Tamron SP 500mm f8 on Pen E-P2...

[Olivier]

I got my Olypus PEN E-P2 and as there was some sun, I tried it with the Tamron SP 500 F8 miror lens.
Mo asked for some pictures taken with this uncommon combo. Here they are.

First of all, let me show some pics of the combo itself.
I mounted it on a monopod because it is impossible to shoot handheld (1000mm on a 4/3 sensor).
I set the burst mode, Iso 400 and shot 3 or 4 pictures to try to obtain reasonably sharp ones.
and the body stabilization helps well. It works.
But the best would be a tripod.

I am very pleased with this cam. I like the metal finish and the build quality.
I'm very pleased either with the image quality. Iso 400 is not a problem as you'll see hereunder.
I found even Iso 1600 was quite good for low light shots with the Olympus AF 14-42mm.




Then some birds which were approx 5-6 meters from me.
Jpeg coming out of the cam. I just adjusted light and contrast a bit. Click on pictures to open in new window (1600x1200)
iso-400 1/250s

iso-400 1/200s

iso-400 1/200s

iso-400 1/250s

iso-400 1/400s


out of focus... iso-400 1/160s


Some other kinds of samples :
clock orange

proxy cat lens

far landscape (hazy air, so I had to add quite a lot of contrast)

nearly olympic games

Gardena 26

[Jesito]

Nice samples, Olivier.
You have managed very well the donughts bokeh, is barely perceptible!.
Thanks for sharing.
Jes.

[ManualFocus-G]

The first couple are really great, super sharp! I think some are suffering from camera shake, which is hardly surprising given the effective 1000mm focal length

[Olivier]

Wow, that's a fast comment, dear Jes and Graham!
Thanks a lot.

As you can see, I chose the Olympus Pen E-P2 instead of the Samsung NX-100.
In fact I wanted to experiment the micro 4/3 format and I already have an apsc sensor cam.

I find this Oly is a good camera.

Graham, that's right, some are a little shaky. 1000mm behind a screen, imagine a 1mm move which brings the bird from the left side of the frame to the center... Burst mode in conjontion with IS is the only way. Next, I'll try the tripod intead of monopod.

[rbelyell]

congrats olivier! to get the best out of the ep2 handheld, look for a used evf, it is awesome and super helpful for telephoto.

also, find a great 35-40mm and try her out as a portrait cam. i think you will be pleasantly surprised. i find it really stunning with my summicron-c 40/2.

[Olivier]

Thank you for the advice, rbelyell.

About the EVF, is it a VF-2 or VF-3 ?
Do you have tips or links to find one used ?
What would be a reasonable price ?

Thx a lot.

[Xpres]

I've used the SP500 on my EP-2, when I still had the camera, and found it very useable. A tripod and VF-2 viewfinder were essential though!

[Olivier]

Nice shot.
Thank you.

[LucisPictor]

That Tammy also works on a NEX.


Tamron SP 8/500 @ NEX-3 by LucisPictor, on Flickr


The "SpyNex" by LucisPictor, on Flickr

[Olivier]

In second one, what an impressive set !

[rbelyell]

[Olivier]

Okay, I'll keep my eyes open to find a used EVF-2.

[Himself]

[mo]

Thanks Olivier, What an impressive set up...the camera and lens together.The images are great as well .I think as you get used to how the EP-2 and Tamron work together, we will see some stunning images in the future from this combo.

[Olivier]

Thank you Mo.
I hope you're fine.

How is the weather in Australia ?
Here we have snow and it's quite cold with -5°C. We had -10°C 2 days ago. Siberian wind and cold.
I know our great nordic members are used to it. For us, this cold bites our tender skin.

[arhi_tectu1]

nice photos there like them
by the way this looks like a freaky combination small cam big lens

Regards
Catalin

[Olivier]

Thank you Catalin.
Yes, freaky but it works.