Olympus OM-D E-M5, E-M1, E-M10 - Mk1, Mk2 & Mk3 Owners Thread

Has anyone moved from a Sony A9 and 200-600mm lens to the new OM1 series body and the 100-400mm lens?
How does it compare?
 
RedRobin said:
.... One of my favourite flies.

I haven't really got into my Olympus STF-8 flash yet (I need to!) as I always prefer daylight in spite of its limitations. Did you use the OEM small diffusers on the STF-8 rather than anything DIY? Your lighting looks very natural.
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Robin
That was taken on a good day with thin cloud cover but the flash has extra diffusion but not much

E-M1ii macro rig 3 by Alf Branch, on Flickr

This is with my old Sigma 105

E-M1ii macro rig 1 by Alf Branch, on Flickr

Here it is with a 60mm f2.8

E-M1ii macro rig 4 by Alf Branch, on Flickr

I don't have a shot with the 50mm Laowa
 
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alfbranch said:
Robin
That was taken on a good day with thin cloud cover but the flash has extra diffusion but not much

E-M1ii macro rig 3 by Alf Branch, on Flickr

This is with my old Sigma 105

E-M1ii macro rig 1 by Alf Branch, on Flickr

Here it is with a 60mm f2.8

E-M1ii macro rig 4 by Alf Branch, on Flickr

I don't have a shot with the 50mm Laowa
Click to expand...
.... Thanks for showing me those, Alf.

Whereas I can totally appreciate how a DIY diffuser can greatly help, and your consistently excellent results prove this, it's not for me. I prefer the compact durability of the OEM diffusers on the STF-8 because of doing most of my wildlife while walking about and often in habitats where such protuding bits and pieces would simply get physically ripped off. For me it's not practical.
 
Fuji Dave said:
Off out to test the 60mm on the OMD5 III today, the macro shots will not be low down as still can't bend right down low yet so it will be good to give it a bit of a run out.
Click to expand...
.... Not even any close-ups of the clover you are in? :D

The tiny 60mm Macro on the very small OMD5 III should be easy peasy - Enjoy! We look forward to the results.
 
Having purchased the Zuiko 100-400 zoom in the hope of getting better results than with my Panasonic 100 - 400, I found there wasn't much difference (if any), so I plan to send the Zuiko back for a refund.

Wasn't there a couple of others on this thread about to make the same decision a couple of weeks ago? If so, how did it go?
 
jerry12953 said:
Having purchased the Zuiko 100-400 zoom in the hope of getting better results than with my Panasonic 100 - 400, I found there wasn't much difference (if any), so I plan to send the Zuiko back for a refund.

Wasn't there a couple of others on this thread about to make the same decision a couple of weeks ago? If so, how did it go?
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I changed a while ago as l found the panny struggled to get focus on birds in flight most of the time so l relied on zone focusing with it. The Olympus just focussed. I liked the panny and took some great shots with it but found the Olly worked better for me. Both are good lenses whichever one you choose.
 
jerry12953 said:
Having purchased the Zuiko 100-400 zoom in the hope of getting better results than with my Panasonic 100 - 400, I found there wasn't much difference (if any), so I plan to send the Zuiko back for a refund.

Wasn't there a couple of others on this thread about to make the same decision a couple of weeks ago? If so, how did it go?
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.... I think that if you have a Panasonic body then the Panasonic 100-400mm will perform better and more fully. And similarly the Olympus 100-400mm will perform better and be more fully featured on an Olympus body.

Olympus lens design teams design their lenses to work best on Olympus bodies and they aren't employed by Panasonic. The same applies to Panasonic lens designers focussing on Panasonic bodies and not on Olympus bodies. The mounts are common to both and that's all. The m4/3 as an overall common interchangeable system was good in theory but in practice the various brands have gone their separate ways to their own benefit.
 
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Every one else that has made the same change has noticed a steep increase in performance , my suggestion would be there’s something not quiet right in either your menu settings or actual camera .
 
The other aspect of mixing camera body and lens brands is that if you need technical support it is not reasonable to expect brand employed techies to be able to solve your issues even when they have the best will in the world to help you. So you are then left asking for help from bods on the hyperinterwebbynet - How successful this is depends on the issue.

Personally I choose to avoid mixing it and think it's too often a false economy.
 
IN reply to Alby, Jeff and Robin,

Yes, I understand what you are saying but in response there's a few things I'd like to say (if I can remember them......) :

Weight of the lens is an issue for me and the Zuiko is about 5 oz heavier, also longer and wider.

I had the Zuiko lens long enough to try it out (I've still actually got it) and was able to send some files to the Olympus techie. He/they examined them and came to the conclusion that I need to send my EM1.2 for checking/repair. He wouldn't suggest that the lens needed checking because it was brand new and I was getting +/- the same problems as with the Panny. he couldn't say for sure that it wasn't a "settings" problem. Perhaps I should press him a bit further on this?

Apparently the Zuiko lens was designed by Sigma so in some ways it isn't an "Olympus" lens.

Following your instructions, Jeff, I changed the settings in my EM1.2. I still got some bum results with the Panny lens, but there was one set which may be a clue to what the problem is. While I was sitting near a peregrine eyrie a juvenile came and perched in a tree right in front of me. It sat there for about 5 minutes. So I was able to take some pictures in a very relaxed and non-hurried situation. The first few were at 1/320 second and f11. (ISO 1000) and they were pretty sharp. At least good enough to put them through DXOLab and get an excellent result, enabling me to crop down well into the file and still get a sharp image. Then I changed to 1/1250 sec at f5.8 and it was back to the old mushy mess. This suggests that :

1. The IS is working well with my current settings as recommended by Jeff. 1/320 @ f11 at 318 mm - it has to be working well!
2. Something is not right at wider apertures.
3. It's all well and good knowing that but won't help me with birds in flight or in lower light conditions..

Some people have posted images using the Panny lens which are absolutely brilliant!

The EM1.2 is still under guarantee thanks to HDEW; I just hope it will be possible to get hold of a OM1 at a reasonable price in the next few months!

There's no reason why I shouldn't get the Zuiko lens some time in the future if I need to.

So it's all still a work in progress, decisions are still to be made but I'm starting to get there. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my problems!
 
While Olympus obviously design their lens and bodies to work together and Panasonic the same, Olympus at least issue firmware to correct issues with interoperability with Panasonic lenses.

e.g.

Firmware Update for OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
[ E-M10 Mark II ]

Ver.1.3
(May.10 2018)
  • Corrected issue of autofocus (AF) function not operating correctly when using the "H-ES200" and "H-ES50200" interchangeable lens produced by Panasonic.
 
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Fuji Dave said:
Totally disgusted with how olympus keep asking me for the iban number, 6 damn times now so I will not be buying anymore of there stuff as they are a joke.
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All these cash back schemes rely on them being too complicated and some people will not bother! I always avoid cash back as it’s just hurdles placed unnecessarily in your path. Just price the item properly!!!
 
jerry12953 said:
Weight of the lens is an issue for me and the Zuiko is about 5 oz heavier, also longer and wider.

I had the Zuiko lens long enough to try it out (I've still actually got it) and was able to send some files to the Olympus techie. He/they examined them and came to the conclusion that I need to send my EM1.2 for checking/repair. He wouldn't suggest that the lens needed checking because it was brand new and I was getting +/- the same problems as with the Panny. he couldn't say for sure that it wasn't a "settings" problem. Perhaps I should press him a bit further on this?
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.... OMD would probably need your body to be able to thoroughly test it and its settings. Unless you could be very specific and detailed in what the exact settings are when the issue occurs, I doubt any techie would be able to solve your problem on the phone. It's not a matter of them needing "pressing" < something usually due to reluctance. I know the techies who work in UK Support well and I am totally confident that there will be no reluctance to help < The caveat being of course unless a customer is consistently being rude and an a******e and even then they have to remain polite and professional.
jerry12953 said:
Apparently the Zuiko lens was designed by Sigma so in some ways it isn't an "Olympus" lens.
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.... Surely not in its entirety - Where did you get that information? I know that external specialists are sometimes brought in to help < Seiko on some of the components of the Zuiko 150-400mm TC PRO for example.
jerry12953 said:
The EM1.2 is still under guarantee thanks to HDEW; I just hope it will be possible to get hold of a OM1 at a reasonable price in the next few months!
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.... I have bought from HDEW many times, so has Jeff, and their 3-year guarantees are good. Under their guarantee it would most likely go to AJ Johnstone in Glasgow who are excellent in my experience for both repair and maintenance. However, OMDS will not honour your warranty as HDEW are not an approved OMDS reseller. In the process of sending anything to OMDS in Portugal you would have to supply a copy of your purchase invoice (from an approved reseller) before receiving packaging labels from them.

I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for price reductions in the next few months as supply is still unreliable. In fact HDEW were offering the OM-1 for a very short period of time and it was at a higher price than UK retail. In view of what the OM-1 offers I think that the current price is "reasonable" / justified. It's one of those cameras which promises to be looked back on as a classic.
jerry12953 said:
There's no reason why I shouldn't get the Zuiko lens some time in the future if I need to.
Click to expand...
.... Except that you have already said that its weight is an issue for you.
jerry12953 said:
So it's all still a work in progress, decisions are still to be made but I'm starting to get there. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my problems!
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.... We all try our best to help.
 
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Brazo said:
All these cash back schemes rely on them being too complicated and some people will not bother! I always avoid cash back as it’s just hurdles placed unnecessarily in your path. Just price the item properly!!!
Click to expand...

I know it's only £85 twice, but they really don't like to cough up. Have just redone both lenses again and if they ask again then I will be polite and tell them to stuff the cashback.
 
AMcUK said:
While Olympus obviously design their lens and bodies to work together and Panasonic the same, Olympus at least issue firmware to correct issues with interoperability with Panasonic lenses.

e.g.

Firmware Update for OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
[ E-M10 Mark II ]

Ver.1.3
(May.10 2018)
  • Corrected issue of autofocus (AF) function not operating correctly when using the "H-ES200" and "H-ES50200" interchangeable lens produced by Panasonic.
Click to expand...
.... That's interesting and something I hadn't appreciated or known about as I'm not a Panasonic user, except for a TZ60 pocket camera occasionally.

But it does raise the question whether Panasonic update their Firmware to accommodate Olympus lenses or not.
 
Fuji Dave said:
Totally disgusted with how olympus keep asking me for the iban number, 6 damn times now so I will not be buying anymore of there stuff as they are a joke.
Click to expand...
.... It's very easy to get your IBAN number and it stays with you unless you change your bankers. Link below :

IBAN Calculator: Calculate IBAN from Bank Code and Account Number

IBAN Calculator - Convert a bank account number to IBAN. View BIC code, branch address and relevant information for international bank wire transfer
www.iban.com

I supply my IBAN to my overseas customers so they can pay GBP into my British bank account. It's a long number but easy-peasy.

You'll only be cutting off your own nose to spite your face by telling Olympus, or any other camera manufacturer, to get stuffed etc merely over supplying an IBAN number. I hope my link helps but it's up to you of course.
 
RedRobin said:
.... It's very easy to get your IBAN number and it stays with you unless you change your bankers. Link below :

IBAN Calculator: Calculate IBAN from Bank Code and Account Number

IBAN Calculator - Convert a bank account number to IBAN. View BIC code, branch address and relevant information for international bank wire transfer
www.iban.com

I supply my IBAN to my overseas customers so they can pay GBP into my British bank account. It's a long number but easy-peasy.

You'll only be cutting off your own nose to spite your face by telling Olympus, or any other camera manufacturer, to get stuffed etc merely over supplying an IBAN number. I hope my link helps but it's up to you of course.
Click to expand...

Thanks Robin, first time I got my iban number and swift from my banking app, they then asked for it again so used that link you kindly put in and same number came up so resent it more times. I won't tell them to stuff it, but I will say look forget it.
 
Fuji Dave said:
I know it's only £85 twice, but they really don't like to cough up. Have just redone both lenses again and if they ask again then I will be polite and tell them to stuff the cashback.
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Well that’s not a small amount of money. Surely it’s worth sticking with it?

Is the issue that you can’t find the number or that it’s not being received? Or is it not being recognised as a valid one?

Edit: I see we crossed posts. I think you’re better off asking them what the issue is.
 
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Bebop said:
Well that’s not a small amount of money. Surely it’s worth sticking with it?

Is the issue that you can’t find the number or that it’s not being received? Or is it not being recognised as a valid one?
Click to expand...

Sadly the issue is with this olympus lot, don't think they know what they are doing.
 
Box Brownie said:
I spotted this thread on Dpreview about the 'adaptibility' of the 60mm macro. It was started back in 2019....


Using the MC-14 Teleconverter on the Olympus 60mm macro lens: Micro Four Thirds Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.
www.dpreview.com www.dpreview.com

Hopefully of interest to 60mm macro owners?
Click to expand...
.... I remember reading that thread some time ago and deciding that there were aspects of it which didn't suit me for alive-n-kicking insect subjects.

It still doesn't solve the difficulties which some, not all, of us have achieving focus due to the unergonomically awkward 1:1 switch.

I still have my 10mm and 16mm Kenko DG m4/3 Extension Tubes.
 
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Fuji Dave said:
Thanks Robin have just sent an email to the top link, as used the other one. Time will tell if they can sort it out.
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I decided to purchase an OM D E M1 iii and the 12-40mm yesterday from Amazon UK and whilst my wife wasn't looking, the 40-150mm F2.8.

The Amazon site made no mention of the current cashback promotion on the lens so I sent an email to "camera.support.uk@om-digitalsolutions.com" asking whether Amazon were included in the promotion.

Very prompt reply from Frank Sukenik in the CS Centre in Prague confirming the lens was eligible as long as it was purchased from Amazon UK and not a third-party/Marketplace seller. Claim submitted and acknowledged by OMDS.

I will see how the claim progresses and hope that your claim is resolved too.
 
RedRobin said:
.... I remember reading that thread some time ago and deciding that there were aspects of it which didn't suit me for alive-n-kicking insect subjects.

It still doesn't solve the difficulties which some, not all, of us have achieving focus due to the unergonomically awkward 1:1 switch.

I still have my 10mm and 16mm Kenko DG m4/3 Extension Tubes.
Click to expand...
I think your mention in the past of the focus throw is a very valid one.

I really don’t mind the 1:1 switch although I appreciate it‘s not that easy to reach. I’m sure you know, but for others benefit - It just focuses it at the nearest distance. As long as you don’t have the AF attached to the shutter button (i.e. MF or back button focus), then you move the camera into position till it focuses and click - and you know you have the max magnification possible.
 
patr said:
… and whilst my wife wasn't looking, the 40-150mm F2.8.
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And this is why you should lovingly gaze into your husband’s eyes at all times :LOL:
I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.

That is a great lens. Enjoy them all.
I’ve managed cash back with Amazon purchases before, but with Canon gear.
 
Box Brownie said:
I spotted this thread on Dpreview about the 'adaptibility' of the 60mm macro. It was started back in 2019....


Using the MC-14 Teleconverter on the Olympus 60mm macro lens: Micro Four Thirds Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Expert news, reviews and videos of the latest digital cameras, lenses, accessories, and phones. Get answers to your questions in our photography forums.
www.dpreview.com www.dpreview.com

Hopefully of interest to 60mm macro owners?
Click to expand...

As a handheld MF macro shooter the 60mm f2.8 was not for me. The MF does not really work for live subjects.

The Laowa 50 f2.8 does work really well.
 
Bebop said:
I think your mention in the past of the focus throw is a very valid one.

I really don’t mind the 1:1 switch although I appreciate it‘s not that easy to reach. I’m sure you know, but for others benefit - It just focuses it at the nearest distance. As long as you don’t have the AF attached to the shutter button (i.e. MF or back button focus), then you move the camera into position till it focuses and click - and you know you have the max magnification possible.
Click to expand...

Tried that and it was still too slow IMO.
 
Bebop said:
And this is why you should lovingly gaze into your husband’s eyes at all times :LOL:
I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.

That is a great lens. Enjoy them all.
I’ve managed cash back with Amazon purchases before, but with Canon gear.
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LOL! Its not so much the gazing lovingly but the fact that she was expelled from the Taliban for cruelty that makes me the coward I am.
:)
 
alfbranch said:
Tried that and it was still too slow IMO.
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It depends how fast you can move your camera - you are effectively manually focusing by moving the camera instead of the focus ring.

It is slow to autofocus - not great for beasties. I have two Canon macro lenses and they are slow too. I only use it for flowers or inanimate objects. For butterflies etc. I tend to use my long lenses.
 
I'm looking at going on a Safari (SA) next month and I am woefully under kitted for such a trip.
My longest focal length at the moment is 60mm!

What would you take, given that the Safari is only 1/3 of the trip and I want to pack relatively light?
I currently have Olympus em-10 mk1, Panasonic GX9 and Olympus 12-45 F4, Sigma 60mm F2.8.
I'm thinking of adding Olympus em-1 mkii, 40-150mm f2.8 + mc14.
Is that going to give me sufficient reach and flexibility?
 
swatches said:
I'm thinking of adding Olympus em-1 mkii, 40-150mm f2.8 + mc14.
Is that going to give me sufficient reach and flexibility?
Click to expand...
I will be interested in the return comments to this. I’ve been looking at this set up to take on holiday, with my 12-100f4, if I get the chance of doing a bit of wildlife/bird photography.
I don’t fancy taking the 100-400, but concerned the 40-150 is just as heavy/big…….the new 40-150f4 is nice and light and gets a good review, but can’t take the mc1.4 for the added reach.
 
swatches said:
I'm looking at going on a Safari (SA) next month and I am woefully under kitted for such a trip.
My longest focal length at the moment is 60mm!

What would you take, given that the Safari is only 1/3 of the trip and I want to pack relatively light?
I currently have Olympus em-10 mk1, Panasonic GX9 and Olympus 12-45 F4, Sigma 60mm F2.8.
I'm thinking of adding Olympus em-1 mkii, 40-150mm f2.8 + mc14.
Is that going to give me sufficient reach and flexibility?
Click to expand...

mulch said:
I will be interested in the return comments to this. I’ve been looking at this set up to take on holiday, with my 12-100f4, if I get the chance of doing a bit of wildlife/bird photography.
I don’t fancy taking the 100-400, but concerned the 40-150 is just as heavy/big…….the new 40-150f4 is nice and light and gets a good review, but can’t take the mc1.4 for the added reach.
Click to expand...

The last time I went was in my Canon days and the lens I wanted (70-300) was not yet available.

As I recall I had my crop Canon 350D and the 50-200mm so definitely challenged on long reach. But the game drives were good and got us surprisingly close to some animals.

In the now Olympus days and on the basis of safari & sunshine (good light) I think the most versatile option would be the Olympus 100-400mm. (FoV equivalent to full frame of 200-800mm). FWIW as I have the 40-150 f2.8 and both the x1.4 & x2 TC's I would be using that kit. With likely the x1.4 rather than the X2 but again it depends on the drives and possible species to be seen?

Do bear in mind you don't want to be changing lenses on the drive! They can be very dusty and the morning one can be at times quite cold.

HTH:)
 
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