OM System’s dedication to the great outdoors has cultivated a strong following among wildlife photographers. But in some corners of the internet, the narrative persists that Micro Four Thirds [MFT] is somehow unsuitable for professional use and that a full-frame Canon, Nikon or Sony is the only option.
Wildlife photographer Andy Green (@spaceman.pics) was a full-frame advocate, but when curiosity led him to the flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II, his workflow changed for the better. The format’s compact nature, extensive reach and uncompromising tech compelled him to make a permanent switch from his own full-frame setup.
As you can see from the stunning images on display, the proof is very much in the pudding. Read on to find out more about Andy’s relationship with the OM-1 Mark II and M.Zuiko lenses, and how you can save hundreds of pounds on OM System gear.
Switching to OM System
Andy wasn’t always an OM System advocate. His previous go-to setup was the Canon EOS R5 and a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. Despite using this, admittedly formidable, pairing to great effect, he was curious about OM System’s good standing with his wildlife peers. “I’d heard so much,” he says, “particularly around portability, reach and computational photography features such as Pro Capture.”
Switching to a new system can be a daunting task for any photographer, but Andy was surprised at how quickly he adapted. It was the form factor benefits of the MFT format that really sealed the deal: “I love to be able to walk without a huge camera bag or tripod. I knew that if I were to swap brands, I’d definitely need portability to be right at the top of the list – OM delivered.”
Extended reach, fast speeds
Andy found that the flagship OM System OM-1 Mark II and M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO complemented his workflow best. This new setup wasn’t just smaller and lighter; it was faster. “The Canon 100-500mm is a good lens, but at f/7.1, I would often have to rely on ISO or the editing process,” he says. “I’m spoiled with f/2.8.”
The wildlife professional’s love of photographing skittish small birds requires lightning-fast shutter speeds, making that wide-open maximum aperture all the more important. “Even with the [OM System M.Zuiko Digital 1.4x Teleconverter (MC-14)], I’m still shooting at f/4 with an equivalent reach of 560mm, compared to 500mm at f/7.1.”
That’s because MFT cameras have a 2x crop factor. This is particularly useful for wildlife and sports photographers, because the 35mm-equivalent focal length is twice the physical focal length printed on the lens barrel. It’s therefore easier and cheaper to achieve longer focal lengths on an MFT camera, with lenses also being comparatively lighter.
Small body, pro features
“Wildlife photography is full of moments that happen once and disappear,” says Andy, “a bird taking flight, a brief interaction, a split-second behaviour.” Increased portability, light-gathering and extended reach all mean nothing if the camera tech cannot react to the action.
Thankfully, OM System cameras are packed with features that aid in capturing fleeting moments. Andy highlights Pro Capture, OM System’s coveted in-body image stabilization, and autofocus, stating that they’ve “genuinely changed the way” he approaches certain situations.
Pro Capture is a pre-capture function that causes the camera to buffer images at 120fps when the shutter button is half-pressed and after it’s released. So, if you don’t quite react quick enough as a kingfisher hits the water’s surface, you can still access the shot. Image stabilization, on the other hand, helps to mitigate camera shake at slower shutter speeds. This is ideal in poorer lighting conditions where super-fast shutter speeds aren’t always an option. And finally, the OM System OM-1 Mark II combines AI autofocus with a stacked sensor to provide whip-fast AI acquisition and sticky tracking.
Andy is keen to point out another premium feature: weather sealing. Unlike most other camera manufacturers, OM System supplies its cameras with weather-sealed ratings, the OM-1 Mark II being IP53. This provides peace of mind when operating in inclement weather, as many wildlife photographers do.
When summarising the benefits of OM System cameras, Andy says: “The reach available from relatively compact lenses, fast shooting, and weather-sealed equipment means you have a system that feels incredibly well suited to wildlife.”
If you, too, think you could benefit from a lighter system and the extended reach of an MFT camera, OM System is running a wildlife promotion from October 8 to November 1, 2026. Save up to £600 on a single item or combine items for even bigger savings!
Switch to OM System today and save BIG!
Whether you’re just starting your wildlife photography journey, looking to upgrade to a pro-grade wildlife setup, or simply intrigued by the great value, portability and extended reach of the MFT format, there’s an OM System camera-and-lens combination for you. And for a limited time, you can save big on OM System gear. Even Andy’s own OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO boasts a healthy saving of £125.
Save a combined £950 on the following pro-grade wildlife photography gear:
- OM System OM-1 Mark II
- OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO II
- OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5.0-6.3 IS
Save a combined £325 on the following beginner-friendly wildlife photography kit:
- OM System OM-5 Mark II
- OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-45mm f/4.0 PRO
- OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0 PRO
