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!