Something truly unique for Micro Four Thirds shooters, Panasonic has just introduced the longest native lens available for the system: the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.IS. Matched only in length by its own product name, the focal length of this lens covers an impressive 200-800mm equivalent range, making it an ideal choice for wildlife, nature, and sport photographers. And keeping with the Micro Four Thirds system’s traditions, this new optic yields a relatively compact, lightweight form factor that suits travel applications and handheld shooting.
Serving as a counterbalance to this expansive focal-length range, the lens is also imbued with a POWER O.I.S. system that compensates for camera shake to produce sharper imagery when shooting handheld. This system is also compatible with select Lumix G-series cameras’ Dual I.S. function that combines both in-body and lens-shift stabilization methods to more effectively reduce the appearance of camera shake. Also aided by the imaging capabilities of Lumix cameras, a 240 fps AF motor offers quick, precise, and quiet autofocus performance that is well-suited to multimedia applications.
In regard to the optical design, this lens was designed in collaboration with Leica and features a complex 20 elements in 13 groups, including a pair of extra-low dispersion elements, one Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion element, and one aspherical extra-low dispersion element. This combination of aspherical and low-dispersion glass helps to significantly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range to achieve greater image sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy.
Beyond the performance attributes, this 100-400mm f/4-6.3 is also characterized by its intuitive physical design, which features an integrated quick-shift, two-part rotating tripod collar that permits fast switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations. A built-in lens hood is also featured, which utilizes a retractable, hide-away design, and a zoom ring lock that can be employed to prevent unwanted zoom creep or fix the lens at a specific focal length during use. Finally, gapless construction was also employed to render the lens dust- and moisture-resistant, to benefit working in inclement conditions and harsh outdoor environments.
