Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens, 100-300MM, MIRRORLESS Micro Four Thirds, Power O.I.S, H-FSA100300 (USA Black)

Thinking of getting into wildlife photography? Can’t decide between this lens or the OM/Olympus 75-300mm lens? Read on and maybe this review will help you. I have been shooting with Micro Four Thirds since 2015. I have tried other format and brands over the years as well. I have owned 3 different Olympus 75-300mm lenses and 2 Panasonic 100-300mm lenses. As of right now, I only have the Panasonic 100-300mm lens.Comparing the 2 lenses: The Olympus lens is lighter and slightly smaller in size than the Panasonic lens. When you factor in the lens hood, they are similar in size. The Olympus lens starts at a wider Focal Length of 75mm vs Panasonic 100mm. The Olympus lens has a shorter minimum focal distance. The Panasonic has a brighter aperture of f5.6 at 300mm vs f6.7 on the Olympus. The Panasonic comes with a lens hood and the Olympus does not. The build quality feels better on the Panasonic and I like the rubber grip on the zoom ring. The Olympus lens feels like a cheap kit lens. The Panasonic has Optical Image Stabilization while the Olympus does not. The Panasonic is "Splash proof / Dustproof" while the Olympus is not.Auto Focus performance: If you’re using a capable camera body such as the OM-1, both lenses will perform about the same. The Panasonic lens AF performance will better on Panasonic bodies. When I used the Olympus lens on the Panasonic G9II I was very disappointed with the AF. The Panasonic 100-300mm AF performance was much better. But on my OM-1 Mark I camera, I don’t notice any difference between the 2 lens AF. Honestly in order to fully get the most of theses lenses for wildlife photography, you should use high-end camera bodies.Sharpness between the 2 lenses: Flip a coin! As I stated before, I have own several copies of both lenses and there’s no clear winner. One lens may be a little sharper but it’s more due to sample variation, so you better hope you’re lucky and get a sharp lens! Now, keep in the mind the cost of these lens. They are not going to be as sharp as more expensive lenses. But I feel the sharpness is fine for size and reach you get from these 2 lenses. I’ve included a crop image of a test chart that is at 100% zoom in so you judge for yourself. The image was taken with the Panasonic lens on my OM-1 at 300mm at F5.6. I found both lens sharpness is best around F7.1 to F8.So should you get the Olympus or Panasonic lens? Well it really depends on your needs. I mostly own OM lens and this is the only Panasonic lens I have. I sold my OM 75-300mm lens as I found this lens is better for my needs. This lens pair with my OM-1 is my compact & take any where wildlife setup. I love this setup and the images it can produce.When you're ready to step-up, then look at the Panasonic 100-400mm or OM 100-400mm lens. I have the OM 100-400mm and it's a better lens overall and my preferred setup. But as I stated, I won't sell this Panasonic lens due to the size, reach, and wonderful images I can get from this lens.

This type of micro four thirds lens is what the system was designed for. The lens itself is about the size of a can of Coke and weighs about the same too. For the price, you will have to put up with variable aperture and lens that extends to almost double in length. Neither of these is a concern for me, and I appreciate the trade off in optical perfection for a very portable ultra telephoto zoom. I have quite a few Canon cameras and zooms, and they work wonderfully, but I don't have anything that touches this lens for reach. Yes, I could crop in with a crop sensor or full frame, but I'll be losing pixels if I do. Here, I don't have to make that sacrifice. Bokeh is a non-issue at these lengths. Any small separation of the subject from the background will create wonderful results at f5.6. Besides the obvious use such as wildlife photography, this is a very capable long portrait lens. Highly recommended!

I'm using this lens on a Panasonic g85. It is definitely a nice runs a must-have to your kit. It will definitely add some serious weight to your camera. The images are superb. I love the fact that it's weather sealed. When manic focus the focus ring is smooth. When zooming out it is extremely smooth. For the zooming ring it is what they like a soft rubbery texture which is excellent grip. It's a beautiful piece of glass. Super crisp and sharp pictures. Definitely worth it. If you're thinking about it and you're willing to spend the money it's worth it. I have rented the 200 to 400 mm lens. Buy Panasonic. That is a superbly beautiful lens and its own. To get that extra range it's not worth paying double the price. Just need to upgrade my 7-14 mm wide-angle lens from Panasonic to 8-16 mm Leica lens. To make my kit complete. Definitely recommend the 100 to 300 mm this is a must have.

Plenty sharp, even with the aperture wide open. Not as sharp as more expensive lenses with long focal lengths, but doesn't need to be. Focuses very well on my Olympus and Panasonic cameras. Smooth mechanical operation and magnificent image stabilization, especially with cameras supporting Panasonic's Dual IS. Weather-sealing seals the deal for me. So why not five stars? Because zoomed in toward 300mm, the optics are slightly decentered, which usually introduces softness at the right edge of the frame. Research tells me this is a common problem with the 100-300mm lens, including version 1 (which means Panasonic has had a long time to improve quality, but hasn't done so). Also, the focus ring has a really cheap feel to it, compared with all the other lenses I own. These problems are acceptable for me, but could be serious enough for some users to make them want to either try many copies of the lens or go with an alternative.

I have had this lens for over a month and let me start by saying this, you will not find a better telephoto in this price range with the quality of this one. With that being said, you will not get sharp images right out of the box, allow me to explain.Most negative reviews on this product are due to user error. YOU HAVE TO TREAT THIS LENS LIKE A 600MM.Tips-USE A HIGH SHUTTER SPEED! 1/640 ( depending on your system) or more.-Practice, practice, practice.-Be patient, there is a strong learning curvePros-Lightweight-Sharp images when used correctly-Excellent image stabilization-Weather sealed-Solid Build QualityCons-Iffy low light performance-Autofocus tends to hunt a lot ( Biggest drawback in my opinion)-There is a learning curve-Not the fastest lens out there-Softer images at the long endOverall, if you're looking to start wildlife, sport, etc photography without breaking the bank, this is hands down your best bet for lenses. Keep practicing and you'll eventually master this thing!