Olympus OMD EM5, the Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG & A Great White Egret
The previous post discussed the merits of combining the Olympus OMD EM5 with the Olympus OM 1000mm F11 manual lens at Blashford Lakes. I also put the 4/3rds Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 APO DG autofocus lens through its paces at the same time.
I was a little concerned that these may not be compatible as the Olympus OMD EM5 is a micro 4/3rds camera and the Sigma 50-500 lens is a 4/3rds lens, even with the Olympus micro 4/3rd to 4/3rds adapter fitted. I contacted Sigma directly who kindly laid my concerns to rest confirming no compatibility issues.
This try out highlighted the first under performance of the Olympus OMD EM5 camera. Although it has an incredibly high speed frame per second capability & in built image stabilisation the camera continuous autofocus tracking is not up there with the best, proving extremely difficult to work. The better focus & picture results came from the single autofocus (S-AF) mode. I also attempted the zoom function to try and focus on a smaller target within the focus screen with no success, however this was the first trial so this could improve or not with practice.
At the end of days shoot I can confidently confirm that this lens works with the Olympus OMD EMF camera.
I was also lucky enough to see, photograph and take a movie of a Great White Egret (Egretta alba) who was socialising with Cormorants on the Ivy Lake. Here is the shot (cropped) & the movie is at the end of the post.
A couple of shots of a Lapwing
on the move
Stopped
and the last photo is of a Great Crested Grebe.
As above finally the video of the Great White Egret with the Cormorants
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Do you get auto focus with the EM5 + 50-500mm set up or do you have to manually focus? If auto focus, what adapter did you use?
Hi Pamela, this combination does offer auto focus, although the EM5 auto focus is not the best on the market, I mainly use manual focus. Note to use the Sigma 50-500 lens with the EM5 you will need the 4/3rds to micro 4/3rds adapter as the EM5 is micro 4/3rds camera whereas the Sigma 50-500 is a 4/3rds lens. I have the Olympus MMF-1 adapter which I picked up second hand.
I’ve been an Olympus user since Camedia C4040 & have DSLRs that fit my Sigma 50-500mm set up but it’s getting too heavy & taxing for me in my field work as a travel/birding journalist. Got a Panny GF1 but no autofocus. E-PM1 for my underwater shots & with the help of your article, decided to get the E-M5. I have the MMF-1 & you are right, it does auto focus! I’m a happy camper now!
Hi Pamela, I am glad to hear this has worked out for you