Olympus 100-400mm f5-6.3 IS demonstration vs. Sync IS

[@scotimages]

That was a great review: all results and no hype. Given in a well considered fashion using the best techniques. Many thanks.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the review

[@rudolfabelin383]

Rob, this is of the best stabilization videos there is on KZbin!!!

[@RobKnight]

Thanks a lot, Rudolf! 😃👍

[@johnniewelbornjr.8940]

Another comparison/demonstration I watched last year but never commented upon. A belated "thanks" for sharing this, though, without being over the top. I can certainly see a difference between the prime and the 100-400mm but I'm still pleased with the handheld results I've obtained with my E-M1X. This was part of my decision to go ahead and obtain the glass, though the 300mm f4 is still on my list, as well. Thanks for the help in making such choices with this excellent presentation.

[@RobKnight]

Glad it was helpful!

[@evanlin2359]

Thanks Rob, a really good demonstration as always!

[@RobKnight]

Cheers, Evan, thanks a lot!

[@cecilthornhill4999]

Thanks Rob, this was a great help in getting a feel for what to expect from the 100-400 vs the 300!

[@RobKnight]

My pleasure, Cecil! Glad to help

[@meredithpottery]

Thank you. So helpful to see the IS for each lens.

[@mfreider]

Best and most clear comparison and demonstration which I saw anywhere! Thank you very much for doing it!

[@RobKnight]

Thanks Mike!

[@davidblack2632]

Great video showing the differences in IS and IBIS.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks David 🤙

[@michaelkunaver2240]

Very clear and helpfull explanation of the different lenses. Thank you very much!

[@RobKnight]

Glad to help, Michael!

[@annamay6351]

That is one of the best things with Olympus, the stabe allows us not to have tripod. Loved the review.

[@philipgowdy]

One of the best Videos on this subject with practical demos..

[@RobKnight]

Thanks a lot Philip 🤙

[@cwl1354]

That's a great demo. Thanks for sharing and taking up your time.

[@RobKnight]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@october001]

Great comparison!

[@anthonygarbo8114]

Thanks for the info. Great video.

[@neilcole3406]

Brilliant demonstration,glad l found you!

[@gregm6894]

Thanks for this excellent demonstration, Rob. I recently bought the 100-400mm and am sorting it out to get the most out of it. What is interesting is that since I got it, I have been shooting with lens and camera IS both on and have been pretty happy. I read a field review of this lens by Petr Banbousek the other day and noted that he felt like he got more consistently sharp images using the E-M1X IBIS only, rather than with the Lens IS. I did some testing last night in my studio and also did some outdoor tests today, and darned if I haven't found he was right -- at least for me. I still need to do some shooting out in the field to be certain, but it was pretty clear to me, so far, that I get better results with the lens IS turned off. It might boil down to how a given photographer shoots, or how steady one is -- I'm not all that steady. Another interesting thing I noted (not related to this lens) is that my fairly new E-M1X has transformed my compact little Oly 75-300mm into a totally different animal for hand held shots. Previously, I've always used that lens with a tripod, because I just couldn't get sharp hand held shots. The IBIS in the M1X is so good that hand holding with that lens is not a problem -- I still love that little lens, because it is so compact and light, and it is sharp.

[@peterkapunkt6783]

Would be interesting to know which camera you compare the EM1X with. Also how does the 100-400 compare with the 75-300?

[@gregm6894]

@@peterkapunkt6783 My previous camera was the E-M1 Mkll -- prior to that, the E-M1 Mkl. My 75-300mm was difficult to hand hold and get images that the lens is capable of, except in very good light at high shutter speed. With the E-M1X, and I'm sure with the new OM-1 (I don't have it), I can hand hold at much slower shutter speeds and still get very sharp images. As for the 100-400 vs the 75-300mm -- the 100-400mm is a better lens all around. It is a bit sharper, has focus limiter switch, tripod collar, better build, built in IS, and of course 1/3 greater focal length -- it is my go to telephoto lens. That said, I am keeping the excellent 75-300mm for times when I want to do any strenuous hiking, as I am 75 and the 100-400mm is noticeably heavier and larger.

[@neilcole3406]

Think like a tripod! I like that

[@kirk0831]

excellent video!!!! the best on that explains the efficiency of IS in KZbin

[@RobKnight]

Thanks so much!

[@mikelf53]

Thanks for the demo

[@RobKnight]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@derekbarkham2314]

Very useful and informative, thank you.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks, my pleasure

[@DragonfireRC]

Great video. Thanks for the comparison.

[@davidwendelrobinson]

Very helpful demonstration.

[@Jay19876]

The 300mm F4 Pro has crazy good Sync IS. It is the only 600mm FF equivalent field of view lens that I am aware of where it is possible to capture steady video without a tripod!

[@RobKnight]

It really works like magic ✨🙌

[@jeffslade1892]

For Olympus (OM) yes but for Panasonic no. With Dual2 the PL100-400 can be swung around like a fly swat. With video the G9 switches over to electronic stabilisation but you can literally run and gun with it hand-held. The PL100-400 is probably not as sharp as the Ollie 300mm Pro, a prime will always be sharper, but does equal the Ollie 100-400. Sadly these two zooms do not cross platforms well. On Panasonic the Olympus IS lenses are Lens-IS only. As I found with the E-M5ii, Olympus cannot actually shoot video for more than 10-15 minutes before the sensor overheats and the picture tinges magenta. This is noted in the user manual, in very small print. This meant I had to get a G7 as B-cam to the GH4 as the E-M5ii could not fulfil this role (and same applies to E-PL7, PEN-F). If you want to shoot short video clips for Vlog etc you're fine but if you want to shoot movie, you need a Lumix with its better sensor cooling. The E-M5ii and PEN-F have Synch-IS plus they will also use the "Olympus Dual S" with probably all Lumix OIS lenses. The E-PL7, although it is only 3-axis, also appears to run both lens and body IS (you can hear them), this was the sibling to the E-M10ii and also borrowed from the E-M5ii. In other words the E-M5ii handles the PL100-400 with "Olympus Dual IS" just the same as it would handle the Olympus 100-400. However the G9 handles the PL100-400 a lot better with its Dual2. By a lot I mean it is a different game, like what just happened. Of note, my E-PL7 gets a huge amount of work as my pocket carry camera, the G9 is my workhorse, my GH4 and G7 have just about retired with my old friend the G5, the PEN-F is the new toy, and the E-M5ii still gets a lot of use for stills.

[@cwl1354]

I have watched your clip for a least three times. You have demonstrated and clear off my queries on all those lenses your have shown, the 40-150mm f2.8pro, the 100-400mm F5-6.3 and the 300mmF4 pro. Just wondering, what is up in those thumbsdown mind.

[@RobKnight]

Thank you for watching and for the nice comment. I’m glad to help!

[@hpeterh]

Thank you! You can simulate longer focal length if you activate focus magnification. Then you get direct comparison.

[@scotimages]

Many thanks. This video has helped with my decision.

[@ericrjennings]

Great video

[@sesana74]

Thanks for your great review. But one question: how is sync IS activated? In my em1mkii with 12-100 IS pro I have not found any option in the menu. Just turn on the lens switch? 🙏

[@michaelhall2709]

I just purchased this lens (actually, I just swapped the Panasonic 100 - 400 for it) and found this very useful, thanks.

[@garybrown9719]

Switching from panasonic which combo ? 2-lens combo 12 to 100 mm and 100 to 400 mm versus the 3 lens combo of the 12 to 40 to 150 and 300 mm

[@RobKnight]

I switched my whole pro system. I used the G9 w/100-400 Leica A LOT, along with mainly Leica/Lumix lenses

[@wasseemsalah3715]

Great review well done and straight to the point thank you

[@RobKnight]

Thanks so much! My pleasure

[@rayjenkins2754]

Very revealing live demonstration. I have something similar taking place with the Oly 12-200mm lens - which has no lens stabilization - mounted on the G9. At the long end, any image will jitter significantly. When I engage the BBF & the G9's IBS is activated things settle down nicely. Also, I've commandeered a short telescoping post that came with my tripod kit & screw it into the bottom of the camera. I place the ' foot ' of the pole on top of my belt buckle - my left hand on the post near the camera & my right hand at the normal grip locale - elbows in. This M O helps in keeping the camera fairly still. Again, enjoyed your presentation.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Ray. I think we should invent a belt buckle camera stabilizer 😃

[@rayjenkins2754]

@@RobKnight 20% plus Royalty's if you please.

[@garybrown9719]

Thanks Rob everyone was interested in this review I have ex-large hands im think of getting the em1x or the em1 mark iii Is the em1x worth the extra cost

[@robwhiteley1]

Just bought my 100-400 F5-6.3 last week, took it away on holiday and must say i was disappointed - got home and started looking up why my images were soft (Yes i should have done that BEFORE going away eh :-) Your Demo has helped no end. although i'll prob use a tripod more..... Thanks Rob

[@rinzevnrossum]

Thanks Rob, great demo👍

[@RobKnight]

My pleasure 🤙

[@RobertVE3VPL]

Thank you very much.

[@simon_vann]

Great demonstration, got a new subscriber!

[@RobKnight]

Awesome, thank you!

[@comment23YT]

Really informative. Thanks Rob.

[@RobKnight]

My pleasure, Simon

[@andrewbatchelor5498]

Excellent , balanced review.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks Andrew

[@stevepersighetti3400]

Great video and demonstration of handholding techniques with these long lenses. My 100-400mm is down for delivery tomorrow. I might have to buy a battery grip for my E-M1 Mark II! :)

[@RobKnight]

Thanks for the kind words, and congratulations on your new lens!

[@kungula]

very interesting video !

[@RobKnight]

Thanks Rom!

[@wayneemery5709]

Thanks for that Rob I have the Olympus em1 mk2 and the f4 pro awesome combo for birds and BIF love Olympus gear.

[@RobKnight]

Heck yes it is! 😊

[@ianblack6608]

That was the best review I've ever seen. You really know your stuff. Can you help me I want the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital Camera, but not sure which body to get. Can you recommend one? I only want to get close to wildlife birds mainly. I was going to get a bridge camera with a very long focal length, but not sure if in a few years time I might want to get back to cameras with changeable lenses. Kind regards Ian b

[@naturallybob]

Not sure what your budget is but I think an E-M1 Mark II or III paired with this lens can do a great job for bird photography. If you have plenty of budget, you can go for an E-M1X or even an OM-1 paired with a 300mm f/4 pro lens or the most expensive 150-400mm. I myself bought a slightly used E-M1 Mark III at Ebay and still saving for a 300mm f/4 pro (better IS compared to 100-400mm). A 1.4x teleconver can be used but can compromise the aperture. I just like the 300mm better for low light situations (which is usually the case for forest birding here in the Philippines). If you're not shooting in low light situations, I think the 100-400mm can do the job.

[@rossthefiddler5890]

Thanks Rob. I can see the 100-400 lens should work nicely with the E-M1 II as well (which also had the FW update for this lens), since the body only needs to correct for roll along with the OIS of the lens.

[@RobKnight]

Yessir, I think it will work great!

[@stehlealexander]

GREAT JOB, thanks.

[@RobKnight]

Thank you too!

[@MrFirstdance2000]

Are you turning off both stabilizers in lens and camera when put on a tripod?

[@RobKnight]

No. I keep the IS on and I have never had an issue. The early IS lenses were finicky on a tripod, but modern stabilizers don't have the same trouble

[@robertcsmith7773]

Super helpful - thanks!

[@RobKnight]

My pleasure, Robert

[@MorkusReX]

Thanks, but the real question is how good is sync IS vs IBIS. Everyone speaks so highly of the syncis in the 12-100, but how does it really compare to just IBIS? Obviously we can't see with just the 12-100 since we can only use syncis or no is. Since you have the 100-400, maybe you can compare 12-100 @100mm with syncis vs 100-400 @100mm with just IBIS. True, there is a weight difference , but it should be good enough to understand if syncis is really all that great compared to just IBIS. Some people think the stabilization on the 12-100 is far superior to just ibis on the 14-150, but I don't see much difference. I was wondering if that's your experience as well.

[@RobKnight]

In the real world use, sync IS is much more effective than just IBIS or lens-based IS. This is most prominent at longer focal lengths. The Oly pro lenses (300mm f4, 150-400mm f4.5, etc) are much easier to use handheld with sharp results than the 100-400mm without sync IS. Sync IS is a big selling point for the pro lenses. I have sharp shots with the 300mm f4 + 2x TC at 1/10sec. You wouldn’t make a habit of shooting like that, but it’s nice to have in your bag when you need it. It really is “all that great”.

[@MorkusReX]

@@RobKnight Thank you!

[@bobds78]

Very informative, thanks!

[@RobKnight]

Cheers, you’re welcome!

[@photozen8398]

Coming from Nikon and its VR on my 80-400 Nikkor, when I use the image stabilizer it shifts my focus point, after I hit the shutter and the camera shows a standstill target, I find my focus point shifted in the aftermath, is there such thing with Olympus and its IS?

[@RobKnight]

I’ve never experienced anything like that with an Olympus lens. That sounds terrible!

[@jlnbroadcast]

What distance from your camera to the flower? Would this work on videos as well (stabilization, MFT camera connection)?

[@RobKnight]

I'd say about 30ft from the flower. I believe most of this demonstration applies to video as well.

[@samwang5831]

The Sync IS on the 300mm Pro is just insane. I really hope Oly can implement this on the 100-400 too

[@RobKnight]

I’m afraid Sync IS is a hardware/software combination, so it can’t be added with firmware

[@przybylskipawel]

Very nice presentation of Oly's capabilities. Do you happen to know, what can I expect from 40-150 pro on M1 II? It lacks IS and it is keeping me off that lens.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks! In my experience the Olympus IBIS works very well with the 40-150mm f2.8 pro. When you get into 600-800mm equivalents the lens IS makes a big difference

[@przybylskipawel]

@@RobKnight Thanks! That is a bit comforting. Still it is a bit odd that they include IS in 12-100 and did not in 40-150. Yet, maybe I'll give it a try.

[@RobKnight]

Well, the 40-150 came out before Olympus put IS in any lens. The 300mm f4pro was the first.

[@glennobrien5039]

Hi Rob, Would you say there's a maximum distance at which you can get tack sharp images with any of the Olympus lenses? The longest I've got at the moment is the 75-300 Mk1 and at a quarter of a mile (approx) even on a tripod using a 2 sec delay, the image is never tack sharp. I've even used the em1ii with the 12-100 on a 2 sec delay on a tripod, I have to crop in post' but still don't get the results I'm after. It has been suggested that it has to do with the air, is that possible? I'm awaiting delivery of my new 100-400, so I can't wait to see how much difference it makes. We always have to wait longer for new gear in England, I don't know why. Oh, I forgot, I've even tried switching the IS off in both camera and lens but that makes no difference either. I'm glad I've found your channel. I'm working my way through your previous videos. Keep up the good work.

[@RobKnight]

Thanks for the questions, Glenn. At a quarter of a mile you are definitely getting in to the realm of atmospheric distortion. Whether it’s heat waves close to the ground, or just dust and junk in the air, it is hard to get tack sharp images at extreme distances like that. I hope you enjoy your 100-400, but you still might want to get a bit closer to your subject. What are you photographing at that range?

[@glennobrien5039]

​@@RobKnight I was trying to get sail boats from one side of a wide part of the river as they were preparing at the boat house. Then birds and farm animals from the other bank looking in the opposite direction. The River Wyre near where I live in Lancashire meanders through the fields until it gets a couple of miles from the sea at Fleetwood. Then it gets very wide when the tide comes in. Getting the sail boats when they're on the river is no problem. The lenses I've mentioned, particularly when mounted on my em1ii do the job. Even if I have the em5ii they're great. But those shots across the full width of the river are just a bit fuzzy around the edges. I'm glad it's not me or my gear. That's a relief! Thanks for coming back to me. 👍

[@BlueRusso]

Atmosphere matters. When shooting the moon, it pays to do a bunch of exposures, then pick the best. I'm sure that applies to distant scenery, but I live in Florida, a land of somewhat limited vistas.

[@bamsemh1]

I'm actually only using ibis with the lens now. Just an update 😊

[@kb1qzh]

When using the 100-400, which body IS setting do you use? This was a cool video. I want to go and try that shoulder holding method.

[@RobKnight]

Thank! I generally use the auto IS setting in the body

[@RJPhotographics]

That 300mm really is something else. What a thing.

[@RobKnight]

Yep. It never ceases to amaze me 😃

[@earlteigrob9211]

Thank you for all your videos on this lens. I helps to get a real persons opinion instead of glossy marketing talk.

[@RobKnight]

My pleasure, Earl! Thanks for the nice comments

[@hSATAC]

Does Lens IS Priority option makes any difference for the Oly 100-400 + EM1X ? Thanks.

[@RobKnight]

No. Lens IS priority is for non-Olympus lenses with IS

[@hSATAC]

Rob Knight Thanks! Great video by the way :)

[@RobKnight]

Thanks a lot!

[@sks96816]

Can you make a video with the MC-20 2X Teleconverter........?

[@RobKnight]

With which lens?

[@sks96816]

@@RobKnight The Olympus 100-400mm f5-6.3 .....photos & videos would be nice. tyvm.

[@MDMiller60]

Thanks Rob. I am studying the Oly system for a possible switch from my Nikon gear. I rented the M1 III with the 300 and the 12-40 already and did like it. I am now zeroing in on which super tele would be better. I think the 300 is really sharp, but less flexible for closer in shooting and getting the subject all in the frame. I have always used zooms for 200, 300, and 600. So. Two questions. How well do you consider the sharpness of the 400 zoom, at 400? I never get a straight answer other than "if you are on a tripod, turn off IS". A) if I am on a tripod but it is not locked (gimbal or ballhead), do I leave it on? B) If I am handheld, at what shutter speed do I need to turn it off to avoid electronic confusion? Thanks.

[@RobKnight]

Hi Michael, The official company line about the IS is that you should turn it off on a tripod, but I honestly never turn it off. I have not had an experience where I felt that the IS reduced my image quality. The 100-400 is very sharp at 400mm, but I think the 300mm f4pro edges it out if you compare images side-by-side. I generally carry the 40-150mm f2.8 pro and use it with the teleconverters when I need more flexibility for subjects at varying ranges.

[@MDMiller60]

@@RobKnight Thank you very much Rob. My wife uses the D500 with the 200-500 and leaves hers on all the time.. I use the Tamron 150-600 and I get some flinching sometimes. 40-150, I have played reviews that with a 2X, it is slightly soft. And, Oly doesn't have a 1.7 X I think and the 1.4X is not enough reach to replace the 100-400. I will only buy one tele for now. Thanks for the info.

[@RobKnight]

The 40-150mm is tack sharp with both teleconverters in my experience. Thanks for the comments!

[@jeffslade1892]

For a long time the Lumix 100-300 was the only extra-long MFT with any stabilisation but the Mega-OIS on the mark 1 was barely adequate and it had to be held stock still like a rifle, certainly with a fast shutter. (the Ollie 75-300 is not lens-IS) Perhaps strangely the E-M5ii could handle the mark 1 Lumix 45-200 Mega-OIS with the Olympus Dual IS better than the GH4 with no body-IS. The mark 2 Lumix 45-200 Power-OIS is a different fish (as I gather is the mark 2 Lumix 100-300 Power-OIS).

[@stehlealexander]

If just one lens to buy, which one would you take? Thanks already.

[@RobKnight]

For a single wildlife lens I would have the 100-400mm

[@stehlealexander]

I dont get the difference from 800mm to 600mm, How much better the pro is?

[@RobKnight]

Thanks for the comments. It might not look like a big difference in the demo, but the difference is obvious when you’re actually holding the camera.

[@stehlealexander]

Rob Knight think you. That s why i am still a Bit disappointed by OLYMPUS.

[@jeffslade1892]

The Olympus "Dual Stabilisation" was patent-pending in 2015 and it is very badly documented if it is documented at all. It is mentioned in the manual but not how to operate it. It will work with Olympus OIS lenses and Lumix OIS lenses. Turn the lens OIS switch ON. In the menu, turn the "Use Lens IS" OFF. It's as simple as that. If the lens does not have a switch the cameras will turn its OIS off by default; if you then select "Use Lens IS" ON in the menu, the lens OIS comes on but the IBIS turns off. Which is a bit silly. On a Lumix camera, the lens OIS switch will turn all the IS on or off; there no choice. Which is a bit silly.. It is a good system but not as effective as Synch-IS or Lumix Dual-IS, the OIS and IBIS will operate independently with some of the axes turned off. The Lumix PL100-400 will use this "Dual Stabilisation" on the E-M5ii (and PEN-F). However if we slap the PL100-400 onto a Lumix G9 it will use their "Dual2" which is something else again - it's like mounting the system on a tripod. So if you have a Lumix camera with Dual-IS, it has to be the PL100-400, the Olympus 100-400 will not do that. How steady is Dual2? It's like 400mm is suddenly a wide angle lens, you can literally wave it about. I don't know how good the Olympus Synch-IS is because I refuse to sell a kidney for a Pro lens but it will have to try very, very hard to match Dual2 - let alone Dual-IS which works on practically all the previous Lumix OIS lenses.

[@juanignaciodeleze3437]

Where is that "turn lens is" option in the menu? Do you mean the " lens is priority" setting?

[@Jay19876]

Upcoming lense(s) with Sync IS... Does that mean Olympus will have Sync IS with it's upcoming Pro macro lens?!!!!

[@RobKnight]

I have no idea, but that would be awesome! 🤞

[@cookscatapults]

Hahahaha Super Awesomeness Man.....Thanks

[@RobKnight]

cosmicsponge2000 my pleasure! 🤙

[@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

[@RobKnight]

The Olympus has dual IS and phase detect AF. DFD contrast detect AF in the Lumix cameras is the weakest link

[@LarsLarsen77]

You're zooming in, not out. It's so jarring to hear you say the exact opposite of what you're doing.

[@RobKnight]

I don’t know what you’re referring to, but you’re welcome to explain further. If you find a photography demo video “jarring” you may be taking it a bit too seriously 😉

[@yveshetu8026]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@RobKnight]

You’re welcome 😃