Olympus 100-400mm in HEAVY RAIN | Does it hold up?

[@souvikmitter7617]

much respect Espen, i can understand the love for wildlife that enables photographers like yourself to embrace the elements with a smile and take those amazing shots. Thank you.

[@supergeodotca]

Stunning rain shots! Thank you so much Espen.

[@markhoffman9655]

The rugged sealing on the Zuiko lenses is a major reason I use Olympus gear - all the WR lenses I have owned have survived years of winter rain at kid's soccer games, wind blown sand, saltwater splashes and fish slime when out fishing. Not one failure in over 10 years useage across 3 different lenses and still going strong. Bit sad to see the C and N DSLR guys packing away their gear as soon as it starts to rain!

[@borromine]

It is simply a privilege to see these. You enter into their world (the geese) and in a way make us a part of it. You are doing a real service to protect our tiny beautiful planet.

[@theWZZA]

I love that final BIF at 1/100... breaks the cardinal rule of BIF, and is still enthralling 😊

[@manuprakash1989]

I just felt the rain and the beautiful environment 🔥❤️

[@AndrewJulianPhotography]

those stormy shots came out great , another great video

[@sashaneemoht8764]

Good Duck weather! And, Yes! Mighty impressive that the rain dashing against their faces was visible without obscuring their faces. 👏

[@johnhitchon8043]

Some great video footage of the Sherlag Geese caught here, Espen and photographing them in the perfect atmospheric weather conditions is just awesome.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Thanks Espen, I was not supposed to get this lens! Now you have me salivating over it as the 150-400 is WAY too expensive :)

[@ridealongwithrandy]

ok, I bought it, and love it, just have to learn how to use it :)

[@philipswan1016]

The footage in this video is pure class. Please add more photos in your videos as they are super. I've got the same gear so you've set the bench mark, hopefully I'll get there some day

[@janfitch2760]

Beautiful shots,great video I really enjoyed it,thanks

[@IvanRN]

It's so meditative and calm down.

[@narinthip3058]

Another excellent vlog Espen. Good stuff as always. Cheers

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you Narin 🙂

[@bestpix100]

Great images considering the low shutter speed, I just got this lens last Friday and I am very impressed so far. Can't wait to see some more shots in 'normal' conditions from you.

[@EspenHelland]

Nice one 👍 I’m trying it out as much as I can 🙂

[@CamillaI]

I kept gravitating towards the nice dry warm shed across the water. If it can survive that dunking I think its passed the weather sealing test! Great test 👍👌😀

[@joaquintrigueros]

Amazing, inspiring. Thank you, sir.

[@DrivingSpain]

Great images!

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Mine is a real pleasure to use. It replaced a Panasonic 100-400mm which has good glass but awful construction. I should get a cover for the flash connection, I'm sure Olympus don't guarantee the weather proofing without it. Stay safe and well.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Brian 🙂

[@marshazangroniz9168]

Hi Espen. I live in Florida. It is now rainy season! This will be my lens to buy...I cannot afford nor do I need the 150-400. Thanks for the field test!

[@EspenHelland]

Should be good for those conditions! Florida seems amazing for bird photography, really want to go one day!

[@ZEAPONTech]

sooooooo enjoyable to watch your video 😊

[@ahmonon4352]

These images are just breathtaking. I would love to print the last one

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you, will be adding prints for sale to my website shortly.

[@petedraper5185]

I've been impressed with the reviews of this new lens and the results from fellow Olympus wildlife and EM1X users on Facebook. I was on the cusp of part exchanging my PL 100 - 400mm for the Olympus version, but have actually chosen a different option. In addition to the PL 100 - 400mm, I also own an Olympus 300mm f4 and a PanaLeica 200mm f2.8 + Panasonic TC14. Both lenses are quite expensive, so rather than leave one at home in favour of an Oly 100 - 400mm, I have part exchanged my PL version for an Oly MC14 and Oly MC20. I seldom take advantage of the zoom range - nearly always shooting at 400mm, so I will not miss the zoom lens. If I have either MC fitted to my 300mm on my EM1X, I will fit the TC14 to my 200mm on my EM1 mark III.

[@EspenHelland]

👍

[@BrentHall]

Sweet mother of epic slow shutter speeds those images are beautiful! Also, I'm not sure what all that stuff falling from the sky is but it looks fantastic! lol It hasn't rained here in sw New Mexico for 3 months now and I definitely miss it.

[@EspenHelland]

🤣 thanks Brent! I would definitely trade it for some sunny days!!

[@BrentHall]

@Espen Helland I feel you, I may complain about the desert sometimes, but I love it and I definitely don't take my weather for granted! 😁

[@EspenHelland]

Haven’t had a sunrise for a week now man!!! 😫

[@biosphere-trip]

Hi Espen! I always enjoy watching your videos. I decided to try shooting birds too, but I can't decide on a lens, 40-150mm 2.8 + 1.4 converter or 100-400mm 5-6.3. Before this, I didn’t have telephoto lenses, I only photographed beetles, frogs and other small creatures. I prefer 40-150 as it has better weather protection, but I'm not sure. I often get into bad weather. On the other hand, the 100-400 has a much better range of distances. I have om system om 5 camera.

[@petrvokurek2286]

Beautiful video! Thanks for sharing.

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers Petr 🙂

[@macg33zr]

Great video and images. I have had this lens for a while now and liking it. I do have to go to higher ISO like 800 and 1600. I too find the video less stable than with the 300 although I have been taking 120FPS slow motion video with the Em1Mk3 which does not show it up so much. It is good to get closer in on the wildlife with this lens, the extra 100mm makes quite a difference! Look forward to seeing what you find in your review.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks! Good tips 👍

[@davidjohnmartin821]

Excellent images ...

[@dannydanquah3681]

I think the 300mm is sharper though shooting f/6.3 on a cloudy day may have been a factor. It's always amazing watching your videos sir. Thank you.

[@EspenHelland]

I agree the 300 is sharper, but will try it out more on better days as well. Thanks Danny 🙂

[@konstantinaksenov4850]

@@EspenHelland 300/4 Pro with MС14 gives better image sharpness and contrast with higher aperture and significantly better stabilizer performance during video shooting

[@UweMendetzkiFotografie]

Fantastic Video, great Pictures!

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you 🙂

[@ZEAPONTech]

Great video and images! 😍

[@EspenHelland]

Thank you 🙂

[@narrabarker]

Great video Espen. I'd be interested to know a rough percentage of how many of your images were sharp at those shutter speeds?

[@mimstyleboxtv]

You master it !

[@formermpc10]

I've had this lens for about a month and it is excellent, better than I'd expected. What kind of jacket are you wearing?

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Good vlog Espen.. I wondered how the lens would handle for someone like yourself. I had no fear of the weather sealing but I did suspect the stabilisation might be an issue at longer lengths

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Ian, yes that’s the slight issue I have with the lens and the fact it’s a f6.3 means even higher iso is often needed.

[@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767]

I´m impressed this such a small lens is 400mm and they´ve included a tripod collar to it. It´s not ususal at all. I like your videos. You get viewer taking part of nature from a first person (inside photographer perspective). So tired of usual videos reviewing gear without paying attention to what really matters: Nature. Thanks and congratulations! What a beautyful place by the way. Love this video under the rain. Stuff all around here lacks of this beauty. Why just taking photos on shiny days? Where is this amazing place? Regards from a terribly dry Spain.

[@EspenHelland]

😅 rainy hills of Scotland! I’d take some of that dry sunshine 😉

[@chetanunindracusin664]

Well done

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Amazing shots!! I’m thinking about trade my Leica 100-400 for the Olympus 100-400. The Leica is very compact but the zoom mechanism is very sticky!! My first option would be the 150-400mm, but it is so expensive for a Hobby. The 300mm is my favorite right now.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks! The 300mm is such an amazing lens!

[@GeoffCooper]

Awesome rainy goose images Espen :) Obviously hard to tell from the one video, but I agree the video stabilisation doesn't seem as smooth as with the 300mm... Shame it isn't able to sync with the in-body system!

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Geoff! Yes, this was me lying down as well, I struggle even more when I’m standing to keep it steady.

[@michaelhall2709]

I have the same issue with the Panasonic 100-400 on my EM1-X - the ibis is there, but not nearly as effective as with the 7-14 and 12-100 Pro lenses I also shoot with. I’ll just have to work on my technique and live with my keeper rate, though, since I’m not prepared (yet) to part with one of my kidneys to finance the 150-400. Nice video and music, btw.

[@JulioFeoUNAM]

Amazing Espen! Hey, if you could choose between the 100-400mm and the 300mm, would you stick with the 300mm?

[@EspenHelland]

Keep the 300mm for sure! I’ll go more into it in the review 👌

[@JulioFeoUNAM]

@@EspenHelland Thank you! :D

[@clivewelch1025]

Hi Espen I'm no where near qualified enough to comment on what is and isn't a good or bad lens but I enjoyed the video anyway, I wish you well testing it out hopefully in dryer conditions. Until next time take care and stay safe my friend.

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers Clive!

[@yukonchris]

Thanks for this, and your other videos featuring the 100-400mm. They've been helpful in convincing me to make the purchase. As much as I'd like the better IS integrated into "Pro series" lenses, this one lens is already at the edge of what I can justify in terms of price. I am looking forward to getting out into the field and getting some bird photography in the bag. In the past, I've had to utilize stealth, and luck with the 40-150mm to get close enough. This should make that process a little easier, and the results a little more successful.

[@EspenHelland]

Good! I really liked the lens, and it's a good price :)

[@rogersmith4308]

lovely images

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks!

[@12symmo]

Very cool. I just got myself one of these, and I notice a bit of rotational free play when mounted on the em1 mk2 body, not a lot, but very noticeable compared to other zuiko lenses. Curious if all copies of this lens have that free play, and whether I should be concerned shooting in the rain with it.

[@EspenHelland]

Oh I'm not sure, it's been a while since I borrowed this lens so I can't remember. Best to contact Olympus if you're concerned about it.

[@philliplivingstone5336]

@@EspenHelland I've noticed just a few mm of play when mounted on both mk2 and mk 3

[@davidblack2632]

Great video, especially considering the weather. I have owned this lens for about 2 months now and I really like it. Only issue I have is that there is slight vignetting. I saw this in your video. Also your video is a little more shaky than usual. I never tried video with my yet, but watching your video I think I should give it a try.

[@EspenHelland]

Cheers David 👍 will the lens correction in Lr clear that?

[@davidblack2632]

@@EspenHelland I have been using On1 and just moving a slider to fix the vignetting. I would thin lightroom should easy fix the issue even if it is a manual fix.

[@johnmiller5717]

If everything is filmed and shot with the Olympus mkiii and 100-400 how did you film the shots of you with the 100-400? Two sets of Olympus gear. Btw really good video.

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks! Meant to say all wildlife filmed with the 100-400 👍

[@nsbhagwat]

You have used the 100-400L from canon for quite a long time. How does the M Zuiko compare with that beast?

[@EspenHelland]

Ohh tricky, loved the 100-400L. They’re similar, but I prefer the Canon lens as it’s a f5.6 and minimum focus distance is 0.98. Quality they might be similar but would need more time with the zuiko.

[@jasonpalmer2497]

i cant find out how well it can handle image cropping the 40-150 pro did well ive got the 300f4 and mc20 but im missing the zoom ability.

[@EspenHelland]

It’s ok, but I prefer my 300f4 👌

[@keithholland4322]

Hi Espen, would you recommend this lens or the 300mm f/4 IS Pro? I'm currently using the MC-20 teleconverter on my 40-150mm f/2.8 lens for wildlife photography, which puts me at f/5.6, and I find that adequate for most uses, but when I go out to the marsh, I always take my Nikon B700 bridge camera because very often, my 40-150 just doesn't have nearly enough reach, even with the 2x converter. Sometimes I wish I had a brighter lens too when I'm out photographing beavers at dusk, for instance. So I guess I'm wondering whether I'll lose more shots by not having a bright enough lens or by not being able to find my subject with a prime and not having enough reach, even with teleconverters. What are your thoughts? If you had to pick one or the other and you already had a 40-150 and both teleconverters, which one would you prefer?

[@keithholland4322]

Oh, and either way, I expect the 40-150 and MC-20 will still probably be the combination that stays on my camera most of the time, just because I can use that setup to quickly go from wildlife photography to macro photography without changing lenses or adding teleconverters or extension tubes. A 1.3 meter minimum focus distance just doesn't cut it when a dragonfly lands on the deck of my kayak! I'm not considering the 150-400mm f/4.5 Pro lens either. Even if I could afford it, it's too big and too expensive for me to feel comfortable taking it kayaking or for a walk around the neighborhood. It's something I might rent one day if I'm going on a trip, but I just can't justify the expense of owning it since I wouldn't use it nearly as much as a 300 f/4 or a 100-400, even if I could afford it.

[@EspenHelland]

I’ll go over this in my review, but I would go for the 300mm. Flexibility of the zoom is nice, but the faster focus, IS and sharper images makes the 300mm more attractive for me.

[@EspenHelland]

Nice, I’d like to pick up both of those tools one day 😃

[@keithholland4322]

@@EspenHelland That's the direction I've been leaning. I expect it will be months before I can afford either, but the brighter aperture would be a big advantage, as would the improved image stabilization, especially when shooting from a kayak or canoe, as I often do. Everyone has been talking about how sharp the 100-400 is, but I'm not surprised to hear that the 300mm is sharper. I think you're the first person I've heard say that though, so thanks for pointing that out.

[@Rbrocklehurst]

wonderful stills and video you should come the Canadian rockies

[@EspenHelland]

One day :)

[@seantomlinson3320]

That price and doesn't sync with the ibis? That's an oversight. Nicely done anyway.

[@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767]

May I ask you how do you handle with rain on the lens and the viewfinder?

[@EspenHelland]

Wipe it off with a cloth occasionally. Also I try to not shoot directly into the shower.

[@elduderino4983]

Can you recommend the 150-400mm f4.5 pro combined with the M5 Mark III?

[@EspenHelland]

I like the em5 iii, surprisingly good to use as a small camera for wildlife photography. not tried the 150-400 but I hear it’s amazing!

[@elduderino4983]

@@EspenHelland thanks. Just ordered only because of your comment 😂 Will c how it will work. I let u know if you want to😉

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

Nice video

[@ilovewild1703]

Is your lens and camera waterproof?

[@EspenHelland]

It’s splash proof, can’t take a bit of water 👍🙂

[@dust1415]

Great Vlog Espen First how did keep rain drops off front lens and second thing the flying geese best one

[@EspenHelland]

Thanks Alan 🙂

[@carldowningphoto]

Was that a single Pink-footed Goose I saw in the footage?

[@EspenHelland]

Good skills if it was, I’d have to go back and check the footage, didn’t notice at the time 🙂👍

[@RJPhotographics]

The 300mm M.Zuiko is really something else. Almost unfair to compare it to anything under £8000.

[@mattyborlando5830]

Will the is on lens sync with the ibis on emi mkii?

[@EspenHelland]

I don't think so no

[@VoicelessScream]

@@EspenHelland Not sure if this has since changed with the latest firmware ? I was under the impression there was a form of 'collaboration' in between the 2 IS methods on this one now. Would it be different on mk2 vs mk3 ?

[@tudorpalela4729]

Why you people compare a pro prime with sync IS with a supertele non pro without sync IS? It's obvious that the prime will win. But this 100-400 is really good.

[@EspenHelland]

True that 👍 i do it more as a reference, it’s also at 400mm so it’s going to be more difficult to hold steady

[@MrFirstdance2000]

I see you've done away with both the 300mm and 100-400mm Olympus lenses...most likely because you've acquired the 150-400mm. I was wondering why you have both the new 12-40 ii and the 12-45mm? Is that 150-400 that good that you don't miss the 300mm ? 🙂

[@EspenHelland]

I miss the 300 for its smaller compact size, but the price of the 150-400 meant I had to sell it. The 12-45 f/4 works great with the OM-5 when I want to keep the setup really light and for vlogging.

[@garybrown9719]

If 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

[@EspenHelland]

cool 👍 IS sync works really well with the 300, unfortunate that it's not in the 100-400

[@vachonroland7024]

IL manque quand même pas mal de piqué à cet objectif par rapport au 300 F4. = It still lacks a lot of sharpness in this objective compared to the 300 F4.

[@Badboy24934]

Beautiful p

[@gemaa.9454]

Okupas no home 🎃🎎🎏😈👹🤡