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| This represents everything I believe I’ll need when going out not specifically for photography. Also, I will seriously consider taking only this kit on a road trip, holiday or vacation when photography is secondary. (click to enlarge) |
Well, I couldn’t help myself. Seriously. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! lol I'm sure you have already guessed what. Recently I bought an OM Systems OM-1 camera and the Olympus 12-100mm f/4 PRO lens. Some of you might have guessed that I had been metaphorically talking myself into these purchases from what I have written recently. I have written about wanting to downsize to a one camera/one lens everyday carry (EDC)/travel kit, found here, rationalization for not feeling guilty about owning more than one camera system, here, as well as written about this particular camera and my recent experience with it, found here. Those three posts will give you a pretty good idea as to what my mindset has been over the past few months.
This all started when I was 'relatively' disappointed in the performance, specifically locking on and staying locked-on to birds-in-flight, using my Fujifilm X-H2S with the 150-600mm f/5.6-8 lens. Not that it was bad. It was better than anything I had used before, but I began to wonder if, for similar money, I could do better with a different system. Since I am not a full time bird or wildlife photographer and didn't want to spend the money to buy the best gear available, I added to my Fujifilm gear as the best bang for my buck, so to speak. I did realize that the Fujifilm gear was not up to the same performance as the Nikon Z9/Z8, Canon R5/R6 or Sony A1/A7r4. Those cameras cost at least twice as much and have much better AF subject detection performance. But I kept seeing videos by photographers using the OM-1 and, when compared to, say, the Sony A1, performed just about as well. That got me to thinking that I should try one as the camera could double both as a wildlife/bird kit as well as an EDC kit.
I set out to compare the OM-1 with the Olympus 100-400mm f/5-6.3 lens to my Fujifilm X-H2S camera with the Fujifilm 150-600mm f/5.6-8 lens specifically for bird photography. I quickly fell in love with the camera as I think it is a significant upgrade from my former Olympus E-M1 Mark III. I wrote extensively about this camera and the Micro 4/3 system, making a strong case for both here. If you've never tried a Micro 4/3 system, I think you will be more than surprised just how good it is.
After several tests photographing birds of all sizes on limbs, wading as well as flying and when it turned out that the OM-1 and the Olympus 100-400mm lens gave me better results than my Fujifilm gear (it recognized, locked AF on and stayed on the birds better), I started seriously thinking about purchasing the camera and lens and subsequently selling the Fujifilm X-H2S and 150-600mm lens. The OM gear is half the size and weight and only 70% of the cost of the Fujifilm kit. I decided to buy the camera and then bought the 100-400mm lens shortly thereafter when luckily for me OM Systems had a 20% off sale on their refurbished gear. In the past, I’ve bought several refurbished lenses from Olympus and each had been flawless. I then bought the 12-100mm f/4 PRO lens to keep on the camera most all of the time for EDC.
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| The Fujifilm X-H2S (top) has the 150-600mm f/5.6-8 lens attached. The bottom camera and lens is the OM-1 with the 100-200mm f/5-6.3 lens. The Fujifilm has a reach of 900mm in 35mm terms while the OM lens has a reach of 800mm in 35mm terms. While the Fujifilm lens has a longer reach, the Olympus lens is faster. Both will take tele-converters. The size and weight seems to me to be the most important trade-off. (click to enlarge) |
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| The Fujifilm lens does not extend when at its maximum focal length while the Olympus lens does. Even extended, the Olympus lens is quite a bit more manageable than the Fujifilm lens, IMHO. (click to enlarge) |
The combination of the OM-1 and the superb Olympus 12-100mm f/4 PRO lens, which I have owned and used extensively in the past, would make the perfect combination EDC kit. Add to that the idea that on road trips and travel where the primary objective is not photography, that camera and lens combination makes a perfect small, lightweight, versatile kit with excellent image quality. The camera and lens combination can do about anything.
What about my Fujifilm gear for EDC? The problem I have with my Fujifilm kit for EDC is that I can’t create a one lens kit to satisfy my needs. I have the 16-55mm f/2.8 lens which is perfect on the wide end but far short of the 200mm full frame equivalent (FFE) of the Olympus 12-100mm lens. If I were to use my X-T5 for EDC, I would have to carry more than one lens and that would defeat my purpose. Yes, I know Fujifilm makes an 18-135mm lens, but 18mm (28mm in 35mm terms) is just not wide enough as I use the 24mm FFE focal length quite often. Additionally, I've read too many reviews that seem to indicate there is a wide variation in image quality depending upon the copy of lens you happen to buy. Some say the lens is excellent and some say the lens lacks sharpness in portions of the focal length range. I find it easier just to avoid the lens altogether.
My plan for EDC is to pick up this camera, lens, 2 spare SD cards, spare battery, 72mm polarizing filter, lens pen and lens cloth packed in my small, lightweight Merrill sling bag whenever I leave the house. That is what is pictured at the top of this post. The Merrill sling bag, which doesn't look like a bag carrying an expensive camera and lens either in size or brand, has an outside zippered pocket as well as a pocket inside so the little bits and bobs can be safely stowed away. Everything seems to fit nicely and when carried across my back, I hardly notice it is there. Add to that the fact that the camera is easy to access and all seems perfect!
I believe what I’ve put together will handle 99% of anything I may encounter that may peak my photographic interest while generally out and about. I don’t need a tripod as this camera/lens combination provide a claimed 8-stops of image stabilization. I’ve tested my old arms for steadiness and I can repeatedly make sharp images at 1/3 second exposures. At 1/2 second exposures I get sharp images about 50% of the time. I don’t need two or three neutral density filters as this camera has up to a 6-stop live ND function built in. With this camera I can focus stack handheld. The lens focuses close enough (1/3 life size) that a macro lens is not really a necessity. I don’t need a larger sensor as this new 20.2mp stacked back-side illuminated Live MOS sensor provides excellent image quality which will allow me to make prints easily up to 24” X 30". As a bonus the camera has a handheld 50mp high resolution mode as well as an 8-mp tripod mounted high resolution mode. As far as dynamic range is concerned, there is an automated HDR function for JPEGs and automatic focus bracketing for raw images. But my experience with my prior E-M1 Mark III is that I had never encountered a situation in which one optimally exposed frame couldn't handle the dynamic range. I think I can do about everything I’ll want to do with this one camera and one lens.
Smaller, lighter, less bulk, less expensive but all around versatility, excellent handling and excellent images quality. That is my goal. I believe this kit does exactly that.
Sometime on the future, if my prediction for what I can get out of this kit is realized, I may pick up a couple of more Olympus lenses either from the used market or when OM Systems has one of their 20% off sales on factory refurbished gear. Most likely a small fast prime and maybe something a bit wider than the 12mm of the 12-100mm lens. But we’ll see. No hurry.
What about my Fujifilm gear? Am I abandoning it? Not at all. My plan is that if I am going out or traveling for the specific purpose of photographing, my intention is to take my Fujifilm gear in the large, heavy Think Tank Photo Backlight 26L backpack. Having a ‘backup’ Fujifilm camera as well as a greater variety of focal lengths available, the Fujifilm gear will still serve that purpose better—for now. After all, the X-T5 is still my all time favorite digital camera.
That leaves my Nikon gear sort of orphaned and slated for little use. Hmm. What to do?
I’m going on a road trip with three lifelong friends later this month. Since this trip is not about photography, I will be taking only this photo kit along with a battery charger, iPad Pro and a small USB 3.0 backup hard drive, which will all live in my suitcase. I’ll let you know how everything works out.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Hi Dennis, Loved your latest post on your new EDC kit. I heartily concur. The OM-1 w12-100 makes a great combination and is the heart of my travel kit as well. I recently added a Panasonic-Leica 9mm f1.7 as my fast, wide prime. Wider than the 12-100, so there's some useful extension there, but also fast enough for dimmer interior settings and low-light scenes. It's also somewhat weather-sealed. Always a desirable quality for a travel kit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. I think this kit is a winner for EDC and travel. The lens is amazing in its image quality and versatility. I would be interested in how you like the 9mm lens at some point in time in the future.
DeleteAs I read this I am currently on vacation in Maine. The OM-1 with the 12-100 is such a fantastic kit. Easy to carry and the pics are outstanding. Gotta run got some lighthouses to photograph this morning
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. I wish I were up there with you! I’ve been to Maine several times but I want to go back just to photograph the fishing villages, small coastal towns and lighthouses from the southeast corner all the way up to the Canadian border.
DeleteHi Dennis,
ReplyDeleteLove your writing! Agree that OM-1 + 12-100/4 is the ultimate uncompromised single lens kit.
That’s what I used last Christmas when I had a 2 weeks holiday in Europe. FOMO, I brought also PL9/1.7 (for wide) and 20/1.7 (for lowlight). 20/1.7 failed to be useful as its AF was unreliable in lowlight on OM-1. 9/1.7 was fun to use but I could live with 12mm.
I would add that if one wants to go even lighter, I would pick OM-5 + PL12-60 or 12-45/4.
John, thanks for the kind words and your comment. That 20mm lens is a nice lens, sharp, but slow AF. I wish Panasonic would update it as 40mm (FF) is my favorite single focal length. I used to have one when they first were introduced and I would consider another if they updated the AF. I’m fine for 12mm to be my max wide angle. I can always stitch two images together if I need wider, but f/4 can be slow for inside and low light. I don’t have a wide or semi-wide prime yet for m4/3. I’ve been contemplating the PL 15mm f/1.7 over the traditional 17mm focal length. We’ll see. But I do need a fast prime for low light. I think the 25mm lenses are a bit less versatile for how I shoot.
DeleteFunny you said that.
DeleteMy 20/1.7 was originally bought to use with Panasonic bodies which could drive the 20/1.7’s AF better. Because of the above experience (and GAS!), I have recently bought both a 2nd hand PL15/1.7 and a 2nd hand 25/1.8 to replace the 20/1.7. I was lust after the mythical “Leica look” after all. Then, it was an anti-climax when my non-scientific test shots showed the IQ of the 3 lenses were more or less the same.
However, when used in the real world, both “new” lenses produce amazing rendition. Love them!
Thanks for your insight about those lenses. I’ll pick up a fast prime for the occasional family event or museum visit, etc., but I don’t know which yet. I have the Fujifilm 23mm f/2 for that kit and the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 for that kit. That’s why I was possibly looking for a third focal length. By the way, I shot Leicas for several years until I went digital. The mythical ‘Leica’ look is just that, mythical.
DeleteThe 12-100 is a very versatile lens. Add an extension tube to your bag and have a very good macro lens. The OM-1 makes the 12-100 an even better lens. I paired a tiny Laowa 7.5 f2 for those wider views. Early this morning, I was out at the local RR station with this kit making handheld high resolution photos. Also the Olympus 17 f1.2 lens is the sharpest lens I have ever used.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. You got my full attention when you mentioned ‘railroad!’ Lol I’ve read about that little 7.5mm lens but didn’t know anyone who had used it. Thanks for your comment about it. I’m tempted by the 17mm f/1.2 but isn’t it awfully large and heavy for a prime? It gets into APS-C and FF territory, doesn’t it? The slippery slope is then wanting to add the two other Olympus f/1.2 lenses to match the quality.
DeleteWelcome back! I was wondering after your MFT post if you would return. And you have! The Olympus 12-100mm is outstanding and coupled with the OM-1 through Sync IS makes taking 50mp HHRS images relatively easy for static subjects. Looking forward to reading about your new adventures.
ReplyDeleteThank you! It’s good to be back in the m4/3 game once again. I bought the E-M5 in early 2012 and, with the exception of 2022, have had and used a m4/3 camera ever since. I believe the OM-1 is the most versatile and complete camera now on the market. I’ll be going on a road trip later this month and I think the OM-1 and the 12-100 will serve me well. I’m sure I’ll write about my experience. Again, thank you for the welcome!
DeleteThe 7.5 sharpness is excellent at any aperture. The downside is vignetting at f2-f4. I correct distortion at +2.0 and vignetting (when I shoot at f2.8) at 1.5. Use at f5.6 and anything you can't reach out and touch is in focus and there is no issue with vignetting. The 17 f1.2 is the same size and weight as the 12-40. I rented the 25 f1.2 and found it to be inferior to the 17mm. There is a gap in lens coverage in my pocketable kit of 7.5+12-100 but usually I shoot the 7.5 at HR and then crop from the large image. That also eliminates any correction for distortion or vignetting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that additional information. It’s helpful.
Delete