Retail price for OMS 150-600 is A$4500, Nikon 180-600 is currently A$2500. I understand the need to rename the OM-1, but the improvements are not enough to validate a jump in price. I believe that this 150-600 should have remained a Sigma lens and instead be the first lens of a partnership with OMS.
Nice video! I watched a live video from some of the OM System UK team plus Ambassadors and they were saying that OM actually did make some modifications to the existing 150-600 Sport lens design from Sigma. Supposedly changes to a couple of the elements and the coatings. Also changes to make it compatible with the Olympus TCs. After watching some of the Ambassadors who have had the new body and lens for a month or so it sounds like the AF is noticeably improved over the OM-1 mark one. It sounds like the tracking was completely overhauled and now will only be used for subjects that aren’t listed in the subject detection menu. Humans were added to that menu. I will likely do the upgrade at some point if non Ambassador reviewers also think the AF is improved. I would have preferred to see the 150-600 at around $2000 USD but I will likely try one at some point.
I looked into Olympus last year, as a possible switch from Fuji. Once I learned the OM-1 was a stacked sensor, and that it could be had for a little over $2000AUD new, my mind started racing. Stacked sensor cameras have now become a bit of a necessity for me and my work, I knew I had to give up the backup body XS20 and either replace with a second XH2S or entertain a system swap entirely. On paper I could justify 3x OM-1 for the price of just two XH2S's, but once I started looking at the lens line up and choices I started to see that value diminish (that 45/1.2 is ridiculously expensive!). For a complete kit for my line of work I think I calculated only about $1000AUD saving to be had (over 2x XH2S's and the equivalents)... so I stayed with Fuji. And I think this is where OM need to be mindful, they can quickly become PENTAX 2.0 if they are not careful. Bodies are gateway to systems, these days we're all weighing up pros and cons for systems. Don't just squeeze the blood out of loyal customers, you need to make the system attractive for new customers, customers who are aging and want lighter cameras. Camera Conspiracies showed yesterday that a OM-1ii +150-600 was a more expensive AND heavier combo than equivalent FF and APS-C systems, and that just seems wrong for a M43 sensor set up. Call me old fashioned by I still think the smaller the sensor (and lenses) the more affordable they should be. It seems the only significant price leap these days is from FF to MF. M43 and APS-C think its acceptable to hang out with FF price guys.... shaky ground imo. Always lovely to hear your thoughts.
Yeah all the prices seem to be converging somewhat - the G9II at least comes in a bit cheaper, but again it’s still competing against things like the X-T5. I think Fujifilm have probably pilfered quite a bit of the M43 segment, being only marginally heavier setups and with some unique features (and fantastic lenses). As the larger sensor cameras are getting more capable it certainly feels like M43 is struggling to differentiate itself without costing just as much. I’m super curious to see what specs and price the rumoured Z6III comes in at 🤔
A couple thoughts: 1) On the OM-1.2: I believe there is a bit more that is going on under the skin than just a doubling of the RAM/buffer. From what I've heard, readout speeds on the memory have improved - though I'm not very technical so I didn't retain the stats I had heard from a different reviewer to cite for you. But, for me, far more importantly is the complete rebuild of their AF system. They've gotten rid of the complicated system on the first version of this camera and instituted a machine learning platform that provides much more rapid and accurate AF. Specifically, when shooting people, you no longer need to choose face/eye AF, you just choose human in your subject AF and the system quite accurately tracks people and keeps eyes sharp when they are visible. Thomas Eisl's in-depth review gives a full breakdown of what's happening here. For me, this alone is nearly enough justification to upgrade from my OM-1. Though I would assume with such a short release from the prior version, this is more targeted at brand switchers and people looking to justify upgrading from their e-M1 series bodies. 2) I really believe that the new super zoom is more than a simple re-badging of the Sigma Sport lens for a few reasons. The Sigma lens has 4 stops of stabilization, while the OMS lens will do 6 stops in lens and 7 through synch-IS. The focusing distance is a bit better on the OMS, but that might tie to the physics of the smaller sensor (again, I'm not technical enough to understand these details). And lastly, the OMS version appears to have ED coating on the internal glass that isn't present on the Sigma lens. I'll be interested to see if a reviewer will do a side-by-side comparison of the 2 different lenses to see if there's an optical improvement in the OMS glass. I would say these differences help justify the pricing difference between the two lenses. Overall, this was a nice, honest and positive discussion. Thanks for that.
I’m really curious about the new AF - the OM-1 was really good in many ways but there were a couple of scenarios where it struggled (like any bird in a hedge). It didn’t feel like it was miles away from being great though. And it was great for birds in flight. I think some of the upgrades on the OM version of the lens will be down to the smaller image circle in use - I don’t know for sure but the improved stabilisation could be tied to that. If there is upgraded glass or coatings in it, though, then that would be nice and warrant somewhat of a price increase. If I come across an OM stall at a trade show this year I’ll see if I can wangle any answers out of them 😀
@@robert_may I'm not a birder, so I haven't focused on that aspect. But I saw someone that spent some time on that, maybe Espen Haalland or Andy Rouse. The gist I got is that the rebuilt AF improved in all aspects.
Of those announcements, the Lumix 100mm macro is the most interesting. The best thing one can say about m43 currently, is GH bodies (5, 5II, 6) are a bargain for those who require serious video capability without vlogging AF.
The G9II is a pretty good option. Has the best stabilization on any mirrorless camera, fixed the IQ issues of the GH6 and is now only half a stop of DR behind FF cameras in video at base ISO. Shoots at 60fps AFC in full resolution RAW with any MFT lens. And now has great AF. A big step up from the S5II
Hi, thanks for your video but I think that you may need to update some issues. The 150-600mm had been modified to sync with the camera IBIS and the lens has been upgraded to take OM teleconverters. Also, I think, it also includes some programmable function buttons. Many thanks, Peter
I’ve got a bunch of Olympus film cameras on the shelves in the background of the video! They made some really great models, and the OM-2N I have is lovely to use.
Hi Robert, an interesting and thought provoking video. Especially about the new OMS 150-600mm lens. Once again, it appears that OMS has decided to use a Sigma designed lens for a new zoom lens, the last one of course being the 100-400mm f/5-6.3. My big question is: Who's glass is in it? I would assume/hope OMS is putting their own glass in it. In comparing specs between the two 150-600mm lenses, OMS claims their lens has much better close-up magnification than the Sigma. It raises questions about the relationship between OMS and Sigma. It's more curiosity on my part in looking at the culture of competition and cooperation within the Japanese photographic industry. Would I buy this new lens? Probably not, it's just too heavy to be lugging around on a birding expedition. Thanks!
I’d be curious to know whether OM put any upgrades into the lens - different glass would certainly be interesting. Certainly been an interesting year for lens cooperation, what with Nikon/Tamron working together too. From what I recall, Nikon used to manufacture quite a few lenses under license too 🤔
@@robert_may It's not uncommon for these brands to work together. Olympus are now working in partnership with Canon in medical imaging technologies. Sony, have been making sensors for many brands as well.
The new camera is a good upgrade with some welcome features for many. The 9-18 and 150-600 should have the market research team sacked. People left Canon years ago to buy the Olympus 300mm F4 because they hated the weight of the 150-600 and its slow focus and soft images. The higher price may not be linear due to economies of scale as well. Personally, I think anyone choosing the 150-600 over the 300mm F4 should be 5150'd. Om System should never have made the 150-600 if they couldn't get it to the market at a reasonable price.
I think having some more options, even if heavy, isn't a bad thing; but that price puts it in a really weird bracket that feels uncompetitive. Almost feels like they're only aiming to compete against Canon, who have similarly high prices for lenses.
For me the 300 F4 Pro is simply the best lens for MFT, it is 99% of the time on one of both MFT-cameras (G9II and OM1.1). I sold the 100-400 Olympus lens as it was simply not sharp enough. I used to have a Sigma Lens 150-600 on my Nikon Z7II - that combination was idiot heavy - I sold everything to get into MFT - seems the OM-line ends for me here as I am more fond of my G9II and the firm (Panasonic) behind it.
m4/3rds showed much promise ten years ago. Thought we'd get nice compact lenses with superb reach for wildlife. That never happened. Their (Olympus and Panasonic) lenses grew in weight and price with the years and I'm afraid I quit waiting for the right lens. This new 150-600mm looks and is priced like an April 1 announcement. Except, it's not 1 April, and they're serious?!
I think the 300mm f/4 is basically the perfect size for the system, but I'm not averse to more options being available. Perhaps this is somewhat of a stop-gap lens until they release some updated models of older lenses or something developed in-house. It's quite a slow release cadence though so who knows when we'll next see a new lens.
Neglecting OM1 Mark 1 users by just bringing a 'firmware' update in form of the Mark 2 is not the way you should handle your customers. Bringing the Sigma lens to M4/3 is realy confusing to me. Got the G9II 2 months ago, I hope Panasonic keeps M4/3 alive, for stills that also needs some updates. For video it makes the OM1 Mark2 look old already. Looking forward for Pro Glass from Panasonic Leica.
G9II is such an interesting camera release. I thought it looked vaguely expensive at launch but by comparison to the OM1II it's a bit of a bargain. Hopefully Panasonic bring out some other new longer lenses soon - having a 300mm f/4 equivalent for their cameras would be nice.
@@robert_may I am using the Olympus 300 F4 Pro on the G9II - that works great, I can even use both Olympus TC - I am now using the G9II more than the OM1 mark1 - I find the usage of manual focus (combined with the clutch ring on the 300 F4 Pro) and specific for the G9II the possibilities to gradually zoom in and out on the subject with the wheels (front bigger steps, rear smaller steps) for fine focussing and the ability to have AF Near and AF Far on both front functionkeys is great for all the tiny birds behind branches/leaves etc. The video possibilities are vast. OM1 mark 2 stucks on 4k60 with that high speed sensor. On the G9II I got a second firmware update on jan 30th 2024, previous was from december 2023. The last OM1 update was from May 2023 - as said we are completely left in the cold by OM. They will do the same in 1 year with the mark 2 users when they bring the same camera as mark 3 with minor hardware updates and all the firmware that should be brought to both mark 1 and 2, so simply try to cash once more from the customers. At the moment they get a shitload of bad publicity. I left Nikon for MFT (OM1) last year (sold everything) - seems the Nikon Z6 III leaked specs are very nic...
Retail price for OMS 150-600 is A$4500, Nikon 180-600 is currently A$2500. I understand the need to rename the OM-1, but the improvements are not enough to validate a jump in price. I believe that this 150-600 should have remained a Sigma lens and instead be the first lens of a partnership with OMS.
Oof that price difference in Australia is pretty horrendous 🙈
Nice video! I watched a live video from some of the OM System UK team plus Ambassadors and they were saying that OM actually did make some modifications to the existing 150-600 Sport lens design from Sigma. Supposedly changes to a couple of the elements and the coatings. Also changes to make it compatible with the Olympus TCs. After watching some of the Ambassadors who have had the new body and lens for a month or so it sounds like the AF is noticeably improved over the OM-1 mark one. It sounds like the tracking was completely overhauled and now will only be used for subjects that aren’t listed in the subject detection menu. Humans were added to that menu. I will likely do the upgrade at some point if non Ambassador reviewers also think the AF is improved. I would have preferred to see the 150-600 at around $2000 USD but I will likely try one at some point.
I looked into Olympus last year, as a possible switch from Fuji. Once I learned the OM-1 was a stacked sensor, and that it could be had for a little over $2000AUD new, my mind started racing. Stacked sensor cameras have now become a bit of a necessity for me and my work, I knew I had to give up the backup body XS20 and either replace with a second XH2S or entertain a system swap entirely. On paper I could justify 3x OM-1 for the price of just two XH2S's, but once I started looking at the lens line up and choices I started to see that value diminish (that 45/1.2 is ridiculously expensive!). For a complete kit for my line of work I think I calculated only about $1000AUD saving to be had (over 2x XH2S's and the equivalents)... so I stayed with Fuji.
And I think this is where OM need to be mindful, they can quickly become PENTAX 2.0 if they are not careful. Bodies are gateway to systems, these days we're all weighing up pros and cons for systems. Don't just squeeze the blood out of loyal customers, you need to make the system attractive for new customers, customers who are aging and want lighter cameras. Camera Conspiracies showed yesterday that a OM-1ii +150-600 was a more expensive AND heavier combo than equivalent FF and APS-C systems, and that just seems wrong for a M43 sensor set up. Call me old fashioned by I still think the smaller the sensor (and lenses) the more affordable they should be. It seems the only significant price leap these days is from FF to MF. M43 and APS-C think its acceptable to hang out with FF price guys.... shaky ground imo.
Always lovely to hear your thoughts.
Yeah all the prices seem to be converging somewhat - the G9II at least comes in a bit cheaper, but again it’s still competing against things like the X-T5. I think Fujifilm have probably pilfered quite a bit of the M43 segment, being only marginally heavier setups and with some unique features (and fantastic lenses).
As the larger sensor cameras are getting more capable it certainly feels like M43 is struggling to differentiate itself without costing just as much. I’m super curious to see what specs and price the rumoured Z6III comes in at 🤔
@@robert_may Agreed, the Z6 III is most likely to poach me from m43 to be my main wildlife setup
A couple thoughts:
1) On the OM-1.2: I believe there is a bit more that is going on under the skin than just a doubling of the RAM/buffer. From what I've heard, readout speeds on the memory have improved - though I'm not very technical so I didn't retain the stats I had heard from a different reviewer to cite for you. But, for me, far more importantly is the complete rebuild of their AF system. They've gotten rid of the complicated system on the first version of this camera and instituted a machine learning platform that provides much more rapid and accurate AF. Specifically, when shooting people, you no longer need to choose face/eye AF, you just choose human in your subject AF and the system quite accurately tracks people and keeps eyes sharp when they are visible. Thomas Eisl's in-depth review gives a full breakdown of what's happening here. For me, this alone is nearly enough justification to upgrade from my OM-1. Though I would assume with such a short release from the prior version, this is more targeted at brand switchers and people looking to justify upgrading from their e-M1 series bodies.
2) I really believe that the new super zoom is more than a simple re-badging of the Sigma Sport lens for a few reasons. The Sigma lens has 4 stops of stabilization, while the OMS lens will do 6 stops in lens and 7 through synch-IS. The focusing distance is a bit better on the OMS, but that might tie to the physics of the smaller sensor (again, I'm not technical enough to understand these details). And lastly, the OMS version appears to have ED coating on the internal glass that isn't present on the Sigma lens. I'll be interested to see if a reviewer will do a side-by-side comparison of the 2 different lenses to see if there's an optical improvement in the OMS glass. I would say these differences help justify the pricing difference between the two lenses.
Overall, this was a nice, honest and positive discussion. Thanks for that.
I’m really curious about the new AF - the OM-1 was really good in many ways but there were a couple of scenarios where it struggled (like any bird in a hedge). It didn’t feel like it was miles away from being great though. And it was great for birds in flight.
I think some of the upgrades on the OM version of the lens will be down to the smaller image circle in use - I don’t know for sure but the improved stabilisation could be tied to that. If there is upgraded glass or coatings in it, though, then that would be nice and warrant somewhat of a price increase. If I come across an OM stall at a trade show this year I’ll see if I can wangle any answers out of them 😀
@@robert_may I'm not a birder, so I haven't focused on that aspect. But I saw someone that spent some time on that, maybe Espen Haalland or Andy Rouse. The gist I got is that the rebuilt AF improved in all aspects.
@@EdwardBartel Oh I haven’t watched their videos yet - I’ll go check them out 😀
Of those announcements, the Lumix 100mm macro is the most interesting. The best thing one can say about m43 currently, is GH bodies (5, 5II, 6) are a bargain for those who require serious video capability without vlogging AF.
The G9II is a pretty good option. Has the best stabilization on any mirrorless camera, fixed the IQ issues of the GH6 and is now only half a stop of DR behind FF cameras in video at base ISO.
Shoots at 60fps AFC in full resolution RAW with any MFT lens.
And now has great AF. A big step up from the S5II
Hi, thanks for your video but I think that you may need to update some issues. The 150-600mm had been modified to sync with the camera IBIS and the lens has been upgraded to take OM teleconverters. Also, I think, it also includes some programmable function buttons. Many thanks, Peter
Thanks Robert >> very interesting .. My first camera in the late 1960's was an Olympus
I’ve got a bunch of Olympus film cameras on the shelves in the background of the video! They made some really great models, and the OM-2N I have is lovely to use.
Hi Robert, an interesting and thought provoking video. Especially about the new OMS 150-600mm lens. Once again, it appears that OMS has decided to use a Sigma designed lens for a new zoom lens, the last one of course being the 100-400mm f/5-6.3. My big question is: Who's glass is in it? I would assume/hope OMS is putting their own glass in it. In comparing specs between the two 150-600mm lenses, OMS claims their lens has much better close-up magnification than the Sigma. It raises questions about the relationship between OMS and Sigma. It's more curiosity on my part in looking at the culture of competition and cooperation within the Japanese photographic industry. Would I buy this new lens? Probably not, it's just too heavy to be lugging around on a birding expedition. Thanks!
I’d be curious to know whether OM put any upgrades into the lens - different glass would certainly be interesting. Certainly been an interesting year for lens cooperation, what with Nikon/Tamron working together too. From what I recall, Nikon used to manufacture quite a few lenses under license too 🤔
@@robert_may It's not uncommon for these brands to work together. Olympus are now working in partnership with Canon in medical imaging technologies. Sony, have been making sensors for many brands as well.
The new camera is a good upgrade with some welcome features for many. The 9-18 and 150-600 should have the market research team sacked. People left Canon years ago to buy the Olympus 300mm F4 because they hated the weight of the 150-600 and its slow focus and soft images. The higher price may not be linear due to economies of scale as well. Personally, I think anyone choosing the 150-600 over the 300mm F4 should be 5150'd. Om System should never have made the 150-600 if they couldn't get it to the market at a reasonable price.
I think having some more options, even if heavy, isn't a bad thing; but that price puts it in a really weird bracket that feels uncompetitive. Almost feels like they're only aiming to compete against Canon, who have similarly high prices for lenses.
For me the 300 F4 Pro is simply the best lens for MFT, it is 99% of the time on one of both MFT-cameras (G9II and OM1.1). I sold the 100-400 Olympus lens as it was simply not sharp enough. I used to have a Sigma Lens 150-600 on my Nikon Z7II - that combination was idiot heavy - I sold everything to get into MFT - seems the OM-line ends for me here as I am more fond of my G9II and the firm (Panasonic) behind it.
m4/3rds showed much promise ten years ago. Thought we'd get nice compact lenses with superb reach for wildlife. That never happened. Their (Olympus and Panasonic) lenses grew in weight and price with the years and I'm afraid I quit waiting for the right lens. This new 150-600mm looks and is priced like an April 1 announcement. Except, it's not 1 April, and they're serious?!
I think the 300mm f/4 is basically the perfect size for the system, but I'm not averse to more options being available. Perhaps this is somewhat of a stop-gap lens until they release some updated models of older lenses or something developed in-house. It's quite a slow release cadence though so who knows when we'll next see a new lens.
Neglecting OM1 Mark 1 users by just bringing a 'firmware' update in form of the Mark 2 is not the way you should handle your customers. Bringing the Sigma lens to M4/3 is realy confusing to me. Got the G9II 2 months ago, I hope Panasonic keeps M4/3 alive, for stills that also needs some updates. For video it makes the OM1 Mark2 look old already. Looking forward for Pro Glass from Panasonic Leica.
G9II is such an interesting camera release. I thought it looked vaguely expensive at launch but by comparison to the OM1II it's a bit of a bargain. Hopefully Panasonic bring out some other new longer lenses soon - having a 300mm f/4 equivalent for their cameras would be nice.
@@robert_may I am using the Olympus 300 F4 Pro on the G9II - that works great, I can even use both Olympus TC - I am now using the G9II more than the OM1 mark1 - I find the usage of manual focus (combined with the clutch ring on the 300 F4 Pro) and specific for the G9II the possibilities to gradually zoom in and out on the subject with the wheels (front bigger steps, rear smaller steps) for fine focussing and the ability to have AF Near and AF Far on both front functionkeys is great for all the tiny birds behind branches/leaves etc. The video possibilities are vast. OM1 mark 2 stucks on 4k60 with that high speed sensor. On the G9II I got a second firmware update on jan 30th 2024, previous was from december 2023. The last OM1 update was from May 2023 - as said we are completely left in the cold by OM. They will do the same in 1 year with the mark 2 users when they bring the same camera as mark 3 with minor hardware updates and all the firmware that should be brought to both mark 1 and 2, so simply try to cash once more from the customers. At the moment they get a shitload of bad publicity. I left Nikon for MFT (OM1) last year (sold everything) - seems the Nikon Z6 III leaked specs are very nic...
3:20 RAM? This dolt will believe anything he's told.
The listening comprehension is weak with this one.