Olympus OM-1 & four Pro lenses is PERFECT!

[@williamsiviter8760]

Thanks for the video. I migrated from Canon to Olympus a few years ago, and eventually got the OM1. My main reason for the change was, as an older person, weight became an issue. In addition, no matter what Olympus camera and lens lineup I used I found the images just as good (from a sharpness etc point of view) as with comparable Canon setup. I had the issue with the lens hood on the 40-150mm, but on the pro 2.8. Olympus repaired it free of charge. With regard to the 300mm f4, I completely agree with you; it is tack sharp. With the EM1 iii and the OM1 I have got great “macro” shots of insects with this lens. Anyway, thank you again for the video and keep it up.

[@dieseldavey]

Thanks for the video. I have the om1 and a couple of pro lenses and also a Sony A7Rv and a couple of lenses. How ever it’s the om system I go to. I just wish these bloggers would stop bashing micro four thirds.

[@F.mci-jb1mk]

You're a Mr, I've made up my mind thank you very much for the content! A hug from Portugal

[@Jswcat]

Glad to help!

[@luissalazar2021]

You got amazing taste of lenses, thanks for sharing

[@nigelbranchett7718]

I found your channel by accident. What a bonus it has been. I have been an Olympus user since early 2000, but went away seeking the magic of 'full frame' and I'm back already. I was gooing to go with the EM1X til I saw this and other videos. You are one of the few Americans that I can sit and listen to enjoying the subject. Keep going please!

[@SecondHandHobbyGuy]

Nice review of your gear! I started with a Panasonic G9 with about 5 Leica lens and a few Lumix, then added an Olympus EM-1 Mk III and a couple of Olympus lenses. I liked the EM-1 but struggled with the menu structure to much and sold it thinking I would just stick with the G9. Then the OM-1 came out and I obsessively read all the reviews , noting the menu changed and was better. Bought my OM-1 off ebay too! Sold all of my Panasonic gear and went all in on OM. Now I am set with the OM-1, Pro 25mm 1.2, Pro 40-150 2.8, Pro 90mm macro, Pro 12-100 4.0 and the 100-400 5.0-6.3, plus both 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters. I am so happy with what I now have to shoot with. It is like a new found photography freedom. I may pick up the Pro 300, but I really want to find a way to the Pro 150-400. Thank you and many happy 'clicks'!

[@TomasMachadoIglesias]

Are you happy with 100-400? Im srsly in doubt of getting OM1 and that lens for surfing photography. Shooting with Sony APSC and SIgma 150-600 sports atm.

[@Jswcat]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@NCTXVA]

That's some good money sitting on the table. Great review Sir and hopefully I'll be able to grab one in the next few years.

[@Jswcat]

They are well worth it!

[@richardfink7666]

I have to agree with you on all points. I traded in my Nikon Z6II for an OM1 and it was the best decision!

[@matthiasstukenberg210]

It is funny how many make the exact same experience.. In my case I switched over from M43 to Sony and now back to M43. The biggest benefit for me is that the camera is like wanting you to make great photos with all its support system like pro capture and the Live modes etc.

[@QatarVegan]

Interesting…what type of photography do you do and what lenses do you use?

[@richardfink7666]

@@matthiasstukenberg210 That`s the way it is! I would have a Z9 too, but I would have felt bad about spending 600euros on a camera.Also, I´m married!🤣

[@richardfink7666]

@@QatarVegan Wildlife. I have almost the same lenses.

[@QatarVegan]

@@richardfink7666 Thank you. I use the Z6ii often with the 200-500, great combination but heavy!

[@david_allen1]

Great video. I bought the OM-1 last year and I am very pleased with it. Unlike you, I don't have the experience of using multiple other brands like Canon, Nikon and Sony. The OM-1 was an upgrade from the Olympus E-5, the older 4/3 system DSLR line, which I loved, but I found I was taking it out less and less because it was heavy. The OM-1 system is so light it's a joy to take out, and I do so more frequently now as I've rediscovered my love of photography. Always a privilege to hear photographers who have experience with other brands offer their experience using the OM-1! Thanks.

[@jonbarnard7186]

Agree. The viewfinder is what kept me from upgrading from the EM1ii to the EM1X. I'm glad waited. The improvement is significant. I started using the Nikon Z system and the viewfinder was the thing I liked the best. So I started selling off my Olympus glass. Now all I'm shooting is my OM-1, mainly with the 12-100 and a couple of primes. Now I wish I had hung onto my 40-150. I couldn't figure out why Olympus stuck to the small viewfinder for so long. That 300 is a tempting piece of glass. Everybody is raving about it.

[@jeremiahmontana]

I have the OM-1 with about 12 lens and my go to kit when I need to pack light is the exact four lens you mentioned, the 1.4 extender and added on is the 30mm macro which is feather weight. It's amazing setup I have packed to the top of many mountains and gone on extended hikes. To have this much reach and quality is only available with OM at the moment. It simply doesn't have any competition for portability.

[@ki-ds-shall2241]

Am stuck at the picture behind you amazing 👏

[@yuqin405]

Very pleasant to watch. Thanks.

[@KeithWilbraham]

Hi, I’ve been out of action for a few years now and have previously been locked onto Nikon and the D4 which I’ve loved but after listening to my best mate and his comments about his Olympus camera providing over and above properties that his Nikon didn’t have, it made me think about the future for me and my photography. He has now gone up to the OM-1 and from what his EM was capable of has made me realise that to get anywhere near his results with a Nikon Z mirrorless camera would cost me at least twice as much as the OM-1 and when you also take in the cost of Nikon pro glass it was a no brainer. Your excellent video has emphasised the choice for a pro glass set for the OM-1 so I thank you for giving me a constructive view for the choice of the lenses. I’ve also now ordered an OM-1 and can’t wait to get out with it. Thanks again. K

[@Jswcat]

I’m glad you decided to use the Olympus system. I have not regretted it since.

[@petermcginty3636]

Thanks for the video. It is refreshing to hear the views of a "real world" shooter. I use an OM-5 and it is more than enough for my needs and (lack of) talent 😂. I have got the 25mm f1.2 and the 45mm f1.2 and like your lenses, both are first class pieces of equipment. Thank you.

[@iSirTaki]

i got the OM-1 for 1450€ on the last Black Friday sales incl. an origianl extra battery. couldn't be happier!

[@rudolfappel7236]

Excellent presentation of the OM-1 system that I am interested in. I am contemplating OM-1 MKII, 12-40 f.28 pro and 40-150 f2.8 pro. In full frame you pay 2 to 3 times as much for a camera with stacked sensor, and a focus distance reach of 24 to 300 mm all at fixed f2.8 aperture. I know that the out of focus area might not be as blurred as with equivalent full frame lenses. But the truth of the matter is that I cannot afford f2.8 full frame lenses, not do I want to haul them around. So I would most. As a enthousiast (not a pro) who travels a lot, the OM System makes a lot of sense for me.

[@tintin69rr]

Great video I’m just looking at moving over from canon r6 &r7 over to the om-1 eith a selection of lenses to cover wildlife landscape and starscapes so the 2.8 line a must

[@Jswcat]

Good choice!

[@ValiRossi]

I still love my EM1 Mkii. Plenty of low light situations where M43 does really well. I f you need deeper depth of field, you can still shoot wide open or nearly wide open. Really handy.

[@formermpc10]

Yes, EM1.2 is a good camera. I use mine for paid work, when reliability matters. My OM-1 hasn't been reliable.

[@cecilhudgins6569]

Great review of a super good camera system. I hope the MFT keeps getting better and better in low light situations. It excels in everything else.

[@FierceSleepingDog]

I just bought a used "excellent" copy of the 300mm f/4 from KEH for ~$1800. KEH had a 20% off overstock items at the end of 2023. I'm waiting to get my hands on it. I hope its a good copy.

[@Jswcat]

The use what I bought on eBay I had the same trepidations, but when I got it, it was extremely clean and very very sharp. I hope yours is the same.

[@ulflundh5813]

The 300 sharpest you ever had :) yes 👍 but wait until you have the 150-400 tc pro!! It’s unreal ❤❤❤

[@sourcebased]

Thank you for this! Liked and subscribed. I shoot Olympus only since I started with an E-M10 as my first „EVIL“ camera, never got lured by the full frame hype. Yes, the pro lineup of lenses is fantastic! I have all the glass you have there, except for the 300mm. The 20mm is superb, the perfect „normal“ prime for me. If you want to add versatility in the normal range to your arsenal, I would suggest you need the 12-100mm f/4 as well! I always had the 12-40mm f/2.8 that completes the „holy trinity“ of f/2.8 zooms and is as fantastic, but often too short in range for my taste. Of course I will keep it, but the 12-100mm is like glued to my OM-1 now.

[@SecondHandHobbyGuy]

The Pro 12-100mm 4.0 is like the secret weapon of my lenses! It is so sharp even at both extremes plus it is killer at doing video too and stabilized. Probably the best walkaround lens of all time.

[@sourcebased]

@@SecondHandHobbyGuy Yes, the sharpness is fantastic! The closest focus distance is insane, with 12mm the subject can literally touch the UV filter I have on it for protection. It balances perfectly with the OM-1 body. Together with the 20mm f/1.4, it fits perfectly in the small bag I have since my E-M10 days. The best walkaround or travel lens for sure! To my knowledge, there is no equivalent fixed aperture zoom with this focal range available for larger sensors.

[@Chrispitchwildlife]

Hello, i am a Canon shooter, but interested in OM system. Thanks for that interesting video 😀👍

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Hey good stuff! I just will not part with either of my X's. I like big cams, and the built in grip is amazing (same with my D4S). I also especially love/need the GPS/sensors as I find my self in some crazy areas in the Southern California Deserts. I recently started using ProCap with Bird AI and holy moly getting some great shots. I know the OM-1 is better, but not by that much to warrant 2 cams and 2 grips. Am retired now so no new toys. Cheers!

[@duhaalhashimi9191]

great video. thanks for sharing your experience with olympus. i am already converted 😂 since 1987.

[@markrhodes5474]

The 300mm f4 is razor sharp I’ve owned one for 4 years and use it on a Panasonic G9

[@oknewell]

Nice video; thank you for sharing your experiences. I would be interested in knowing what bag(s) you use for your equipment.

[@Jswcat]

Everything fits inside a Tenba 12 L backpack 🎒 Tenba Solstice 12L Backpack -... www.amazon.com/dp/B077SQJQ1Y

[@Richard.Cabeza]

I've only owned and used M43. It's easy to buy into the FF concept, especially after looking at videos and photos and understanding the engineering and mechanics of FF. The earlier M43 cameras and primes from several years ago were what made that system small, light and affordable. Now, I'm not so sure. That new Sony A7R5 is definitely a great camera and those lenses are no joke. At the end of the day, it's the right tool for the job. I would no more use a road bike to go mountain biking as I would a 125 scooter to take a 5 days trip to the mountains. We're photographing light, and small sensors have physical limitations. I do hope there are some magical breakthroughs with M43 technology and computational AI or ??? that make all our photos look beautiful. :)

[@Jswcat]

I’m mostly concur with your assertions, as far as full frame versus micro for thirds, but the big difference to me is the portability, the weight, but most importantly, the price! As far as quality, I found that the differences, other than pixel peeping, are not distinguishable among people that are looking at a print from a normal distance away.

[@Richard.Cabeza]

I agree, especially about pixel peeping. In the past year I have learned a lot more about the capabilities of the OM-1 (for example) and the ability to fix in post regarding color noise. There is one feature that I believe still needs a little tweaking and that is subject tracking. There is a YT channel by a guy from Austria I think his name is Thomas, he is excellent at explaining the qualities of M43, especially about Dynamic Range. Give it a look.

[@david_allen1]

@@Richard.Cabeza I think you are referring to Thomas Eisl, an Austrian photographer from Vienna, and his YT channel is an excellent source of tested technical information about and usage of the OM-1 system and technologies. His videos are information-packed and they thoroughly cover the topic he's discussing.

[@narinthip3058]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. If you can, I suggest you try the Penleica 200mm F2.8 lens. It is even sharper than Olympus 300mm F4 lens. Also, it has been OOF rendering both foreground and background. Only issue is its limited reach but I do find its uses when I can get close or I need speed when shooting Owls at dusk or dawn.

[@godsinbox]

rare as hens teeth though. only seems viable as secondhand. your experience is with this lens on olympus bodies? purple fringing?

[@narinthip3058]

@@godsinbox Yes, I have been using the Penleica with EM1.3 and now OM-1 with nothing to complain really including the purple fringing you question. In fact, it performs better than Olympus 300mm F4 in term of OOF rendeting foreground and/or backboard. It is also slightly sharper. Panasonic decided to discontinue this lens now but it is available still in the US market.

[@jogey5890]

@@godsinbox The 200 has No defects like fringing aberrations, weak corners, vignette etc. I have an idea that at the time it was presented, Olympus consider it a crucial time to cater for pros that seemed to drift closer and so LEICA was very closely paying attention, maybe seeing the commercial opportunities. Initial complaints of that time were from amateurs that the lenses were getting too big while pros said that the excellent quality "small" pro lenses were not produced fast enough. It later proved how important the market for these became but maybe lost as every cameramaker jumped on mrrorless with Sony leading the pack giving themselves the best sensors all along. Interestingly the 200 price dropped for a few weeks to less than half when m43 uncertainty surfaced but was sold so quickly (I jumped in a flash) that it was promptly marked back and where the price remained ever since.

[@jogey5890]

Narin the 200 works very well with extenders and remember that one can not really stalk an owl, only approach it nonthreatingly in a way that raises it's curiosity, so 200 (400) at 2.8 blindingly sharp is plenty and every large format pro will tell you about the wildlife and nature usefulness of 400 out to 800.

[@jogey5890]

@@godsinbox This lens is just full marks everywhere and works equally well on different bodies from Panasonic and Olympus and I suspect Black Majic etc. . I used it often even on my GX85 because try as I may I cannot find fault with that little marvel and it gives that feel good feeling everytime with very good sensor results often indistinguishable from 20mp. Even less of an issue with Topaz now being so good.

[@kbruff2010]

Thanks -- Why don’t reviews include the countless software options that the om systems have --

[@marklaurendet1861]

Good summary of the gear. Would you mind posting a link to the Adorama 40-150 lens hood you purchased, as these do have a reputation of not lasting. Supposidly the 100-400 lens hood fits as well and more durable but still expensive

[@Jswcat]

www.adorama.com/iomlh76.html As you can see once you go to the website, it is expensive and it is on back order. You might try finding it under used gear.

[@Swaggerlot]

I went for Olympus for the size and quality of their units about 4 or 5 years ago. I am lucky to have smallish hands that suit the bodies and lenses. Wouldn't switch for anything.

[@formermpc10]

Stick with what you already have. The OM-1 ergonomics are pretty bad- especially the front dial. Based on my experience I will never again buy a camera that I haven't first held.

[@iSirTaki]

the 20mm 1.4 i have as well! but for my zooms i go with the f4 Pro Series 8-25 and 40-150. the 2.8s are too big for me.

[@mikerichardson60]

This guy's a camera stores dream. Changing systems on the regular is a great way to piss thru the money. Where's the mid range zoom option? No 12-60 f/2.8 in the mix? I can see the benefits in both size and price for M43 over the full frame systems but the image quality isn't the same. People like to neglect to mention that the crop factor also affects the aperture as it pertains to DOF so all these f/2.8 zooms render like an f/5.6... I'm sure that's fine for sports not so much for portraits.

[@tdunster2011]

All you need to do is increase the distance between the subject and the background. Problem solved. At the end of the day - they are just tools - and the photographer is what decides the results not the hardware.

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

I am extremely happy with portraits taken on a 2012 entry level M43. Subject sharp, well separated from the blurry background. A camera’s technical limits are real, but our competence in using the camera is usually problem #1.

[@formermpc10]

Having shot m43 for a decade, I agree that it's subpar based on IQ and other aspects that matter. I won't spend another dime on m43 after blowing $2k on the disappointment that is the OM-1 .

[@bdshort]

There is a very good 12-40 2.8 available, though this guy doesn’t seem to have it, since he says he uses his iPhone for shots like that. There are good portrait lenses available as well - 25 1.2, 45 1.2, though the 40-150 works well for that too.

[@Jswcat]

Hmmmmmm

[@formermpc10]

Those are all great lenses that I use on my EM1.2, while my unreliable OM-1 sits in the closet. Unfortunately, they're all m43 so they don't stack up to other formats.

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

I think you need to become more familiar with your cameras. There is a real learning curve. Don’t let superficial “reviews” make you regret your purchases.

[@Jswcat]

Having used most of the other systems, telephoto and zoom lenses specifically because I shoot sports and wildlife, I can’t find any faults with the Olympus lenses at all. Just an example as far as cost savings, other than the obvious weight savings, compare the Olympus 300 mm F4 versus the Nikon Z 600 mm F4 and the difference is $12,500!

[@formermpc10]

​@@RoderickJMacdonald I'm plenty familiar with my gear. Experience and knowledge are useless if your gear is unreliable. Yes, I regret my OM-1 purchase.

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

@@formermpc10May I ask the kinds of problems you have been experiencing? I also have an OM1. The only problem I have run into is electrical. The symptoms are infrequent and not the same each time, so I am not quite ready to bring it into the shop. I’m not sure what to complain about! The camera gives the user a great deal of control of the imaging engine. This means there is a lot of choosing, and a lot of choices that we can forget we made.

[@formermpc10]

​@RoderickJMacdonald You've had electical problems on your OM-1? Sounds like it needs to go back for repair. If this camera lived up to half the hype from online reviews it would be good. I am not paid to hype this camera

[@MrFirstdance2000]

40-150..excellent lens hood??? Please, after 3 losses I purchased a Canon 135mm hood. No more problems. Info for future problems :-) Loved your overview!! How do you feel about the results, photography vs. EM-1 x or Em 1 mk 2 or 3?

[@Jswcat]

The big difference to me is the difference in the viewfinders between these cameras. The viewfinder on the OM-1 is far superior and gives you a better visual than the others by far. The second difference would be the auto focusing capabilities with the extra definition, but also having the dual BSI sensor. As far as the lead hood, I did a barrel roll when I tripped over a somewhat invisible curb in the middle of a four-lane roadway, and the lens hoodcaught the most damage, which was only a little scrape, but still worked fine. I’m not saying that they have had their definite problems from various reports, but I do have a back up just in case!🤭

[@MrFirstdance2000]

@@Jswcat Thank you for the excellent feedback!

[@Bhakti-rider]

Toward the end I found myself saying out loud "Hi-res! Hi-res!", but you never mentioned it.

[@stevep927]

I have used them all extensively and when cropping large of at high iso Olympus isn't the equivalent of Sony or Nikon. Under ideal conditions....sure... but if the light isn't the best I can't see them being equal

[@Jswcat]

You’re absolutely correct. So when you’re using that small of a sensor, you have to make sure that your composition is as close as it can get.

[@colintraveller]

How good is the longest Lense when used for capturing High Altitude Jets ...

[@Jswcat]

I guess I would need to know what you mean by high altitude as far as the jets are concerned. I haven’t used the specific 300 mm F4 lens yet for a jet of any kind, other than passenger, but with the tracking capability of the OM-1, I’m going to assume that it should be spot on for airshows, etc.

[@colintraveller]

@@Jswcat 35,000ft plus Passenger Jets

[@paristo]

01.38 about that "extra battery" in E-M1x I so dislike those integrated grip bodies compared to attached vertical grip. Why? Because the integrated grip has two batteries in series, and you need to consume both batteries simultanously. If you want to swap a battery, you need to pull both out, and your camera is out of power on that moment. With the attached vertical grip, you get two batteries, but the second battery is in the grip and first is in the body. In Olympus you can choose which one is to be drawn power first. And it is of course sensible to set first Grip, and then Body. But never use the body battery, but just keep swapping the grip battery. Why? Because with Olympus when you pull the grip battery out, the body switches automatically to body battery, continues operation like nothing happened, and when you insert new battery to grip, it switches back to grip battery. Now when you are working in situations where you are time limited, as usually in wildlife, news, events etc. You are never in situation where your camera is unpowered because your both batteries are empty, or you are middle of swapping battery. You always have camera powered on, even when you have a grip battery in one hand, you just need to raise camera and take the shot, and continue swapping. That is impossible with the integrated grip bodies, or as old DSLR vertical grips where the grip had attachment inside body compartment.

[@Jswcat]

I couldn’t agree with you more and coincidentally, I was going to go into that exact same subject in my next video! Excellent and well explained point.

[@thrallingFRglory]

Did you buy the other lenses used as well? I have my eyes set on a used 300 f4 and was wondering what a good price might be.

[@Jswcat]

I bought mine used on eBay for just a tick under $1500. As of today, because I do keep tabs on what is being sold on there, there are a few that are available if you want to take a look.

[@thrallingFRglory]

@@Jswcat That is an excellent price! I did check out e-bay but most listings appear to be around $1850. Do you reckon that’s a good enough price or does it make sense wait for prices to drop a bit?

[@Jswcat]

I think that’s a good price as the retail is $3000 and it’s an excellent lens, hands-down. Compared to a Nikon Z 600 mm F4 which list at $15,500 which gives you an ideal comparison between full frame and micro 4/3.

[@Jswcat]

With Olympus having a $200 rebate on most of their lenses right now, you could always make an offer to the seller to see if they’ll accept something lower but I still think around 1/3 off the price is still an excellent value of course depending on condition.

[@winheiMR]

Hallo, ich sehe du hast einen sehr schönen Objektiv-Bestand für deine OM-1 zur Verfügung, klasse. Habe erst seit kurzer Zeit den Umstieg von der EMX1 zur OM-1 gemacht. Seither möchte ich fast nur noch mit ihr unterwegs sein und meine vielen anderen Kameras bleiben zu Hause. Leider lohnt sich der Verkauf von Kameras die älter als zwei Jahre sind kaum, deshalb behalte ich sie einfach. Übrigens ein sehr schönes Birkenwald Bild.

[@godsinbox]

you have gone over pro on the wide lenses and under pro on the telephoto. need that 150-400.

[@Jswcat]

I would love to, but I would have an extra $7500 sitting around.💰💵💶💷💴

[@ourrvtravels7183]

Show us some pics!!!

[@Jswcat]

I will be putting a video out with some of the pictures that I have taken with the Olympus system. If you like you can also visit my Instagram channel which is @JSWCAT1

[@alankefauver6187]

Now you need the MZ 150-400 f/4.5. As sharp or sharper than the 300 f/4 IMHO.

[@jogey5890]

I am waiting for OM1 sensor upgrade and then blow it all. I find most good use still out of the 12-40 2.8 even though its yesterday's hero and Laowa 7.5 for wide, as well as Laowa 10mm which doubles as a 12mm with class leading excellent quality. I have the pro lenses with EM 1 m 2 and m3 still great but the pro lenses mostly stay packed. Computational software especially noise reduction is rapidly impacting the large camera world and we have never had it better. I will tell you 200 2.8 Leica is markedly even sharper than the 300 and unmatched by any glass anywhere but oddly less popular even though in fullframe this reach was used by most pros. I loved Nikon but the glass never got there, although the new stuff is different but pricing themselves to closure. The new babies for pros are Fujis. Don't waste your good years on tv golf, you can do that when your knees and hips collapse at 90.