Oly 40-150mm pro + 2x converter or Oly/Panny 100-400mm?

I've already got the 40-150mm pro, and the 300mm f4 - so the higher end reach is covered by the prime lens + converters, however I much prefer shooting birds in flight with a zoom lens. For context, I'm using the EM1X and only really shoot wildlife.

Personally, I'm pushing towards just buying a 2x converter to stick on the 40-150mm rather than invest in a 100-400mm lens. But just wondered what people's thoughts are around IQ and autofocus performance of the 40-150mm + 2x converter in comparison to either 100-400mm lens?

I can not compare the 40-150/2.8 with either 100-400    lenses.  I do have the 40-150/2.8 and the MC20 and find the combo very useable with good AF and good image quality.  Still I have the 100-400/5.0-6.3 on order.  I do find 300mm to be a limitation.

My experience of the 40-150mm with 2x was not very positive. Significantly softer at 300mm than my Pana 100-300mm and PL100-400mm. I found it unusable and sent the 2x back.

I have read folks on this forum being very happy with the combo though as well so I guess there is some sample variation then.

Marko

Tough to answer since the Oly 100-400 is not released yet. In another month or so we should have user reports comparing the two. Personally, I have never been a fan of 2x TC’s, and was never really impressed with the Oly 1.4x (at least not wide open) when I owned the 1.4x TC

DLBlack wrote:

I can not compare the 40-150/2.8 with either 100-400 lenses. I do have the 40-150/2.8 and the MC20 and find the combo very useable with good AF and good image quality. Still I have the 100-400/5.0-6.3 on order. I do find 300mm to be a limitation.

thanks for your input! Great, enjoy the new lens. Would be really interested to hear how they compare.

adammaniam wrote:

unremarcable wrote:

I've already got the 40-150mm pro, and the 300mm f4 - so the higher end reach is covered by the prime lens + converters, however I much prefer shooting birds in flight with a zoom lens. For context, I'm using the EM1X and only really shoot wildlife.

Personally, I'm pushing towards just buying a 2x converter to stick on the 40-150mm rather than invest in a 100-400mm lens. But just wondered what people's thoughts are around IQ and autofocus performance of the 40-150mm + 2x converter in comparison to either 100-400mm lens?

I don't have the 100-400 to compare with but my 40-150 with MC20 performs well enough. See 2 threads involving some BIFs;

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4502389#forum-post-64134285

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4511249?page=2#forum-post-64264403

You do need to stop down to F/8 to get good sharpness though, and there are times when I wouldn't mind more reach.

oh wow, lovely sets of images. okay that's great to know, I'm imagining it can be a bit of an issue having to shoot at f8 with high shutter speeds. Thanks for your help

Marko_Finland wrote:

My experience of the 40-150mm with 2x was not very positive. Significantly softer at 300mm than my Pana 100-300mm and PL100-400mm. I found it unusable and sent the 2x back.

I have read folks on this forum being very happy with the combo though as well so I guess there is some sample variation then.

Marko

cheers for your input, interesting to hear. I guess I'm going to have to try it out, and if not suitable send it back!

Skeeterbytes wrote:

I'm impressed by how good the Pro zoom + MC20 combination is, but suspect that in a close comparison it will not be equal to the long zooms @400mm, considering you'd be cropping the Pro file to equal the reach. You also do not get dual-IS or a focus limit switch. Much smaller and lighter though, plus constant aperture.

You could get the TC and try for yourself, considering it's great on the 300 and you'll probably want it for that regardless.

Good luck!

Rick

Thanks Rick - I'm pretty sure you're right! That's another £400 spent...