New Camera: Olympus OMD EM1ii or Sony A7iii?
Discussion
Hello, I'm looking for a bit of advice and was hoping the combined wisdom of PH could help. I would like to upgrade my camera and am somewhat stuck with what to go for.
I started off with a Nikon DSLR that I loved but I ended up selling the camera and all the lenses in exchange for an Olympus M4/3 setup as I was going traveling around the World with my girlfriend and wanted something that was smaller and lighter.
I pre-ordered an Olumpus OMD-EM5 and now have the 12-50, 20mm f1.7, 45mm f1.8, 9-18mm and the 40-150mm (the cheap one). I did also have the Pana 100-300mm but ended up selling it. I really love the camera and have taken some photos that I'm really happy with.
That being said the camera is now not as reliable as it once was, the control dials don't always work, it can cut out and I found the focus points to be far too big when shooting distant wildlife. I've had the camera for 6 years now and after over 50,000 shots I feel it is now time to retire it. I bought a second hand EM1 but this was plagued with reliability issues and made me miss quite a few shots in Borneo so I ended up flogging it at a loss.
In general I love the Olympus features like art mode, HDR and in particular Live Bulb which I think is awesome. I also enjoy using the B&W mode and seeing the shot through the viewfinder.
However, at the price point of an EM1ii I am very close to the price of a Sony A7iii. So I am now considering trading in my kit and going down the Sony route. I know I would miss some of the Oly features but hope that the better IQ, dynamic range and low light ability would counterbalance this.
I like to print my photos and have found that for larger prints I could do with some more resolution. I think 20MP+ or so should be fine, as it's still a considerable increase from the 16MP I'm used to.
I am now in a financial position where I am able to make the switch and I think I could easily sell my existing lenses for more or less what I paid for them. I'm not heavily invested in glass as I never ended up buying any of the Pro lenses I was considering. So for me it boils down to the comparable prices of the cameras and if I should use this as an opportunity (excuse) to switch.
I should add that I'm not considering any other options, I love EVF's so wouldn't go back to a DSLR for that reason. I wouldn't go for Fuji as I wouldn't see the benefit as the sensor is only a touch larger than M43.
I've explored options for lenses as I would like an UWA, 35mm equiv and portrait lens. I use tele or super-tele for wildlife shots but don't own a good one anymore so have decided whatever system I go with I will rent tele lenses as I can't justify a £2k lens that will sit in my cupboard 50 weeks of the year. If I go for the Sony I was thinking of the Samyang 14mm AF, 35mm 2.8 and the 55mm 1.8. If I stick with Oly I think I'll change the 20mm Pana 1.7 for the Oly 17mm 1.8 as I find it too slow to focus in certain light.
Sorry about the long post and I would be very grateful for any useful advice. Thank you!
I started off with a Nikon DSLR that I loved but I ended up selling the camera and all the lenses in exchange for an Olympus M4/3 setup as I was going traveling around the World with my girlfriend and wanted something that was smaller and lighter.
I pre-ordered an Olumpus OMD-EM5 and now have the 12-50, 20mm f1.7, 45mm f1.8, 9-18mm and the 40-150mm (the cheap one). I did also have the Pana 100-300mm but ended up selling it. I really love the camera and have taken some photos that I'm really happy with.
That being said the camera is now not as reliable as it once was, the control dials don't always work, it can cut out and I found the focus points to be far too big when shooting distant wildlife. I've had the camera for 6 years now and after over 50,000 shots I feel it is now time to retire it. I bought a second hand EM1 but this was plagued with reliability issues and made me miss quite a few shots in Borneo so I ended up flogging it at a loss.
In general I love the Olympus features like art mode, HDR and in particular Live Bulb which I think is awesome. I also enjoy using the B&W mode and seeing the shot through the viewfinder.
However, at the price point of an EM1ii I am very close to the price of a Sony A7iii. So I am now considering trading in my kit and going down the Sony route. I know I would miss some of the Oly features but hope that the better IQ, dynamic range and low light ability would counterbalance this.
I like to print my photos and have found that for larger prints I could do with some more resolution. I think 20MP+ or so should be fine, as it's still a considerable increase from the 16MP I'm used to.
I am now in a financial position where I am able to make the switch and I think I could easily sell my existing lenses for more or less what I paid for them. I'm not heavily invested in glass as I never ended up buying any of the Pro lenses I was considering. So for me it boils down to the comparable prices of the cameras and if I should use this as an opportunity (excuse) to switch.
I should add that I'm not considering any other options, I love EVF's so wouldn't go back to a DSLR for that reason. I wouldn't go for Fuji as I wouldn't see the benefit as the sensor is only a touch larger than M43.
I've explored options for lenses as I would like an UWA, 35mm equiv and portrait lens. I use tele or super-tele for wildlife shots but don't own a good one anymore so have decided whatever system I go with I will rent tele lenses as I can't justify a £2k lens that will sit in my cupboard 50 weeks of the year. If I go for the Sony I was thinking of the Samyang 14mm AF, 35mm 2.8 and the 55mm 1.8. If I stick with Oly I think I'll change the 20mm Pana 1.7 for the Oly 17mm 1.8 as I find it too slow to focus in certain light.
Sorry about the long post and I would be very grateful for any useful advice. Thank you!
Have you considered the E-M5 mark ii. New ones are under £800 for grey imports. They are a surprisingly big leap up from the original E-M5.
Hard to argue against the Sony on price of body alone but you're into a whole new world of lenses both in terms of price and size. I think the body price is the smallest part of the equation.
Hard to argue against the Sony on price of body alone but you're into a whole new world of lenses both in terms of price and size. I think the body price is the smallest part of the equation.
The OMD1Mkii has been as low as £1299 recently
https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Olympus/Olympu...
Keep your eyes open and you may get a great deal (BTW the 12-40 F2.8Pro lens should be a compulsory purchase, its very good quality)
https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Olympus/Olympu...
Keep your eyes open and you may get a great deal (BTW the 12-40 F2.8Pro lens should be a compulsory purchase, its very good quality)
Thanks for the advice. Given the reliability issues I have experienced with two Olympus cameras I would only consider buying from a reputable UK shop and not a grey import in case of warranty issues. I wouldn't consider an EM5ii as it's beaten in every measurable way by the EM1ii, in particular resolution, AF speed and number of focus points, all reasons among which I am looking to upgrade.
Appreciate the feedback re 12-40 Pro, though if I was to invest in more glass I think I would be more tempted by the super fast Pro primes like the 25mm f1.2 to get more of the full frame 'look' that can be missing from M43 from a DOF perspective, particularly at wider focal lengths. I actually prefer prime lenses for everything other than telephoto lenses.
It's not necessarily a cheaper solution that I'm after, more that I feel the Sony represents better value for money compared with the Olympus on account of the sensor. My ideal camera would be the Olympus body and features with the Sony sensor. As such a camera doesn't exist I'm after views on whether I should compromise on the features and go for the Sony or compromise a bit on the IQ but have a camera with some great features.
Appreciate the feedback re 12-40 Pro, though if I was to invest in more glass I think I would be more tempted by the super fast Pro primes like the 25mm f1.2 to get more of the full frame 'look' that can be missing from M43 from a DOF perspective, particularly at wider focal lengths. I actually prefer prime lenses for everything other than telephoto lenses.
It's not necessarily a cheaper solution that I'm after, more that I feel the Sony represents better value for money compared with the Olympus on account of the sensor. My ideal camera would be the Olympus body and features with the Sony sensor. As such a camera doesn't exist I'm after views on whether I should compromise on the features and go for the Sony or compromise a bit on the IQ but have a camera with some great features.
Bumblebee7 said:
Thanks for the advice. Given the reliability issues I have experienced with two Olympus cameras I would only consider buying from a reputable UK shop and not a grey import in case of warranty issues. I wouldn't consider an EM5ii as it's beaten in every measurable way by the EM1ii, in particular resolution, AF speed and number of focus points, all reasons among which I am looking to upgrade.
The link I posted are genuine UK outlets (not grey)Bumblebee7 said:
Thanks for the advice. Given the reliability issues I have experienced with two Olympus cameras I would only consider buying from a reputable UK shop and not a grey import in case of warranty issues. I wouldn't consider an EM5ii as it's beaten in every measurable way by the EM1ii, in particular resolution, AF speed and number of focus points, all reasons among which I am looking to upgrade.
Appreciate the feedback re 12-40 Pro, though if I was to invest in more glass I think I would be more tempted by the super fast Pro primes like the 25mm f1.2 to get more of the full frame 'look' that can be missing from M43 from a DOF perspective, particularly at wider focal lengths. I actually prefer prime lenses for everything other than telephoto lenses.
It's not necessarily a cheaper solution that I'm after, more that I feel the Sony represents better value for money compared with the Olympus on account of the sensor. My ideal camera would be the Olympus body and features with the Sony sensor. As such a camera doesn't exist I'm after views on whether I should compromise on the features and go for the Sony or compromise a bit on the IQ but have a camera with some great features.
Apologies. I maybe read your OP wrong in the that it sounded like you loved the your E-M5 but it was worn out hence suggesting it's replacement as a cheaper alternative. The panamoz suggestion was partly because you actually get a much longer warranty than standard UK though admittedly likely a little more hassle to sort any issues. Appreciate the feedback re 12-40 Pro, though if I was to invest in more glass I think I would be more tempted by the super fast Pro primes like the 25mm f1.2 to get more of the full frame 'look' that can be missing from M43 from a DOF perspective, particularly at wider focal lengths. I actually prefer prime lenses for everything other than telephoto lenses.
It's not necessarily a cheaper solution that I'm after, more that I feel the Sony represents better value for money compared with the Olympus on account of the sensor. My ideal camera would be the Olympus body and features with the Sony sensor. As such a camera doesn't exist I'm after views on whether I should compromise on the features and go for the Sony or compromise a bit on the IQ but have a camera with some great features.
Have you had a chance to try the Sony? I think that's only way you're likely to assure yourself it's the right move.
DavidY said:
The link I posted are genuine UK outlets (not grey)
That comment was in relation to Gad-Westy's suggestion and not your own. Thanks for the link, though unfortunately prices are now back up to £1499.I have tried both but it's difficult to get an accurate idea in a shop. I'm reluctant to hire the Sony as camera hire is pretty expensive and that's money that could go towards new glass. Just really looking for some more opinions. I bought my EM5 having never tried it and loved it, I'm sure I would be happy with either camera so not concerned about that. Just more after hearing other peoples views who have ideally had a similar dilemma with some useful feedback. Whatever camera I go with I will be looking to get some higher quality glass so it seems a good time to consider a change given I don't currently own any expensive glass and the comparative prices of the cameras themselves. Thanks again for the input.
Bumblebee7 said:
That comment was in relation to Gad-Westy's suggestion and not your own. Thanks for the link, though unfortunately prices are now back up to £1499.
I have tried both but it's difficult to get an accurate idea in a shop. I'm reluctant to hire the Sony as camera hire is pretty expensive and that's money that could go towards new glass. Just really looking for some more opinions. I bought my EM5 having never tried it and loved it, I'm sure I would be happy with either camera so not concerned about that. Just more after hearing other peoples views who have ideally had a similar dilemma with some useful feedback. Whatever camera I go with I will be looking to get some higher quality glass so it seems a good time to consider a change given I don't currently own any expensive glass and the comparative prices of the cameras themselves. Thanks again for the input.
You can almost certainly have the Olympus on loan, they have a number of demo cameras that get loaned out and a few months ago they had a promotion actively encouraging potential buyers to try one out. Talk to your local dealer, you might get a better response from a smaller dealer who will be keen to get the sale and do the leg work.I have tried both but it's difficult to get an accurate idea in a shop. I'm reluctant to hire the Sony as camera hire is pretty expensive and that's money that could go towards new glass. Just really looking for some more opinions. I bought my EM5 having never tried it and loved it, I'm sure I would be happy with either camera so not concerned about that. Just more after hearing other peoples views who have ideally had a similar dilemma with some useful feedback. Whatever camera I go with I will be looking to get some higher quality glass so it seems a good time to consider a change given I don't currently own any expensive glass and the comparative prices of the cameras themselves. Thanks again for the input.
I had one on loan for 2 weeks a year or so ago, to do some evaluation prior to some of the workshops I run. Its a great camera (but not for me, and at the time it was nearer £2K, and the 12-40 Pro is stellar, very sharp, will focus close, and is very flare resistant). In fact the only published photo I had last year was a shot I took with the Olympus when I had it on loan!!
Bumblebee7 said:
I'm reluctant to hire the Sony as camera hire is pretty expensive and that's money that could go towards new glass. Just really looking for some more opinions.
Have a hunt around for a retailer that rents. I know Calumet in Bristol will rent as well as sell, they always used to allow you to put any rental monies payed towards a purchase. They are part of WEX now so not sure if that information is still accurate.Point stands though, you may find a near by rental company that has a similar arrangement.
I have a Sony 16-35mm f4 with an A7, very happy with the combo. In fact it never comes off.
Thanks for the info. I'm less worried about trying the EM1ii as I love my EM5 and the EM1 I had was a good camera bar the reliability issues. For those reasons I'm sure I will like the EM1ii, it's just a question of whether I will like the Sony as much or less. I know with Sony I will get slightly better IQ, but at an increased cost and weight. I know what I'm getting with the Olympus, just not sure if I would like the Sony. I want some new glass and my camera needs replacing anyway, hence the thought of potentially changing system. I'm quite attached to the M4/3 system now, that being said I did feel the same way about Nikon before I made the switch.
I went and had another play around in the shop and had a look at a number of lenses and tried out both cameras again. I'm keen to keep my traveling kit fairly light so that element is important to me.
I tallied up the weight of: Olympus OMD EM1ii, Oly 7-14mm Pro, Panasonic 20mm f1.7 and Oly 45mm f1.8 (1311g)
Compared with the Sony: Sony A7iii, Zeiss Batis 18mm f2.8, Samyang 35mm f2.8 and Sony 55 f1.8 (1346g)
I am conscious that with the above examples the lenses are not direct equivalents, but in each example they are well regarded lenses in the focal length range that I use most often.
The super-tele options with Sony are much heavier and more expensive than the M43 equivalent but I'm less concerned about this as I don't tend to use them often, so they don't formulate part of my 'core kit' and the cost is also less relevant as I will rent these lenses out when I need them so upfront cost is of lesser concern.
As far as handling of both cameras, I really like both. Of the 4 features I like in the Oly: B&W mode, colour isolation in B&W, HDR and Live bulb I now realise the Sony also has the first two features. It's possible to program the camera to automatically shoot multiple frames at different exposures to combine into a HDR image later. Live bulb does not exist unfortunately and Olympus seem to be the only manufacturer that has this great feature.
I like the menu system in Olympus and I like the touch screen controls that the Sony lacks. That being said the Sony has a joystick which allows you to change spot focus really quickly and easily. This is something I would use all the time and a big pro for the Sony.
Another factor is the Olympus is now two years old and the Sony is brand new. This is a consideration as I tend to change cameras pragmatically and the last one has lasted me 6 years. For the reason I'm happy to pay a bit more to have the newest and best as I will keep it a longer time. Also the firmware updates are likely to be slowly phased out as the camera gets older, which is of greater concern if buying a camera that has been out for two years.
I still need to tally up the costs as I know there will be at least a £2k premium to buy the Sony setup over the Olympus but I liked the camera more than I suspected I would and the basic kit of lenses I would use is very comparable in terms of size and weight. Thanks for the advice so far and I will keep you updated!
I went and had another play around in the shop and had a look at a number of lenses and tried out both cameras again. I'm keen to keep my traveling kit fairly light so that element is important to me.
I tallied up the weight of: Olympus OMD EM1ii, Oly 7-14mm Pro, Panasonic 20mm f1.7 and Oly 45mm f1.8 (1311g)
Compared with the Sony: Sony A7iii, Zeiss Batis 18mm f2.8, Samyang 35mm f2.8 and Sony 55 f1.8 (1346g)
I am conscious that with the above examples the lenses are not direct equivalents, but in each example they are well regarded lenses in the focal length range that I use most often.
The super-tele options with Sony are much heavier and more expensive than the M43 equivalent but I'm less concerned about this as I don't tend to use them often, so they don't formulate part of my 'core kit' and the cost is also less relevant as I will rent these lenses out when I need them so upfront cost is of lesser concern.
As far as handling of both cameras, I really like both. Of the 4 features I like in the Oly: B&W mode, colour isolation in B&W, HDR and Live bulb I now realise the Sony also has the first two features. It's possible to program the camera to automatically shoot multiple frames at different exposures to combine into a HDR image later. Live bulb does not exist unfortunately and Olympus seem to be the only manufacturer that has this great feature.
I like the menu system in Olympus and I like the touch screen controls that the Sony lacks. That being said the Sony has a joystick which allows you to change spot focus really quickly and easily. This is something I would use all the time and a big pro for the Sony.
Another factor is the Olympus is now two years old and the Sony is brand new. This is a consideration as I tend to change cameras pragmatically and the last one has lasted me 6 years. For the reason I'm happy to pay a bit more to have the newest and best as I will keep it a longer time. Also the firmware updates are likely to be slowly phased out as the camera gets older, which is of greater concern if buying a camera that has been out for two years.
I still need to tally up the costs as I know there will be at least a £2k premium to buy the Sony setup over the Olympus but I liked the camera more than I suspected I would and the basic kit of lenses I would use is very comparable in terms of size and weight. Thanks for the advice so far and I will keep you updated!
Seems a strange pair to be in the running.
Sony is full frame, whilst the Olympus has a 2x crop factor.
My business partner bought the E1MkII earlier this year and is absolutely delighted with it. He was also looking very closely at the new Panasonic G9 and in the end it was brand loyalty which lead to his choice of the E1MkII .... might be worth a look for you as it is also M4/3.
Sony is full frame, whilst the Olympus has a 2x crop factor.
My business partner bought the E1MkII earlier this year and is absolutely delighted with it. He was also looking very closely at the new Panasonic G9 and in the end it was brand loyalty which lead to his choice of the E1MkII .... might be worth a look for you as it is also M4/3.
Edited by sgrimshaw on Monday 14th May 16:06
sgrimshaw said:
Seems a strange pair to be in the running.
Sony is full frame, whilst the Olympus has a 2x crop factor.
My business partner bought the E1MkII earlier this year and is absolutely delighted with it. He was also looking very closely at the new Panasonic G9 and in the end it was brand loyalty which lead to his choice of the E1MkII .... might be worth a look for you as it is also M4/3.
I looked at the G9 but did not like it nearly as much as the EM1ii. Sony is full frame, whilst the Olympus has a 2x crop factor.
My business partner bought the E1MkII earlier this year and is absolutely delighted with it. He was also looking very closely at the new Panasonic G9 and in the end it was brand loyalty which lead to his choice of the E1MkII .... might be worth a look for you as it is also M4/3.
When I first bought into the M43 system I did so as it offered good IQ for the size when that was the major concern at the time. Fuji AF at the time was too slow and DSLR's too big. Sony was in its infancy and there was very little choice in glass.
Much has since changed and I am only considering the Sony because it is full frame. If it was a crop sensor I would happily stick with Olympus. But I finally have a viable option for a small-ish camera with exceptional quality with a far more mature selection of lenses.
I have a Sony A7R M2 and an Olympus EM1 M2 and love them equally. IMO the image quality on the Sony FF is better generally but the Olympus is my "go to" camera when out or particularly when travelling. Despite your "weigh in", with an array of lenses the Olympus is much lighter and the lenses themselves are much smaller - so pack away better - I can get them all into one smallish bag. I have also found the Olympus very resilient and is still fine despite being dropped on a number of occasions, exposed to very wide temperature ranges (so cold once that it froze!) and endured moderate wetting. I wouldn't take the same risks with the Sony. Difficult choice for you but at the end of the day it depends what you mostly want to do with it.
Bumblebee7 said:
.... I am only considering the Sony because it is full frame. If it was a crop sensor I would happily stick with Olympus. But I finally have a viable option for a small-ish camera with exceptional quality with a far more mature selection of lenses.
That sounds to me like the decision is relatively simple then ... you want to move to full frame in a small body, Sony it is. 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I've come to a decision which is that having a M4/3 camera with Pro glass seems a bit silly to me (apologies to those that do it) as the system is compact but then the lenses aren't that small. So I think I'm going to keep my existing lenses (20mm 1.7, 45mm 1.8 and collapsible 9-18mm) to keep my system small. I will hang on to my ageing EM5 and in due course replace it with a cheaper alternative like the EM10 or maybe the newer EM5 as suggested above.
In addition to that I will buy the Sony and maybe one lens to start off with. I'll see how I get on and based on that buy more lenses as I go and consider selling the M4/3 if I'm fully satisfied with the Sony.
This would mean I'm not reliant on my old camera for my trip later this year (Galapagos) but I'm not having to fully jump into the unknown and sell all of my familiar kit to fund it if I buy piece by piece.
Also I've seen that I can buy the Samyang 35mm 2.8 for much less that the Sony/Zeiss equivalent and although the 55mm is very well regarded, the 50mm 1.8 is also a good lens but much cheaper. So I could buy the cheaper alternatives and see how I get on before throwing more money into more expensive glass.
In addition to that I will buy the Sony and maybe one lens to start off with. I'll see how I get on and based on that buy more lenses as I go and consider selling the M4/3 if I'm fully satisfied with the Sony.
This would mean I'm not reliant on my old camera for my trip later this year (Galapagos) but I'm not having to fully jump into the unknown and sell all of my familiar kit to fund it if I buy piece by piece.
Also I've seen that I can buy the Samyang 35mm 2.8 for much less that the Sony/Zeiss equivalent and although the 55mm is very well regarded, the 50mm 1.8 is also a good lens but much cheaper. So I could buy the cheaper alternatives and see how I get on before throwing more money into more expensive glass.
Bumblebee7 said:
In addition to that I will buy the Sony and maybe one lens to start off with. I'll see how I get on and based on that buy more lenses as I go and consider selling the M4/3 if I'm fully satisfied with the Sony.
This would mean I'm not reliant on my old camera for my trip later this year (Galapagos) but I'm not having to fully jump into the unknown and sell all of my familiar kit to fund it if I buy piece by piece.
Also I've seen that I can buy the Samyang 35mm 2.8 for much less that the Sony/Zeiss equivalent and although the 55mm is very well regarded, the 50mm 1.8 is also a good lens but much cheaper. So I could buy the cheaper alternatives and see how I get on before throwing more money into more expensive glass.
Excellent choice!This would mean I'm not reliant on my old camera for my trip later this year (Galapagos) but I'm not having to fully jump into the unknown and sell all of my familiar kit to fund it if I buy piece by piece.
Also I've seen that I can buy the Samyang 35mm 2.8 for much less that the Sony/Zeiss equivalent and although the 55mm is very well regarded, the 50mm 1.8 is also a good lens but much cheaper. So I could buy the cheaper alternatives and see how I get on before throwing more money into more expensive glass.
Samyang 35 is supposed to be a nice lens, looking at it myself... but also have the 55 which is another level...
Bumblebee7 said:
Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I've come to a decision which is that having a M4/3 camera with Pro glass seems a bit silly to me (apologies to those that do it) as the system is compact but then the lenses aren't that small. So I think I'm going to keep my existing lenses (20mm 1.7, 45mm 1.8 and collapsible 9-18mm) to keep my system small. I will hang on to my ageing EM5 and in due course replace it with a cheaper alternative like the EM10 or maybe the newer EM5 as suggested above.
In addition to that I will buy the Sony and maybe one lens to start off with. I'll see how I get on and based on that buy more lenses as I go and consider selling the M4/3 if I'm fully satisfied with the Sony.
This would mean I'm not reliant on my old camera for my trip later this year (Galapagos) but I'm not having to fully jump into the unknown and sell all of my familiar kit to fund it if I buy piece by piece.
Also I've seen that I can buy the Samyang 35mm 2.8 for much less that the Sony/Zeiss equivalent and although the 55mm is very well regarded, the 50mm 1.8 is also a good lens but much cheaper. So I could buy the cheaper alternatives and see how I get on before throwing more money into more expensive glass.
I am sure you will love the Sony - but the lenses are more expensive than those for the Olympus. You will also love the Galapagos - we had a wonderful trip there last year - but I would strongly recommend a long lens for this and those are pretty bulky for the Sony. Please post some shots when you get back.In addition to that I will buy the Sony and maybe one lens to start off with. I'll see how I get on and based on that buy more lenses as I go and consider selling the M4/3 if I'm fully satisfied with the Sony.
This would mean I'm not reliant on my old camera for my trip later this year (Galapagos) but I'm not having to fully jump into the unknown and sell all of my familiar kit to fund it if I buy piece by piece.
Also I've seen that I can buy the Samyang 35mm 2.8 for much less that the Sony/Zeiss equivalent and although the 55mm is very well regarded, the 50mm 1.8 is also a good lens but much cheaper. So I could buy the cheaper alternatives and see how I get on before throwing more money into more expensive glass.
Beggarall said:
I am sure you will love the Sony - but the lenses are more expensive than those for the Olympus. You will also love the Galapagos - we had a wonderful trip there last year - but I would strongly recommend a long lens for this and those are pretty bulky for the Sony. Please post some shots when you get back.
My plan was to hire the 100-400mm Sony which seems plenty bright enough and should give me enough reach. I'd welcome any useful advice on this though if you've been to the Galapagos before. On safari I've sometimes found 600mm to be insufficient whereas in Borneo last year 300mm was plenty as many of the shots were in thick jungle so you were either fairly close to the wildlife or you couldn't see it anyway. I'm aware it's a big lens but I've got a nice Lowe Pro Flipside pack that will take all the gear comfortably and on this trip weight doesn't matter as we'll be on a boat most of the time so won't be moving from hotel/hostel all the time.Thanks again for all the advice, and I will post some pics when I'm back. BTW very happy to hear of any recommended lens rental places that are either in or deliver to London. Was looking at lenspimp which looks good but happy to receive other recommendations.
Bumblebee7 said:
My plan was to hire the 100-400mm Sony which seems plenty bright enough and should give me enough reach. I'd welcome any useful advice on this though if you've been to the Galapagos before. On safari I've sometimes found 600mm to be insufficient whereas in Borneo last year 300mm was plenty as many of the shots were in thick jungle so you were either fairly close to the wildlife or you couldn't see it anyway. I'm aware it's a big lens but I've got a nice Lowe Pro Flipside pack that will take all the gear comfortably and on this trip weight doesn't matter as we'll be on a boat most of the time so won't be moving from hotel/hostel all the time.
Thanks again for all the advice, and I will post some pics when I'm back. BTW very happy to hear of any recommended lens rental places that are either in or deliver to London. Was looking at lenspimp which looks good but happy to receive other recommendations.
Sounds like a good plan. Thanks again for all the advice, and I will post some pics when I'm back. BTW very happy to hear of any recommended lens rental places that are either in or deliver to London. Was looking at lenspimp which looks good but happy to receive other recommendations.
http://www.lensesforhire.co.uk/
highly recommended.
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