Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

For me, purchasing the Lumix gh3 with 14-150mm Vario-Elmar and the battery grip was not a move up from using a point and shoot. It was a successful lateral move. I'm a semi-professional photographer and I've been in the image-making business for nearly 40 years. I've only used full-frame 35mm or larger cameras, so I was initially concerned that in moving to the lighter-weight Lumix gh3 system, I might lose the performance I'd come to expect from my gear. BUT I'm very happy to say that misconception was short lived.

I primarily photograph commissioned fine art, travel and architecture. I keep my kit simple. Of course, tastes are very individual, but to me, the Lumix gh3, battery grip and 14-150mm are the same as my d700 or d3, with battery grips and the Nikon 28-300mm lens—only significantly lighter weight but not lesser in image quality or durability of equipment (for my needs; I don't shoot combat, weddings or sports).

The Panasonic 14-150mm Vario-Elmar MEGA OIS is basically my primary lens. In my opinion, it's better than the Nikon equivalent because it exhibits less distortion, is dramatically lighter weight and focuses just as fast. When I was researching this lens, one of the complaints I kept coming across was that there was too much hunting for focus in low light or low contrast. To me, that's not a complaint; it's true, it's a fact of photo-life but if you're going to complain don't buy it. Just spend a few thousand more and hire a Sherpa to lug your lens around.

One con-ish issue is that I don't think the MEGA OIS is as good as some other stabilization systems I've used. It might be good for 1.5 to 2 stops, but not 3 or 4. That said, I would highly recommend this lens to a friend.

I did have to buy an adaptor for the lens. But for my style of shooting, I don't perceive any loss of functionality. Everything works great. And the B&H pricing was less expensive than the factory.

The camera is great, the lens is great, the grip is great, the adapter is great, everything is great. Life is beautiful—thanks B&H.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I bought this lens used from B&H and it was in brand new condition as stated. I use it on my Leica Digilux 3 and my Olympus E-5. When shooting nature/landscape outdoors, this is my main lens unless there is severe weather, then switch to the weather sealed 12-60 Oly. This lens is tack sharp in the center with a bit of softness on the edge and is very sharp even wide open. My only complaint is lens creep at mid zoom and my worries that such a suction will eventually put dust inside the lens. Beyond wishing it to be a little faster, at least 2.8, I have nothing but praise for this fast focusing fabulous lens.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I use this lens extensively with a GH2 as my primary travel camera or whenever I need a lightweight rig. This lens along with the 7-14mm wide angle and 20mm pancake are always with me.

I like the lens quite a bit. It very sharp and really excels at landscape, portraits and documentary style work. It is a very versatile lens that covers quite a broad zoom range and is relatively lightweight compared to 35mm equivalents. As with Leica/Panasonic, construction is top notch. The IS mode is capable and allows handholding at rather slow shutter speeds.

As for the negatives, the lens is rather slow compared to 35mm counterparts and limits my intended use somewhat. The relatively slow 3.5 doesn't provide the shallow depth of field or degree of bokeh that I would prefer for portraits or that one would expect from a dedicated portrait lens. (Hopefully Panasonic will release such a lens soon). Also, the slow speed limits performance in low light situations. The lens is a bit soft in the corners which came as a bit of a suprise. Given the price of this lens, I would have expected better capabilities. I am unhappy with the quality and thought put into the lens cap and lens hood. Both are rather flimsy and fall off and inconvenient times. I recently lost both while flying over Afghanistan in a helicopter and the replacement cost was over $130 for these two pieces of plastic.

All in all though, I am happy with the lens as there really is nothing comparable for the 4/3 system. I you must have a sharp, do it all zoom lens for your 4/3 system then this is really the best option. If you can afford to wait though, I would in hopes that Panasonic releases a newer version with upgraded capabilities to improve DOF and low light performance.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I obtained this lens mostly for for outdoor vacation photos when I want to travel light - I can take this and the Olympus 25/2.8 "pancake" and cover most situations.

All lenses make compromises. This lens isn't particularly fast, but is not heavy, and it is sharp throughout its zoom range. It's pricier than the Olympus 18-180, but has wider angle and is sharper wide open, which are important to me. It focuses faster than the 14-50/2.8 Leica. At full zoom it exhibits purple fringing in backlight situations at all apertures. At 50mm it is sharper than the 14-50/2.8 Leica, and at 14mm it is just as sharp. The 14-50/2.8 is a touch wider angle at 14mm than the 14-150 is at the same focal length.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

Considering all that it's asked to do, this Panny/Leica 14-150 zoom is proof that you get what you pay for. I've been wanting this lens for quite some time, but always held off due to the price. After all, it's not a constant f2.8 lens and let's face it, any lenses associated with Leica will not run cheap.

But this Panny/Leica lens has fulfilled all my expectations and then some. From the moment you open the box to remove the lens, you recognize that here is a fine instrument - and not your typical all in one zoom...that's for sure.

Right now I am using it on one of my Olympus E-1 cameras, and I periodically take it off and use it with the Olympus E330. That's the reason I got this lens - to put on my non-stabilized older Olympus 4/3 bodies.

The lens exhibits superb contrasts and the clarity of the images that are the result of using this lens is something you would expect from much more expensive short zooms or primes. The OIS functions superbly - but is not as good as the VR II in the Nikon lenses or the VC in some of the Tamron stabilized lenses.

I'm quite satisfied with this lens and again, you get what you pay for - and this is one of the finest examples of that olde adage.

Highly Recommended....

Ben Herrmann

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

It's built well and quality is obviously its strong point.

The lens is too heavy for the Panasonic GF-1 micro four-thirds camera which makes it awkward to carry around and capture good shots easily. The focusing is tricky and requires fiddling around to get the best shot.

I would hesitate to recommend this item to any casual photographer.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

...great complementary lens for the leica digilux 3 4/3rds system...

...this, plus the new prime 25mm 1.4 summilux lens, is all you will need for nearly all photographic requirements (wide, long, low-light, shallow dof, etc.)...

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

This lens is smaller than I thought it would be for the zoom range. It has some weight to it, but it is not objectionable at all. In my limited use since I've had it it seems very sharp and faster than the aperture range would indicate. I would wish for a bigger aperture, or even a fixed one but that would have added to weight and size. The quality and feel of the lens is absolutely the best I've seen. A great walkaround lens with a very useful zoom range.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I tested this lens against an Olympus Zuiko 14-54, at four focal lengths common to both. I used a tripod, cable release, and mirror lockup, and took the same pictures with both in the same light, at all apertures with both lenses. The Panasonic/Leica did not match the Olympus in either color or sharpness at any aperture; and this was only the mid-level Olympus, not the top. I had high hopes, but they weren't met.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

This relatively compact lens is surprisingly sharp, with excellent contrast and great colour rendition. Purple fringing can be provoked in extreme circumstances, but normally not an issue. Expensive, but by a significant margin, may be the best DSLR 10X zoom available today. Another great Leica designed lens for the 4/3 system.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

For me, purchasing the Lumix gh3 with 14-150mm Vario-Elmar and the battery grip was not a move up from using a point and shoot. It was a successful lateral move. I'm a semi-professional photographer and I've been in the image-making business for nearly 40 years. I've only used full-frame 35mm or larger cameras, so I was initially concerned that in moving to the lighter-weight Lumix gh3 system, I might lose the performance I'd come to expect from my gear. BUT I'm very happy to say that misconception was short lived.

I primarily photograph commissioned fine art, travel and architecture. I keep my kit simple. Of course, tastes are very individual, but to me, the Lumix gh3, battery grip and 14-150mm are the same as my d700 or d3, with battery grips and the Nikon 28-300mm lens—only significantly lighter weight but not lesser in image quality or durability of equipment (for my needs; I don't shoot combat, weddings or sports).

The Panasonic 14-150mm Vario-Elmar MEGA OIS is basically my primary lens. In my opinion, it's better than the Nikon equivalent because it exhibits less distortion, is dramatically lighter weight and focuses just as fast. When I was researching this lens, one of the complaints I kept coming across was that there was too much hunting for focus in low light or low contrast. To me, that's not a complaint; it's true, it's a fact of photo-life but if you're going to complain don't buy it. Just spend a few thousand more and hire a Sherpa to lug your lens around.

One con-ish issue is that I don't think the MEGA OIS is as good as some other stabilization systems I've used. It might be good for 1.5 to 2 stops, but not 3 or 4. That said, I would highly recommend this lens to a friend.

I did have to buy an adaptor for the lens. But for my style of shooting, I don't perceive any loss of functionality. Everything works great. And the B&H pricing was less expensive than the factory.

The camera is great, the lens is great, the grip is great, the adapter is great, everything is great. Life is beautiful—thanks B&H.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I bought this lens used from B&H and it was in brand new condition as stated. I use it on my Leica Digilux 3 and my Olympus E-5. When shooting nature/landscape outdoors, this is my main lens unless there is severe weather, then switch to the weather sealed 12-60 Oly. This lens is tack sharp in the center with a bit of softness on the edge and is very sharp even wide open. My only complaint is lens creep at mid zoom and my worries that such a suction will eventually put dust inside the lens. Beyond wishing it to be a little faster, at least 2.8, I have nothing but praise for this fast focusing fabulous lens.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I use this lens extensively with a GH2 as my primary travel camera or whenever I need a lightweight rig. This lens along with the 7-14mm wide angle and 20mm pancake are always with me.

I like the lens quite a bit. It very sharp and really excels at landscape, portraits and documentary style work. It is a very versatile lens that covers quite a broad zoom range and is relatively lightweight compared to 35mm equivalents. As with Leica/Panasonic, construction is top notch. The IS mode is capable and allows handholding at rather slow shutter speeds.

As for the negatives, the lens is rather slow compared to 35mm counterparts and limits my intended use somewhat. The relatively slow 3.5 doesn't provide the shallow depth of field or degree of bokeh that I would prefer for portraits or that one would expect from a dedicated portrait lens. (Hopefully Panasonic will release such a lens soon). Also, the slow speed limits performance in low light situations. The lens is a bit soft in the corners which came as a bit of a suprise. Given the price of this lens, I would have expected better capabilities. I am unhappy with the quality and thought put into the lens cap and lens hood. Both are rather flimsy and fall off and inconvenient times. I recently lost both while flying over Afghanistan in a helicopter and the replacement cost was over $130 for these two pieces of plastic.

All in all though, I am happy with the lens as there really is nothing comparable for the 4/3 system. I you must have a sharp, do it all zoom lens for your 4/3 system then this is really the best option. If you can afford to wait though, I would in hopes that Panasonic releases a newer version with upgraded capabilities to improve DOF and low light performance.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I obtained this lens mostly for for outdoor vacation photos when I want to travel light - I can take this and the Olympus 25/2.8 "pancake" and cover most situations.

All lenses make compromises. This lens isn't particularly fast, but is not heavy, and it is sharp throughout its zoom range. It's pricier than the Olympus 18-180, but has wider angle and is sharper wide open, which are important to me. It focuses faster than the 14-50/2.8 Leica. At full zoom it exhibits purple fringing in backlight situations at all apertures. At 50mm it is sharper than the 14-50/2.8 Leica, and at 14mm it is just as sharp. The 14-50/2.8 is a touch wider angle at 14mm than the 14-150 is at the same focal length.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

Considering all that it's asked to do, this Panny/Leica 14-150 zoom is proof that you get what you pay for. I've been wanting this lens for quite some time, but always held off due to the price. After all, it's not a constant f2.8 lens and let's face it, any lenses associated with Leica will not run cheap.

But this Panny/Leica lens has fulfilled all my expectations and then some. From the moment you open the box to remove the lens, you recognize that here is a fine instrument - and not your typical all in one zoom...that's for sure.

Right now I am using it on one of my Olympus E-1 cameras, and I periodically take it off and use it with the Olympus E330. That's the reason I got this lens - to put on my non-stabilized older Olympus 4/3 bodies.

The lens exhibits superb contrasts and the clarity of the images that are the result of using this lens is something you would expect from much more expensive short zooms or primes. The OIS functions superbly - but is not as good as the VR II in the Nikon lenses or the VC in some of the Tamron stabilized lenses.

I'm quite satisfied with this lens and again, you get what you pay for - and this is one of the finest examples of that olde adage.

Highly Recommended....

Ben Herrmann

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

It's built well and quality is obviously its strong point.

The lens is too heavy for the Panasonic GF-1 micro four-thirds camera which makes it awkward to carry around and capture good shots easily. The focusing is tricky and requires fiddling around to get the best shot.

I would hesitate to recommend this item to any casual photographer.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

...great complementary lens for the leica digilux 3 4/3rds system...

...this, plus the new prime 25mm 1.4 summilux lens, is all you will need for nearly all photographic requirements (wide, long, low-light, shallow dof, etc.)...

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

This lens is smaller than I thought it would be for the zoom range. It has some weight to it, but it is not objectionable at all. In my limited use since I've had it it seems very sharp and faster than the aperture range would indicate. I would wish for a bigger aperture, or even a fixed one but that would have added to weight and size. The quality and feel of the lens is absolutely the best I've seen. A great walkaround lens with a very useful zoom range.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

I tested this lens against an Olympus Zuiko 14-54, at four focal lengths common to both. I used a tripod, cable release, and mirror lockup, and took the same pictures with both in the same light, at all apertures with both lenses. The Panasonic/Leica did not match the Olympus in either color or sharpness at any aperture; and this was only the mid-level Olympus, not the top. I had high hopes, but they weren't met.

Comments about Panasonic 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario-Elmar MEGA O.I.S. Lens for Four Thirds:

This relatively compact lens is surprisingly sharp, with excellent contrast and great colour rendition. Purple fringing can be provoked in extreme circumstances, but normally not an issue. Expensive, but by a significant margin, may be the best DSLR 10X zoom available today. Another great Leica designed lens for the 4/3 system.