I think the generalizations say that for a 300 mm lens to have f4, it needs a front element of a given size. The size of the sensor behind it has nothing to do with that, but with a smaller sensor you get a narrower field of view with the same focal length of the lens.
The Pana-Leica is not likely to be f4 at 300 mm simply because it has a smaller front element than the oly lens. But it might still be an excellent lens that will (knock on wood) allow us to take some really good photos.
Niels,
I wasn't comparing the f4.0-f6.3 Leica directly with the f4.0 Oly, I was comparing the Leica with similar Canon/Nikon zoom lenses, and the oly with similar Canon/Nikon prime lenses. Obviously, the f4.0 Oly is going to be heavier than slower lenses, and the Leica is not going to offer f4.0 at 300mm.
As for your suggestion that the reduced size of m4/3s lenses stems only from the increased crop factor (i.e. narrower field of view) from the smaller sensor, that contradicts the 4/3 website. Under the benefits of micro 4/3s, it states:
The benefits of reducing the size of an interchangeable-lens type camera cannot be properly experienced unless the size of the lens itself is reduced as well as that of the body.
Therefore, the Micro Four Thirds System standard has reduced the outer diameter of the lens mount to enable lens size reduction.
The new lens mount diameter is about 6 mm smaller than before because this size allows the mount to transmit the same optical flux to the Four Thirds System while still retaining the required strength.
In addition, the lens mount of the Micro Four Thirds System is equipped with two additional signal contacts for smoother Live View shooting with shorter time lags, faster higher communication speeds between the lens and body, and, of course, reduced lens and camera size.
http://www.four-thirds.org/en/microft/index.htmlTherefore, the Micro Four Thirds System standard has reduced the outer diameter of the lens mount to enable lens size reduction.
The new lens mount diameter is about 6 mm smaller than before because this size allows the mount to transmit the same optical flux to the Four Thirds System while still retaining the required strength.
In addition, the lens mount of the Micro Four Thirds System is equipped with two additional signal contacts for smoother Live View shooting with shorter time lags, faster higher communication speeds between the lens and body, and, of course, reduced lens and camera size.
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