Advice on using Panasonic G2 Micro 4/3rd system

operanut1972 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 01:19 PM

Hi All,

Sorry if this has already been asked, I am new to bird watching and this site, so hi.

I use a Panasonic G2 m4/3 camera. (I used to use Nikon equipment, but due to a spinal injury 2yrs ago could manage the size or weight. I am wheelchair bound and have just started to take shots from the hides at my local RSPB site Old Moor).

Enough waffle. My question is which is the better focal length to get the birds full frame with limited cropping? I have the 14-42mm lens which is approx 28-84mm 35mm equiv. I'm getting some great landscapes, but it's the birds I'm after! Lol

Hope this makes sense

shenk1 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 06:51 PM

Welcome to WAB (and Old Moor - its my local too

).

Don't know anything about the camera you mentioned but I would just say the bigger the better.

Having said that I've got a 70-300mm on a Sony with a crop factor of 1.5 giving a range of 450mm. Yours has a 2x crop factor so the same lense on that fitting would give a 600mm range (more magnification than mine).

I get reasonable shots at distance with mine so I suspect it would be suitable for you as going much bigger means £££££££££

Most stuff at Old Moor is photographable (is that a real word

) with that size of lense,any smaller and you will be wanting to move the hides forward - its just too far

plus that size isn't too expensive compared to the bigger stuff and - more importantly - its a lot lighter and easier to use

Probably see you there at some point

shenk1

operanut1972 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 07:10 PM

Hi shenk1,

I'm looking at the 45-200mm which should give me approx 90-400. But am tempted to get the 100-300(200-600) but think that will be too much! I am still learning the g2 BIF's are a distant dream until I can get decent glass! I just wouldn't be able to use the Nikon or Canon Dslr's due to their weight.

I hope I bump into you on my trips around Old Moor, look out for the long haired Beardy chap in an electric wheelchair chasing the birds off! Lol

shenk1 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 07:16 PM

I'll keep my eye out

The 200mm might handle it as in comparison its only 50mm shorter than mine and I've had identifiable pics from some of the far islands - only little dots until you zoom in but good enough for i.d s and records.

Grey plover cropped on the middle island at the Wader Scrape hide

Lancashire Lad · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 07:27 PM

I may be wrong, but can't Olympus micro four thirds lenses also be used on the Panasonic Lumix?

If so, the Olympus micro four thirds M.Zuiko Digital ED 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 might cover the range that you are looking for.

Regards,
Mike.

operanut1972 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 07:39 PM

Hi Mike,

Yes I can use the Olympus m4/3 lenses, but they lack the mega ois (image stab sys). I am not sure how well it would work for BIF handheld. But then we used to get by without IS 20 years ago

!

It is worth looking at & I had forgotten about the oly lens options.

Thanks for your help guys. From reading the other threads it would seem that 400-600mm focal length is the best for the shots I want. Got lots to churn over.

Regards
OpNut72

operanut1972 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-2011, 11:28 AM

Hi all,

Thanks for the advice. I've ended up going for the 45-200mm for the time being. After trying the Olympus 75-300 I just couldn't get a decent shot handheld. After some sums have decided to save up for the lumix 100-300, in the meantime I can get some practise and hopefully better shots than I've been getting. I'm looking forward to getting out to Old Moor and working on my skill set.

See you on the bankside!
OpNut72 (Steve)

JB9302 · #8 (**permalink**) 24-08-2011, 06:36 PM

Just got a Canon FD 200mm f2.8 today and going to see what its like on my GH1 , giving me 400 f2.8 , dare I buy a converter for this ?

Julian

operanut1972 · #9 (**permalink**) 24-08-2011, 07:22 PM

Hi Julian,

I'd be intrigued if this setup works. I have converted back to an APS-C sensor camera as I was hitting the limitation wall to often. If you want still life's, still macro & animals, the system was ok, but the glass on the whole didn't inspire me! I'm saving the beer tokens for either a 70-200 f4-5.6 L USM or 300 f4L or 70-300 f3.5-5.6 l ISUSM. Want to get closer but funds & the wheelchair mean it's going to take time and expense.

Look forward to seeing the images you get from your setup.

JB9302 · #10 (**permalink**) 24-08-2011, 07:40 PM

The 300 f4L gets may followers so you cant go wrong there , many speak highly of the 400L 5.6 prime . I did have the 70-300 you mention and was well impressed but felt it was just too short.
The FD 200mm I got was boxed in near mint con with the original warranty card/sale date etc ( March 89 ) .

Julian