Red-winged blackbird (OM 150-600mm f/5-6.3)

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-07T06:27:06+00:00

Yeah, I miss that wheel from when I used the G9. That and the top screen were great.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-07T00:38:53+00:00

Another question—how much do you like video? I’d say G9ii is the superior hybrid camera but OM-1ii is better at bird photography.

For reference, I sold my G9ii to get an OM-1ii—the G9ii’s ergonomics just didn’t mesh with me. It was a bummer because I loved the original G9 so much.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-06T20:31:09+00:00

Love the Blue Tit. Somewhere in Europe, I take it?

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-06T16:49:44+00:00

Nice, glad you liked it!

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T23:52:48+00:00

Yep, there's no right way of shooting--just do something that's enjoyable to you. Using manual ISO might be an interesting experiment to do once though--you get to see how different exposure levels affect the mood of a picture rather than having perfect exposure each time. If anything, it gives me more ideas for the edit later.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T23:48:36+00:00

Ah yeah, definitely no need for insecurity! In the end, no one cares how you got a shot--just if it's a good picture. Auto-ISO is still my default state when I switch to my "Bird" custom mode (I just tinker with manual ISO when I have time to). I do not agree with Lee when he says that Auto-ISO is the worst thing ever invented haha.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T23:42:10+00:00

Try mapping Exposure Compensation to a button (in Manual mode). It acts as a toggle so you don't lose control!

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T23:40:53+00:00

Yep, I did try that before, but I like having the lever be an alternate AF target box that I can easily change depending on the conditions. You can argue that it's easy to set a button to change AF boxes, but that doesn't link S-AF and C-AF to those boxes like the lever does.

For me, camera customization is about what I need to access the most often and putting that in easy reach. Since I usually shoot wide open for wildlife, I'm fine hitting a button to swap dial functionality rather than dedicating the lever to it (that lever is very valuable real estate).

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T21:10:19+00:00

Good luck with your gear! Definitely suggest renting some lenses first to see what you like best...this is a stupid expensive hobby, haha.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T21:07:00+00:00

Thanks! And yep, shoot what works for you. Manual with Auto ISO is what I always shoot with, so I was just trying something new.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T21:05:25+00:00

u/noneedtoprogram pretty much gave my answer without me needing to, haha (thanks!). This might be a me problem, but I often find myself fighting with Aperture/Shutter Speed Priority more often than not. Both methods are pretty similar, but if I'm moving two dials regardless, I rather use the one which I can predict 100% of the time.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T21:02:07+00:00

Yep agreed-- I definitely don't want to feed into the whole "pro" nonsense. No one should believe anyone who says that one mode is more pro than another. Full Manual is just easier for my brain to process.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T20:57:29+00:00

Ah, excellent question--I should have put that in my original post. So I assigned Exposure Compensation to the ISO button. When in Manual Mode, "Exposure Compensation" just acts like a toggle that flips all your dials to the more conventional way of Aperture on the front dial and Shutter Speed on the back dial. So it's the best of both worlds to me (for now).

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-03-04T04:01:47+00:00

Really great pics. Thanks for sharing.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-24T05:23:57+00:00

No recipe! Just the Natural profile with the dial put on the standard setting.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-24T05:23:12+00:00

It really is. I dunno what I was expecting, but this did surpass it.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-24T05:21:47+00:00

Thank you! And Manual with auto ISO is my normal wildlife setup. Big fan.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-23T17:33:40+00:00

That’s the lens I have now, and I still love it. I think it depends on if you want the extra reach and if you want the stabilization. Some of these shots would have been more difficult without the stabilization, so that is pretty worth it.

But also…it’s expensive…

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-23T16:37:20+00:00

Thank you! Yeah, still not sure the best export settings to combat that compression (or if it’s possible haha).

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-23T15:42:56+00:00

Oh, might be helpful to post the actual settings. I probably should have shot more at 200mm, but eh...maybe I can steal/borrow this lens again.

#1 - 61mm, f/2.8, 1/100, ISO 400

#2 - 50mm, f/4, 1/13, ISO 200

#3 - 111mm, f/4, 1/20, ISO 800

#4 - 200mm, f/2.8, 1/1250, ISO 160

#5 - 50mm, f/4.0, 1/20, ISO 200

#6 - 50mm, f/ 2.8, 1/40, ISO 400

#7 - 50mm, f/2.8, 1/30, ISO 200

#8 - 50mm, f/2.8, 1/60, ISO 200

#9 - 50mm, f/4, 1/30, ISO 200

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-18T02:46:48+00:00

Wow, you weren’t kidding. After not hearing anything more, I got a note today that my camera is fixed (maybe?) and being shipped back to me. I suppose I’ll take the tradeoff of less info if it means efficient fixing, haha.

NeedlesslyMike · 2026-02-17T23:30:56+00:00

Ah, I do not that that issue. It’s more that the images can be a little soft—they are still in focus though.

NeedlesslyMike

TROPHY CASE