BirdForum is the net's largest birding community dedicated to wild birds and birding, and is absolutely FREE!

Register for an account to take part in lively discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="gergrd" data-source="post: 1690260" data-attributes="member: 81425">Panasonic 45-200, but consider the Olympus 70-300I got both the Panasonic 45-200 and the Olympus 70-300 four-thirds lenses as Christmas bonus presents.  I also got the Panasonic four-thirds mount adapter to use with the 70-300 (and any other four-thirds lens I might acquire).  The Olympus lens was actually less expensive than the Panasonic lens ($226US vs $283US).  I originally thought that the 70-300 would only work in manual focus mode, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it is one of the few four-thirds lenses which will autofocus on the G1.  Here is a chart from Panasonic's website which shows compatibilities between cameras and lenses:<a href="http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/g1.html" target="_blank">http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/g1.html</a>Unfortunately, I haven't really had much of a chance to play with either lens due to nasty weather here in Virginia and other priorities.  When I do, I will post some pictures.  However, here are a few thoughts on these lenses:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The 45-200 is much smaller and lighter than the 70-300.  (Relative to my Nikon D300 / Sigma 150-500, they are both small and light).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The 45-200 autofocuses significantly faster than the 70-300.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The 45-200 has Image Stabilization / the 70-300 doesn't.  I would tend to use the 70-300 on a tripod or monopod whereas the 45-200 can usually be used handheld.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">In my opinion, the 45-200 just doesn't have enough reach for most bird photos.  The effective focal length of 400mm is less than what I got using a 300mm lens on a Nikon DX camera (450mm equivalent) and I never found that to be adequate for birds.  The 70-300 has an equivalent focal length of 600mm on the G1 - that focal length works for birds with my Nikon cameras.</li> </ul></blockquote>

Verification