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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens

BH #PA5020028 • MFR #H-ES50200
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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens
Key Features
  • Micro Four Thirds System
  • 100-400mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Two UED Elements, Two ED Elements
A flexible optic ideal for wildlife, outdoor, and nature photography, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens from Panasonic is a 100-400mm equivalent zoom designed in collaboration with Leica for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The long reach is complemented by a bright f/2.8-4 maximum aperture range, which benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords control over depth of field for isolating subjects. The optical design incorporates several low dispersion elements, two aspherical elements, and an ultra-high refractive index element to control both chromatic and spherical aberrations for improved clarity and sharpness. A Nano Surface Coating has also been applied to limit flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.
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Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2... Overview

A flexible optic ideal for wildlife, outdoor, and nature photography, the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens from Panasonic is a 100-400mm equivalent zoom designed in collaboration with Leica for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The long reach is complemented by a bright f/2.8-4 maximum aperture range, which benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords control over depth of field for isolating subjects. The optical design incorporates several low dispersion elements, two aspherical elements, and an ultra-high refractive index element to control both chromatic and spherical aberrations for improved clarity and sharpness. A Nano Surface Coating has also been applied to limit flare and ghosting for increased contrast and color fidelity when working in strong lighting conditions.

Benefitting both stills shooting and video recording, a 240 fps high-speed AF motor offers quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance. Also, a POWER Optical Image Stabilizer will compensate for camera shake and works with Panasonic's Dual I.S. and Dual I.S. 2.0 in-camera stabilization functions to minimize the appearance of camera shake. Additionally, the physical design of the lens is dust- and moisture-resistant, as well as freeze-proof, for use in inclement shooting conditions.

With a 100-400mm equivalent focal length range on Micro Four Thirds cameras, this telephoto prime is well suited to working with distant subject matter.
Bright f/2.8-4 maximum aperture range excels when working in difficult lighting conditions and provides increased control over depth of field.
Two ultra extra-low dispersion elements and two extra-low dispersion elements minimize various aberrations in order to produce a high degree of clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy.
Two aspherical elements and one ultra high refractive index element help to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations for improved sharpness and accurate rendering throughout the zoom range.
Nano Surface Coating has been applied to individual elements to reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color neutrality.
POWER Optical Image Stabilizer minimizes the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting, and also supports the Dual I.S. and Dual I.S. 2.0 functions for increased stabilization performance.
A 240 fps AF motor offers fast, precise, and near-silent focusing performance to benefit both stills shooting and video recording applications.
Splash, dust, and freezeproof design benefits working in inclement weather conditions down to -14°F.
Compatible with optional 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to further extend the effective reach.
UPC: 885170338739

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2... Specs

Focal Length
50 to 200mm (35mm Equivalent: 100 to 400mm)
Aperture
Maximum: f/2.8 to 4
Minimum: f/22
Lens Mount
Micro Four Thirds
Lens Format Coverage
Micro Four Thirds
Angle of View
24° to 6.2°
Minimum Focus Distance
2.46' / 75 cm
Magnification
1:4 Macro Reproduction Ratio
0.25x Magnification
Optical Design
21 Elements in 15 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Filter Size
67 mm (Front)
Dimensions
ø: 2.99 x L: 5.2" / ø: 76 x L: 132 mm
Weight
1.44 lb / 655 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.195 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.25 x 4.5 x 4.5"

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2... Reviews

The Perfect Balance for Wildlife

By Barry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-04-25

Paired With: Panasonic LUMIX G9 II Primary Use Cases: Wildlife Photography (Antarctica & Nepal Safari) I originally purchased the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH specifically for an expedition to Antarctica. Knowing I would be shooting primarily from a bobbing Zodiac or relatively close to the wildlife on shore, I had to make a tough choice regarding focal length. I initially considered the longer 100-400mm, but I suspected that trying to keep a subject in the frame at those extreme lengths while bouncing around on the water would be an exercise in frustration. Choosing the 50-200mm turned out to be exactly the right move; keeping the camera steady and on-target from a boat was challenging enough even at the 200mm mark! The Antarctica Experience: Speed and Sharpness In short: the results were absolutely stunning. This is the first time I have been completely, unreservedly happy with my telephoto results. - Autofocus: Combined with the G9 II, the AF system simply nailed it. It was incredibly fast to lock on, which is essential when shooting moving wildlife from a moving boat. I was able to get shots of animals that only appeared for a few seconds that I was able to get that would have been nearly impossible on my old GH5 with its poor AF capabilities. - Image Quality: The rendering is everything you expect from the Leica badge. The images are exceptionally sharp and the f/2.8-4 aperture keeps everything bright and punchy. - The "Problem": The lens performed so well that I legitimately have too many images that I love, and I am actively struggling to narrow down the selection for printing. The Safari Experience: Testing the 2.0x Teleconverter Later, I took this same setup on a safari in Nepal. The shooting conditions here were the exact opposite of Antarctica: we were stationary in a jeep, but the animals were much farther away. To bridge the gap, I attached the Panasonic 2.0x Teleconverter (DMW-TC20) to extend my reach. - The Upside: It absolutely does what it is supposed to do, allowing you to get much closer to the action when you are physically restricted. - The Compromise: In this configuration, there is a noticeable drop in sharpness, particularly when pushed to the full reach of the zoom. The Final Verdict The jury is still out on whether I will keep using the 2.0x teleconverter, but the bare 50-200mm lens is an absolute masterpiece. It hits the perfect sweet spot between reach, speed, and maneuverability. If you are shooting wildlife where you need fast autofocus and premium sharpness without wrestling a massive lens, this is the one to get. Pros: Blazing fast and accurate autofocus. Phenomenal sharpness and bright optics (f/2.8-4). Perfect focal range for tracking subjects from moving vehicles or boats. Relatively compact given its equivalent reach. Cons: Noticeable degradation in sharpness when paired with the 2.0x teleconverter at maximum reach.

Excellent lens in a small package

By Satya
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-09-28

I am coming from a DSLR background where any zoom is big and constant f/2.8 zooms are quite heavy. This is a relief. As I zoom in to longer focal length, my initial shots were blurry. I needed to get used to it and learn to keep the hands more steady, or use a support to lean on. Once I got it, the shots are very crisp and pleasing. Using it in daylight is no problem. When the light goes down, I can only use it at f/2.8 on the wide end. Get a faster prime of your most used focal length, or a flash, if you use it a lot in low light, zoomed in.

See any errors on this page?

Where is this lens made?

Where is this lens made?
Asked by: Jayesh
This lens is made in China.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-01-12

Will this lens work with the DMC-L1?

Will this lens work with the DMC-L1?
Asked by: Marc
Yes it will work with DMC-L1
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2021-01-14

This lens on OM Systems OM 1 - will back button ...

This lens on OM Systems OM 1 - will back button focus work (using AF button)?
Asked by: Susan
Hi Susan! We encourage you to check directly with the manufacturer of the camera for more details, as we do not have exact information on this available. -G
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2022-08-31

Which third-party tripod collar could be used?

Which third-party tripod collar could be used?
Asked by: Raphal
Compared to a full-frame (100-400mm) lens that is equivalent, this lens is so lightweight and small that I've never thought I needed a tripod collor. I just fasten my camera to my tripod in the usual way for smaller lenses. With this lens on the camera, the front-to-back balance is a bit off to the front (lens)side, but not so much that it is difficult to manage.
Answered by: David
Date published: 2021-10-30

Has anyone tried this with blackmagic studio ...

Has anyone tried this with blackmagic studio cams? How does the auto focus work with that?
Asked by: Chuck
Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 4K Pro and Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 4K Plus are manual focus cameras. There is no Autofocus performance on the lens. You will need the Blackmagic Design BLACKMAGIC FOCUS DEMAND.
Answered by: Llinelva D
Date published: 2022-10-26

Is this lens has power zoom?

Is this lens has power zoom?
Asked by: Ming Hung
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens does not have a power zoom. The Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens and the Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens are the only two Panasonic lenses with a power zoom. Here are the links: https://bhpho.to/2py2O9P https://bhpho.to/2omLPck
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2021-10-30

question

Will this lens work on the Olympus OMd1 with the same results as if it were used on a Panasonic camera?
Asked by: William
Not quite. On Panasonic you can get Dual IS depending on the camera body. Other than this, they function the same, but dual IS is very handy for a focal length this long.
Answered by: Daniel C.
Date published: 2018-08-27

Is this lens weatherproof?

Is this lens weatherproof?
Asked by: LEGEND
Yes, it is weather sealed.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2021-02-10
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