OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO

Olympus introduced this 300mm Micro Four Thirds prime in 2016. Its tight view suits birds, wildlife and sport when subjects are distant or cannot be approached. Check whether your outing also needs a wider lens for nearby scenes or groups of animals.

The main trade-off is the fixed focal length. You change position to adjust framing, or wait for a subject to enter the chosen area. Barriers and the needs of wildlife can limit movement. Consider the weight of the full camera kit and the support available for a long session.

The lens weighs 2 lb 12.8 oz (1270 g) without the tripod adapter and measures 8.94 in (227 mm) long with the built-in hood retracted. Extend the hood for use when needed. Allow room for the adapter and caps when packing. Screw-in filters must match the 77mm front thread.

At 300mm on Micro Four Thirds, the lens selects a small part of a distant scene. A bird, animal or player occupies more of the frame as the camera gets closer. How much fits depends on subject size and distance. Check that the framing leaves room for expected movement.

The f/4 maximum aperture is the widest opening available. In woodland shade or at dusk, check whether the shutter speed needed for wildlife calls for a higher ISO. A close subject can stand out against a soft background when there is enough space behind it. Stop down when more depth is needed.

Closest focus is 4.6 ft (140 cm), measured from the sensor. Native maximum magnification is 0.24x. This range can help with larger insects, flowers and small birds. Leave room ahead of the lens for light. Support the camera for a fixed close composition and refocus after moving it. For a flower moving in the wind, wait for a still moment and check the important detail again.

Image stabilisation helps reduce blur from camera shake. It can assist with still subjects at this long focal length, but it cannot freeze a flying bird or running animal. Choose shutter speed for their movement as well as your hold. Follow the camera instructions when combining lens and body stabilisation.

The body is designed to resist dust and moisture. Use cover in persistent rain and protect the open mount during lens changes. Dry the exterior before storage after a damp session. Remove loose grit before wiping the front glass. Check for fingerprints before photographing towards a low sun or bright lamp.

Three Super ED elements sit within the 10-group design. This glass helps reduce chromatic aberration, where different colours focus at different points and leave fringes along high-contrast edges. Birds against bright sky are one relevant example. Focusing is internal, so the barrel keeps a constant length as focus changes.