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Ted, you just made my day—thank you 🙏

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The mantra for the manufacturers is ‘extra reach’. And I will take all I can get out where we shoot. However, it’s not everything. For most wildlife photogs out here, weight is the biggest issue. Personally I have a titanium neck, top to bottom, that most likely came from big packs and holding up 10 pounds of camera/lens. MFT fits my style perfectly, and it’s showing up out in the field here too.

Again, thanks for all the great articles. Thoroughly enjoy them.

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Hey Ted,
Thanks ! You know I’m always happy to help.

About those atmospheric conditions—you’re absolutely right. You don’t even need to live in an extreme climate to experience them; I’ve encountered similar issues right here.

Last year, I was trying to photograph roe deer in a cornfield. The plants were still small, maybe half a meter tall. It was about an hour or so after a rain shower, and the sun was blazing again. That’s when I noticed the air seemed to be moving, like the heat shimmer you see above asphalt on a highway in the distance. The deer were quite far away, and I just couldn’t get a sharp image.

So yes, I completely understand what you mean. The greater the distance, the more atmospheric conditions can interfere with sharpness. I even mentioned this phenomenon in an article I wrote about the Olympus 300mm PRO lens while photographing at a local airfield. It’s a well-known issue, and honestly, it makes me question whether such large, heavy lenses make sense on a Micro Four Thirds system.

Anyway, excellent point, Ted! Definitely something not to overlook.

Thanks again!
Marc.

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Another consideration with any wildlife gear is the environment you work in. I have used the Sigma 150-600 since the release (OM 150-600). Great quality, big as a bus, and broke my body parts hiking all day with it. I say this because most all you hear is the distance you can reach. However, the further you try to reach the more the atmosphere plays a part. Heat, glare, breeze, whatever is greatly increased. Especially if you shoot in warmer climates, humidity, or just wet. In an extreme example think looking down a hot road in the summer sun, the air almost dances. Even a little of this makes an image less acceptable.

Just a thought, thanks again for the work you do like this.

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Hey Mark, thank you! Well, every system has its advantages, and you know that better than anyone. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have switched to full frame. You instinctively know what suits your style of photography best. Thanks again and all the best, Mark!

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