Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS

Micro Four Thirds (MFT/M43)

Review

The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS is an impressive super-telephoto zoom lens specifically designed for Micro Four Thirds systems. This lens is an excellent choice for nature, wildlife, and sports photographers looking to capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity and detail.

Build Quality and Design

This lens features a robust construction that feels both professional and durable. Weighing in at approximately 1,500 grams, it's relatively lightweight for a lens of this focal range, considering that typical 400mm lenses can be significantly heavier. The lens body is weather-sealed, which is critical for outdoor shooting conditions where dust and moisture can be a concern. The zoom and focus rings have a good grip, allowing for smooth and precise adjustments.

Optical Performance

When it comes to optical performance, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar does not disappoint. It delivers outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range, even at full aperture. Chromatic aberration is well-controlled, and the lens has minimal distortion, which is a common issue in lesser quality zoom lenses. The Power OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helps mitigate camera shake, making handheld shooting possible, especially at the longer end of the zoom range.

Autofocus Capabilities

The autofocus system of this lens is fast and accurate, which is essential for tracking moving subjects in wildlife and sports photography. It employs a silent autofocus motor, making it suitable for wildlife photography where silence is paramount. The only drawback here is that in low-light conditions, the autofocus may struggle a bit, requiring some patience or manual focus adjustments.

Versatility

The 100-400mm range provides excellent versatility for a variety of shooting situations. The equivalent focal length of 200-800mm on a full-frame sensor opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities. A notable feature is its compatibility with the Panasonic Teleconverter DMC-TC14, which can extend the reach even further if needed. However, users should be aware that using teleconverters may result in a decrease in image quality and autofocus performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical performance with sharp images.
• Good build quality with weather sealing.
• Fast and accurate autofocus.
• Versatile 100-400mm focal range.
• Effective optical image stabilization.

Cons

• Autofocus can slow down in low-light conditions.
• Somewhat bulky and heavier compared to other Micro Four Thirds lenses.
• Image quality may decline when using teleconverters.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS is an outstanding lens for Micro Four Thirds users who require a long-range zoom with excellent optical performance. While it has a few drawbacks, such as a bulkier size and autofocus limitations in low light, its advantages in versatility, build quality, and image quality make it a standout choice for photographers who regularly shoot distant subjects. Whether you are an aspiring wildlife photographer or a seasoned pro, this lens is sure to enhance your photographic toolkit.