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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens

BH #PA100400G • MFR #H-RS100400
 118 reviews
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens
Key Features
  • Micro Four Thirds System
  • 200-800mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/4 to f/22
  • 1 Aspherical ED, 1 UED and 2 ED Elements
A Micro Four Thirds lens with a not-so-micro zoom range, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens from Panasonic offers a truly expansive 200-800mm equivalent focal length range, yet retains a relatively compact stature to suit the Micro Four Thirds system. Characterized by its Leica branding, this sophisticated optic employs aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements to significantly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range for a high degree of image clarity and sharpness. Also benefitting image sharpness, a POWER O.I.S. system, which is compatible with Lumix G camera's Dual I.S. function, helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting at longer focal lengths.
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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-... Overview

A Micro Four Thirds lens with a not-so-micro zoom range, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens from Panasonic offers a truly expansive 200-800mm equivalent focal length range, yet retains a relatively compact stature to suit the Micro Four Thirds system. Characterized by its Leica branding, this sophisticated optic employs aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements to significantly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range for a high degree of image clarity and sharpness. Also benefitting image sharpness, a POWER O.I.S. system, which is compatible with Lumix G camera's Dual I.S. function, helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting at longer focal lengths.

Benefitting both stills shooting and video recording, a 240 fps high-speed AF motor is both quiet and precise, and a focus limiter function can be employed to constrain the focusing range for even quicker performance. Additionally, the physical design of the lens utilizes a gapless construction that renders it both dust- and moisture-resistant for use in inclement conditions. And while its lightweight, compact form factor is suitable for handheld shooting, the 100-400mm f/4-6.3 also features a removable rotating tripod collar for fast switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations when working atop a monopod or tripod.

Telephoto zoom designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, this lens offers a 200-800mm equivalent focal length.
Designed in collaboration with Leica, the 20 elements, 13 groups optical design incorporates one aspherical extra-low dispersion element, one Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion element, and two extra-low dispersion elements. The combination of aspherical and low dispersion elements helps to reduce spherical aberrations and color fringing throughout the zoom range for improved sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy.
POWER O.I.S. mechanism helps to control camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. This system is also compatible with the Dual I.S. function in select Lumix G cameras, which more effectively minimizes the appearance of camera shake by using both sensor-shift and lens-shift type stabilization methods.
A 240 fps AF motor offers fast, precise, and near-silent focusing performance to benefit both stills shooting and video recording applications.
Focus Limiter allows you to constrain the focusing range of the lens from its minimum focusing distance to infinity, or from 16.4' to infinity.
The minimum focusing distance is 4.3', which pairs with an equivalent maximum magnification of 0.5x to support working with close-up subjects.
A rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when working with selective focus and shallow depth of field techniques.
Gapless construction renders the lens both dust- and moisture-resistant to support photographing in outdoor and harsh environments.
A quick-shift, two-part rotating tripod collar permits quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations, and keeps the lens controls in the same place once rotated for more intuitive handling.
An integrated hide-away lens hood can retract around the lens when not in use, or be deployed to guard against stray light from causing unwanted lens flare and ghosting.
A zoom ring lock prevents unwanted lens creep from occurring while carrying the lens.
Dedicated levers are available to select the Focus Limiter position, AF or MF focusing methods, or to deactivate the lens-based POWER O.I.S.
UPC: 885170265295

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-... Specs

Focal Length100 to 400mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 200 to 800mm)
Maximum Aperturef/4 to 6.3
Minimum Aperturef/22
Lens MountMicro Four Thirds
Lens Format CoverageMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View12° to 3.1°
Minimum Focus Distance4.27' / 1.3 m
Maximum Magnification0.25x
Optical Design20 Elements in 13 Groups
Diaphragm Blades9, Rounded
Focus TypeAutofocus
Image StabilizationYes
Tripod CollarRemovable and Rotating
Filter Size72 mm (Front)
Dimensions (ø x L)3.27 x 6.75" / 83 x 171.5 mm
Length at Maximum Extension10.35" / 263 mm
Weight2.17 lb / 985 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight3.39 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)12.4 x 5.8 x 5.8"

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-... Reviews

Amazing Reach, Great Value

By Aaron
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-03-09

This lens, with its maximum of 800mm FF equivalent zoom, offers extreme telephoto capabilities in a compact and rugged package. The built in Image stabilization especially paired with an IBIS equipped body makes it possible to hand hold this lens. Image quality is great, as you would expect from a Leica branded lens. A few cons, zoom ring is stiff as other have mentioned. I would prefer a bayonet style lens hood. Not an everyday walk around lens, but if you're looking at this lease you probably have a reason to want the extreme focal length.

Long reach, reasonably light, good IQ

By Satyakanth
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2022-11-17

Image quality is excellent, even at 400mm, better than adapted full-frame zooms. Handheld shooting at longer focal lengths requires some practice and higher shutter speeds. Only disadvantage is that it is not compatible with a teleconverter.

Great if...

By Michael
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-08-10

This would be a great lens if the zoom was not so darn sticky. Hard to do any video with zooming in or out. Learning to use the barrel without using the control wheel.

800mm reach - what's not to love?

By Mark
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-07-13

If you are a birder and your light is decent, this lens does not disappoint -- esp on the new OM-1 where your ISO can be higher without compromise... can't recommend enough

Leica Character All The Way

By Lee
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-06-20

Over the last 25 years of my professional photographic career, I've had more expensive high-end gear then I care to count. While I never bought any Leica gear in the past, I have had the privilege of using it. One thing that has set it apart was 1st and foremost build quality coupled with the optical (character) rendition of it's output. This lens apparently has been imbued with the Leica DNA to be sure. Not only is the build quality Leicaesque, but it is sexy as heck (those of you who have been at it long enough know what I mean). I've wrung it out at all it's apertures and focal length and it matters not what F stop you're at nor the focal length it's sharp enough to cut you with. The focus motors lock focus as fast as you can blink your eye. Having been used to full frame bodies with a grip and lenses as such, this is a joy to hold and to use with an OM-1 body. What a treat!

Excellent for Wildlife

By Bob
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-12-30

I purchased this in August, along with a Panasonic G9. I tend to do quite a bit of nature photography, with an emphasis on birds. Still getting adjusted to the camera and all that it can do, but this far have been very pleased with the images this lens can capture. A vast improvement over my old Panasonic 100-300 lens. I've seldom tried using this with a tripod; I need to invest in something better than I have at the moment.

Sharp, Reach, M43 hiking lens.

By Joey
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-02-07

Love this lens. It is sharp at all focal lengths. Great Hiking lens. A joy to shoot handheld with my Panasonic G9. Plenty of reach with this lens and in my opinion no need for a teleconverter. Great time of year here in Florida to photograph Ospreys in their nests and soon with their chicks will hatch. Note second picture was heavily cropped so I can publish it here on this site. And it is still very sharp.

Great for My Trips to Tanzania

By Jim
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-01-11

I was sort of set back by the stiffness of the zoom ring but liked the performance I got out of the optics. I bought a really good, heavy duty metal screw in lens hood to fit this lens and now just grab the lens hood and use the lens as a push-pull zoom. That seems to work fairly well. At 400mm I generally shoot at f/8 and get excellent results. Wide open I did lose just a slight bit of sharpness which can be fixed with Topaz but I don't spend as much time as some people on post processing my raw files. When the Olympus 150-400 was announced, I got on the waiting list but when the price came in at $7300, I took my name off the list. This lens is a bargain compared to the 150-400. Since I have never used the Olympus lens I can't speak of performance comparisons.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Will this fit on a Leica cl?

Will this fit on a Leica cl?
Asked by: Terry
No, the CL is is based on a L-mount system. the Panasonic 100-400 is a micro-four third based lens.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-01-12

question

Hello,Wiil this lens except the Olympus 1X1.4 teleconverter?
Asked by: Dr. Rafael S.
The Olympus 1.4x teleconverter is only compatible with the following lenses:M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO LensM.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 PRO Lens
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

does the focus ring turn smoothly when operated manually or is it stiff like the 100-300?
Asked by: Anonymous
Manual focus turns smoothly.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2019-08-29

When using this lens on the OMD1M2 can you use ...

When using this lens on the OMD1M2 can you use AF+M mode?
Asked by: Mitchell
Yes, you can use this lens in AF+M mode.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-01-14

Can this be used with the Leica SL or is an ...

Can this be used with the Leica SL or is an adapter needed?
Asked by: Scott
This lens is not compatible with the Leica SL unfortunately, it is MTF to Full frame so you would also suffer in quality.
Answered by: Zachariah
Date published: 2021-02-15

Is there any weather sealing on this lens?

Is there any weather sealing on this lens?
Asked by: Eric
It's called splash and dust-proof, not weather-proof. I haven't had any problems using it in the field in Arizona doing some very dusty work and it's been in a few light drizzles. However, I've hear that it is not sealed as well some of the Olympus lenses, which are called weather sealed. I've avoided heavy downpours and immersions.
Answered by: Charles
Date published: 2020-12-14

Does panasonic do anything for customers who have ...

Does panasonic do anything for customers who have versions of the lens that have a rough/sticky zoom? Is there anything that can be done to rid a lens of this probelem?
Asked by: MATT
Please contact Panasonic at; 800.211.7262 http://www.panasonic.com/
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-12

is this lens made in china?

is this lens made in china?
Asked by: Ivan
The country of origin of this lens is Japan. Note: this can change during the course of production.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2019-02-07
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