Capturing the wild
with the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 100‑400mm F5.0‑6.3 IS II

By OM SYSTEM Ambassador Tiffany Taxis

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II is an incredibly versatile and compact telephoto lens that provides a 200-800mm equivalent on full-frame systems. This makes it a perfect wildlife photography lens, where long focal reach is key. Its lightweight build is perfect for hiking through rugged Wyoming landscapes, giving you the flexibility to move freely while still capturing sharp, detailed images.

Shooting Handheld

Handheld shooting in wildlife photography offers several advantages over using a tripod, particularly in unpredictable environments such as Yellowstone National Park, where I put this lens to the test. As I embarked on my winter snow coach into the interior of Yellowstone, I knew this lens would allow me the versatility and ability to capture a variety of wildlife images.

Wildlife is constantly on the move, and shooting handheld gives you the freedom to quickly adjust your angle, framing, and composition. Whether it’s a sudden movement from an animal or a fleeting moment of golden light, handheld shooting lets you react quickly without the hassle of repositioning a tripod. Plus, it’s a lot easier to maneuver through tough terrain, dense forests, rocky ground, where setting up a tripod can be nearly impossible.

OM-1 Mark II | M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II | 1/2000s | F6.3 | ISO 640

Wildlife is constantly on the move, and shooting handheld gives you the freedom to quickly adjust your angle, framing, and composition. Whether it’s a sudden movement from an animal or a fleeting moment of golden light, handheld shooting lets you react quickly without the hassle of repositioning a tripod. Plus, it’s a lot easier to maneuver through tough terrain, dense forests, rocky ground, where setting up a tripod can be nearly impossible.

OM-1 Mark II | M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II | 1/2000s | F6.3 | ISO 640

This flexibility is key for capturing those spontaneous, once-in-a-lifetime shots that would be missed if you were stuck to a tripod.
When shooting handheld, I rely on the built-in stabilization of both my camera and lens to minimize shake or movement. In low-light situations, where I have to drop my shutter speed, I find ways to steady the camera by resting it on rocks, branches, or even my knee.

M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II lens offers fantastic image stabilization, giving me the confidence to shoot at slower shutter speeds even in dim settings, ensuring sharp, well-exposed images every time.

OM-1 Mark II | M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II | 1/400s | F13 | ISO 2500

OM-1 Mark II | M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II | 1/1600s | F6.3 | ISO 2500

See 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II

The Details Matter

In wildlife photography, details matter. The quality of your image is what allows you to capture the raw emotion and intricacies of your subject. Whether it’s the texture of an animal’s fur or the delicate snowflakes on a bison’s snout, it’s those finer details that breathe life into a photo. A high-quality lens ensures that even fast-moving subjects, like birds in flight, are captured in sharp focus with crisp details. In wildlife photography, lighting conditions can vary greatly, from bright sunlight to low-light environments like forests or dawn, so having a camera and lens that deliver crisp, noise-free images even at higher ISO settings is essential. Superior image quality not only enhances the visual appeal of a photograph but also helps tell a compelling story, preserving the subject’s natural beauty in ways that resonate with viewers and create an emotional connection to the wild.

OM-1 Mark II | M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II | 1/100s | F6.3 | ISO 100

Previsualization

Pre-visualization is a vital part of wildlife photography. It’s the mental process of envisioning the image you want to capture before you even take the shot. By thinking ahead about the lighting, composition, animal behavior, and environment, you can better position yourself to capture the perfect moment. This kind of planning means you’re not just reacting in the moment, you’re anticipating what might happen, which gives you a better chance of getting that shot. Pre-visualization helps you make the most of your time in the field, especially in fast-moving or unpredictable situations, and reduces missed opportunities.

OM-1 Mark II | M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II | 1/500s | F8 | ISO 640

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II is the kind of lens that supports a wide range of creative possibilities without needing to swap lenses. As a photographer, I’m always thinking about how to see a scene differently or how to find a unique angle or perspective. This lens offers the flexibility to capture both distant wildlife and expansive environmental shots with ease, allowing me to adapt quickly to whatever the scene presents without ever needing to change gear.

See 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS II
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Tiffany Taxis | OM SYSTEM Ambassador

Tiffany is a wildlife photographer and naturalist guide in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Growing up near the water, her love for scuba diving brought her close to nature and marine life and provided a profound appreciation for wildlife. Enamored by photographing life under the water and landscapes above, led Tiffany to fall in love with photography. She pursued a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art with a focus in Photography and moved to Jackson shortly after to explore the mountain west through the lens of her camera.

Tiffany is focused on fostering a deep appreciation and connection to wildlife through her photographic work. Her bright and ethereal post processing brings her work to life and establishes connection between the animal and viewer. Whether photographing unique animal behavior, or guiding guests through the mountains, Tiffany is always excited to share her passion for wildlife and both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, where she spends most of her days. This summer Tiffany will be living and working at Brooks Lodge in Katmai National Park.


Connect with Tiffany

Website: Tiffany Taxis

Instagram: @tiffanytaxis

Facebook: @tiffanytaxisphotography