Posted by Sarbajit Chakraborty on the Big Photo Hunt community board.
I am trying to have an alternative to my Fuji X-H2 body. Three major reasons:
- The system that I have is heavy (X-H2 + 16-55 f/2.8), which isn't convenient for hikes and stuff - Fuji lenses are expensive, and till date, Fuji does have restrictions on third party lenses - I would love to have a super-zoom lens like Tamron 18-300mm or Sigma 16-300mm. I had the Tamron w/ my old Nikon camera, and wasn't a big fan, and Sigma in general, I don't like their lenses, particularly their colour output.
I was looking at a MFT solution - Something like an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark i w/ 14-140 Lens, both used. I think I can get that within $500-$600. Also, it opens up all of MFT lens environment.
Any opinions? I would love to hear points for, or even points against me spending money, just for the sake of it!
Replies
Nisah Cheatham
I'm friends with a former OM Ambassador, Olivier Costier (https://photocostier.com/). I've always said it would be what I would choose if I had to sell everything and start over. I got to see the kind of shots he was executing and how portable the gear was when he came to Chicago and we hit the streets together.
BUT - that being said. I would argue against a second system. If you get a 2nd system that solves all of the issues you have with your "primary" system, you will eventually just relegate the Fuji to the shelf. Or you don't like the limitation of an older used Olympus and you just spent $600 on what could have been a new lens! 😎
Ralph Berrett
I would go with a used Nikon or Canon DSLR because you have a huge selection of used high-quality lenses.
This will give you an idea of the savings. This is based on my gear.
Here is my main gear
Nikon D5 $1650
D4s $1200
(2) Nikon D3 $700 Backup
Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6 VR $1000
Nikkor 300mm F2.8 AF-I $400-700
Nikkor 80-200mm F2.8 AF-S $350
Nikkor 28-70mm F2.8 AF-S $350
Nikkor 17-35mm F2.8 AF-S $350
Kenko 1.4X adapter $35
My backup lenses
Nikkor 35-70mm F2.8 D $57
Nikkor 80-200mm F2.8 ED $160
Tokina 300mm F2.8 (which I have owned since 1998) $700
(2) SB-800 Speedlights $80
Dennis Corrick
I'm gonna have to agree with the others; don't mix systems, particularly on a budget. Sell what you have and get into another system, or get something within your current system. I've been with Nikon forever, and only just parted with my beloved D750 for a second mirrorless. Just the difference between F-mount and mirrorless, with an adapter, was a nuisance that had me hauling more gear, or unnecessarily limiting what I did carry. Before that, I had a crop-sensor and a full-frame; same issues. I now have two mirrorless Nikon bodies and all the lenses, caps, batteries, chargers, etc., work on both, and all is right with the universe. Carrying a backup is literally just one more body. FWIW, I also have a Viltrox 16mm for Nikon Z; a less expensive alternative for a type of lens I couldn't justify paying top dollar for. That's a benefit of being with a brand that tolerates third-party lenses. Good luck, and please tell us what you decide to go with.
Amy Kauffman
I bought the OM SYSTEM OM-5. It's weather proofed and mine came with the 12mm-45mm lens. I bought a 40mm to 150mm lens, not weather proofed, for maybe $120 on a sale.
The camera is small, light weight and sometimes I feel like it's not in my bag and I have to check. I am not a gear guru but I like the camera a lot.
Will Pratney
Hi Sarbajit - you know I'm a fan of your photos, and as a fellow Fuji X user that seems to enjoy similar color themes, I would say...
If you like Fujinon colors and keeping to similar SOOC color bias is important to you, and you want to have a significantly smaller secondary system for hikes, etc., you may need to LET GO of the idea of taking a superzoom with you on those hikes, but stick to Fujifilm cameras. Seeing as you are already using one of Fujifilm's best zoom lenses, switching to a lighter Fuji zoom like an XC model is going to be a let down though in terms of image quality.
If you stay with Fuij X for your secondary, and I would say...
1. Look at the X-T50 (same sensor as X-H2), X-T30 line, or X-E line - all compact but able to comfortably handle a large number of Fuji lenses.
2. Consider using a prime lens that works for you both in terms of physical size and focal length and when needed utilize the in-camera digital zoom. (The compact XF50mm F2 for example on the X-T50 provides a 77mm full frame area of view equivalent [FFAoVE], and when the 2x in-camera digital zoom is applied, you get about a 153mm FFAoVE extended range).
If you go with a different MILC system for your secondary, and compact and lighweight are priorities, it seems like OM is the way to go. However, in terms of resolution I think you'll find the OM system gives you noticeably less to work with than what you are accustomed to with the 40MP on the X-H2. OM seems to provide a solid, compact, weatherproof system that has realistic colors (not as beautiful SOOC as Fuji IMO but they can always be tweaked later in post).
Whatever you decide, I hope you'll share your choice with the rest of us! All the best.
Sarbajit Chakraborty
So, I took the risk - I was able to land a OM-D E-M5 Mark II body plus 14-150 lens for around $250, so took the dip and got it (I'm not sure the store owner checked how much they could sell it for). Here's my take:
For the camera:
1. The body is very small, and that has advantage and disadvantage:
Disadvantage - I have to put my "back-button" focus button in the front, cause I can't easily get to a back button with the body in hand
Advantage - I love how small and light it is. I roamed about with it on an wrist strap for 4 hours, and my wrists are fine!
2. Older camera, so it does not focus as fast as my Fuji - but that was expected
3. As @[Will Pratney](403c4019-f334-4e7b-8a59-eac48a4324bc) pointed out - 16 MP vs 40 MP - much less ability to crop without destroying the image.
4. Again, as @[Will Pratney](403c4019-f334-4e7b-8a59-eac48a4324bc) pointed out, I MISS THE FUJI COLOURS! BUT... I like the Olympus colours a lot as well. They are more punchy, so it's a different flavour that I did enjoy
5. Learning curve - Need to get to setting faster. I realized I had accidentally turned IBIS off, and couldn't understand why everything was blurry at 1/30th of a second! On-off switch being in an odd position for a right handed shooter, means that I can't turn it on and off very fast.
6. Battery life - but off market brands are available for relatively cheap. I got 2 extra batteries and a charger for $35.
7. IBIS is fantastic for a camera of it's age!
For the lens:
1. I love the reach - I pushed it to it's limits today, at 150 and at 14. The sharpness DOES NOT compare to the 16-55 f/2.8 (DUH!), but it's more than sharp enough.
2. I like that I didn't need to be in people's faces to take a close up.
3. I like the weight
4. I do not like that it's a variable aperture going from f/4 to f/5.6. Too slow if it's dark
Overall conclusions - I do not regret spending the money - Though, I might get another walkaround lens, with not as much reach, but maybe a smaller aperture, if there is a cheap one available in the used market. Else, this will be my second camera for when I want to travel light.
Also attached some of the pictures I got with this
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) I agree with you. Now, a couple of things - I am now very emotionally connected to Fuji, so it's one that'll get relalegated easily. As for not liking the new system, I was thinking of renting the combo for a bit, trying it out, and then actually spending money to buy it.
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) also, I love the work of your friends work! Thank you for sharing that!!
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Ralph Berrett](ed0d35cf-31b3-4406-ab3b-5087b32c2f89) I was actually thinking of this as well, since I gave my old D7000 to my brother. But. DSLRs are generally heavy, and I was looking for light mobile one. Especially when I'm trying to travel light, like for a simple hike.
Nisah Cheatham
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) I'm a big fan of renting to see what's up. Lensrentals.com is my go-to in that dept. Give yourself a chance to shoot more than once and get over that "this doesn't feel right" moment. Also - maybe match focal length equivalent with what you normally shoot on Fuji to get the most apples-to-apples experience you can.
Ken Deckinger
@[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) I second this one! :-) I often rent at lensrentals.com to try cameras and lenses. Great way to get your hands dirty without a commitment.
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Ken Deckinger](c3048578-7544-410e-a042-d00e6ec6333e) @[Nisah Cheatham](cf53a09d-1eb6-45e0-b529-06e3bf21aaf4) - I am getting one rented. Will try it out and see if I can get a cheap one afterwards, if I like it! Thank you for this!
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Dennis Corrick](ad1b8b75-3005-4053-b8df-0b65abf1cfda) I wish Fuji tolerated third party lenses. They are getting there, but not anywhere close to Nikon or Canon. I'm going to rent it as Nisah and Ken suggested. And see if it makes sense.
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Amy Kauffman](039ddff2-3284-4ab2-b32e-19c352ec2a80) Amy, I am renting an OM-D E-M5 next weekend, w/ a 14-150 lens to check it out. The weather sealing is also specifically appealing, even though my Fuji body is absolutely weather sealed! I like the lightweight factor of it, so trying to test out! Thank you for your feedback!
Ken Deckinger
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) when you're done renting it, please share your experiences here. I've been looking at OM too but haven't had a chance to get my hands on one yet. I'd *love* to hear your take on it. 🙏🏼
Sarbajit Chakraborty
@[Will Pratney](403c4019-f334-4e7b-8a59-eac48a4324bc) I always ALWAYS appreciate your inputs! I used to have a X-T3 and an X-S10 before I switched to X-H2, so the lower resolution, I can deal with. The problem w/ that set up was that X-T3 didn't have IBIS, and X-S10 didn't have weather sealing. So I was wary of taking the X-S10 on a boat ride in the jungles of SE Asia (cause I was afraid of rainfall), and I couldn't travel w/ X-T3 alone, since I don't have steady enough hands for night photography without IBIS. Hence I changed to the X-H2 w/ both those features, along w/ the 16-55 f2.8, making the system weather proof. Also, I travel to India quite often as my family is there, so this weather sealing system does help!
I know with any other camera I won't get the Fuji SOOC colours (one reason I gave my old Nikon to my brother), but travelling 24+ hours and also all around India w/ a heavy bag is not always comfortable.
Lastly, another big motivation for me, is that my family is planning an African safari, and I really really want an easy light system for that trip!
I am trying out the OM systems next week. I think I can get a cheap set up for <$600, which, if I can and I like the experience while renting, maybe I'll think about it!
Amy Kauffman
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) oooo please let me know about that lens! I have looked into purchasing a similar range lens so I don't have to change lenses so often.
Sarbajit Chakraborty
I'm gonna cheat and post another reply with more pics! Sorry for violating your rule, @[Ken Deckinger](c3048578-7544-410e-a042-d00e6ec6333e) !
Ken Deckinger
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) ha! Do it! Not a rule, Jeet! 😂
Ken Deckinger
@[Sarbajit Chakraborty](185b0ac5-48af-471d-98e2-3c6a6602decc) for $250 it's totally worth it!