cathill
Nikon 1 J5 with 70-300mm lens (189-810mm equivalent) vs Olympus Micro Four Thirds with 75-300mm lens (150-600mm equivalent) for bird photography. Which is better? Advice needed.
#cameras #nikon #nikon1 #nikon1j5 #olympus #omsystem #microfourthirds #m43 #photography #camerarecommendations #mirrorlesscameras #naturephotography #birds #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #birdsinflight #cameralenses
Sep 30, 2025 at 10:49pmWeb
Show threadThe DodologistSep 30, 2025

@cathill

What Olympus?

Show threadcathillSep 30, 2025
@TheDodologist Most likely a second hand Olympus E-M5 Mark II due to budgetary constraints.
Show threadThe DodologistSep 30, 2025

@cathill

I've used one of those. I seem to remember that the auto focus was decent. Good auto focus is rather essential for bird photography, after all. I've heard good things about the auto focus on the Nikon, but haven't shot it myself.

But with the lack of stabilisation in the Nikon will be a huge challenge to get sharp images at those distances. There the Olympus comes out clearly on top.

Show threadcathillSep 30, 2025
@TheDodologist The Nikon has image stabilization in the lens doesn't it?
Show threadThe DodologistSep 30, 2025

@cathill

That might very well be true. Know nothing about the lens, I'm afraid. If so, I suppose it really comes down to if you want an EVF or not.

Show threadTyler CrenshawOct 1, 2025
@cathill Which Olympus? I have the OM-1 with the 100-400mm and it's great for bird photography. The bird detect autofocus is excellent and it's a very compact package
Show threadcathillOct 1, 2025
@tdcrenshaw Looking at second hand Olympus E-M5 Mark II at the moment. The Olympus 100-400mm lens looks great but it is unfortunately out of my budget at the moment.