Well, honestly, I had my doubts about how OM System would continue, but I still invested in the system, buying the necessary cameras and lenses. Prepared to use them for at least 10 to 15 years.
I started doubting because the new things OM System released seemed to be cameras and lenses that Olympus had probably already developed. It also seemed like there wasn’t much innovation happening for a while. The OM-5 and Tough 7 were just continuations of existing technology, and the OM-1 was likely already in Olympus’s portfolio before the takeover.
Other brands are also moving forward, and even Panasonic, the only competitor in the Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) market, had brought innovations to the market. First, the Panasonic GH6 in 2022, which wasn’t very successful, but last year Panasonic introduced a 25MP successor to the G9, the DC-G9 II. And that’s a strong competitor. I even considered looking for a new DC-G9 II instead of saving for an OM-1.
But then comes the surprise, an OM-1 Mark II. Better image recognition and improved autofocus, exactly where improvement was needed, and there are more improvements. The chance that this model was already planned is small, so maybe there’s action from the OM System camp after all. And that’s not all, a new lens, a 150-600mm f5-6.3. Whether this really comes from OM System is still uncertain because little research and comparison quickly point to Sigma, which wouldn’t be surprising. A few years ago, Sigma used to make third-party micro 4/3 lenses, but they stopped. However, they had the knowledge and technology for mounts and lenses, because it’s not a coincidence that Sigma has a 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports lens in their lineup for L and E mounts, and if you look closely, the shape is similar. Unfortunately, it comes with a hefty price tag. While the original Sigma costs around €1400 – 1500, the asking price for an OM System version is about €2700. It’s expected that this price will decrease, but still, the difference is significant.
Anyway, for now, I’m reassured that my investment is secure for a few more years. Because let’s be honest, with any other brand, no matter how big, you’re never completely sure.
https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/om-1-mark-ii
https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/m-zuiko-ed-150-600mm-f5-0-6-3-is
https://sigmauk.com/product/150-600mm-f5-6-3-dg-dn-os-s
The photo gallery of Open Source Photography, Olympus micro 4/3 system, Vintage Lens Photograpy, Film Simulation, PictureFX, HDR – Photographer : Marc R.
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Hi Marc,
For sure the traditional photographic gear market is now a very niche one. Assuming that the remaining and active manufacturers are restraining their last years investments, we are now seing a lot of “recomposed” new products that are more a combined industrial economy and marketing effort than an innovative one also. For “classical” photographers like us, the choice of maintaining on a long term gear equipment is becoming more difficult and cumbersome to say the least. What will be the next three, four, five or ten years, nobody can really say or predict. But the fun to do photography should remains!
Good day to you!
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Thanks for comment Daniel,
Yes, you are right, especially with the developments in AI, there is probably still a lot to happen.
On the other hand, how far should we go with these developments?
I am already satisfied with a well-functioning camera that can capture my birds and wildlife sharply and quickly.
And from that point on, I actually already have what I need.
Thanks again Daniel,
Have a nice day !
Marc.
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When I changed my direction on gear I don’t think the viability of OM was any thought. Like you said they all can go, and I do think Nikon got lucky they were running out of cash. My base kit is done, MPB or ,KEH can fill in the blank spots nicely.
I have also read all the comments lately on the new long lens likely being a Sigma. I know people who are ordering them now. Personally I have been shooting Sigma big lens since around 2014. They work, weather has never been an issue (you know I live in swamps), and are like holding up a small bus. OM is leaning towards wildlife and nature photographers so this is a natural. Just my opinion, thanks for keeping this site with good info.
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Thanks for commenting Ted,
I think you’re spot on!
micro 4/3 is very good for birds and wildlife, and that is also what OM System should focus on.
The new 150-600mm will undoubtedly be a good lens,
but it’s still a bit too expensive for me,
but I can still wait 🙂
By the way, the 100-400mm Leica is the lens I prefer to use, mainly because it is so small and compact.
Thank you for your kind words about the site, and have a nice day!
Marc.
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I LOVE my Om-1 and 300mm f4 combo. It’s hard for me to think the Om-1 mark ii has enough new features to warrant an upgrade. I use Olympus for macro and wildlife. I also shoot with Nikon D500. Thank god for KEH. With all the changes and high price of camera bodies it’s hard to keep up
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Hello,
If you already have an OM1, an upgrade is probably a bit too early now, because I just wrote to another visitor that I am currently still very satisfied with my equipment.
And I’m still on E-M1 MKIII and E-M1X.
I also have the 300mm, but I am actually more satisfied with the compact and light 100-400mm Leica – the 300mm is slightly sharper, but the comfort of being able to zoom does not outweigh, but that is very personal and for everyone different of course.
Thank you for visiting my site, and I hope to see you here again, you are certainly welcome!
Marc.
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Hi Marc,
i am satisfied with my current Olympus and Panasonic MTF Cameras (up to 10). I am using analog (vintage) lenses more than 99% at my photo trips …
Best regards
Bernhard
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Hey Bernhard, I’m also close to 10 cameras myself 🙂 but only Olympus. The only disadvantage with micro 4/3 and vintage lenses is the magnification factor of 2 – at least at the smaller focal lengths – for telephoto it is an advantage!
Thanks for your visit and comment Bernhard!
Marc.
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Hi Marc
I have not only MFT cameras, i have Sony E-Mount, Canon EF and RF, Sigma SD, Pentax, Samsung NX and NX mini, Nikon 1, Pentax Qx, Some with different Infrared filter, some full spectrum … yes you can call me mad 😀
Have you tried for MFT C-Mount lenses? By the way, i could reactivate my MFT Cameras and try to use C-Mount lenses again.
I use MFT cameras as an “tele converter” 😀
Best regards Bernhard
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Heard of MFT-C, but not used it yet.
However, I am currently experimenting with three Pentax Q lenses – a 50mm, 24mm and 18mm, absolutely tiny!
I certainly won’t call you mad, because I regularly have to restrain myself from buying gear – but I try, with the emphasis on try 🙂 only to buy what I can test or use in the short term.
MFT as a teleconverter is exactly why I made the choice – for birds and wildlife, I think there is little better.
Regards,
Marc.
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Hi Mark,
do you have a Pentax Q camera too? Because the imagecircle of the Q-Lenses are to small for MFT.
Best regards
Bernhard
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Hey Bernhard, no, I bought the lenses specifically to use on one of my m4/3 cameras. But I was wrong about the type, it is not Pentax Q but Pentax 110 – I have a special adapter, and it seems to work without any problems. There are even reviews about it on YouTube. Whether there is sharpness all the way to the edges is a different story, they all also have a fixed aperture of f2.8, but we will see what it gives. Regards, Marc.
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Thought I would add a quick note to this discussion. I was out working a swamp and plantation
this morning, early. Over the course of the morning a came on 5 other photographers, all nature/wildlife. Including myself we had 3 OM System users, 2 Canon, 1 Nikon. There was even a new 150-600 OM lens. A new interesting mix for sure 😂.
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Well, that’s certainly surprising ! Three OM users on six photographers. That’s very nice to hear. Apparently the micro 4/3 system is catching on for birds and wildlife after all. The 150 – 600mm is still something I have to think about, ultimately it is more weight, and the question is whether I really need that extreme range here in Belgium.
Bedankt Ted !
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Having carried one for years… I will pass. But certainly good for others.
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