CES announcement.
Specs
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.
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH + $100 Gift card, $1597
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1211984-REG/panasonic_100_400mm_g_series_lens.html
Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F/4-6.3 O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens for $1369
New v1.2 firmware
Improved the performance of O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer)
http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/dl/rs100400.html
Paired with some Movo Extension Tubes:
http://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/fts/index2.html
New firmware v1.1
Improvements
The zoom was stiff initially but has smoothed out after 6 months of intermittent use. I wouldn't call it buttery but it extends in one fluid motion now whereas previously we had to traverse some pretty choppy waters getting out to max range.
@sam_rides_a_mtb Yeah I think I'm going to have to work it hard. I really like the zoom range on it.
@Tommyboy - I returned mine for that very reason - everything else about the lens is superb - just annoyingly stiff zoom ring.
Does anyone have a problem with the zoom ring being too stiff ? Is this how this zoom lens works?
Review
In terms of optical quality, the Leica 100-400mm can be successfully used with the aperture wide-open, capturing sharp details across most of the frame. Like most telephoto zooms, it performs best at the shortest end of the range, but even at 400mm, I was very satisfied with the quality. When compared side-by-side with the Lumix 100-300mm, the Leica 100-400mm generally captured crisper details and higher contrast throughout the range while of course also reaching further.
http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Leica_DG_100-400mm_f4-6.3_H-RS100400E/
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