytes Forum Pro • Posts: 23,182
Re: BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

You did very well, considering, especially the osprey!

The 40-150 is my favorite system lens and I can vouch that an E-M1--either model--will transform it. The E-M5 is overmatched when trying to C-AF challenging subjects.

Cheers,

Rick

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Geekapoo
OP Geekapoo Senior Member • Posts: 2,832
Re: BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

Skeeterbytes wrote:

You did very well, considering, especially the osprey!

The 40-150 is my favorite system lens and I can vouch that an E-M1--either model--will transform it. The E-M5 is overmatched when trying to C-AF challenging subjects.

Cheers,

Rick

Was humbling to use the E-M5/40-150 f2.8 for BIF efforts. What a struggle! I felt like a fisherman with stories about all the "ones" that got away. During the shooting experience, one of my favorite cameras turned into a dog..some serious "hunting" was going on!

My E-M1 arrived by mail last night. I look forward to using it. Might take some time to find more BIF opportunities. I assume the AF will be better.

I'd rather continue to have/use m43 gear than go to APS-C (D500). I already have a D750 (love it!) but don't want the weight that would come with a FF tele that has comparable reach (800-300) AND resolution.

Richard

 Geekapoo's gear list:Geekapoo's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Fujifilm X-E3 Sony a7R IV Sony a9 II Sony 35mm F1.4 G +15 more
Skeeterbytes Forum Pro • Posts: 23,182
Re: BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

Check and update the E-M1 firmware if necessary. Ver 3.0 transformed C-AF. Also, plan to spend time with the many settings that affect AF response. C-AF lock in particular is very important, as is the focus pattern.

I hope you enjoy it!

Rick

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Equivalence and diffraction-free since 2009.
You can be too; ask about our 12-step program.

Geekapoo
OP Geekapoo Senior Member • Posts: 2,832
Re: BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

Skeeterbytes wrote:

Check and update the E-M1 firmware if necessary. Ver 3.0 transformed C-AF. Also, plan to spend time with the many settings that affect AF response. C-AF lock in particular is very important, as is the focus pattern.

I hope you enjoy it!

Rick

Thanks. FYI (in case you didn't know) additional firmware upgrades of note:

E-M1 Firmware version 4.0 updates to version 4.1- The stability of the image stabilizer’s operations has been improved.- The problem in which the external flash would not fire when shooting in RC mode has been corrected.

M.ZUIKO ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO ver 1.1 -> 1.2 - Stability of lens aperture when shooting videos has been improved.- MF shooting operations have been improved. - Enhanced stability of AF operation when shooting video.- Improved AF operation when using the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14. - Enhanced stability of sequential shooting when using the E-M1 Mark II.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads.asp?id=107

Cheers.

Richard

 Geekapoo's gear list:Geekapoo's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Fujifilm X-E3 Sony a7R IV Sony a9 II Sony 35mm F1.4 G +15 more
Skeeterbytes Forum Pro • Posts: 23,182
Re: BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

Thanks and yes, I've more or less kept up but it's hard to keep track!

There were problems with FW 4.2, which Oly pulled and replaced with 4.3. I've updated one of two E-M1s to 4.3 and no issues, but a couple folks here have complex sets of features they use and report problems with the latest.

Cheers,

Rick

-- hide signature --

Equivalence and diffraction-free since 2009.
You can be too; ask about our 12-step program.

Geekapoo
OP Geekapoo Senior Member • Posts: 2,832
Re: BIF: Olympus 40-150 f2.8 using the OMD E-M5

More 40-150mm pictures, but this time used the E-M1 instead of the E-M5 and could not find many opportunities for BIF. The AF pales in comparison to my D750 (no contest) but seems to be somewhat better than the E-M5 (though not a huge difference).

 Geekapoo's gear list:Geekapoo's gear list
Sony RX10 IV Fujifilm X-E3 Sony a7R IV Sony a9 II Sony 35mm F1.4 G +15 more
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