Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens Summary

With a second generation design, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens joins a fast-growing range of high-quality micro four thirds lenses. This super telephoto zoom has been released alongside the flagship Panasonic Lumix G9 II Mirrorless Camera Body, and makes the perfect partner, which maintains pace with the elevated performance found in the G-series Panasonic mirrorless camera.

Despite features new controls and internal updates, the lens weighs just 985g, yet offers a zoom range of 200-800mm in full-frame equivalent terms. This provides excellent reach for sports, action and wildlife, with a bright variable aperture for subject separation and low light shooting.

This impressive range can be further extended through the use of Panasonic teleconverters, which are available as the Lumix DMW-TC14E 1.4x Teleconverter and Lumix DMW-TC20E 2x Teleconverter. When the latter is attached macro magnification of 1:1 can be achieved, extending the versatility of this portable powerhouse.

Image quality is high, with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens matching Leica’s stringent imaging standards across the entire zoom range. A new zoom limiter switch provides faster subject acquisition, while the zoom ring has been updated for a more appealing feel. The telephoto also offers improved focus tracking performance when zooming.

Key Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm Mark II Features

• Updated second generation design with new controls and features
• High image quality matching Leica standards
• New teleconverter compatibility for up to 1200mm and 1600mm reach
• Capture 0.5x magnification and 1:1 life-size macro with the DMW-TC20E 2x Teleconverter
• Additional controls include zoom limit switch
• Improved zoom ring feel
• Improved focus tracking while zooming
• 9 diaphragm blades for rounded bokeh
• Maximum aperture f/4 (Wide) - f/6.3 (Tele)
• Dust, moisture and freeze resistant design
• Operating temperature of -10℃ to 40℃
• 72mm filter thread
• Weighs just 985g

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens in More Detail

Stunning optical performance

This lens achieves stunning photographic performance throughout all zoom ranges and from the centre of the frame to the edges. An optimally arranged lens structure of 20 elements in 13 groups features one aspherical lens, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, and one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens produces detailed and beautifully textured high-resolution, high-contrast images.

With a focal length of 200mm to 800mm (full-frame equivalent), the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II is ideally suited to capturing a diverse range of subjects that are hard to get close to, such as wildlife and birds, as well as sports and action events.

Capture life sized macro images

The separately available 2.0x teleconverter enables 1600mm full life-size macro for more impressive, detailed shots of flowers, animals, and other subjects.

Compact and portable size

With an overall length of 171.5mm this super telephoto highlights the benefits of the MFT system. Furthermore, it weighs just 985g despite offering such a huge focal range. The portable nature of the zoom lens ensures you can travel to events and shooting excursions without the added bulk of a full-frame equivalent set-up.

With the compact 72mm filter thread you can also add cost-effective lens filters such as a circular polariser, or a UV filter, which helps to reduced the effects of UV haze on such long focus widths.

Sample Images

G9 II camera with Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens at 400mm. Camera settings: 1/2000 sec. f/8. ISO 3200

G9 II camera with Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens at 200mm. Camera settings: 1/125 sec. f/5.1. ISO 50

What’s in the box

• Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Micro Four Thirds Lens
• Lens cap
• Lens rear cap
• External lens hood
• External tripod mount
• Lens storage bag