Why the OM‑1 + 40‑150mm Pro + 1.4x TC is a Killer Softball Combo
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Why the OM‑1 + 40‑150mm Pro + 1.4x TC is a Killer Softball Combo

Softball is one of the most unforgiving sports to photograph, especially if you’re chasing that exact moment when the ball meets the bat. Between the speed of the pitch, the compact size of the ball in the frame, and the split‑second timing required, even experienced action shooters can feel a step behind. With the OM System OM‑1 paired with the M.Zuiko 40–150mm f/2.8 Pro and 1.4x teleconverter, though, you’ve got a setup that’s more than capable of freezing that decisive instant—as long as your exposure, autofocus strategy, and timing are working together. In this article, I’ll walk through how I set up the camera, where I position myself on the field, and the practical shooting workflow I’m using right now to consistently capture sharp, dramatic ball‑on‑bat images.

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Panasonic Leica 9mm f1.7 – Tiny Lens, Huge Field of View
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Panasonic Leica 9mm f1.7 – Tiny Lens, Huge Field of View

The Leica 9mm f1.7 has quietly become one of the most compelling wide‑angle options for Micro Four Thirds, and it really comes alive on the OM‑1. Together they form a tiny, weather‑sealed combo that delivers a dramatic 18mm‑equivalent field of view, rock‑solid stabilization, and a fast f1.7 aperture for clean low‑light work. Add in the lens’s close‑focus “half‑macro” look, minimal focus breathing, and 55 mm filter thread, and you get a wide‑angle setup that’s just as comfortable shooting cinematic handheld video as it is tackling landscapes, interiors, and everyday storytelling.

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Hearth Phoenix - 2025
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Hearth Phoenix - 2025

Some scenes just stop you in your tracks. Hearth Phoenix is one of those rare finds: a lone stone chimney standing in a cleared field, wrapped in vines, crowned by a small tree that refused to give up.

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Caesar Creek Wellman Ramp 2026
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Caesar Creek Wellman Ramp 2026

Features nearby restrooms, ample parking, and a designated boat camp/swim area just to the north, ideal for anglers and boaters.

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Car Meet – Hot Rods and Classics | April 2026
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Car Meet – Hot Rods and Classics | April 2026

A lively car meet packed with pristine hot rods, classic cruisers, and timeless American iron. From low‑slung custom builds to restored vintage sedans and muscle cars, this gathering celebrates automotive craftsmanship, nostalgia, and the culture of cruising.

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OM‑System 12‑100mm f/4 IS Pro and the 12‑200mm f/3.5‑6.3 - WHICH One?
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

OM‑System 12‑100mm f/4 IS Pro and the 12‑200mm f/3.5‑6.3 - WHICH One?

In this post I compare the OM System 12‑100mm f/4 PRO and the 12‑200mm to help you decide which lens deserves a spot on your Micro Four Thirds kit. I break down real‑world performance in sharpness, zoom range, stabilization, low‑light capability, and build quality, using my OM‑1 Mark II and typical landscape, travel, and wildlife shooting as the test bed. If you’re trying to choose between a pro‑grade all‑rounder and an ultra‑versatile superzoom, this side‑by‑side will make your decision a lot clearer.

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Remembering Ohio Renaissance 2025 (and Planning for This Year)
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

Remembering Ohio Renaissance 2025 (and Planning for This Year)

Relive the magic of Ohio Renaissance Festival 2025 through a photographer’s lens and gear up for the 2026 season. This Ohio‑based blog shares behind‑the‑scenes memories, favorite photo spots, and a practical plan for shooting the festival—from early‑morning light to golden‑hour crowds—perfect for Ohio photographers and renaissance‑fair fans planning their next visit.

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🌸 Cherry Blossom Magic at Ault Park | Cincinnati, Ohio | Spring
Rex Middlehot Rex Middlehot

🌸 Cherry Blossom Magic at Ault Park | Cincinnati, Ohio | Spring

Every spring, Ault Park in Cincinnati transforms into a sea of soft pink and white as the weeping Japanese cherry trees come into full bloom. From mid‑March to mid‑April, the cherry blossom grove along Observatory Road and Observatory Circle becomes one of the city’s most photographed spots, drawing photographers, families, and painters eager to celebrate the arrival of spring.

The trees line the hillside slopes near the Ault Park Commons, creating a dreamy canopy that’s perfect for slow strolls, quiet contemplation, or a carefully composed photo session. If you time your visit close to peak bloom—a window that often falls around late March— you’ll experience the blossoms at their most vibrant, though the display typically lasts only about a week.

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