IS on Olympus camera when using non native lens: What happens when you use a non native lens on an Olympus camera but don't manually set the IS program? Does the camera go to some...

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

What happens when you use a non native lens on an Olympus camera but don't manually set the IS program? Does the camera go to some default IS mode?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You probably need to set the focal length of the lens manually in the IS system / menu. That's what you'd need to do on a Sony or Canon.

The IS effectiveness is 'best' when set to the actual focal length of the lens. The viewfinder's stabilization (what you see as you compose) also looks better (more stable / less jerky) when the focal length is set properly.

See your manual for the how-to process.

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

CHG_CANON wrote:

You probably need to set the focal length of the lens manually in the IS system / menu. That's what you'd need to do on a Sony or Canon.

The IS effectiveness is 'best' when set to the actual focal length of the lens. The viewfinder's stabilization (what you see as you compose) also looks better (more stable / less jerky) when the focal length is set properly.

See your manual for the how-to process.

Thanks for your advice

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Urnst wrote:

What happens when you use a non native lens on an Olympus camera but don't manually set the IS program? Does the camera go to some default IS mode?

Unless you turn off the actual IS, the IS will work regardless of the lens. CHG_CANON may be correct that the bodies will adjust somewhat for the non-native lens's length if entered. I have only used Olympus / OMDS lenses and have entered them into each of my body's systems. I am not familiar with what happens when one enters a non-native lens in the system. I do know that unless it is an Olympus / OMDS dual IS lens, one must choose either the lens IS or the body IS. My suggestion is to choose the lens's IS if your lens has IS and is 150mm or longer. Otherwise I would choose just the body's IS for the shorter lens lengths.

fetzler Loc: North West PA

IS will work correctly with any lens that has electronic communication with the camera. If the aperture and focal length are recorded you are ok. I have Panasonic lenses that work fine on Oly bodies.

If you have a lens without electronic connections then you have to set the focal length in the menu.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Urnst wrote:

What happens when you use a non native lens on an Olympus camera but don't manually set the IS program? Does the camera go to some default IS mode?

As long as it’s a M4/3 lens with contacts there will be no problem. If it’s a manual lens you’ll need to set the focal length. I believe it’s in the stabilization menu but depends on the model.

JimRPhoto Loc: Raleigh NC

Hello Urnst. I have the Olympus MFT bodies - an E M1ii and E M5ii. I have mounted a LUMIX 100-300mm to the E M5 and the camera recognizes the lens. That particular lens has its own IS, but I researched both here and in an after market book, and I keep the IS on the lens turned off. Everything works just as it would for an Olympus lens, even things like the built in HDR and keystone adjustment. I do believe, however, that focus stacking (if the camera has that feature) will only work with specific Olympus lenses. I have not tried any other manufacturer’s lenses, but I hope the info on the use with LUMIX lenses helps. JimR

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

fetzler wrote:

IS will work correctly with any lens that has electronic communication with the camera. If the aperture and focal length are recorded you are ok. I have Panasonic lenses that work fine on Oly bodies.

If you have a lens without electronic connections then you have to set the focal length in the menu.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Urnst wrote:

What happens when you use a non native lens on an Olympus camera but don't manually set the IS program? Does the camera go to some default IS mode?

If you are using a manual lens, and IS is turned on, it will use whatever it is set to use. And this can be really bad if it is really set wrong. For example, if you last used a manual wide angle lens and did set the focal length, and next you use a telephoto lens and forget to change it, the results can be way worse than what they might be not using it at all. I speak from experience.

Urnst Loc: Brownsville, Texas

JimH123 wrote:

If you are using a manual lens, and IS is turned on, it will use whatever it is set to use. And this can be really bad if it is really set wrong. For example, if you last used a manual wide angle lens and did set the focal length, and next you use a telephoto lens and forget to change it, the results can be way worse than what they might be not using it at all. I speak from experience.

thanks