Bird Photography, Birds in Flight, Gear Reviews, Micro 4/3 (OM-D/M.Zuiko)

Best Cameras and Lenses

20 Comments

This is the time of year when many photography blogs list what they consider to be the best cameras and lenses. I usually ignore this type of content. I recently looked at some of these articles and videos to see if anything has changed over the years. It hasn’t.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge. To view this article in a range of other languages click on the Canadian flag in the upper right corner.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 164 mm, efov 328 mm, f/6.3, -0.7 EV, 1/500, ISO-160, spot metering, cropped to 4476 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.1 metres

What constitutes the “best” of anything depends on how we set parameters and what specific measurement criteria we use.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 85 mm, efov 170 mm, f/6.3, 1/250, ISO-3200, matrix metering, full frame capture, subject distance 2.4 metres

Even then, some subjectivity can enter into the assessment. We’re human so we all bring our individual biases into how we assess things.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 270 mm, efov 540 mm, f/6.7, 1/20, ISO-6400, matrix metering, cropped to 4728 pixels on the width, subject distance 2 metres

One of the videos that I watched included an image quality comparison between the M.Zuiko 50-200 mm f/2.8 PRO IS zoom vs. the M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 lens.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 270 mm, efov 540 mm, f/6.7, 1/100, ISO-6400, matrix metering, full frame capture, subject distance 1.8 metres

The blogger had gone out and attempted to replicate the same images with both lenses using the same body, using the same camera settings… all tripod mounted.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/8, ISO-500, spot metering, full frame capture, subject distance 5.8 metres

Predictably, they then compared the images on their computer screen. It was unclear if out-of-camera jpegs were used, of if RAW files were used after being processed with the same software using the same settings.

At any rate no differences were found, so the images were then compared with some 100% crops of various areas in the images.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 208 mm, efov 416 mm, f/6.2, 1/50, ISO-2500, spot metering, full frame capture, subject distance 3 metres

At that level of detail the blogger struggled to find any differences between the images produced by the two M.Zuiko lenses. Their solution was then to move to 200% enlargements and comparisons.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, -0.3 EV, 1/100, ISO-250, centre weighted average metering, cropped to 3759 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.7 metres

When compared at 200% some very minimal differences were identified, and obviously amplified by the blogger with their commentary.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, -0.7 EV, 1/250, ISO-6400, spot metering, cropped to 4729 pixels on the width, subject distance 4.7 metres

I suppose what viewers were to take away from the comparison exercise was that there were ‘noticeable’ differences in image quality between the two lenses. The result being that the 50-200 mm lens was better than the 40-150 in terms of image quality.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, -0,3 EV, 1/10, ISO-2500, centre weight average metering, cropped to 3877 pixels on the width, subject distance 3 metres

In practical terms, if we have to pixel peep at 200% to see minute differences in image quality, is that difference actually going to be material in real-world shooting and typical image use? Nope.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/5000, ISO-800, Pro Capture H, cropped to 2677 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.7 metres

That’s not to say that the 50-200 mm f/2.8 may not be an excellent choice for some photographers. It may very well be… but not because of some minute image quality difference at 200% viewing. The lens may be a better choice because of its broader focal length range, a somewhat better weather sealing rating of IP53, and the inclusion of Sync-IS.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/4000, ISO-4000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3051 pixels on the width, subject distance 4.8 metres

At that point an individual photographer would need to make a value judgement about spending 235% more for the 50-200 mm f/2.8, over the 40-150 f/2.8. Pocketbook decisions are different to ones made pixel peeping at 200%.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, -0.3 EV, 1/100, ISO-64, matrix metering, cropped to 3797 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.9 metres

In Canada the M.Zuiko 50-200 mm f/2.8 PRO IS costs $4,700. I don’t know what the current click-through commissions are today… but a few years back most were in the 2% range.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/1600, ISO-400, cropped to 4742 pixels on the width, subject distance 19.9 metres

So, if a blogger can convince a reader or viewer that buying a 50-200 mm f/2.8 is the way to go… they may stand to pocket $94 for each click through purchase of that lens.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 @ 234 mm, efov 468 mm, f/6.4, 1/2000, ISO-320, cropped to 3649 pixels on the width, subject distance 6.5 metres

Is it conceivable that an annual camera brand review could be slanted by the number of new products that a particular manufacturer has launched in the current calendar year? Could the overall sales volume of a manufacturer affect how it is rated? Consider how the potential click-through sales commissions could be impacted for a blogger needing to make a living with their website.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/4000, ISO-2500, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3385 pixels on the width, subject distance 11.6 metres

I came across a blogger who commented that one camera brand could be summed up by having one good body and one good lens. It’s as if the rest of the product line didn’t exist and was of no value. Really?

Are we to believe that the only thing that matters is how many new products a manufacturer introduced in the current calendar year? Are the millions of dollars spent in product development in previous years irrelevant?

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 286 mm, efov 572 mm, 1/800, f/6.7, ISO-160, cropped to 4061 pixels on the width, subject distance 14.2 metres, GPS: S 43 36 44.076 E 172 42 23.2079

Hmmm… could it be that newly introduced products generate more immediate click-through sales commissions than older products that are still available? Could that possibility also impact camera brand ratings?

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 208 mm, efov 416 mm, 1/2500, f/6.7, ISO-1000, cropped to 3129 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 11.8 metres, GPS: South 37, 32, 53.05, East 175, 55, 15.38

Over the years I’ve had a number of readers ask me what they should buy. The answer is that I don’t know. I have no understanding of their priorities. Their shooting style. Their budget. And, what specific purchase criteria they are using to make their decision.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, 1/2500, f/6.7, ISO-2000, cropped to 3702 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 14.9 metres, GPS: S 37 32 44.7 E 175 55 12.2639

At the end of the day we have to open our wallets and part with some of our hard earned money when we buy camera gear. And, that decision may feel complicated… and even overwhelming at times.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, 1/1600, f/6.7, ISO-2000, cropped to 4026 pixels on the width, subject distance 14.9 metres, GPS: S 38 7 46.524 E 176 15 50.3519

If we find ourselves struggling with a purchase decision it is understandable to seek out sources of information to help us with that decision. The challenge is to find sources that are impartial, and have no vested interest in the product we are considering.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, 1/500, f/6.7, ISO-4000, cropped to 3825 pixels on the width, subject distance 7.5 metres, GPS: S 45 25 58.026 E 167 42 46.554

The truth is it is virtually impossible to find a totally impartial information source. If you’ve been looking at the EXIF data on the images featured in this article, you have no doubt noticed that all of the images were captured using the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II zoom lens. A lens that draws quite a bit of criticism on blogs and in chatrooms.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 286 mm, efov 572 mm, 1/1600, f/6.7, ISO-1600, cropped to 4059 pixels on the width, subject distance 14.4 metres, GPS: S 38 7 47.178 E 176 15 53.6219

By only featuring photographs captured with the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II, does that mean that I would recommend that you should buy one? Of course not. It could be a lens that you may consider buying based on the purchase criteria you have set for yourself. But, only you can make the ultimate decision to buy a specific product.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/6400, ISO-1250, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3713 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.8 metres

So, why did I choose to only feature images captured with the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II zoom lens? I happen to like these images. And, given the price of the M.Zuiko 75-300 II, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the image quality this cost effective lens can produce. Real world results are more important to me than making assumptions based on price alone.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, 1/1600, f/6.7, ISO-640, cropped to 3769 pixels on the width, subject distance 17 metres, GPS: S 38 7 46.548 E 176 15 50.3639

The fact that I use Olympus/OM equipment exclusively, and have for many years, means that this website will have some bias. Readers need to assess for themselves the amount of bias that they perceive when they visit here.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/1600, ISO-800, cropped to 4466 pixels on the width, subject distance 9.5 metres

The most important thing that a photographer can do before buying a new piece of camera gear is to clearly identify their specific needs. We can focus on real meaningful differences. We may even use a decision matrix that identifies our ‘must have’ purchase criteria and splits them out from our ‘nice to have’ criteria. This can bring some hard logic to a complex decision.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 124 mm, efov 248 mm, 1/1600, f/6.7, ISO-1250, full frame capture cropped on height only, subject distance 56.2 metres, GPS: S 38 7 47.0879 E 176 15 53.802

So, what are the best cameras and lenses? There is no such thing. Best is a relative term and is only relevant to the specific needs and aspirations of an individual photographer. Best is a personal assessment.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/5000, ISO-1000, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3571 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.9 metres

It is critical that we remind ourselves that what is best for one specific photographer… may not be a good choice  for another individual.  As far as the relevance of someone doing overall brand evaluations… *shrugs*.

OM-D E-M1 Mark III + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, 1/4000, ISO-3200, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3806 pixels on the width, subject distance 12.6 metres

Nothing can replace the critical thinking and logic that each of us can bring to our own camera equipment decisions.

Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files using my standard process in post. This is the 1,501 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

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20 thoughts on “Best Cameras and Lenses”

  1. I think for the most part, the EM-1X is still a very capable camera even in 2026 even though I sold mine in 2022 in exchange of that newer OM-1. Do I regret that decision? Yes and No. I like the new features of the OM-1, more fps, better bird af tracking and overall better performance out of the box but the built quality and ergonomics are not in the same league as the EM-1X. Image quality wise , I don’t see too much of an improvement either. With all the latest AI software tools, I am sure they will clean up very well. I guess the difference between the latest models and the one like EM-1X, it will be easier to get good shots with those latest models. Hit rates will be higher. Less experience shooters can still capture good shots easier. The EM-1X at the right hands like yours can still get similar shots but will probably require more field experience. I wish OM system will release an update to this EM-1X coz it is a much better body for extended use on the field.

    Reply

    1. Hi Ryan,

      Thanks for sharing your experience with the E-M1X and OM-1 camera bodies. I’ve never used an OM-1 or OM-1 Mark II so I can’t make any first hand comments on those bodies.

      I have large hands and I find the E-M1X incredibly comfortable and efficient to use. My wife’s E-M1 Mark III is not comfortable for me to use, especially with lenses like the M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 or larger, as the camera body causes cramping in my right forearm. As a result I’ve never had any interest in the OM-1 bodies.

      Everyone should use whatever camera body is the best fit for their needs. It’s great to read that the OM-1 is doing a good job for you. I have a pair of E-M1X’s and will be using them for many years to come.

      Tom

      Reply

  2. Hi again Tom another very interesting piece. As you know I have the 100-400 MK1 and generally use it only in favourable light, i am lucky I don’t work now – so I can pick and choose my photography days.
    I owned a copy of the 75-300 but a MK1 version it was pretty good in decent light. I am very happy with my EM1-X and 100-400 MK1 too.
    PS I may email you a photograph I took recently

    Best wishes Mark

    Reply

  3. great way to handle such a question.
    like most things we own/use; every camera/lens has compromises and no one size fits all.
    Once I learnt photography was about the light , the quality of the light , and shadows from the light ; camera gear meant far less to me . Just wish I learnt that far sooner instead trying to buy better photography with so much new gear that made very little difference to my photography skill/quality

    Reply

  4. Thank you for your interesting & down to earth comments. Whilst the current social media landscape has many advantages it also has many disadvantages. It is difficult to decide if the review you read or watch is truly impartial or as is so often the case the reviewer has some interest in the product being reviewed. I own the 75-300 mm II & find that it is a good lens when you consider the low price. It’s downfall is in lower light which in my case is often & for that reason I am considering a faster lens such as the 300mm f4 Pro. I would still keep the 75-300 mm .

    Reply

    1. Hi Ron,

      My wife and I have found that the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II is a good lens under decent lighting conditions. In low light conditions the lens does struggle quite a bit to achieve focus… so we agree with your assessment.

      Tom

      Reply

  5. If I had acted according to the bloggers’ tastes, I would not have used an Olympus at all. But I have used them since the mid 1980’s, and I also happen to have the world’s best lenses! Hmm, when I think about it, I always had that! A Zuiko is always fixed to the front of my E-M1X.
    Thomas, and all others: I wish you all a Happy New Year.

    Reply

    1. Hi Olaf,

      Thanks for sharing some of your journey with the Olympus brand. I knew little of the brand until I had a chance to experience it during my participation of the company’s Pro Loaner program. That experience had me hooked on the brand… and I’ve never looked back.

      Tom

      Reply

  6. Hello Thomas,

    Really interesting! Call me naive, but I had never considered that commissions earned on clicks could dictate bloggers’ preferences for one piece of equipment over another. I’ll keep that in mind.

    I went to a gymkhana last summer to take photos of the competitions. The official photographer was using equipment from one of the two major brands. He looked at my OM camera and lens, and asked if I was capable of doing anything with it. I almost burst out laughing, but I just smiled and said “Of course!” It baffles me that decisions to purchase photography equipement are based on snobbery, false perceptions or details that are irrelevant to the buyer’s needs. Your article reminds us that we must first think about our needs and take them into account without being influenced by what suits another photographer.

    Sylvie

    Reply

    1. Hi Sylvie,

      Unfortunately gear snobbery has been in the photography market for many years. I was subject to a lot of ridicule when I was using Nikon 1 exclusively. I haven’t noticed that nearly as much with Olympus/OM.

      As far as bloggers focusing on click through commissions… there are a few websites that blatantly chase commissions. I remember one website where basically every review ended with the blogger saying that this piece of gear is the ‘best ever’ and readers should really consider buying it. I don’t know if that website still exists today.

      Tom

      Reply

  7. Good heavens, Thomas. You are allowing rational, real world thinking to influence your conclusions. I, too, like the 75-300 MkII. It is a lens that requires great attention to technique, specially at its long end, being so light. Love your photos.

    Reply

  8. Great article. I too hate the “grading” of camera manufacturers that some social media folks do at the end of the year. As if we are snickering school kids looking at the exam grades of our peers and saying: “Look how good my camera system did compared to Jane’s! I had a great year as a ______ camera system user. I feel validated.”

    Reply

    1. Hi Timothy,

      I agree that grading of camera manufacturers is a rather juvenile activity.

      From a pragmatic sense I always question the reviewers/graders in terms of what expertise they think they have to be the least bit credible in this regard.

      Professional photographers who are out creating a good career for themselves with their camera gear wouldn’t bother with this type of grading activity. Pros use the gear that is durable, reliable, and helps them make money. When they change systems it is usually driven by changing client needs, or some other gear gives them a way to increase their margins and profitability.

      Tom

      Reply

  10. This is a very useful and helpful website. Thank you for sharing your expertise in this area. It has been a great learning experience for me.

    Reply

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