Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens

Panasonic introduces the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds Lens, building upon the success of its predecessor. This iteration offers an expanded zoom range when coupled with the optional 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. Notably, it achieves a more compact form factor by reducing its length by over a centimeter. The lens now boasts macro capabilities, with a full-frame equivalent magnification of 0.5x, expandable to 1x with the optional 2x teleconverter.

Retaining its Leica branding, the optical design incorporates aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements. This design effectively reduces chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range, ensuring a high level of image clarity and sharpness. The POWER O.I.S. system enhances image sharpness by minimizing the impact of camera shake, particularly when shooting at longer focal lengths. Compatibility with Lumix G cameras' Dual I.S. function further contributes to stabilized images.

Operability sees improvement with the addition of a zoom limit switch on the lens body, enhancing the focus limiter function. The gapless construction of the body makes it dust- and moisture-resistant, now with an added level of freeze resistance for extended field-readiness. Despite its lightweight and compact form, the lens accommodates handheld shooting and includes a removable rotating tripod collar for seamless switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations on a monopod or tripod.

This telephoto zoom lens, designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, provides a focal length equivalent to 200-800mm in full-frame terms. Compatibility with optional teleconverters extends the 35mm equivalent focal length to 1120mm and 1600mm with the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, respectively.

Featuring a minimum focusing distance of 4.3', the lens supports close-up photography with a 35mm equivalent maximum magnification of 0.5x, expandable to 1x when using the optional 2x teleconverter. Crafted in collaboration with Leica, the lens adheres to strict quality standards, incorporating one aspherical lens, two extra-low dispersion lenses, and one ultra extra-low dispersion lens for optimal image clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy throughout the zoom range.

The lens incorporates a rounded nine-blade diaphragm, contributing to a pleasing bokeh quality for selective focus and shallow depth of field techniques. The freeze-resistant construction, coupled with dust- and moisture-resistant features, ensures resilience in outdoor and harsh environments. The on-body Zoom Limit Switch enhances autofocus performance and prevents over- and under-magnification, while the quick-shift, two-part rotating tripod collar facilitates quick orientation changes for more intuitive handling.