I Secretly Added a Lens to My Kit. Olympus 300mm f4 IS PRO What a Beast!

[@robert_may]

Great lens! I'm not a huge fan of the focus clutch and attached lens hood, because if you use it in the rain and get grit in those mechanisms you have to wait for it to dry out in order to get the grit back out. But aside from that, that lens is one of my favourites that I've used. Super sharp and compact, and it works brilliantly with the two teleconverters. The short minimum focus distance is amazing and one of the biggest benefits to that lens and the M43 system.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thanks for watching the video and your comment I realy apreciate it. I haven't had issues with the lens hoot and the clutch mechanism myself. The clutch is on all the other pro lenses I have so I guess I'm just lucky. Or the weather I photograph in isn't bad enough 😅 but I totaly agree with the short focus distance. All these tele lenses are also very good for macro/ small subjects for that reason. Do you still use the m43 system? Grt guido

[@robert_may]

@@GuidoVanDeWater Not any more as I found I was always at max ISO here in Wales, so I ended up swapping to full frame. I do miss the portability though! 😀 If I lived somewhere a bit brighter I’d probably never have swapped, and the G9II looks like a really nice new release that I’d like to try out too.

[@misstracee]

I have watched a few of your videos and have enjoyed them all. Beautiful locations and captures.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thank you for your kind words. Happy to see you like the videos. Where are you from? Grt guido

[@misstracee]

​@@GuidoVanDeWater Currently living in Brisbane, Australia.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@misstracee nice. More people from Australia watching all the time 🙂seen some spectacular images for the east coast there. it's the other side of the world for me but hopefully I will visit it someday 🙂 grt guido

[@Namaste..]

Congrats on your new to me 300f4. Mine stays attached to my OM1 along with the 1.4 TC. Great lens for dragonflies, butterflies, and other assorted critters. I love mine!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

I've seen a lot of KZbin video and spoken to lots of people that used that lens and just like you they were all very happy with it. So after testing it myself for 3 weeks I just knew that this one had to come in some day... I actualy tested it this weekend thisnthe 1.4 converter in a zoo. Could not see any quality difference. So I tested it with the 2x converter and was very surprised by the results! The bokeh gets a little less at f8 but the sharpnes was still amazing. Thanks for watching the video. I'm sure you will see some more of it on the channel 😉 grt guido

[@murphyorama]

I have the same set up and love mine too.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

It's such a great set of gear! Thanks for watching the video! Grt guido

[@vermis8344]

I bought this lens not so long ago, myself. My only telephoto lens was the ancient Lumix 45-200 Mega OIS: a series of unsatisfying experiences with it this summer, and the fact the Lumix 300mm was discontinued, made me splash out on the Oly 300mm. So I'm a novice with no great frame of reference, but the jump in IQ floored me. This lens made me lean more to Olympus/OM for my wildlife needs: I bought an OM-1 (which came with two shorter lenses itself) and the 1.4x teleconverter to go with it. So good! Sometimes I wonder if I need the versatility of a zoom lens, but frankly I had the old Lumix lens cranked all the way out 95% of the time anyway, and still wished I had more reach! Currently considering an E-M5iii and the 40-150 lens as backup, in that regard. The two biggest problems with this lens, in my view? 1. The same as in this video: hoping the local deer hold still long enough to get good shots! 2. Yeah, I had to go with a used price myself... Fantastic photos of the kingfisher, along with everything else. Glad the wildlife is recovering so well after the construction. It so happens I'm hunting kingfishers myself, visiting an area where they're regularly spotted on my lunch breaks. Not much luck yet! Though if I can get results half as good as shown here, I'll be happy.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

I think you have a great setup for birds there. A few videos after this one I also shot an image with the 2.0x converter and the 300mm f4 on the om-1 and I was stunned. No loss of quality at all! So if you want more reach try getting the 2.0x converter younwont be disappointed! I thibk that spare camera setup sound good also. I have an em5mk3 also but rarely use it is is just a backup. However the 40-150 f2.8 Pro is one of my most used lenses and absolutely worth the investment. I don't know for birds but for me as landscape photographer it is amazing! I do agree with you that a zoom is helpful sometimes but for birds I would prefer the 300 over for example the 100-400 any day. It just haf that little extra sharpness. Funny isn't it you go hunting for a kingfisher and don't get the result you wanted yet. I just stumbled upon this one. If it haddend landed next to me on the railing I would never have noticed it. Where are you from if I may ask? Thabks for watching the video and your comment! Grt guido

I just sold my ancient Lumix 45-200 Mega OIS and got a 40-150 f/4. And I was thinking how the difference in image quality is astonishing. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a 300mm.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

The 300 is by far the sharpest lens that I have ever used. I think it's even slightly sharper than the 150-400. Happy to see the witch payd of. What body are you using it on? Thanks for watching grt guido

@@GuidoVanDeWater thanks. I'm currently using the OM-5 but my eyes are on the OM-1 MKII

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

That would be a major step forward. The om1mkii is amazing. Everything you soo on my channel is with the om-1 mkii at the moment. What's your favorite subject to photograph? Grt guido

[@thomasphillips5850]

I enjoyed the video, but the most enjoyment came from seeing your enthusiasm for your new lense. Have fun with it and let's see more birds , thanks for sharing.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Haha yeah I'm realy happy with this addition. I lm still more into landscapes but it is nice the be able to do something different every now and then. I think it will also make the channel more interesting when it shows a different kind of photography every now and then. Thabks for watching and your comment! Apreciate your comment 🙂 grt guido

[@ravineelakantan6417]

Beautiful narration and superb snaps of the common Kingfisher.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thank you very much. Happy to see you liked the video 🙂 grt guido

[@paximaxi]

Nice video, I loved how at 1:45min, when you couldn’t find the right term to use, you were looking at the camera as if you were waiting for us, the viewers, to suggest the right word to you…😄 Anyhow, thanks for the video and keep up the good work!👍

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Haha funny you've noticed. What probably happend was that I looked at the recording time on the screen to see if I should restart the take. But when I'm already minutes into a take I usualy carey on 😅 thanks for watching and your comment it made me smile 😅 grt guido

[@mk1photography62]

Superb shots of the kingfisher i an thinking of hiring this lens to try it out on my OMD EM1 MK3

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thank you. Its always a good idea to rent something first but I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I'm currently making another video about this lens. Might release it this Thursday if everything goed according to plan. Grt guido

[@mich8261]

Outstanding photos of the Kingfisher! I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of this lens myself. Bought it used with the 1.4x TC. I am excited to use dual IS and ProCapture

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

The image quality is is so amazing on this one! Make sure to check out tomorrow's video I will use it with the 2.0 teleconverter for the first time and I could not believe the result. Absolute sharpnes to the feathers of a buzzard. I'm sure you will have lots of fun with that lens! I haven't regretted getting it for a second 🙂 where are you from? thanks for watching and you comment I apreciate it! Grt guido

[@mich8261]

I look forward to seeing the results with the 2x TC. I am going to start off with the 1.4 since most of the bird photography we do is right in our little backyard. My wife transformed our small garden into a wildlife habitat. We’re in Rhode Island (northeast US) and we are blessed with hummingbirds in the summer

[@georgewelch2366]

Great video, as always, Guido. I came back to m43 after a year with FF equipment. I like the size of m43 very much and that’s why I chose this lens rather than the 150-400 which I had before. Yes, the prime is not as flexible but the image quality speaks for itself.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

To be honest, I think the 300mm is by far the sharpest lens I ever used. It's even sharper then the 150-400. I hear it a lot that people return all that big and bulky equipment is not everything. Thanks for watching. Grt guido

[@CluelessYoutuber]

Wow those results are incredible! Really sharp. Looks like you’re gonna have a lot of fun with it 😁 beautiful snaps!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thank you very happy with the results indeed. Hopefully I can use it some more . Thanks for watching grt guido

[@bellasvistas3463]

I really love that lens. It will fit in with your style for sure.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Yeah I know watching your videos was also a reason why I wanted one. I always see you take great shots with it haha. Thanks for watching Mike 🙂 grt guido

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Wonderful shots, and awesome vid too! I shoot dual EM1X's with the 40-150 f2.8 on one and on the other the amazing 300mm f4. I was thinking of getting the Olympus 100-400, but it is noway as sharp as my 300, and then just pop on the 2x or 1.4x tc's and blammo!, more super quality reach. Cheers!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

I like that you have a zoom on the 100-400 but I totaly agree that the 300 is way sharper even with the teleconverters. There is another shot in a different video with the 300 and 2x converter. I was amazed by the quality. You have 2 great peaces of equipment there! For my landacape the 300 is a bit difficult to handle but if I can use it at that focal range I prefer it above the 100-400 anytime. Can i ask where you sre from? Thanks for watching grt guido

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Alpine, California

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@ridealongwithrandy whaha nice! I drove trough there years ago. Remembered it because it was a cars name 😅 we drove from Joshua tree np to the Salton see and then to San diego. Don't remember anything except for the town sign haha. But california is so beautifull. Lots of hummingbirds must be great with your cameras 🙂

[@giovannibarca2359]

Lo consigli il 100 400?

[@ridealongwithrandy]

@@GuidoVanDeWater Awesome!

[@siofna9709]

Hello Guido I can feel with you :-). Tree weeks ago I was on my way with a Tamron 70-300mm zoom lens on my old Nikon D50. 300mm is a realy good length. Grt Ernesto

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

It's a great focal length indeed especialy for wildlife. What sensor is a d50 is it full frame? Imagine this 300mm on my om-1 with the micro four third sensor. When using it its actualy a 600mm compared to full frame and so tiny. Last weekend I also tested it with a 2x tele converter in a zoo and could not tell a real difference in quality. So that's a full frame equivalent of a 1200mm lens. It realy keeps amazing me all th time. It does get a bit difficult to find the subject with such a long lens haha. Do you have many birds on the river you always go to? I cab imagine it's a great location for kingfishers also. Thanks for watching grt guidk

[@siofna9709]

@@GuidoVanDeWater The D50 has a 6MP APS-C CCD Sensor with crop factor 1,5 so I habe only a maximal focal length of 450mm. Yes, we have many Birds at our River. Ducks, geeses, swans and more. We also have beavers, but they don't like cameras. It seems they smell it if you have a camera with you :-). On Sunday I will load up a slideshow from my last tour. There are some images with Birds, but not very big. Have a nice time. Ernesto

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@siofna9709 ah that is still a big focal range. Great I will try to have a look at it! Haha beavers are not easy to photograph. Its difficult to get a nice image of them jn the first place. Tried it a couple of times over the years and never caught one satisfying image. Grt guido

[@peterjohnson1845]

What is this lens like compared to the Olympus 100-400?

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

The 300 f4 is far sharper then the 100-400. It's in fact the sharpest lens that I know for the system. Even the 150-400 Pro is a little less sharp (comes close). Also the stabilisation of the lens is just phenomenal! Only negative is that it's a prime... so that's something to get used to. Thanks for watchibg. Grt guidk

[@peterjohnson1845]

@@GuidoVanDeWater Thanks mate

[@paolopicchel653]

It's really nice to walk with you 😍👍

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Happy to read that you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching. Grt guido

[@igorbacik9661]

great video guido

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thanks for you comment I appreciate it! Grt guido

[@maciejn1991]

Good purchase Guido. Some time ago I bought a Tamron 150-500 for my Sony. I love photographing wildlife. I'm also good at landscapes. I'm glad that you are satisfied 🙂👍💪

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

That sounds like an excellent focal range! I also own the 100-400 but the 300 is just a little bit sharper in my opinion and better stability. So gives me some more oppertunitys to get out. I think we all need to find as much things to photograph as we like 🙂 thanks for watching and your comment! Grt guido

[@neilcole3406]

Kingfisher shots! Beautiful!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thanks for watching and your kind word Neil I apreciate it 🙏 grt guido

[@Hvitkinn]

Leuke video…ik heb je net ontdekt…mag ik vragen waarom je niet in 4K upload naar KZbin?

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Leuk dat je me gevonden hebt! De voornaamste reden is omdat ik mijn computer het gewoon niet aan kon om in 4k te editen. Het duurd vele malen langer om de video te renderen. Ik heb 2 weken terug een nieuwe pc aangeschaft waar dit wel mee kan dus dat probleem is opgelost. Waar ik nu nog tegenaan loop is dat mijn osmo pocket video camera accus leeg slurpt zodra ik in 4k60fps ga filmen. De camera word dan ook super warm. Daarnaast zijn 4k 60fps files ook vele malen groter dus heb je nog een issue dat je vele malen meer date hebt. Die laatste 2 dingen ga ik binnenkort eens odnerzoeken. Als ik daar een goede oplossing voor heb dan ga ik eens kijken of het lukt. Dus wie weet zie je binnenkort wel iets veranderen 🙂 waar fotografeer / film je zelf mee als ik vragen mag?

[@garykuiken6191]

I really like the second image of him sitting on the railing as it really shows grear detail in its feathers.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thanks that's also my favorite I also love those colours in that image. I hoped it would return again for another run but unfortunatly it didn't. Next time... 😉 thanks for watching the video and your comment as always I realy apreciate it! Grt guido

[@ammadoux]

beautiful video, yes this lens is insanely sharp. so sad the kingfisher this season did not come to there usual spot in the shore near my house. i hope i can find one or couple somewhere else.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

That's very unfortunate that it didn't return. I've been having a group of long eared owls in my back garden for 3 years in a row. Took some insane shots of them but then 2 years ago they dissapeared. Don't know what the reason has been but I know it feels very bad that they didn't return so kind of know your frustration haha. And we keep looking and hoping it will return so who knows we will get lucky again someday 🤞 thanks for watching the video and you comment 🙂grt guido

[@pentagramyt417]

Hi Guido, please consider doing more wildlife with that lens, I am thinking about switching even my sony gear with 200-600 for the OM1 and 300mm :) would like to see the capabilites! Alos for your film ideas, you can check a high ISO noise reduce like how the image looks after 6400 iso denoise, and then also test the low shutterspeed times at wildlife so you can bring iso down. :)

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

That's some good ideas. I'm actualy looking in to making some more videos about the capability of this lens but I don't want the channel to become to much about gear and more about photography in a wider scale. But every now and then I will try to make some and I will definitely be using of your ideas. We have a zoo close by with one of the largest indoor jungles of the world. Lots of birds and low lighting so definitely worth trying it out there to see the capability. Thanks for watching the video and your input I realy apreciate it! Grt guido

[@murphyorama]

You can shoot at high ISO with the OM1 and this lens and then use topaz denoize for perfectly clean wildlife shots. Don't be worried about ISO performance.

[@pentagramyt417]

@@murphyorama Hi murphy, I use A6400 and Sony 200-600, and I can tell you the ISO 12.800, is mostly washed up, like 2D picture, colours are very nice, bokeh is nice, but image is 2D not 3D, it's usable for instagram maybe, but I would not print that in most cases. For example when you photograph a Squirrel, and it has a darker places in it's fur, then at ISO 12.800 it becomes a flat area with no details if you denoise that (at least in lightroom AI denoise, but DxO is not better). I don't consider 12.800 on sony A6400 a good idea. But 10.000 makes a slight but important difference in denoise part. Everything below 10.000 (so like, 8.000, 6.400...) is very nice and good to print. Edit: Of course in 12.800 ISO noise, I talk about lack of details when you zoom at 100% then you can see the difference.

[@pentagramyt417]

@@GuidoVanDeWater Thank you Sir! I always watch your videos. :)

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

I agree with you I don't mind rasing the iso if needed up to 6400 iso is not a problem with the om-1 as long as you have frame filling subjects like a bird, macro or other animal. With a landacape you do start to see a little loss in detail bit then your mostly shooting from tripod so I'm never on high iso levels anyways. Grt guido

[@yonroth7382]

I'm much more a landscape photographer, the wildlife photography happens rather than me chasing it. I'm considering the 100-400 f5-6 the 40-150 f2.5 and this 300 f4. I know the convenience of the variable focal length is a strong argument, however I want sharp photos, good for large prints. I found that most of my use of a 50-200 f2.8-3.5 for landscape photography is at full length. I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments gained from your personal experiences. Thanks.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

I think we are a bit the same then. I rarely go out for wildlife it's always with landscapes in mind. The wildlife that I see is what I come across by coincidence. The 40-150 is my favourite lens for sure. Great focal range, and I use it so much for landscapes. The 100-400 is great, but above 300, I always feel it gets a bit softer. So in those cases, I now use the 300 sometimes, and even with teleconverters, it is sharper than the 100-400. But you do miss a lot of flexibility. I am just lucky to own them all 3 I guess. The only reason why I would get rit of them is if I ever get enough money to buy a 150-400 f4.5 Pro. Thanks for watching and your comment! Grt guido

[@yonroth7382]

Thanks for your swift response@@GuidoVanDeWater I am concerned that the 40-150 would not be a significant impact on the perspective or the reach for my landscape photos, so do you know if there is there a drop of IQ when attaching a 1.4 converter, achieving 210mm and f4. ? Its hard to find a used 300 that I can afford, so I've got to compromise, and I rather have IQ not compromised. So the 40-150 is (probably) going to be my next lens purchase with a 1.4 converter.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@yonroth7382 I have used it with the 1.4 teleconverter, and I could not see any difference in IQ. Of course, you lose a few stops of light. I have never tried it myself on the 2.0 converter, but over the years, I've seen enough people that do it. And they always say it worked well. I think it will be a great addition to you. There is one thing for sure that lens is razor sharp! Where are you from? If you're in Europe, you can try mpb.com. Sometimes, I see used 300 mm come by there. Thanks grt guido

[@stehlealexander]

I will get mine next week ☺️

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Oeh nice I'm sure you will like it a lot! The sharpnes is just next level to any other m43 lens that I've used. What's your favourite subject to photograph, and where are you from? Grt guido

[@stehlealexander]

@@GuidoVanDeWater i am from Switzerland :-) & nature is my favorite topic but I also like animals & nice things in general. Good luck with the 300mm ( I also will use the digital zoom as well!...)

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@stehlealexander switzerland is so amazing. I've been there a couple of days in spring this year. There are a couple of videos from it also. You can consider investing in a teleconverter the quality is amazing icm with the 300mm. Recently shot some landscape images with the 300mm and the converters without any negative sites on them. Grt guido

[@stehlealexander]

@@GuidoVanDeWater cool- I live in Lucerne a place to visit :-) Thanks I just ordered the 1.4 teleconverter although the 300mm ist not yet here :-D All the best alex

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Ah nice. I was in interlaken, lauterbrunnen etc. I'm sure you will enjoy the 300mm! Grt guido

[@Philip-tp6fz]

Waar heb je de lens gehaald?

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Ik heb hem 2de hands gekocht. Grt guido

[@Philip-tp6fz]

@@GuidoVanDeWater Het is een erg mooie lens, maar de prijs is inderdaad wel pittig. Heb je toevallig tips voor winkels die deze lens wellicht zouden hebben? Ik ben bij al mijn camera zaken in de buurt geweest maar geen enekele winkel had deze lens uberhaupt ooit 2e hands gehad

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@Philip-tp6fz hij word inderdaad niet vaak verkocht ik heb hem voor een goede prijs van iemand overgenomen die hem weg deed want nieuw had ik hem niet kunnen betalen. Ik zou marktplaats in de gaten houden of de olympus fotografen Facebook daar word ook weleens iets aangeboden. Wat je kan doen is een aantal camera zaken bellen en zeggen dat je zon lens zoekt. Als ze er een keer 1 hebben dan kunnen ze je bellen. Alleen als ze weten dat ze al een koper hebben dan is daar natuurlijk de prijs ook naar. Ik weet dat kamera expres en cameranu veel inruilen. Je zou ook eens op mpb.com kunnen kijken. Daar staan er nu 2 op maar nog steeds voor 2000 euro. Succes met de zoektocht 🤞grt guido

[@Philip-tp6fz]

@@GuidoVanDeWater Super, bedankt Guido!!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Graag gedaan laat maar weten als je er ergens 1 gevonden hebt ben wel benieuwd of het gelukt is 😀 fijne jaarwisseling en al het beste voor 2024! Grt guido

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

Wat een leuke vangst die ijsvogel. Proficiat er mee.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Dankjewel. Dit was een gevalltje puur geluk dat hij naast me op die railing ging zitten anders had ik hem waarschijnlijk nooit gezien. Grt guido

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

@@GuidoVanDeWater zonder geluk vaart niemand wel.😂

[@harrya1039]

Guido de Ooijpolder blijft echt mooi om foto's te maken 👌👌👌

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Zeker weten en ik ben er eerlijk gezegd gewoon te weibig geweest de laatste jaren. Wil er nog wat vaker heen gaan eens kijken wat ik er nog meer kan vinden. Bedabkt voor het kijken. Grt guido

[@theovanberkel3524]

Prachtig scherpe foto's Guido !!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Thanks Theo! Bedankt voor het kijken we zien elkaar volgende week! Grt guido

[@richardfink7666]

I would have chosen the shutter speed much higher for the kingfisher.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

I do agree with you that a faster shutter speed is better for wildlife but there was not much light so that would have meant to raise the iso up very high so It was a bit of a compromise. I personally think the image came out prety nicely but everyone is free to have is own opinion 😉 grt guido

[@richardfink7666]

Oops, my mistake, I read iso160 on the kingfisher instead of 1600iso.@@GuidoVanDeWater

[@hanahoeo7073]

What timing, I just rented a 300 f4 to try out…. Today was overcast which allowed me to leave 100-400 at home and still go out and shoot. Now I just need to convince my wife I “need” this lens. Like you will be looking for used.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Your gonna enjoy it thats one thing im sure about! Its is such a marvelous lens! I'm actualy surprised that I've used it so much for landscapes also. It's just so bloody sharp. I don't think there is anything that compare to its sharpnes! The quality of these lenses is so good I would settle for a used one any day. Where are you from? Thanks for watching the video and your comment i realy apreciate it grt guido

[@richardfink7666]

Hello, I bought the Panasonic 2.8/200mm with TC for 1399 Euros (new) two month ago. But I have to say thaz changing the converter is annoying.

[@hanahoeo7073]

Tennessee USA@@GuidoVanDeWater

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

@hanahoeo7073 that must be a nice place to live in. Great smokey mountain state and the home of music city 👌

[@richardfink7666]

Hello, I also have a lot of photos like this of blurry deer.

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Hi Richard, must be because english is not my native language so correct me if I'm wrong but I don't get what you mean. Do you mean these images are blurry? thanks for watching the video. Grt guido

[@richardfink7666]

Sorry, it was supposed to be a joke about the photo of the deer.@@GuidoVanDeWater

[@neilcole3406]

I want that lens, but it is expensive!

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

It is expansive but second hand there are some nice deals to be made. And remember that it's well worth the investment! Thanks for watching. Grt guido

[@melvinch]

Secretly added but put on KZbin for all to see...😒

[@GuidoVanDeWater]

Haha yeah sorry... I got it months earlier but never mentioned it on the channel before. Someone send me a message if he had seen it correct that I was using a 300f4 also. So that's why i decided to make the video 🙂 thanks for watching and your comment. Grt guido