So many great shots with this OM set-up. And you have created great images with many types of gear over the years. Are you finding the OM-1 and the 150-400 combo somewhat unique in the overall feature set? Pros, cons? Surprises? Disappointments?
Don't want to start a fanboy/critic war at all - genuinely interested in your experiences to date.
Also, I know that craft plays the dominant role with anyone who delivers exceptional results regardless of gear and you touched a tiny bit on your approach in your response to my genuine love of and response to your "bird flying away at sunset". How does the combo integrate with your approach to taking great photos of birds in all kinds of conditions and activities?
Great questions! I think you’ve seen a number of people say that this OM 1 + 150-400 combo is more fun to shoot than some of the higher end FF set ups from Canon, Sony, etc. I echo those sentiments. I usually would have taken 2 a1 bodies + 200-600 + 600/4 on a trip like this. Not only is it a lot to carry around, but switching between gear causes missed shots and accidents when you’re in a hurry. Around sand and salt water, that can lead to very unpleasant outcomes. Having just one camera and one lens — both weather sealed — to cover everything was so liberating. Not having to carry a tripod or fiddle with extenders was also a huge benefit.
Most of the advantages of the OM system are well known. Since I’ve been using this combo, I’ve been most impressed with the AF improvements over the E-M1.2 + 300 PRO combo I used before. In good light, the combo is very fast and surefooted. There is a noticeable drop off in hit rate as light levels decrease. That’s of course to be expected, but it seems like it was more of a drop than what I would have expected with Sony. I also would have to concur with those who have experienced dropped focus during a burst and focus not being on the subject despite the subject detection identifying the subject and AF being engaged. I’ve also found the EVF to be less than optimal for low light action.
Overall, the advantages over a larger, comparable FF system are numerous and can yield an increase in the number of keepers and the variety of images captured. Some of the terns flying with fish in their beaks with waves in the background were taken with me standing in the ocean. I would not have dared to do that with a heavier, more expensive FF system. Even some of the owl and bear images I’ve posted previously I likely would not have gotten with any other gear. That is simply because I had to put myself in positions that I may not have been able or willing to with heavier gear that probably would have necessitated a tripod to shoot at the slower shutter speeds I shot at.
Several of the very accomplished photographers who regularly post in the N&W forum are good friends whom I’ve shot with several times. They all use primarily the Sony FF system and they were surprised not only that I repurchased an m4/3 system, but that I’d leave the Sony at home and take the OM on a photo trip! After seeing the results, they’re shocked that the m4/3 combo performed so well. OM has really closed the gap with this camera body and this lens.
Much appreciated, Mitesh. I wonder when OM might actually get a handle on production to make both items more readily available. The work presented from all the photographers using this gear is quite impressive.
If anyone else has input/experiences to share, I am certain I am not the only one who might be interested...
