Field Review Olympus 100-400 mm f/5-6.3 Len

[@gregm6894]

Thanks for this detailed lens field review. I recently bought this lens and sold my Pana/Leica 100-400mm. So far I am happy I did, as I believe the Oly lens is just a tad sharper at 400mm. The negative trade off is the size and weight difference -- it's a bit more than I expected in real use. All that said, I have found something interesting using it with my E-M1X. I was reading a review of this lens the other day by Petr Bambousek, and he mentioned that he seemed to get consistently better sharpness using only the IBIS in the E-M1X, and was shooting with the lens IS turned off. I did some testing last night and today, handholding this combo and I too am seeing more consistently sharp images with the lens IS Off. I noticed that you were shooting with my Mklll, so maybe there is a difference when using this lens with these two different bodies.

[@gayledana7137]

Thanks Tim for this review. It helped me to decide to stick with my current Zuiko 300mm Pro and 40-150mm Pro for the time being.

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

I really like the 300 and the 40-150 lenses, too!

[@chetanunindracusin664]

If you fix position 300f4isfor me❤

[@karenkuhn6793]

Appreciate the honest review! Just ordered the lens myself as I cannot justify the cost of the coming 150-400 pro lens 😑 I do own the Oly 75-300 so I am familiar with needing good light to compensate for a smaller aperture. But looking forward to the greater reach and close focusing of this new lens!! I thank you for your great videos ❤🙂

[@cornishblue58]

I am sure you will enjoy the lens. It’s such a nice light and compact lens and I am very happy with the image quality

[@ThiHaGadgets]

I got 75-300. Should I get that 100-400? 😅

[@cornishblue58]

I have been using this lens for a couple of weeks now, and I am really enjoying it. It gives great focal range and I’ve found my images excellent, using topaz to reduce any noise if shooting with high ISO.

[@dwightjones3305]

I have used this lens one day so far. My thoughts mirror yours. This zoom won’t replace my 300/4. It isn’t much slower than the 300/4 is with 1.4 converter, but the 300/4 has better stabilization. That makes it better in low light.

[@vachonroland7024]

D'accord avec vous.I agree with you.

[@briancampbell5243]

Hi Tim, I use this lens on the OM-1. I’m tempted by the new (heavier) 150-600 lens. Do you think that the sync IS would be enough of an improvement to get the lens. The additional weight will be compensated by a lighter wallet, but I would consider it. Also would the performance at 400 be better on the 150-600, since it’s not at the edge of the zoom?

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

I heard it was comparable to the old sigma 1150-600mm lens, so I'd test one first, can you rent one?

[@KenRane]

My wife and I have both the Pany and Oly 100 -400. The Oly is sharper at 400mm .With the Pany you only have IBIS or OIS not both. At least you can have IBIS and Lens stabilisation with the Oly . At the long end both lenses have the same (f6.3) value. If I wanted to shoot at 100mm I would probably use the 40-150 f2.8 anyway. To sum it up I like this lens and considering it is not "PRO" I think it does a remarkable job.

[@ammadoux]

very helpful thanks

[@davidblack2632]

Thanks for the review. I have been using this lens for almost 2 weeks now. I do agree with your comments. I am using mine as a two zoom kit with the other zoom being the 12-100/4.0 lens. Then couple of fast primes. The kit is light enough with either my E-M1X or E-M1.3 that I can hike all day with the kit. I am keeping my 300/4.0 for low light. If or when Olympus releases the 150-400/4.5 I will get it, but will use it when the walks are shorter. Anyhow I enjoyed the review especially the photos.

[@Chris-Brown-]

I currently have the 75-300mm lens and photograph birds while hiking during the middle of the day, so this lens should with 1.4x TC should be a good upgrade

[@Chris-Brown-]

100-400 is a bit heavier but pretty good

[@san-chil]

Just curious … how is this for Astro photography or astrography as it is popularly known? For moon and deep sky and planetary photos?

[@pwx8460]

Thanks Tim. Really appreciate the comprehensive review of this lens.

[@smkunder1]

Looking at this lens, as much as I would prefer the 300 f4 it’s not in my budget. Do you think this lens is worth it or should I save up for 300? Great video so helpful.

[@danieldougan269]

I'm agonizing over these two lenses. I've rented them both, and they are both great. I almost exclusively shoot at the long end of a telephoto lens, and the 100-400mm gives me that extra reach. I don't so much care about zooming back, but I do care about the extra reach of the 100-400mm. On the other hand, the 300mm is so deliciously good, and it's better in low light since it's f4. I already have the 40-150mm f2.8 and both teleconverters, but putting the MC-20 on the 40-150 is....iffy. I've gotten some great shots that way, but I'm often frustrated that it gets softer and also that it still doesn't get close enough. The 100-400mm is about half the price, new or used. I'm a big believer in buying used gear, but you still have to fork over a lot of money for that 300mm f4 even used. I really want both lenses, but that's a lot of money and a lot to carry.

[@1955mlynch]

Thank you for the video. I owned the Lumix/Leica 100-400mm for several years. The issue i found with that lens was the zoom mechanism was too stiff; to the point where hand holding and zooming was nearly impossible. From what I read and hear in reviews the Olympus zoom is smoother. I am curious to know what others' experiences have been. The Leica designed lens did give me some wonderful images with my Olympus bodies but even after a lot of use and one exchange; I could only zoom the lens on a tripod where I could gain enough leverage.

[@davidcoote8395]

Great video, I have the 40-150f2.8 and both converters and find it excellent. I’m thinking about the 100-400 zoom to pair with it for the birds that are just out of reach with the MC20 on my current zoom., and keep the zoom flexibility rather than the 300f4. Thanks.

[@ReginakDale]

Thank you for an honest review. I will stick to my Panasonic 100-400mm!

[@michaelhall2709]

I was thinking the same thing. If I were buying a lens today I’d probably go with the Olympus, since it offers the option of using a teleconverter and is likely better-constructed than the Panasonic. But it’s also bigger, heavier, and slower, and doesn’t synch with the camera’s IS. So I’ll stay put for now, while keeping an eye towards the release of the 150-400 Pro lens in the near future.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

I have that lens and the Olympus, I've forgotten where the Panny is!

[@olafweyer859]

I continuously run into shutter speed problems at acceptable iso even with the pro zooms. Tough choice this lens! The 40-150mm f/2.8 is enormously brighter up to, well 150mm. With the x2 tele converter it is also brighter up to max 300mm at f/5.6 (a 0.1 to 1.1 advantage). The 100-400 becomes interesting at 300mm-400mm at marvelous f/6.1 the 40-150 can not reach. Plus you can go up 800mm with the tele converter. It IS a very tempting lens.

[@grahamcrockford854]

Hi. If you could only have one. Which would you choose? 100-400 or the 300 pro ? Thanks.

[@ryantang8146]

I’m wondering what sort of performance and image quality is with the MC20 and EM1X. I currently have the 300 f4 pro and can only reach 600mm with the MC 20 but with this lens I can get to 800mm and 1600mm in 35mm terms. I’m just wondering whether it is worthwhile if I am out to shoot in broad daylight at water birds and seabirds. You always want more reach. Would there be significant compromises compare to the 300 f4 pro in this type of situation?

[@ridealongwithrandy]

I just fitted the dress ring from my 300mm f4 pro (when not using tripod ring) onto my 100-400 Olympus lens. Nice! I was trying to find the dress ring for the 100-400, but it does not exist.

[@kumarjoglekar1]

Dear Tim I do nature and wildlife ( birding ) photography. If I want to to shoot in apperture priority should I set the ISO in Auto or set the min, and max. limit for ISO. I am using MFT - Lumix G 85 camera with 100 - 400 lens. Please advise.

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

I switch between Manual and Aperture Priority all the time and both work for bird photography. If you want to shoot Aperture Priority and Auto ISO, yes set a range so you know the ISO won't get too crazy. Lots of different ways to do these things, the trick is finding the one that works for you

[@sergiomancini4416]

hello, if the 100-400 mm is not IS synch with the in camera IS, why are you setting both lens & camera or body IS only?

[@maddindscheidschei3830]

I think the f4 at 100mm of the Panasonic is not really an advantage. I have that lens now for some time, and 90% of my images are at full length - mostly I even use the TC1.4 - the noise is an issue, but nothing which DxO or Topaz DeNoise couldn't solve. Great lens for low budget.

[@laurentyarp514]

Sure, the 100mm on a 100-400 is not what we are looking for :) I consider the 100-400 to be a f6.3 lens. Are you really using the TC1.4 on the Pana Leica 100-400 ? At the local shop we discussed about this and the guy showed me that at 100mm the teleconverter glass would scrap the lens glass. Maybe it is "safe" from 200mm upward ?

[@sergiomf7313]

Hi Tim. Great review! I would like to ask you for advice. What telephoto zoom would you choose for a Safari trip in Africa: the Zuiko 100-400mm f5-6.3 OR the Zuiko 40-150 f2.8 PRO + MC-20 2X? Thanks!!

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

Okay if you can't take both, go with the 100-400. They'd be an excellent combination if you could do both.

[@charleneburge1893]

Did you switch systems? I was talking to you a few years ago and it sounded like you were not a mirrorless system fan (and you were using Canon then). Your book even discounts mirrorless cameras as an enthusiast or pro option.

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

Yes, I switched to Olympus. In March of 2018 when I wrote the book I didn't think mirrorless was far enough along, too much black out between frames, shutter lag etc. Then I used the Canon EOS R for a few months and it was actually pretty good, then I tried Olympus and freed myself from the big heavy 600 mm f/4 lens and tripod. So it took me about 6 months of thinking about it but I finally switched late summer in 2019. I need to update the book I guess.

[@charleneburge1893]

Welcome to the dark side. :-) I look forward to chatting with you about your experiences switching when we can all go back to the Sandhill Crane Fest in Othello (assuming you will be there). We've talked there a few times. Or perhaps somewhere else. I'm an east side resident for now, so if you come over birding, perhaps our paths will cross.

[@octruemichel7018]

Thank you for your very interesting video. Really I have difficulties to see advantages of this Olympus vs Panasonic Leica 100-400 mm. Please could you argue ?

[@mexitegel]

I am an Olympus user, the Panasonic 100-400 is about $500 more expensive in Scandinavia for some reason. I have heard that the weather sealing work better when paired to Olympus bodies compared to pairing a Panasonic lens to a Olympus body. Having the opportunity to use teleconverters is also good if I have an urge to extend my range in the future. So compatability, adaptability and price does it for me. I currently use a vintage manual prime 400 lens, and the main issue for me is tracking and acquiring focus on moving subjects. It also hurt my back after a full day hiking!

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

There might be a faster AF with an Olympus body. I have not tested this but heard from a few people that the Panasonic on an Olympus body doesn't work as well as if you had an Olympus lens on an Olympus body. I think the lender themselves are probably close to equal.

[@koolkutz7]

@@GodwitMediaLLC That is correct. Olympus lens autofocus better on Olympus bodies and same for Panasonic because of their different AF systems.

[@JBSwanstrom]

Just jumped into the m4/3 system with a Pana GX8 and wide zoom. Enjoying photography again and looking at this lens vs the Pana Leica 100-400. So much easier than 5Dmk4 and Sigma 150-600.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

IS does not sync with camera...egads!! Does the 1.4 and 2.0 TC work on this as it is usable with the 40-150 pro and 300 pro?

[@claudedubois3521]

Hello i have a omd e5markiii Can i using it with this body. Thanks tour answer

[@pankajnjoshi9673]

With this lens and omd em1 mk3 combo how many total stops of stabilization you get at 400mm/6.3? Thanks.

[@stevenzilverberg6458]

B and H is a good company but if you want to stay local I recommend Robi's Camera in Tacoma. They have great prices and excellent customer service.

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

Thanks I haven't heard of them.

[@stevenzilverberg6458]

I just found out about Robi,s less than a year ago. They are worth checking out.

[@tobywoolgar9517]

I hope you do a review on the panasonic 100 400, 200 and the 100 300 on your Olympus system all 3 are interesting lens for different reasons...

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

Sorry I don't have those lenses so it will be difficult to test them. If I get a chance to I'll borrow them and see how they compare. Thanks

[@tobywoolgar9517]

@@GodwitMediaLLC 100 300 is very lightweight for the FL not as sharp as the rest and not weather sealed but very easy going . 100-400mm is like the one you've just tried just a little smaller and the 200mm is the best at f 2.8 which i haven't tried yet but the photos look really nice online .. good luck with your channel 👍

[@jonathanashton4758]

Thanks Tim, that is just the evaluation I was looking for. So far all reviews have said it is brilliant and sharp, but the fact that it is a slow lens was not really shown to be an issue. I actually think it will be an issue for me in UK so I will await the review of the pro zoom but I still have a feeling the 300 and 1.4 will take some beating. By the way I am still confused over the new pro zoom, does the aperture change when the internal TC is engaged, what would the aperture be at the 400mm length with the in built TC be (I think the inbuilt TC is 1:2 not 1:4 like the MC14 - am I right?)

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

I'm pretty sure with the 1.25X built in extender or tele-converter there will be some loss of light. Well have to wait and see. When I did my review I was disappointed in the lens because I think it was over hyped. Which is too bad, for what it is it's good, it's just not as good as the 300 pro lens.

[@cikenot90]

just out of curiosity, why do you combine this lens with teleconverter instead of using the inbuilt 2x digital teleconverter?(given the lens reach is tremendous enough without the teleconverter attached).

[@kenperry7723]

Built in tele requires less mp size I believe

[@maximme]

ONLY pro lens have Sync IS, ie body and lens IS working TOGETHER. turning on BOTH with this lens, you get EITHER of them. Not both. Is this understanding correct?

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

Yes that is right only the pro lenses sync. I was a little surprised to find with both lens and body IS on I got more keeper shots. I talked to a couple other people and their experience was the same. I don't know why.

[@maximme]

@@GodwitMediaLLC / perhaps Olympus enabled it BUT for marketing purpose, kept it quiet :)

[@jamesalamb]

No. The lens does not have Synch IS but with the latest firmware update it uses roll compensation from the body, along with the pitch and yaw from the lens.

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

@@jamesalamb Thank you!

[@gregm6894]

@@GodwitMediaLLC Robin Wong explained this. With this lens and both lens and camera IS turned on, the lens handles x and y axis movement, while the camera body handles pitch, roll, and yaw movements. If you turn off the camera IS you are working only with the lens IS, so you've lost pitch, roll, and yaw IS. IF you turn off the lens IS you are using the full camera IS, but the x and y axis IS is not as effective as the in-lens IS. That is why the best set up is to keep both turned on.

[@paulrubens3048]

are all your shots uncropped from camera? then you are pretty close to the birds. I find you can't crop as much from OLYMPUS shots as regular DSLR

[@LordMalkevVII]

It's a 100-400 from a 4/3 with 2x teleconverter, so it's like a 400-1600 fullframe. You don't need to be pretty close.

[@rikmeistr46]

I’ll stay with the 300/4.

[@mariusm2402]

Nice review. I'm considering to replace my 75-300. The missing sync IS feels a little bit like an artificial downgrade of the lens to keep a distance to the 300Pro and the crazy 7k lens. The fear of high iso is somehow preventing me from actually purchasing a super Tele lens. What I do not immediately get is the real delta between the f4 and the f6. 3. I mean this is just 1 stop and slowing shutter speed by factor of 2 (or increasing iso). When considering the additional reach compared to the 300mm the disadvantage is reducing. What is the maximum apperture when being at 300mm? (yes I'm trying to find arguments to buy the lens... 🤣)

[@gregm6894]

You need to understand how the IS works in this lens. Unfortunately, Tim does not understand it either. Robin Wong has a video that explains it well. While it is not full IS Synch, it does work with the E-M1 Mkll, lll, and 1x bodies. The lens has built in 2 axis IS which is pretty effective on a super tele like this, however when used with the in-body IS, what you get is the camera body handling 3 axis (Pitch, Roll, and Yaw) and the vertical and horizontal axis movement handled by the lens. If you turn off the lens IS you then get in-body 5 axis IS, but it is not as effective as having the vertical and horizontal IS done by the lens -- thus fewer stops of IS. If you turn off the camera IS, you are then only using the two axis IS of the lens and have lost Pitch, Roll, and Yaw correction from the camera. So both the lens and camera IS need to be switched 'On' with this lens.

[@mariusm2402]

@@gregm6894 thanks for the explanation. Meanwhile having the lens and checked ois vs ibis only. Clearly ibis only cannot keep up with the ois + ibis (no surprise on a Tele lens).

[@garybrown9719]

Olympus had sinc IS it would be the best camera I'm not going to carry a tripod Ill pass and keep my g9 100-400mm which has sinc IS

[@snowwalker9999]

Can this lens sync with the camera's IBIS with a future firmware update?

[@vachonroland7024]

It still lacks a lot of sharpness in this objective compared to the 300 F4.

[@k6usy]

I purchased this lens for the moon and spying on rock climbers. Using it for birds is just bonus.

[@dretwav]

This lens is way too slow for me. I am waiting for the 150-400 f/4.5. My banker is not happy about that.

[@garybrown9719]

How much For the 150-450mm 3k or 4k

[@BobK58]

You'll only gain one stop of light, correct?

[@OscarAbarcaChinchilla]

Bob Klarquist yes, just one stop. But I have experienced that a sharper lens can manage higher iso with less noise, than a less quality lens at the same aperture; so maybe that’s another bonus.

[@charleneburge1893]

@@garybrown9719 7.5K. Definitely out of the question for me. LOL

[@colingift8912]

Sold all of my pro Olympus gear, and my Panasonic 100 - 400 about 6 months ago and so glad I did.... This lens is too little too late, Olympus is a dying horse.

[@GodwitMediaLLC]

What did you switch too?