Which shutter is best to use with E-M1.2 and 300/4 Pro for birding?

[k-hawinkler]

I typically shoot at 1/1000 to 1/2000 s @ F/5.6, C-AF, IBIS ON, HandHeld.
Which shutter works best: Sequential low? Anti-Shock low? Silent low?
Also should I use C-AF Tr instead of C-AF?
If this question has been posed before, could you please point me to the thread(s)?
TIA.

 

[Knorp]

I typically shoot at 1/1000 to 1/2000 s @ F/5.6, C-AF, IBIS ON, HandHeld.
Which shutter works best: Sequential low? Anti-Shock low? Silent low?
Also should I use C-AF Tr instead of C-AF?
If this question has been posed before, could you please point me to the thread(s)?
TIA.

First - what's the problem, K-H ?

 

[k-hawinkler]

Problem Bart? I just would like to know what users find is optimal for them. :facesmack:

 

[Knorp]

Problem Bart? I just would like to know what users find is optimal for them. :facesmack:

Hmmm, I see - thought you were the bird man here ...

 

[Knorp]

From FB group: Olympus E-M1II

I am not happy with the 'in focus capture rate' of BIFs when shooting in CA-F or CA-F Tracking AND Silent Low or Pro Capture Low - both with the 40-150 with TC and the 300 with TC. Shutter speed varies between 1/1600 and 1/2500. After doing some research, I discovered that Pages 46 has the following footnote: "Photographs taken in silent and pro-capture modes may be distorted if the subject or camera moves quickly during the shooting." Page 47 and 48 have a similar footnote. When I changed to using Sequential Low my good capture rate went way up. I thought Pro Capture would be ideal for BIFs, but the results I get are poor. Are the others that have the same issue? What do you make of the footnote? I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks in advance

 

[f6cvalkyrie]

I shoot a bird from time to time (not with a gun ;-)) and do not use the silent mode, and always in S-AF
Silent mode is subject to distortion with moving objects, thus probably also with BIF but less so with stationary birds ...
I had a problem with distortion in silent mode on humans in the move ...

PS : this was with e-m1.1, but I don't think it will be better on 1.2

I hope this helps ...

CU,
Rafael

 

[ptomsu]

The EM1.2 should do significantly better in silent mode than the EM1.1

 

[f6cvalkyrie]

do you mean distorsion-wise, or otherwise better, ptomsu ?
I am VERY interested to see a side by side comparison on moving humans/animals/birds/whatever between 1.1 and 1.2 !

C U,
Rafael

 

[k-hawinkler]

Hi Rafael.
To answer your question to Peter, distortion- and other-wise.
The E-M1.2 has much faster read-out speeds.
But distortion still can happen for jerky movements.
So, one has to keep an eye out for it. :banghead:
A direct comparison can be a tough one.
For example, using ProCapture one routinely can get shots with the E-M1.2 that are pretty much impossible or only with luck to get with the E-M1. If one takes a picture of a small bird that suddenly takes off and spins around its wings can get distorted and stretched out in the direction of helicopter blades.

 

[k-hawinkler]

Here are a few Bluebird images shot with E-M1.2 + Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm 1:2.0 @ ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/800s, C-AF, Silent low. You be the judge.

 

[Knorp]

Here are a few Bluebird images shot with E-M1.2 + Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm 1:2.0 @ ISO 200, f/5.6, 1/800s, C-AF, Silent low. You be the judge.

Can't see any anomalies, they just look absolutely lovely, K-H.
But how do you like your 'new' 150/2.0 ?
It's quite a beasty, right ?

Kind regards.

 

[k-hawinkler]

Can't see any anomalies, they just look absolutely lovely, K-H.
But how do you like your 'new' 150/2.0 ?
It's quite a beasty, right ?

Kind regards.

Thanks Bart for the feedback. It looks like Silent low works well.

Crop

E-M1 + 150/2 @ 1/10,000s, Silent low.

E-M1 + 150/2 @ 1/13,000s, Silent low.

Now to the question: S-AF or C-AF for 150/2 lens on E-M1.2?
I have to do more testing, but so far I get the impression S-AF focus is more precise and repeatable whereas C-AF varies in performance. Hmm. :facesmack:
But when the image is in focus, I really like the IQ. Doesn't S-AF use CDAF whereas C-AF uses PDAF?

I got the lens used from Japan.
I wonder whether it would benefit from Olympus Service.
There doesn't seem to be a firmware update for the lens though.

 

[Knorp]

Thanks Bart for the feedback. It looks like Silent low works well.

Now to the question: S-AF or C-AF for 150/2 lens on E-M1.2?
I have to do more testing, but so far I get the impression S-AF focus is more precise and repeatable whereas C-AF varies in performance. Hmm. :facesmack:
But when the image is in focus, I really like the IQ. Doesn't S-AF use CDAF whereas C-AF uses PDAF?

I got the lens used from Japan.
I wonder whether it would benefit from Olympus Service.
There doesn't seem to be a firmware update for the lens though.

Using S-AF or sometimes C-AF+T and M when on a tripod.
As for CD-AF or PD-AF, wasn't it so you need PD-AF for the 43-lenses to AF properly ?
My GX8 is CD-AF only and it seems to work poorly with my 43-lenses.

Having your used lens serviced is not a bad idea, but if it works fine, why should you ?
No firmware update is made available for the 150/2.0 after the initial version 1.0, while my MMF-3 adapter has version 1.1

Kind regards.

 

[k-hawinkler]

Thanks Bart. How do you find out the version of the MMF-3 adapter?

 

[Knorp]

Thanks Bart. How do you find out the version of the MMF-3 adapter?

You'll find it in the menu under Firmware (E-M1.1):

• Body : 4.3
• Lens : 1.0
• Acc : 1.1

 

[k-hawinkler]

You'll find it in the menu under Firmware (E-M1.1):

• Body : 4.3
• Lens : 1.0
• Acc : 1.1

Many thanks Bart. Of course, I believe you as I have known you as an always reliable source! :thumbs: Which lens did you have attached?
I have checked Firmware on all my bodies E-M1.1, E-M1.2, E-M5.1, and E-M5.2. I even reset my E-M1.1 and E-M5.2 with FULL.
On all of them, with mounted MMF-3 adapter and 150/2 lens, Firmware displays only Body and Lens information - but not the ACC info.

For E-M1.1 I get: Body : 4.3, Lens : 1.0
For E-M1.2 I get: Body : 1.0, Lens : 1.0
For E-M5.1 I get: Body : 2.2, Lens : 1.0
For E-M5.2 I get: Body : 2.3, Lens : 1.0, Interestingly C-AF and C-AF Tr are greyed out, so not available.

I am dumbfounded! :loco: :banghead: Maybe I need to try another FT lens I don't have? Hmm.

Also, in Joint update service for OLYMPUS E-SYSTEM - OLYMPUS Digital Camera the following items are not listed for Firmware updates AFAIK:

E-M1 Mark II
MMF-3 adapter
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital MC-14 1.4x Teleconverter
ZUIKO DIGITAL 150mm F2.0

Now mounting MC-14 with 40-150/2.8 Pro lens on E-M1.2 I get the following - again no info for ACC.

For E-M1.2 I get: Body : 1.0, Lens : 1.2

I must be missing something basic! What is it? I will be grateful for any pointers! TIA

Could somebody please check for the MC-14. TIA.

 

[k-hawinkler]

Here is a shot with focus in the intended spot.

E-M1.2 + 150/2 @ f/2.8, C-AF Silent low.

 

[Knorp]

Many thanks Bart. Of course, I believe you as I have known you as an always reliable source! :thumbs: Which lens did you have attached?
I have checked Firmware on all my bodies E-M1.1, E-M1.2, E-M5.1, and E-M5.2. I even reset my E-M1.1 and E-M5.2 with FULL.
On all of them, with mounted MMF-3 adapter and 150/2 lens, Firmware displays only Body and Lens information - but not the ACC info.

For E-M1.1 I get: Body : 4.3, Lens : 1.0
For E-M1.2 I get: Body : 1.0, Lens : 1.0
For E-M5.1 I get: Body : 2.2, Lens : 1.0
For E-M5.2 I get: Body : 2.3, Lens : 1.0, Interestingly C-AF and C-AF Tr are greyed out, so not available.

I am dumbfounded! :loco: :banghead: Maybe I need to try another FT lens I don't have? Hmm.

Also, in Joint update service for OLYMPUS E-SYSTEM - OLYMPUS Digital Camera the following items are not listed for Firmware updates AFAIK:

E-M1 Mark II
MMF-3 adapter
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital MC-14 1.4x Teleconverter
ZUIKO DIGITAL 150mm F2.0

Now mounting MC-14 with 40-150/2.8 Pro lens on E-M1.2 I get the following - again no info for ACC.

For E-M1.2 I get: Body : 1.0, Lens : 1.2

I must be missing something basic! What is it? I will be grateful for any pointers! TIA

Could somebody please check for the MC-14. TIA.

Just a thought: perhaps my 1.4MC was still attached to the Zuiko 150/2.
That could explain the ACC entry in my menu ...
Anyway, I'll have to check when I get home.

Kind regards.

 

[k-hawinkler]

Just a thought: perhaps my 1.4MC was still attached to the Zuiko 150/2.
That could explain the ACC entry in my menu ...
Anyway, I'll have to check when I get home.

Kind regards.

Hmm, hmm, hmm, thanks Bart. In an earlier version you wrote (I got that in my email):


"Here is the message that has just been posted:***************
Mmm - sorry K-H, I'll have to check when I get back home.
I'm surprised you don't see the accessory.
Anway, I had my E-M1.1 with MMF-3 and Zuiko 150/2 attached.
Just a thought: you're sure you've got a genuine Olympus adapter ?

I'll be back later ..."


I remember in the past you pointed out correctly to me the following.
The current µ4/3 1.4x teleconverter MC-14 can be used with an adapted Leica-R lens.
Of course, one also could use first on certain R-lenses an APO-Extender-R and then adapt to an OM-D camera.
I have used both with success. Thanks again for your special insight and pointer. :thumbs:

You pose an interesting question I colored in turquoise.
I bought online very recently my MMF-3 adapter from Adorama.
After your questioning I am not sure it's a legitimate original Olympus MMF-3 4/3 to µ4/3 adapter.
Why do I think that now?

Well, if I understand you correctly, you seem to be able to attach your MMF-3 adapter to the MC-14, and then the MC-14 to your E-M1.1, correct?
If that is so, then I must have either a fake MMF-3 adapter or a fake MC-14 teleconverter because there is no way to attach the two. They simply don't fit! :banghead:
The MC-14 seems made out of a shiny confidence inspiring solid metal whereas the MMF-3 seems made out of a dull and very light non-plastic material.
Amazingly both seem to work on their own separately between a camera and a lens - but no firmware version display. :facesmack:

Here is a suggestion for a couple of tests.
Attach just one or the other without a lens to an OM-D camera and check the Firmware information. What do you find?
I only get the camera body firmware version displayed. :shocked: :facesmack: :banghead:

Many thanks for your help Bart, as always. I appreciate that very much!!! :salute:

PS: BTW my MC-14 has something resembling a serial number, namely: AC6208602, The MMF-3 has just the marking: MADE IN CHINA.

 

[Knorp]

Hmm, hmm, hmm, thanks Bart. In an earlier version you wrote (I got that in my email):


"Here is the message that has just been posted:***************
Mmm - sorry K-H, I'll have to check when I get back home.
I'm surprised you don't see the accessory.
Anway, I had my E-M1.1 with MMF-3 and Zuiko 150/2 attached.
Just a thought: you're sure you've got a genuine Olympus adapter ?

I'll be back later ..."


I remember in the past you pointed out correctly to me the following.
The current µ4/3 1.4x teleconverter MC-14 can be used with an adapted Leica-R lens.
Of course, one also could use first on certain R-lenses an APO-Extender-R and then adapt to an OM-D camera.
I have used both with success. Thanks again for your special insight and pointer. :thumbs:

You pose an interesting question I colored in turquoise.
I bought online very recently my MMF-3 adapter from Adorama.
After your questioning I am not sure it's a legitimate original Olympus MMF-3 4/3 to µ4/3 adapter.
Why do I think that now?

Well, if I understand you correctly, you seem to be able to attach your MMF-3 adapter to the MC-14, and then the MC-14 to your E-M1.1, correct?
If that is so, then I must have either a fake MMF-3 adapter or a fake MC-14 teleconverter because there is no way to attach the two. They simply don't fit! :banghead:
The MC-14 seems made out of a shiny confidence inspiring solid metal whereas the MMF-3 seems made out of a dull and very light non-plastic material.
Amazingly both seem to work on their own separately between a camera and a lens - but no firmware version display. :facesmack:

Here is a suggestion for a couple of tests.
Attach just one or the other without a lens to an OM-D camera and check the Firmware information. What do you find?
I only get the camera body firmware version displayed. :shocked: :facesmack: :banghead:

Many thanks for your help Bart, as always. I appreciate that very much!!! :salute:

Hi there K-H,

indeed, I posted that at first but then I realised that my EC-14 (43rd) adapter might be the accessory popping up in the menu and deleted that post.
But I can confirm right now that it was the EC-14, so without it the menu shows only camera and lens firmware versions. Sorry for causing any confusion ...
I guess the MMF-3 is just a dumb adapter, only routing the signals between lens and camera and will not show up in the menu.

The MC-14 (µ43rd) can be used with the R-to-m43 adapter as it fits into the adapter perfectly.
If I remember well it was with my R350/4.8

You got me puzzled, but I'd say this is the logical order; first - attach the MMF-3 to your camera, second - attach the EC-14 to the MMF-3, third - attach your 43rd lens to the EC-14, right ?
Both adapters read Olympus and while the EC-14 has the same surface texture as my 43rd-lenses, the MMF-3 has a matt black smooth surface

Kind regards.