JGobeil
Nature Photographer
Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm: first impressions
I received the lens this afternoon and went for a quick walk to play with it, even if the temperature was not suitable for testing - cloudy dark with a few drops, cold and windy.
Attached to the EM-1, it feels comfortable in the hands and well balanced. It is quite a bit heavier than the 100-300mm (985 -vs- 520g) but still easy to carry and handle. It is 40% lighter than the MB/400mm and it does not feel front heavy like the 400mm. Using it handheld is no problem and the zoom is a welcomed feature at close range.
I don't like the 2 piece hood and I much prefer the simple twist and lock hood of the 100-300mm which is simpler to use and provides better protection for the front lens element.
Focus is quick and accurate, if not instantaneous. Unlike the 100-300mm, it doesn't hunt and locks every time. I took more than 200 shots, all handheld, and I estimate that at least 80% were focused correctly, even in difficult situations, like in branches. Focusing is MUCH BETTER than the 100-300mm - it is a pleasure to use.
The zoom is somewhat stiff, but I like it that way. It is smooth and accurate. I found it easy to use, much better than the sticky zoom of the 100-300mm. It doesn't slip, even when the lock is not engaged.
My 100-300mm is very sharp at close range and I cannot say, after only 200 shots, if the 100-400mm is sharper. I didn't test it for long distance shots in this bad weather.
The first photo is 400mm, the second one is 100mm and the last 2 are 200mm. All ISO 800. All are cropped quite a bit.
It definitely is a keeper !
I received the lens this afternoon and went for a quick walk to play with it, even if the temperature was not suitable for testing - cloudy dark with a few drops, cold and windy.
Attached to the EM-1, it feels comfortable in the hands and well balanced. It is quite a bit heavier than the 100-300mm (985 -vs- 520g) but still easy to carry and handle. It is 40% lighter than the MB/400mm and it does not feel front heavy like the 400mm. Using it handheld is no problem and the zoom is a welcomed feature at close range.
I don't like the 2 piece hood and I much prefer the simple twist and lock hood of the 100-300mm which is simpler to use and provides better protection for the front lens element.
Focus is quick and accurate, if not instantaneous. Unlike the 100-300mm, it doesn't hunt and locks every time. I took more than 200 shots, all handheld, and I estimate that at least 80% were focused correctly, even in difficult situations, like in branches. Focusing is MUCH BETTER than the 100-300mm - it is a pleasure to use.
The zoom is somewhat stiff, but I like it that way. It is smooth and accurate. I found it easy to use, much better than the sticky zoom of the 100-300mm. It doesn't slip, even when the lock is not engaged.
My 100-300mm is very sharp at close range and I cannot say, after only 200 shots, if the 100-400mm is sharper. I didn't test it for long distance shots in this bad weather.
The first photo is 400mm, the second one is 100mm and the last 2 are 200mm. All ISO 800. All are cropped quite a bit.
It definitely is a keeper !