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| The refreshed Panasonic 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II supertelephoto lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras features a handful of updates, including a freezeproof design, updated focusing performance and support for teleconverters. |
Alongside the Lumix DC G9 II, Panasonic has unveiled a pair of new Micro Four Thirds lenses: the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm F2.8 Power O.I.S. and the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II ASPH. Power O.I.S. These two lenses are revised and updated versions of existing models with new optical designs and features.
The Lumix 35-100mm F2.8 is now in its third generation redesign with updated optics, while the 100-400mm lens is now a ‘Mark II’ revision with several new features and capabilities.
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| The new Panasonic Leica 35-100mm F2.8 Power O.I.S. features a refreshed design with an updated optical performance in line with Leica’s certification standards. |
The Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm F2.8 lens features a classic 70-200mm equivalent telephoto zoom range in 35mm terms with constant F2.8 aperture. This third-generation Lumix 35-100mm F2.8 lens features an updated optical design that now gains the Leica certification for optical performance.
The new telephoto zoom lens also features Dual IS 2 compatibility with Panasonic’s 5-axis image stabilization system, Nano Surface coating to suppress ghosting and flare and a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure changes during video recording.
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| The new Panasonic Lumix 100-400mm II lens now supports Panasonic’s existing 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverter, increasing the zoom range to 1120mm equiv. with the 1.4x and 1600mm equiv. with the 2.0x. |
Meanwhile, the new Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 II Asph. Power O.I.S. is a supertelephoto zoom that offers a versatile zoom range. This refreshed version of Panasonic’s 100-400mm lens includes several new updates to both its build quality and its optical features, most notably adding support for Panasonic’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. Adding a 1.4x teleconverter increases the zoom range to 1120mm-equivalent, while the 2.0x teleconverter boosts the magnification to an impressive 1600mm-equivalent in full-frame terms.
The teleconverters can only be used at focal lengths from 210-400mm but the new design automatically moves the rear lens elements forward, to keep them out of the way of the teleconverter’s optics. Once the lens is zoomed to 210mm or longer, the elements move into the correct position to allow the lens to be used, so you don’t need to remove the TC to retract the lens.
Lens construction is upgraded with a freezeproof design, in addition to being splash- and dust-proof. The lens’s optical design is also refreshed, allowing full life-size macro photography capabilities. The 100-400mm now has a maximum magnification factor of 0.5x with the lens alone or up to 1.0x when used with the 2.0x teleconverter.
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The updated 100-400mm also features a new zoom limiter switch on the side of the barrel. The lens is said to offer an ‘improved operating feel’ to the zoom ring and features improvements to focus tracking performance while zooming.
The new Panasonic Leica 35-100mm F2.8 debuts at $1149, and the teleconverter-friendly Leica 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 will sell for $1599. Both lenses should be available in late October.
Redesigned: H-ES35100 Large-aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens with Outstanding Photographic Performance and the Teleconverter-compatible H-RSA100400 Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens from the LEICA DG Series of LUMIX G Lenses
Panasonic is proud to introduce the H-ES35100 and H-RSA100400 interchangeable lenses for the LUMIX G Series that comply with the Micro Four Thirds system standard.
These telephoto zoom lenses are in line with LEICA’s stringent optical standards and achieve outstanding photographic performance.
Panasonic boasts a lineup of 32 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lenses, of which 15 are LEICA DG lenses. Designed for a wide range of users from professionals and camera enthusiasts to digital mirrorless camera beginners, Panasonic will continue to propose different ways of enjoying creative photography and videography through its diverse lineup of interchangeable lenses.
LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm/F2.8/POWER O.I.S. (H-ES35100)
Redesigned LEICA DG Lens: New Large-aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens with Outstanding Photographic Performance, High Mobility and Full-range F2.8 Brightness
This new ELMARIT full-range F2.8 lens delivers brightness in all zoom ranges, allowing photographers to enjoy a wide range of photography, such as evening shots that make use of the F2.8 brightness and bokeh effects that are unique to telephoto zoom shots and help to highlight the subject. An optimal lens structure comprising two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses and one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens ensures outstanding photographic performance throughout zoom ranges 70 mm to 200 mm*1. In addition to Panasonic’s unique Nano Surface Coating technology, the use of a light-shielding part to eliminate unwanted light inside the lens enables the production of clear, natural color with little ghosting and flare.
Main Features
1. F2.8 LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT lens for outstanding photographic performance throughout zoom ranges
2. High-speed, high-precision auto-focus for videography with Dual I.S. 2
3. Compact, lightweight model for excellent handheld photography and portability
*1 35 mm camera equivalent.
LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm/F4.0-6.3 II ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-RSA100400)
New Teleconverter-Compatible LEICA DG Lens for Full Life-size Macro Shooting*2 and Ultra Telephoto Zoom Photography
This new lens achieves stunning photographic performance throughout zoom ranges from the center of the frame to the edge. An optimally arranged lens structure featuring one aspherical lens, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses, and one UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens produces detailed and beautifully textured high-resolution, high-contrast images. With a focal length of 200 mm to 800 mm*3, the lens is ideally suited to capture a range of subjects that are difficult to approach, such as wild birds and animals, as well as sporting events. Moreover, the separately sold 2.0x teleconverter*4 enables 1600 mm full life-size macro shooting*2for more impressive, detailed shots of flowers, animals, and other subjects.
Main Features
1. LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens for outstanding photographic performance throughout zoom ranges
2. Ultra telephoto zoom lens covering up to 1600 mm*2 for use in a wide range of shooting environments
3. Compact, lightweight, and excellent mobility with high-speed, high-precision auto-focus and teleconverter compatibility
*2 35 mm camera equivalent. When DMW-TC20A teleconverter is attached. Teleconverter range: 210 mm–400 mm.
*3 35 mm camera equivalent.
*4 Use of the DMW-TC20 teleconverter reduces the effective aperture by two f/stops.
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This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.
