Panasonic H-RS100400E 100 - 400 mm Leica DG Vario-Elmar Power Lens for Camera

This lens bears the Leica label and because of this I tend to assume the quality of the image is optimal. In initial use I am happy with the results. The build seems solid and useful tripod mounts are provided although with the image stabilisation good results can be achieved at extreme range when handheld. I am very happy with this lens.

This lens is excellent. There are lab reports and professional reviews on the net that tell you that. I had 2 concerns from other reviews that proved groundless. On my Panasonic camera it focuses very well. The other concern was stiffness of zoom function. At first I thought this was true until I realised it is supplied with the zoom lock on. It is a brake rather than a lock and makes it very stiff, fine when you release it. One further benefit I found which exceeded my expectation was the manual zoom. When you select it the lens zooms in very close to let you focus precisely and zooms out for the shot when the shutter is partially depressed. Clearly this lens is a significant investment, but it does at least what I expected and a bit more.

Very sharp lens, with excellent zoom range, just a little soft at 400mm. Easy to hand hold with GH5 at slow shutter speeds.

Had been coveting for some time, then a decent used one came up at a sweet price. Seems a massive upgrade on our previous longest zoom of 45-200mm, very rewarding sharpness right to the 400mm end (rumours to the contrary seem unfounded at least on this copy), acceptable focus speed, great stabilisation and beautifully rich colours. Build is exemplary, and although the metal construction is heavy it seems well balanced, and there are tripod options should one need. The zoom isn't excessively stiff but enough so to prevent creep (which would easily be an issue given the weight of the lens) and there's a lock too, just in case. The hybrid lens hood arrangement is a bit awkward (and the tightening screw proven vulnerable), but it's certainly flexible and I'm sure I'll get used to it. I sense I'm going to enjoy using this lens a lot, though with it's minimum focal length of 100mm I will still be needing shorter lenses in my camera bag!

Stunning lens. Not just as it let's me get up close. Getting amazing results. At 300mm pictures clearly better than the 100-300. Slightly soft at 400 but pin sharp at 380 or less. A great lens, heavy for mft but so much lighter and smaller than a full frame equivalent. Love it.

Have had this now for a few weeks and I must say that it lives up to its Leica heritage both in construction and the optical quality of its glass. I use it on a Panasonic GX8 and the results are amazing. The photos were all handheld at 400mm and tweaked in photoshop. You know you want it. If you can afford it you wont regret buying it. I took this lens when I spent a month in China Oct/Nov and was well pleased with the results. I have downloaded a couple more images.

A fantastic purchase! Used with Panasonic GH5 to produce fantastic telephoto images in sharp detail with brilliant stabilisation. A great addition to my camera gear. Fully recommend if you want a telephone lens.

Feels well made with Leica optics. not tried low light shots yet so left that blank, but I am sure it will be fine.