Also remember the 1/focal length rule of thumb was invented in a time that there was ONLY viewfinders. Having your head as a point of stability is a huge asset with long lenses, and tiny bodies. Holding something out in space and not having it move in one or more of the 3 dimensions is VERY difficult. I'm very successful with my 100-300 even out at 300mm at pretty low shutter speeds with the IS, but I have it locked to my face, solid stance, elbows in, hand under the base of the lens. In that stance, I can shoot <1/100 even at times. Hold it out in front of me and that goes out the window.

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Zach Pierce
Photos
OMD, GH2, G1

I found and bought a used vf2 on eBay. I think it will help drastically. Planning on another body at some point as well. I'll take a look at the g2.

I'd suggest a G3 or GH2. I find that I'm often at higher ISO's with this lens to achieve the desired shutter speeds with the longer focal lengths. I'd suggest one of the bodies with the newer sensors with better high iso performance.

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Zach Pierce
Photos
OMD, GH2, G1

The VF2 will give you a ton of help, don't forget to smash your nose up a bit in order to attain a solid camera holding base. With the camera off-face you have an open triangle between the camera and face ... now you can close the triangle by smashing your nose.

Good Luck and Good Shooting,
G

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"Everywhere you look there are photographs, it is up to us photogs to see them."- Gary Ayala
My Snaps are Here: Unsharp At Any Speed
Critiquing my images is welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Out of curiosity, are you turning off all IS/IBIS when on monopod? Or do you only do that on a tripod?

It is best to turn IS/IBIS off if using any rigid support (monopod, tripod, fence post, etc).

IBIS on the new OMD really seems to blur the image if left on while using a rigid support (I tested using a 500mm mirror lens).

With the 100-300, I keep the IS on even when mounted on a tripod, it helps with wind induced vibrations. I have other lenses that I can't do that with, but the 100-300 is ok.

90% of my shooting is done with lens 400mm or longer, and getting the shutter speed up is really not optional, regardless of IS.