New Zealand Birds - Small Sensor Photography by Thomas Stirr

This article shares a selection of photographs of New Zealand birds captured handheld with M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II and M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS zoom lenses. As regular readers know, I spent some time deciding on which lenses to bring on our recent photography tour of New Zealand… especially when it came to a birding lens.

NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

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-16000, cropped to 4099 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 13.6 metres, GPS: S 37 36 21.0 E 175 54 46.506

After some deliberation and additional field testing, I eventually decided on the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II. The compact size and light weight of this lens eventually won out over other options.

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-16000, cropped to 4100 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 13.6 metres, GPS: S 37 36 21.0 E 175 54 46.506

The very first bird I had a chance to photograph was a Tui captured in a Pro Capture H image run as it took flight from its perch… somewhat buried in a tree.

I spotted it late in the afternoon after we had checked into our room. I used Pro Capture H at 60 frames-per-second to capture the bird taking flight.

Unfortunately I had to use ISO-16000 due to the low light conditions… so the quality of the images is lacking.

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-16000, cropped to 4101 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 13.6 metres, GPS: S 37 36 21.0 E 175 54 46.506

On the positive side I did manage to get a few useable photographs. In Maori culture the Tui is associated with life fulfillment, confidence and spiritual harmony.

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-1600, cropped to 3702 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 7.9 metres, GPS: S 37 32 54.858 E 175 55 15.108

As was anticipated, I did not have very many opportunities to photograph birds while in New Zealand. The main focus of our self-drive tour was landscape photography.

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-160, cropped to 2653 pixels on the width, distance 18.2 metres, GPS: S 37 32 45.888 E 175 55 12.66

During our trip we had a limited number of opportunities to specifically focus our efforts on capturing images of New Zealand birds.

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-1000, cropped to 3239 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 13.3 metres, GPS: S 37 32 40.326 E 175 55 10.8479

Before we left the Katikati area we did do a brief morning walk along the Katikati Bird Walk trail.

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-1600, cropped to 2465 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 54.8 metres, GPS: S 37 32 34.1039 E 175 55 9.1439

This activity, at the beginning of our trip, generated a significant number of our total number of New Zealand bird images.

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-250, cropped to 3667 pixels on the width, subject distance 128 metres, GPS: S 37 32 40.1279 E 175 55 10.8

We’ve included GPS data for all of the images in this article. This enables interested readers to locate our shooting positions for all of the featured images.

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

In an earlier article we detailed capturing an Eastern Rosella taking flight using our standard Pro Capture H settings.

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-1000, cropped to 2753 pixels on the width, subject distance 24.8 metres, GPS: S 37 32 47.195 E 175 55 13.439

These same settings (i.e. 60 frames-per-second, Pre-shutter frames and Frame Count Limiter both set to 15, and a single, small AF point) were used for any of the photographs featured in this article, where the use of Pro Capture H is noted.

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-500, cropped to 4038 pixels on the width, subject distance 9.8 metres, GPS: S 37 32 48.162 E 175 55 14.13

While my bird photography often focuses on birds-in-flight, some additional attention was given to perched birds and those on the ground, during our recent trip.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, 1/500, f/8, ISO-640, cropped to 2811 pixels on the width, subject distance 6.1 metres, GPS: S 37 48 23.489 E 175 18 3.8519

As you review the EXIF data for each image you will find the occasional photograph captured with the M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS zoom lens… like the one above taken at Hamilton Gardens.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, 1/500, f/8, ISO-2000, cropped to 4132 pixels on the width, subject distance 4.5 metres, GPS: S 37 48 23.489 E 175 18 3.8519

In some instances we had briefly stopped to grab some quick landscape images when a bird happened by. Rather than miss the opportunity I used the PRO 12-100.

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 2748 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 12.7 metres, GPS: S 37 32 54.299 E 175 55 15.2399

As noted earlier, I used Pro Capture H for a number of bird images during our trip to New Zealand. I found this technology worked very well with the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 zoom lens.

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-1000, cropped to 2738 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 13.6 metres, GPS: S 37 32 55.14 E 175 55 15.072

Capturing birds-in-flight was a bit more of a challenge. I knew from some earlier tests and a dry run that I did before we left, that auto focus acquisition with the M.Zuiko 75-300 II zoom is noticeably slower for birds-in-flight than with lenses like the M.Zuiko 100-400 or 150-600.

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-1000, cropped to 3585 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 11.1 metres, GPS: S 37 32 59.364 E 175 55 13.079

So, I had to adjust my usual technique for birds-in-flight and did not use a combination of Pro Capture L with Bird Detection AI Subject Detection.

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-2500, cropped to 3740 pixels on the width, subject distance 6.8 metres, GPS: S 37 33 0.39 E 175 55 12.648

Instead I used Bird Detection AI alone, as I found it was a tad more effective with the 75-300 II zoom lens.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 221 mm, efov 442 mm, 1/1600, f/6.7, ISO-3200, full frame capture, subject distance 8.2 metres, GPS: S 38 7 47.364 E 176 15 54.672

Given the relatively few opportunities I had to capture photographs of New Zealand birds, I was pleased with the number of species that were documented.

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: S 37 32 53.046 E 175 55 15.378

I used my peripheral vision to watch for movement in trees which helped locate some perched birds. Listening for bird calls also helped find some potential photographic subjects.

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

When I did find birds perched birds I typically shot a few short bursts of images. This allowed me to capture some variations in body and head movements… like the open beak on the shag illustrated above.

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-800, cropped to 3228 pixels on the width, subject distance 12.6 metres, GPS: S 38 7 46.5359 E 176 15 50.3399

I often got close to wild birds using a zig-zag approach as this tends not to spook skittish birds. As soon as the birds appeared to take notice of me I stopped and captured whatever images I could.

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

Occasionally I found groups of birds that were well separated from the shore and were quite relaxed.

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

This allowed me to move in as close as possible and photograph individual behaviours.

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

We visited one bird sanctuary that yielded precious few useable images because of the cage material used.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, 1/800, f/6.7, ISO-6400, cropped to 3335 pixels on the width, subject distance 8.1 metres, GPS: S 45 25 57.3239 E 167 42 46.662

I did get some cute images of a young, captive duckling.

And, after studying its behaviour for a little while, I was able to capture it in mid-dive.

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, -0.7 EV, ISO-400, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3456 pixels on the width, subject distance 22 metres, GPS: S 43 48 34.056 E 172 57 39.876

I also looked for birds that seemed out-of-place. For example, the rock pigeon in the image above was mixed in amongst some gulls. Its wing and body movements attracted my attention as they stood out from other proximate birds.

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, -0.7 EV, ISO-400, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3756 pixels on the width, subject distance 22 metres, GPS: S 43 48 34.056 E 172 57 39.876

I was able to move in a bit closer and got a nice Pro Capture H run of the rock pigeon taking flight.

OM-D E-M1X + PRO M.Zuiko 12-100 f/4 IS @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, 1/2500, f/6.3, ISO-6400, Pro Capture H, cropped to 2778 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.4 metres, GPS: S 44 5 31.3379 E 171 14 47.8739

While on a short duration forest walk I noticed a pair of birds in deep shade. Not having my 75-300 II with me, I did the best I could capturing a Pro Capture H run of one of the birds taking flight with the PRO 12-100. Even at ISO-6400 the image was badly underexposed… so image quality suffered.

As regular readers know I’m not the best at bird identification… but I think these are a pair of European goldfinches.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 @ 100 mm, efov 200 mm, 1/1600, f/6.3, ISO-250, cropped to 3984 pixels on the width, subject distance 5.4 metres, GPS: S 45 46 32.8559 E 170 43 47.6759

Our planned visit to the Royal Albatross Centre was cut short due to inclement weather. I was capturing a few landscape images when this red-billed gull (?) flew by only 5.4 metres away. This entailed a quick Custom Mode adjustment… then ‘turn and shoot’.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 12-100 mm f/4 IS @ 47 mm, efov 94 mm, 1/2500, f/6.7, ISO-400, Pro Capture H, cropped to 3531 pixels on the width, subject distance 2.2 metres, GPS: S 45 47 51.804 E 170 42 59.0159

I was able to move in very slowly on the pair of terns in the above photograph. One decided to finally take flight when I was only 2.2 metres away. This generated a couple of useable Pro Capture H images.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 246 mm, efov 492 mm, 1/1600, f/6.4, ISO-250, cropped to 3976 pixels on the width, subject distance 26.8 metres, GPS: S 46 21 8.1419 E 168 0 46.2659

During a short stop in the Riverton area I had a single opportunity to catch a pair of pied oystercatchers in flight (my best guess on species). My wife’s 75-300 II was up to the task.

A few addition photographs of New Zealand birds follows…

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

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

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-1250, cropped to 3419 pixels on the width, subject distance 10.6 metres, GPS: S 38 7 47.034 E 176 15 53.712

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-500, cropped to 2784 pixels on the width, subject distance 34.3 metres, GPS: S 38 7 46.47 E 176 15 50.052

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II @ 132 mm, efov 264 mm, 1/2500, f/6.3, ISO-500, cropped to 4773 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 7.1 metres, GPS: S 43 48 33.162 E 172 57 40.944

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-5000, cropped to 2531 pixels on the width, Pro Capture H, subject distance 13.4 metres, GPS: S 45 25 50.502 E 167 42 46.734

While bird photography was not our primary focus on our recent trip to New Zealand, having the M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 II proved to be a very useful lens to have in my backpack.

Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera equipment noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files using my standard process in post. This is the 1,428 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

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2 thoughts on “New Zealand Birds”

LAN says:

January 16, 2025 at 10:25 am

That’s a great shot you took, I have the em1 camera and find it hard to focus on birds, is there a big difference in focusing with the camera ai you are using?

1. Thomas Stirr says:
  
  January 16, 2025 at 12:23 pm
  
  Hi Lan,
  
  I find that Bird AI in combination with Pro Capture L and a single AF point works extremely well. For cameras like the E-M1 Mark II or Mark III using CAF (without tracking) and a 5×5 AF grid works well for birds-in-flight.
  
  Tom

Technical Note

2 thoughts on “New Zealand Birds”

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