Personal View site logo
100-400mm Panasonic Leica DG zoom lens
  • image

    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.

  • 88 Replies sorted by
  • Interesting! Hopefully well working Power OIS for video. Leica certification hopefully means sharper than 100-300. Weather sealing is always a plus, and maybe even internal zoom?

  • Leica also usually mean that it will be pricey.

  • Hopefully they fix the OIS jitter in this expensive lens (unlike their other expensive 35-100/2.8 zoom)!

  • @sgreszcz 35-100mm OIS issue was fixed back in January - http://www.learningvideo.com/panasonic-35-100mm-ois/

  • $AnArmAndALeg?

  • @Tron - The 35-100mm OIS was improved, but not really fixed IMO. I'm not interested in purchasing more Power OIS lenses with the jitter issue.

  • My Lumix 35-100 does not need fixing. Works exceptionally well for me on a TriPod. Even the 100-300 works well, but I am intrigued by the 100-400

  • @v10tdi The OIS mentioned in this spec is intended for still photos being taken handheld. Even with the smoothest IS you're not going to be able to hold a stable video frame with the 100-400mm. The shot will be wandering all over the place out past 150mm and the video will look very amateurish. You gotta have a sturdy tripod if you want decent looking vids at extreme focal lengths, there's no way around it.

  • Panasonic 100-400mm info from Swedish photo fair, comes in late february, priced at 22-23000 SEK which in Sweden is about the same price as the GX8 + 12-35mm kit. another reference is the Panasonic Lecia Nocticron which cost 15000 SEK in Sweden, so It will be really expensive. “

  • @Tron - I would be able to capture usable hand-held video at the shorter focal lengths covered by the 100-400mm lens, assuming the Power OIS doesn't have the same jitter as the Power OIS on 35-100mm X lens. I'm really interested to see test results.

  • image

    Via

    zebra375.jpg
    800 x 487 - 42K
  • image

    zebra494.jpg
    501 x 452 - 37K
  • image

    zebra583.jpg
    623 x 617 - 90K
  • image

    zebra611.jpg
    492 x 578 - 65K
  • PR

    Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 2016) – Panasonic has today introduced a new telephoto lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras – the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom (H-RS100400) with Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.).

    Small, light and highly durable, the latest addition to Panasonic’s range of interchangeable lenses is perfectly suited for photographing birds and other wildlife in all types of environments.

    The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups and incorporates a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and avoid flaring. The advanced construction of the new Telephoto-Zoom leads to highest quality standard earning the LEICA Logo for a LUMIX Lens once again.

    Outstanding image quality and Telephoto-Zoom performance

    Elegantly designed with a metallic black finish, the new 100mm-400mm LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens from Panasonic provides superb image rendering across the entire zoom range. The lens’ 200-800mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and 0.5x Magnification capability provide highly detailed shots from distance, as well as stunning close up capability– ideal for subject matter regardless of shape and size.

    In order to capture steady, vibration free images across the entire zoom range, the lens also incorporates Power O.I.S. to keep unwanted shaking under control and ensure pictures look crisp and clear.

    The 100mm-400mm lens is also suited to a variety of photographic styles – with nine diaphragm blades providing a circular aperture to produce a smooth and beautiful bokeh.

    Smaller and lighter than other Telephoto-Zoom lenses

    When compared with conventional super telephoto DSLR lenses, the latest addition the LUMIX G line up offers outstanding mobility – perfect if you’re travelling and don’t want to pack too much. Similarly, the lens also boasts a durable, gapless construction so you no longer have to worry about unwanted dust or light rain damaging your equipment.

    In addition to the lens’ practical size and weight, a compact, two-part tripod mount has also been incorporated to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain right at your fingertips as they do not move when you turn the lens.

    The lens also incorporates an integrated, hide-away hood to help you capture that perfect shot, without having to worry about sun glare.

    *Stunning 4K video capability *

    Panasonic’s new LEICA Telephoto-Zoom lens is perfectly suited for 4K video recording with its construction assuring the best contrast and colors. Furthermore the Telephoto-Zoom incorporates Panasonic’s high speed and precise 240 fps AF-motor. Due to the modern design, filming can also be conducted silently, so you can get up close to the subject without drawing attention.

    As well as high resolution video, the lens’ 4K capability also enables you to take photos like never before. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function – found on LUMIX G cameras including the LUMIX DMC-G7 – lets you extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video (30fps) easily right on the camera’s screen with a simple fingertip touch.

    Key features:

    • Longest focal length for Micro Four Thirds
    • Compatible with Dual Image Stabilization
    • 240fps AF Drive
    • Zoom ring lock
    • Weather Sealing
    • Integrated Quick Shifting Tripod Mount •Integrated shift-away lens-hood
  • image

    zebra673.jpg
    796 x 529 - 74K