nandadevieast wrote:
Mitesh i like this shot more than other shots. Not a typical one as far as birds are concerned. I think beauty comes from the back lit scene. Very beautiful.
Thanks, Anurag. Glad you liked the image. I was actually on the opposite side of the road that you see in the photo, and that was not a good shooting position. I figured that if I could get on the same side as the bird and get nearer without scaring it away, I could use the road to split the frame diagonally and put the bird on the left third of the frame. The glow of the sunlight in the image turned out to be a nice effect, I think. I was careful while getting low because this is a place with alligators and venomous snakes!
nandadevieast wrote:
And one predictable question: how is it going with M43 in general and 300/4 specifically.
I am back from Rishikesh just now and though i enjoyed the company of 5D4, it was the combined weight of lenses and camera and so many small things in my shoulder bag that was pulling my neck down.
Wow, Rishikesh, how nice! You must be purified now after Ganga snan . Let me know when you post some pictures because I'd love to see them.
I am really enjoying the Olympus system. All the images I posted on the previous page I wouldn't have gotten without it because I wouldn't have been out for a leisurely walk with a DSLR plus telephoto prime. Carrying the E-M1.2 + 300 pro is not an issue at all. My daughter was riding her bicycle and I was walking with camera in hand. No strain or fatigue even after a couple miles.
I really hope you can try the combo out. The E-M1.2 has supplanted the a7rII as my favorite camera because it is so capable and just fun to shoot. I even got a second one . S-AF in most situations is as fast as a DSLR, and I love the magnify feature to really put pinpoint focus where you want it. Overall, with any of the m.Zuiko lenses, I think the camera is as responsive as a DSLR with some truly innovative features that are not just gimmicks. This is the first mirrorless camera that can convince wildlife photographers to set their DSLRs aside. Hey, I sold my two 1DX cameras, and I am ready to sell my Canon 200-400 and 800.
I'm going down to Florida next month with a couple of Canon shooters (arbitrage and surfnron) and I'll be using the Oly for birds in flight from a boat. If it can handle that, then there's really very little it can't handle. I'm sure Geoff will also put the Oly to the test as he's keen on a lightweight alternative for when he doesn't want to take the big, heavy gear.
I sound like a fanboy, and maybe I am one because I'm excited about a very capable system that's a fraction of the weight and cost as what I was previously using.
mitesh wrote:
One technical question for you and anyone else who is more knowledgeable than I (that should be easy): why do you need to perform AFMA on the E-M1.2 when it has on-sensor PDAF? I thought that eliminated the need for AFMA since you don't have a separate AF sensor that could be misaligned.
Excellent questions Mitesh. As the E-M1.1 or E-M1.2 doesn't have a separate AF sensor, obviously misalignment cannot be the reason for Olympus to provide for "Focal location adjustment for phase-difference AF" that "can be fine tuned within a range of ±20 steps.", quoting from page 112 of the "E-M1 Mark II Instruction Manual". So we have to look for another explanation. This thread https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3546169#forum-post-52156580
offers some intriguing points, namely, quote:
• "While you are right that in the case of the E-M1 that the camera should not give rise to any back/front focus error the lens can also be a source of error.
The PDAF sensor system determines the amount and the direction that the lens needs to move and then tells it to go there. Once the lens has made its focus change the PDAF system then makes another assessment and if the result is within tolerance the focus is considered set. With fast aperture lenses the tolerance allowed by the focus system can result in a small focus error that would not be seen using a slower lens being masked by the greater DOF.
Olympus could reduce the tolerance now that the camera is no longer a source of error but that would result in the focus system taking a second stab at achieving focus. The result would be slower and more jittery focusing with such lenses. Fine tuning allow for any lens errors to be compensated for so that the PDAF can achieve accurate focus at the first attempt most of the time."
• "Focus adjust does work with m4/3 lenses, but only in c-af mode where the PDAF system is being used. Focus adjust has no effect on m4/3 lenses in s-af."
The E-M1.2 also features in "Menu/A1" an "AF Scanner" that in my camera is set to mode2. Page 111 of the manual explains:
"Sets the AF scan function* for when the camera cannot
focus on the subject or the contrast is not clear.
* Scans whole range from minimum range to infinity for
focus point when the camera cannot focus on the subject
or the contrast is not clear.
[mode1]: AF Scanner is not activated.
[mode2]: AF Scanner is activated once only.
[mode3]: AF Scanner is activated."
I wonder what happens when mode3 is chosen. Dunno as I have not experimented with that option.
Thank you Mitesh, Rishikesh was good, a family trip with my entire kunba, is, parents, sisters, my family...so lots of iphone photos and just one moonlit outing for long exposures. Will try and post.
Will look forward to hear about your upcoming BIF testing when that happens.
God, i have just bought a 5D and i am suppressing any thoughts of parting with it.
mitesh wrote:
Wow, Rishikesh, how nice! You must be purified now after Ganga snan . Let me know when you post some pictures because I'd love to see them.
I am really enjoying the Olympus system. All the images I posted on the previous page I wouldn't have gotten without it because I wouldn't have been out for a leisurely walk with a DSLR plus telephoto prime. Carrying the E-M1.2 + 300 pro is not an issue at all. My daughter was riding her bicycle and I was walking with camera in hand. No strain or fatigue even after a couple miles.
I really hope you can try the combo out. The E-M1.2 has supplanted the a7rII as my favorite camera because it is so capable and just fun to shoot. I even got a second one . S-AF in most situations is as fast as a DSLR, and I love the magnify feature to really put pinpoint focus where you want it. Overall, with any of the m.Zuiko lenses, I think the camera is as responsive as a DSLR with some truly innovative features that are not just gimmicks. This is the first mirrorless camera that can convince wildlife photographers to set their DSLRs aside. Hey, I sold my two 1DX cameras, and I am ready to sell my Canon 200-400 and 800.
I'm going down to Florida next month with a couple of Canon shooters (arbitrage and surfnron) and I'll be using the Oly for birds in flight from a boat. If it can handle that, then there's really very little it can't handle. I'm sure Geoff will also put the Oly to the test as he's keen on a lightweight alternative for when he doesn't want to take the big, heavy gear.
I sound like a fanboy, and maybe I am one because I'm excited about a very capable system that's a fraction of the weight and cost as what I was previously using. ...Show more →
k-h.a.w wrote:
Excellent questions Mitesh. As the E-M1.1 or E-M1.2 doesn't have a separate AF sensor, obviously misalignment cannot be the reason for Olympus to provide for "Focal location adjustment for phase-difference AF" that "can be fine tuned within a range of ±20 steps.", quoting from page 112 of the "E-M1 Mark II Instruction Manual". So we have to look for another explanation. This thread https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3546169#forum-post-52156580
offers some intriguing points, namely, quote:
• "While you are right that in the case of the E-M1 that the camera should not give rise to any back/front focus error the lens can also be a source of error.
The PDAF sensor system determines the amount and the direction that the lens needs to move and then tells it to go there. Once the lens has made its focus change the PDAF system then makes another assessment and if the result is within tolerance the focus is considered set. With fast aperture lenses the tolerance allowed by the focus system can result in a small focus error that would not be seen using a slower lens being masked by the greater DOF.
Olympus could reduce the tolerance now that the camera is no longer a source of error but that would result in the focus system taking a second stab at achieving focus. The result would be slower and more jittery focusing with such lenses. Fine tuning allow for any lens errors to be compensated for so that the PDAF can achieve accurate focus at the first attempt most of the time."
• "Focus adjust does work with m4/3 lenses, but only in c-af mode where the PDAF system is being used. Focus adjust has no effect on m4/3 lenses in s-af."
The E-M1.2 also features in "Menu/A1" an "AF Scanner" that in my camera is set to mode2. Page 111 of the manual explains:
"Sets the AF scan function* for when the camera cannot
focus on the subject or the contrast is not clear.
* Scans whole range from minimum range to infinity for
focus point when the camera cannot focus on the subject
or the contrast is not clear.
[mode1]: AF Scanner is not activated.
[mode2]: AF Scanner is activated once only.
[mode3]: AF Scanner is activated."
I wonder what happens when mode3 is chosen. Dunno as I have not experimented with that option.
What an informative, well-reasoned post, K-H! The DPR link was worth reading as well. Thank you very much for that. I have noticed that twitchiness or jitteriness in C-AF. It has manifested itself in a few sharp shots followed by one or two soft shots in a burst. Kind of like the camera wasn't sure if it had nailed focus. Brings back memories of my 7D2 .
I will have to find some time to perform some AFMA trials to see if this addresses the behavior I've noticed. I have my cameras set to mode3: AF scanner activated. I guess I should play around with that and see what modes 1 and 2 do . I assumed it is like the Canon setting for "Lens drive when AF impossible" which basically tells the camera whether it should rack focus back and forth in search of proper focus, or determine that focus cannot be achieved and not drive the AF motor.
Mama killdeer was in a nearby clearing searching for food, so I was able to grab a quick snap of the nest eggs. Found myself wishing I had stuffed the 12-40 in my pocket before heading out
• "Focus adjust does work with m4/3 lenses, but only in C-AF mode where the PDAF system is being used."
• "Focus adjust has no effect on m4/3 lenses in S-AF."
Very easy to verify with E-M1.2 and mFT 300/4.0 PRO.
Set AFMA=-10 or +10, shoot with C-AF image OOF, shoot with S-AF image in focus, same as with AFMA=0.
BTW shoot AFMA=0 with both S-AF and C-AF gives in focus images and an easy way to see how Olympus defines in focus.
I find this reassuring as Sony's native FE lenses cannot be AFMAed but their adapted A-mount lenses can IIRC.
One more thing, switching IBIS off greatly aids precise focusing under 14x magnification. If IBIS is on focus point floats.
For my FT 300/2.8 SHG lens both C-AF and S-AF are affected by the AFMA setting.
Itching to try my brand new ZD 150/2 lens but I have nothing to shoot except my Olympus OM1 + G Zuiko 55/1.2 lens. The OOF rendering is just beautiful!
K-H
That is one of the things I always admired about that lens, how they were able to make it so sharp and still keep the creamy bokeh. The two don't always go hand in hand.
Drooooolllll....
bobbytan wrote:
Itching to try my brand new ZD 150/2 lens but I have nothing to shoot except my Olympus OM1 + G Zuiko 55/1.2 lens. The OOF rendering is just beautiful!
Congratulations Bobby on your new lens, another marvel of engineering, a true gem of a lens - and you got it at half price. For any of my four Olympus FT tele lenses, including the 150/2.0, wide open the AF focus point seems to be located at the near end of the DOF, so technically speaking are slightly back focusing. That's also the case for my brand new 90-250/2.8 lens. I wonder whether your brand new 150/2.0 FT lens is the same way on your E-M1.2? If so, should one leave it alone or correct it? For example for my mFT 300/4.0 Pro lens that doesn't seem to be the case. There wide open the focus point seems to be located near the middle of the DOF. TIA for your advice.
DanC.Licks wrote:
K-H
That is one of the things I always admired about that lens, how they were able to make it so sharp and still keep the creamy bokeh. The two don't always go hand in hand.
Drooooolllll....
Thanks Dan.
I agree, the bokeh of the FT 300/2.8 lens is definitely more to my liking than the bokeh of the mFT 300/4.0 Pro lens.
Of course, being aware that the Leica APO-R 280/4 and Vario-R 105-280/4.2 are FF lenses I nevertheless like to compare the optical qualities of my FT and mFT Zuiko tele lenses to them and find them competitive. Am I off base in my assessment? Thanks again for your feedback.
bobbytan wrote:
Itching to try my brand new ZD 150/2 lens but I have nothing to shoot except my Olympus OM1 + G Zuiko 55/1.2 lens. The OOF rendering is just beautiful!
Lookin' good, Mr. Tan! I took mine out on an evening walk with my daughter yesterday. Don't have anything great to share, but like you, I'm very happy with the lens!
Just messing around to see how much I could torture the E-M1.2's RAW files. Here is a screenshot of an LR comparison view of crops from two images. The image on the left is a standard resolution 5184 x 3888 image, while the image on the right is a 10368 x 7776 hi-res image. Both have been pushed +5 stops in LR.
Thanks K-H! As I told Mitesh, I am leaning towards selling the ZD 150/2. As much as I love the bokeh and OOF rendering, that lens is too freaking obese for my taste. When I had the overweight Canon 85/1.2L it stayed home most of the time. If I keep this lens I am afraid it may become a white elephant and eventually a door stopper!
But this lens (or the copy that I have) is focussing very accurately, as you can see from the 3 images I posted. If anything, it is front-focussing slightly, and I actually prefer that ... as I would rather have the background fade or drop off quickly.
k-h.a.w wrote:
Congratulations Bobby on your new lens, another marvel of engineering, a true gem of a lens - and you got it at half price. For any of my four Olympus FT tele lenses, including the 150/2.0, wide open the AF focus point seems to be located at the near end of the DOF, so technically speaking are slightly back focusing. That's also the case for my brand new 90-250/2.8 lens. I wonder whether your brand new 150/2.0 FT lens is the same way on your E-M1.2? If so, should one leave it alone or correct it? For example for my mFT 300/4.0 Pro lens that doesn't seem to be the case. There wide open the focus point seems to be located near the middle of the DOF. TIA for your advice.
mitesh wrote:
Just messing around to see how much I could torture the E-M1.2's RAW files. Here is a screenshot of an LR comparison view of crops from two images. The image on the left is a standard resolution 5184 x 3888 image, while the image on the right is a 10368 x 7776 hi-res image. Both have been pushed +5 stops in LR.
Thanks Bobby.
That lens is certainly on the large and heavy side.
But it seems to deliver IQ in spades.
You should have no problem selling the lens, I would assume.
Good luck.
K-H.
bobbytan wrote:
Thanks K-H! As I told Mitesh, I am leaning towards selling the ZD 150/2. As much as I love the bokeh and OOF rendering, that lens is too freaking obese for my taste. When I had the overweight Canon 85/1.2L it stayed home most of the time. If I keep this lens I am afraid it may become a white elephant and eventually a door stopper!
But this lens (or the copy that I have) is focussing very accurately, as you can see from the 3 images I posted. If anything, it is front-focussing slightly, and I actually prefer that ... as I would rather have the background fade or drop off quickly.
Wow ... that's a real torture test if I ever saw one! And it sure looks like ISO 64 in the High-Res mode significantly reduces and almost entirely eliminates noise. Sure is impressive! But damn you, Mitesh ... as this may prompt me to dump my Sony A7R II for the 3rd time! But read my lips .... I said may, which may well turn into a nay.
Some discussion about High-Res mode shadow recovery here:
mitesh wrote:
Just messing around to see how much I could torture the E-M1.2's RAW files. Here is a screenshot of an LR comparison view of crops from two images. The image on the left is a standard resolution 5184 x 3888 image, while the image on the right is a 10368 x 7776 hi-res image. Both have been pushed +5 stops in LR.
. Let me know when you post some pictures because I'd love to see them. 
.
