OpenFilmmaker

We live in a world of excellent EVFs (Electronic View Finders), zebras, and real-time highlight warnings. So why are some photographers—still checking histograms like it’s 2007?

Simple: because EVFs can lie. Histograms don’t.

What EVFs Do Well (and What They Don’t)

Electronic viewfinders today are bright, high-res, and incredibly responsive. They give you a What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get preview of exposure and color. And for 90% of use cases, that’s great. Composition, color feel, basic exposure judgment? The EVF does the job.

But in bright light or high-contrast scenes, EVFs can trick your eyes. You might think your shadows have detail when they don’t. Or you might not notice blown highlights until it’s too late. That false sense of confidence is exactly where the histogram steps in.

What a Histogram Actually Tells You

A histogram is a tonal map of your image. The left side represents shadows, the right side highlights, and the middle contains your mid-tones. The height of the graph at any point shows how many pixels fall into that brightness range.

The key thing? It’s objective. The histogram doesn’t care how bright your EVF looks or what your LCD is doing in the sun. It tells you, frame by frame, whether your photo is crushing blacks or clipping whites.

When Histograms Outperform EVFs

• Bright outdoor conditions: When your screen or EVF is washed out and you can’t trust your eyes.
• Shooting RAW for dynamic range: You want to push exposure to the right without blowing highlights.
• Backlit subjects: When you expose for the subject, but the background blows out.
• Flat profiles (V-Log, OM-Log, etc.): The EVF looks dull, but the histogram tells you if you’re nailing exposure.

In these moments, the histogram becomes more than a graph—it’s your safety net.

EVF, Zebras, Histogram: Use All Three

Think of it like this:

• EVF: Your creative eye
• Zebras: Your highlight warning system
• Histogram: Your global exposure truth

Use the EVF to compose. Use zebras to watch for hotspots. Use the histogram to validate the whole exposure map.

What to Look For in a Histogram

• No hard clipping left or right (unless intentional)
• A shape that matches your subject (e.g., high-key portraits will lean right)
• Avoiding “dead” zones unless stylistically intended

Reference the graphic above if you’re new to reading histogram shapes. It’s one of the fastest ways to assess exposure health in a shot.

Final Thoughts

EVFs are amazing tools. But they don’t replace the histogram—they complement it. A histogram doesn’t tell you if your photo is good, but it does tell you if it’s technically sound. And in a fast-paced, high-stakes shooting environment, that truth can save your best shot.

Next time you think you nailed it because your EVF looked perfect, double-check your histogram. It might just teach you something your eyes missed.

If you’re looking for a travel-friendly birding setup, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III + Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II might be the perfect combo.

Yes, there are better options—the E-M1 Mark II with a Leica 100-400mm is sharper, faster, and better in low light—but you also have to consider weight and portability.

So, is this the best budget birding kit for travel photography? Let’s break it down.

Why This Camera-Lens Combo Works Well

• 20.4MP Live MOS Sensor – Produces sharp, detailed images with excellent color science.
• 121-Point Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) – Essential for birding, and the E-M5 Mark III delivers fast, accurate tracking.
• 10 FPS Burst (Mechanical), 30 FPS (Electronic) – Great for capturing fast-moving subjects like birds in flight.
• 5-Axis IBIS (Up to 6.5 Stops with Sync IS) – Crucial for handheld telephoto shots, especially with a lens that lacks stabilization.
• Weather-Sealed (IPX1) – The camera body can handle rain & dust, but the 75-300mm II is NOT weather-sealed.
• 4K Video at 30 FPS & 1080p at 120 FPS – Decent video features for hybrid shooters.
• Tilting & Fully Articulating Touchscreen – Makes low-angle and high-angle shots much easier.

Review: Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 II

The Olympus 75-300mm II is one of the most affordable super-telephoto lenses for Micro Four Thirds (MFT).

At only 423g (0.93 lbs), it’s one of the lightest ways to get a 600mm equivalent focal length—a huge advantage for travel, hiking, and handheld shooting. The table below shows popular cameras and lenses as a comparison.

Total Kit Weight Comparison (Sorted by Lightest to Heaviest)

Camera + Lens Combo	Camera Body Weight	Lens Weight	Total Weight (g)	Total Weight (lb)
Olympus E-M5 Mark III + Olympus 75-300mm II (150-600mm FF eq)	414g	423g	837g	1.84 lb
Panasonic GX9 + Leica 100-400mm (200-800mm FF eq)	407g	985g	1392g	3.07 lb
Olympus E-M1 Mark II + Olympus 100-400mm IS (200-800mm FF eq)	574g	1120g	1694g	3.73 lb
OM-1 + Olympus 300mm f/4 IS PRO (600mm FF eq)	599g	1270g	1869g	4.12 lb
Canon R5 + Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary	738g	1930g	2668g	5.88 lb

But does the lower price come with trade-offs? Let’s break it down.

What’s Good?

• Extremely lightweight for a 600mm equivalent lens – No need for a gimbal or tripod.
• Works well with the E-M5 Mark III’s IBIS – Since the lens lacks optical stabilization (OIS), the camera’s IBIS compensates effectively.
• Autofocus is surprisingly fast – PDAF on the E-M5 Mark III helps track moving subjects decently well.
• Sharp up to ~250mm – Delivers solid results for larger birds and wildlife.
• Affordable alternative to 100-400mm lenses – A good choice for beginners or casual bird photographers.

What’s Not So Great?

• No weather sealing – This lens is not built for harsh environments.
• Slow aperture (f/6.7 at 300mm) – Struggles in low-light conditions; best used in bright daylight.
• Sharpness drops at 250-300mm – The longest range sacrifices detail, making it less useful at 300mm.
• No built-in stabilization (OIS) – You’ll need to rely entirely on the camera’s IBIS for stability.

All the photos you see below have been taken by me – either in Columbus, Ohio, or Dallas, Texas.

Note that the photos have been compressed and resized so they could be optimal for viewing on the web.

Who Is This Camera-Lens Combo For?

• Beginner Bird & Wildlife Photographers – If you want a 600mm equivalent reach without spending $1,500, this is a great option.
• Travel & Hiking Photographers – A lightweight, compact setup that won’t weigh you down.
• Casual Birders – A budget-friendly alternative to premium telephoto lenses.
• Outdoor Shooters Who Want Extra Reach – Works best in good lighting for wildlife and distant subjects.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Best Budget Birding Setup?

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is an impressive, lightweight camera that delivers pro-level features in a compact body.

When paired with the Olympus M.Zuiko 75-300mm II, you get a budget-friendly birding kit with a 150-600mm equivalent reach—perfect for travel and casual wildlife photography.

However, this setup does have limitations. If you need better low-light performance, sharper results at 300mm, or weather sealing, you may want to consider an Olympus 100-400mm f/5-6.3 or Olympus 300mm f/4 PRO.

Supporting the Site

I write these blogs in my part-time, sharing my passion for photography and helping you find the best gear for your adventures. If you’ve found this article helpful and want to support the site, the best way is by purchasing the products through the links provided below. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps keep the site running and allows me to continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support!

Here are the links to the gear mentioned in the article:

• Olympus EM5 Mark III on Amazon
• Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 on Amazon
• Panasonic Leica 100-400mm on Amazon
• Olympus 100-400mm on Amazon

Your support means a lot, and I truly appreciate it!

What Do You Think?

Would you use this setup for birding? Drop a comment below and share your experience!

I’ve had the Olympus 75-300mm for several months and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I was skeptical of the quality, especially since I owned the Leica 100-400 already. But I got it at a great price and figured I’d test it out. This isn’t meant to be a full review – that will come another time. But one of the advantages of this lens is that it’s light-weight. It’s not meant to be as the same caliber as the Leica 100-400, but I was more than pleased with the images.

Here are some sample photos I took today on the Olympus EM 5 Mark III and the Olympus 75-300mm. Unfortunately, they are not photos of birds – those will come another time.

The pics turned out more than fine for a random test. As mentioned, bird photo test will follow soon.

What do you think of this lens? How are the photos? Let me know in the comments below!

Maximizing Your Travel Photography Gear: 4 Lightweight Lenses for the Olympus PEN EP-7

Travel photography is all about capturing the moments that make a trip unforgettable. But as many photographers know, gear plays a huge role in what you can capture and how easily you can carry it all. If you’re anything like me, you want a setup that’s as light as it is powerful—especially when you’re exploring new places and can’t afford to be weighed down. That’s why I’m all about my Olympus PEN EP-7 paired with these four lenses. Remember the EP-7 weighs only 380 grams! These lenses are lightweight, portable, and provide great quality without taking up much space in my bag.

Let’s dive into why these lenses are my go-to choices when I’m on the move.

1. Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 – A Street Photography Favorite

First up is the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7. This lens is perfect for street photography and general travel shots. I love how sharp it is, and that f/1.7 aperture really helps in low light while creating beautiful bokeh when I want to isolate my subject.

Why I Love It:

• Small but Mighty: At just 95 grams, it’s almost like it’s not there—perfect for days when I’m roaming around and want to keep my kit light.
• Low Light Performance: f/1.7 is a game-changer when the light starts to dip. You can capture more with less, and it gives the photos a nice, warm feel.
• Street Photography: It’s wide enough to capture urban landscapes, but not so wide that it distorts faces or other details. Plus, it’s sharp—really sharp.

If I had to pick just one lens for an entire trip, this would be it. It’s the kind of lens you can just leave on your camera and forget about—until you need it.

2. Olympus 14-42mm EZ f/3.5-5.6 – My Go-To Pancake Zoom Lens

Next, I’ll talk about the Olympus 14-42mm EZ f/3.5-5.6. This pancake zoom lens is my favorite for when I need flexibility without carrying around too much weight. It covers a solid focal length range, from wide-angle to mid-range, and it does so in a very compact, lightweight package.

Why I Love It:

• Zooming without the Bulk: It’s perfect for when you don’t know what kind of shot you’ll need next, and it’s so small that it fits in my bag without taking up too much space.
• Great for Landscapes and Street Photography: Whether I’m snapping wide cityscapes or isolating elements on the street, it’s always there when I need it.
• Affordable, but Solid Quality: It’s a kit lens, but it punches way above its weight. The image quality is impressive for the price.

If I want to quickly switch between wide and mid-range shots without switching lenses, this is the one I grab.

3. Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 – For Those Distant Shots

When I’m traveling and I want to get close to something far away—whether it’s wildlife or a distant scene—the Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 is my telephoto lens of choice. It’s got an incredible zoom range, giving you the reach of a 150-600mm full-frame equivalent, but in a surprisingly lightweight package for a lens of this zoom power.

Why I Love It:

• Reach without the Weight: I never expected a super-telephoto lens to be this light. It’s not going to weigh you down like other long lenses. It weighs just 425 grams!
• Perfect for Wildlife: Whether it’s birds, animals, or nature shots, this lens lets you get close even when you’re far away.
• Stabilized Zoom: It’s great for handheld shots, especially when you’re zoomed in all the way. The built-in stabilization helps smooth out any shakes.

I always have this lens with me if I know I’ll be around nature or need that extra reach. It’s also fantastic for shooting distant landmarks or details in the distance.

4. Olympus 75mm f/1.8 – Portraits and Bokeh Heaven

Finally, the Olympus 75mm f/1.8 is my go-to portrait lens. This lens is just incredible for creating that perfect blurry background—especially when you’re isolating your subject. With its f/1.8 aperture, it really stands out for portraits or any shot where you want to get a beautifully soft, shallow depth of field.

Why I Love It:

• Sharp and Detailed: This lens is razor-sharp, and the image quality is fantastic. It doesn’t get the credit it deserves sometimes.
• Beautiful Bokeh: That creamy blur you get in the background is just gorgeous. It makes the subject pop in a way that few lenses can achieve.
• Compact Portrait Lens: Despite being a longer prime lens, this one’s still small enough that it doesn’t feel like a burden to carry around.

If I’m doing portrait work or want that smooth, shallow focus for any subject, this lens is perfect. It’s always on hand when I need it.

Why I Choose These Lenses

When I’m traveling, I don’t want to carry a ton of gear. I need a setup that can do it all: landscape, street, portrait, wildlife, you name it. These lenses fit the bill. They’re all lightweight, compact, and versatile enough to tackle just about any scene. Whether I’m out exploring a new city or capturing distant wildlife, I know these lenses will have me covered.

The Olympus PEN EP-7 pairs perfectly with them—small enough to take everywhere without drawing attention, but powerful enough to deliver high-quality images. With this setup, I can stay agile, shoot fast, and keep my kit light.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about traveling with just the essentials—lightweight, versatile gear that lets you focus on the shot, not on how much weight you’re carrying. These four lenses—Panasonic 20mm f/1.7, Olympus 14-42mm EZ, Olympus 75-300mm, and Olympus 75mm f/1.8—give me exactly that. Each one has its place in my kit, and together, they cover just about every situation I could face while traveling.

If you’re looking for a travel kit that’s easy to carry, versatile, and doesn’t skimp on quality, these lenses are a solid choice. Get out there, shoot, and enjoy the journey.

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Lens Specifications

Lens	Weight	Price (New)	Price (Used)
Panasonic 20mm f/1.7	95g	~$250	~$150
Olympus 14-42mm EZ	115g	~$300	~$150
Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7	425g	~$600	~$350
Olympus 75mm f/1.8	305g	~$700	~$450
Totals	940g	$1,850	$1,100

Supporting the Site

I write these blogs in my part-time, sharing my passion for photography and helping you find the best gear for your adventures. If you’ve found this article helpful and want to support the site, the best way is by purchasing the products through the links provided below. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps keep the site running and allows me to continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support!

Here are the links to the lenses mentioned in the article:

• Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 on Amazon
• Olympus 14-42mm EZ on Amazon
• Olympus 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 on Amazon
• Olympus 75mm f/1.8 on Amazon

Your support means a lot, and I truly appreciate it!

When comparing the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II with the GX85, both cameras offer excellent performance but cater to slightly different users. Here’s a breakdown of how these two compare, what makes them stand out, and whether they’re still good purchases in 2024.

Sensor & Image Quality

The LX100 II comes with a 17MP Micro Four-Thirds sensor, offering excellent low-light performance and image quality in a compact form. Its fixed 24-75mm (FF-eq) f/1.7-2.8 Leica lens gives it versatility in a wide range of shooting conditions, from landscapes to portraits.

The GX85, on the other hand, has a similar 16MP Micro Four-Thirds sensor but allows you to swap lenses, making it more versatile if you’re looking to build or already own a Micro Four Thirds lens collection. It has no anti-aliasing filter, which enhances image sharpness, but can be more prone to moiré patterns.

Portability & Design

The LX100 II is a compact all-in-one camera. Its design is meant for photographers who value portability but still want the benefits of a larger sensor. It’s excellent for travel and street photography due to its small size and versatile built-in lens.

The GX85, while compact, is more like a traditional mirrorless camera. Its larger grip and customizable controls make it a better choice for those who value ergonomics and want a camera that can evolve with their photography skills (thanks to the interchangeable lens system).

Lumix LX100 II Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: 115 x 66 x 64 mm (4.53 x 2.6 x 2.52 inches)

Weight: 392 grams (13.8 oz), including battery and memory card

The LX100 II is impressively compact for a camera with a large Four Thirds sensor and a fast Leica lens. Its fixed-lens design contributes to its small size, making it easy to slip into a jacket pocket or small camera bag. For travelers, street photographers, or anyone who values a lightweight setup without sacrificing image quality, the LX100 II is one of the most portable cameras you can find in this performance range.

Lumix GX85 Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: 122 x 70.6 x 43.9 mm (4.8 x 2.78 x 1.73 inches)

Weight: 426 grams (15 oz), including battery and memory card

The GX85 is slightly larger and heavier than the LX100 II, primarily because it’s an interchangeable lens camera. Its body is relatively compact for a mirrorless camera, but once you factor in the lenses, the size can vary significantly. With a small pancake lens, the GX85 remains portable, but with larger lenses, it can become bulkier and less convenient to carry around.

Lens Flexibility

If you’re someone who doesn’t want to worry about lenses, the LX100 II’s fixed lens will appeal to you. Its Leica-branded zoom offers a bright aperture, making it suitable for both wide and telephoto shots with excellent bokeh and low-light capabilities.

The GX85, being a mirrorless camera, allows for a wide range of lenses. You can swap out lenses for macro, wide-angle, or telephoto photography depending on your needs. This flexibility is great for photographers who want room to grow or specialize in different types of photography.

Viewfinder & Display

Both cameras come with electronic viewfinders, though the LX100 II has a slightly larger and higher resolution EVF, which can be a plus for more immersive framing.

The GX85’s touchscreen tilts, making it easier for low-angle shots or vlogging, while the LX100 II has a fixed screen.

Video Capabilities: Both cameras offer 4K video recording, but the GX85 tends to appeal more to hybrid shooters. Its in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is particularly strong, offering smooth footage even with non-stabilized lenses, making it a great option for videographers.

The LX100 II has optical image stabilization (OIS) within its fixed lens, which is good for handheld shooting, but the IBIS in the GX85 is superior for more complex video work.

Best Features of the LX100 II

• Leica 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 Lens: Bright and versatile, offering great low-light performance and bokeh.
• Micro Four Thirds Sensor: Larger than most compact cameras, giving it better image quality.
• Compact Design: Pocketable yet powerful, perfect for travel or street photography.
• 4K Video: Capable of recording high-quality video for hybrid shooters.
• Classic Control Layout: Physical dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation offer a tactile shooting experience.

Best Features of the GX85

• Interchangeable Lens System: Flexibility to choose the right lens for any shooting scenario.
• In-Body Image Stabilization: Great for both photos and video, even with lenses that lack stabilization.
• No Anti-Aliasing Filter: Sharper images with greater detail.
• 4K Video: Strong performance for videographers.
• Tilting Touchscreen: Handy for composing shots from different angles.

Which Camera is Right for You?

For Beginners or Casual Shooters

If you want an excellent camera without the hassle of dealing with multiple lenses, the LX100 II is your best bet. Its all-in-one versatility, compact design, and high-quality lens make it a solid choice for travel, street, and general photography. The LX100 II is clearly more portable overall, with its smaller dimensions and lighter weight. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-performance camera in a truly compact package.

Is the LX100 II a Good Purchase in 2024?

The Lumix LX100 II is still a strong purchase in 2024, especially for photographers who prioritize portability and want an all-in-one camera. Its large sensor and fast Leica lens provide exceptional image quality in a compact form factor, making it ideal for travel, street, and daily photography. While it lacks some features like full touch operation or articulating screens found in newer models, its core features are still relevant for photographers who value image quality over extra bells and whistles.

For Enthusiasts and Those Who Want to Grow

The GX85 is perfect if you’re looking to explore different types of photography and want the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system. Its in-body stabilization makes it a better option for video, and the camera’s overall performance holds up well, even in 2024. The GX85 is still portable, but the need to carry additional lenses can make it bulkier. However, if you prioritize flexibility in your photography with the option to change lenses, the slight sacrifice in portability might be worth it.

In summary, the LX100 II edges out the GX85 in terms of portability due to its fixed-lens design, smaller size, and lighter weight, making it ideal for those who want a grab-and-go camera.

Conclusion

Both the Lumix LX100 II and GX85 remain competitive in 2024, with the LX100 II excelling in portability and simplicity, and the GX85 offering more flexibility and customization for enthusiasts. Depending on your needs—whether you prioritize compactness or lens versatility—either camera would be a great purchase.

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Support the Site

I write these blogs in my spare time, sharing my passion for photography and helping you find the best gear for your adventures. If you’ve found this article helpful and want to support the site, the best way is by purchasing the products through the links provided below. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps keep the site running and allows me to continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support!

Here are the links to the cameras mentioned in the article:

• Panasonic GX-85
• Panasonic LX-100 II

Your support means a lot, and I truly appreciate it!