Panasonic MFT 100-400mm lens

[MCAsan]

For those of us that shoot micro four thirds, tomorrow could be interesting. For those wanting a long tele lens we have had the choices of either a Olympus 75-300 or a Panasonic 100-300. If the rumor below is correct, Panasonic will announce a 100-400m. That would be the equivalent of a 288-800 on a 35mm FF body. If so, I should hope it stays above 5.6 on the long end.

http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-panasonic-to-announce-a-new-100-400mm-mft-lens-tomorrow/

 

[MCAsan]

No date, price, or detailed spec. Makes me wonder if it will be out by EOY. It could be a killer lens for MFT folks doing wildlife and maybe sports. In the meantime MFT folks could use either a Panasonic 100-300 or an Olympus 75-300.


New LEICA DG 200-800mm (35mm Equiv.) Zoom Lens Under Development

Panasonic is developing the first LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens (35mm camera equivalent: 200-800mm) for the Micro Four Thirds system standard to expand the lineup of DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) digital interchangeable lenses.

The LEICA DG lenses are designed and developed under the stringent quality standard certified by Leica that boast excellent optical performance. Four single focal length LEICA DG lenses have already introduced to the market and have been highly acclaimed by users worldwide.

The new telephoto zoom achieves exceptional imaging performance over the entire zoom range. It also features high speed digital signal exchange at 240 fps to comply with the high-speed, high-precision AF (Auto Focus) with DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology on LUMIX G cameras. Together with the POWER O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer), it lets users to focus on the target quickly to capture crisp, clear images. In addition, the new lens is both light and small and is splash/dust-proof to withstand heavy field use. As the new telephoto zoom lens excels in size and weight, it enables handheld 800mm (35mm camera equivalent) telephoto shooting without using a tripod.

•The photos show images of the product which may differ from its final appearance.

 

[Fafa2e]

I use my Panasonic GH4 for golf photography / video and that 200-400 would be a great lens for shooting golfers face on off the tee from behind the green, but the cost may be prohibitive.

 

[Fafa2e]

I ordered this lens from B&H on March 17th and hoping to receive it before I leave for a golf trip on April 20th. I've noticed that the early pre-orders (ordered in January) are beginning to receive their copies. The early reviews and sample images online look favorable.

 

[MCAsan]

One of my friends got his around a week ago as part of the first shipment to dealers. Personally I shoot Olympus and went the route of the 300mm Pro lens. Best piece of glass I have ever used.

 

[Fafa2e]

The Olympus 300mm Pro is a fantastic lens. I use a GH4, primarily for video and I like the flexibility of the zoom lens even though I give up sharpness and brightness (aperture) for that. How does your friend like the Pana-Leica 100-400mm so far?

 

[MCAsan]

The Olympus 300mm Pro is a fantastic lens. I use a GH4, primarily for video and I like the flexibility of the zoom lens even though I give up sharpness and brightness (aperture) for that. How does your friend like the Pana-Leica 100-400mm so far?

I have not heard from him. I suggest reading through the first impressions thread at m43Forums. Not everyone is happy with the 100-400.


https://www.mu-43.com/threads/pana-leica-100-400mm-f-4-6-3-first-impressions.83425/

 

[Fafa2e]

MCAsan - Thanks for the link, a lot of good information in there. I was particularly interested in the Panasonic 100-400mm vs Pana 100-300mm review from mirrorlessons. I am now thinking that I may pick up the Panasonic 100-300mm for $1,000 less and immediate availability. I am a video/photography hobbyist, primarily shooting golf related videos and photos. While the 100-400mm is clearly sharper with faster autofocus and weather sealing, for the amateur video/photography that I am shooting the 100-300mm would probably be adequate. According to the review, the field of view from 300mm (600mm equivalent) to 400mm (800mm equivalent) is only 1 degrees, from 4.1 to 3.1, which would probably not be significant for golfers at a distance.

 

[MCAsan]

Good luck with the 100-300. The wife and I had copies in Kenya in November. We got those new in the box on eBay for $350 each. When we got home the wife was so unhappy with how soft the shots were at 300mm that she approved us selling them off ($250 each) and getting the Olympus 300 Pro primes. We never considered the PL100-400. If I wanted the PL-100-400 I would hook it up with a GX8, not an Olympus body to get max benefits from dual IS. Pick the glass to fit the job, then the camera body. It seems as if most folks pick the body first and then with leftover money, they pick entry level glass. Good glass can last a lifetime while you might want to swap out bodies every 3-5 years.