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Nikon Z 24-50mm F4-6.3 sample gallery

20 Oct

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The Nikkor Z 24-50mm F4-6.3 is Nikon’s most compact and affordable ($ 400 MSRP) lens for full-frame Z-mount cameras. It’s also one of two lenses available as a kit with the excellent, entry-level Nikon Z5 body, and collapses down to a mere 51mm (2″) when retracted. While it’s certainly not the fastest glass in town, it is respectably sharp for a modern kit lens. Take a look for yourself.

See our Nikon Z 24-50mm F4-6.3
sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Nikkor Z 24-50mm F4-6.3 is a compact $400 zoom

21 Jul

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Alongside the entry-level Z5 full-framer, Nikon has announced a new compact zoom lens for mirrorless full-frame: the 24-50mm F4-6.3. It will be offered as a kit lens option with the Z5, but will also sell separately for $ 400, making it Nikon’s smallest and most affordable Z-series lens. The 24-50mm measures just 51mm (2″) long when retracted. Nikon describes the lens as ‘dust and drip resistant,’ though not fully weather-sealed.

The Nikon 24-50mm F4-6.3 will be available in August for $ 400. Later that month, the much-anticipated and long-delayed Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S will ship at an MSRP of $ 2599.

Press release:

EMBARK ON THE FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS JOURNEY: NIKON UNVEILS THE Z 5, AN INNOVATIVE AND FEATURE-RICH MIRRORLESS FX-FORMAT CAMERA FOR EMERGING CREATORS

Nikon Expands the NIKKOR Z Lens Lineup with the Addition of the Extremely Compact and Versatile NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 as well as the new Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0X and TC-1.4X; Nikon Also Announces Free Webcam Utility

MELVILLE, NY (July 21, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the Z 5, the new full-frame (FX-format) entry-point into its award-winning lineup of Z series mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Z 5 combines sophisticated features inherited from the Z 7 and Z 6 with the benefits of Nikon’s next generation Z mount at an unprecedented value. For those new to mirrorless or creators looking to push the limits of their craft with the power of full-frame, the compact Z 5 will exceed expectations. With an incredibly robust feature set, including in-camera vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization (IBIS) and the perfect balance of seamless automation and full manual control, creators can effortlessly share their artistic passions, travel adventures and so much more.

Nikon also unveiled the new NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3, the shortest, lightest and most affordable full-frame zoom lens in the NIKKOR Z lineup. Designed for on-the-go creators, the 24-50mm lens is the ideal companion for Z series users who want to capture it all – from vast landscapes and cityscapes, to street photography and striking portraits.

“The Nikon Z 5 offers the next generation of creators a gateway into the full-frame Z series lineup, opening the door to the limitless possibilities of mirrorless photo and video capture, while providing the means to share their creativity with others,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “With the addition of the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3, Nikon is introducing the smallest full-frame NIKKOR Z lens to date, providing an extremely lightweight, versatile option to help users pursue all creative endeavors, regardless of which Z series camera they use.”

Nikon Z 5: The Full-Frame Journey Starts Here
As the new entry point to Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless lineup, the Nikon Z 5 offers a lot of power and capabilities at an attractive price, empowering the next generation to begin their journey with the confidence to learn and grow as creators.

  • Incredible Image Quality: Featuring a powerful FX-format 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Z 5 is the gateway to the benefits of full-frame, helping creators to capture intensely detailed images, ultra-shallow depth of field and clean low-light shots with unrivaled consistency. From portraits that flatter, nighttime landscapes that astound and street shots that impress, the gorgeous tones, faithful colors, minimal noise, and revered Nikon color science all play a part to help users capture images that are true to their vision.
  • High Speed Performance and Processing: Engineered with the EXPEED 6, Nikon’s fastest image processor to date, the Z 5 is a dependable, high-performance tool designed for content creation. EXPEED 6 allows for a boost in processing power and energy efficiency while rendering subtle textures and small details with amazing results.
  • Stellar Low-Light Performance: With an ISO range up to 51,200 (expandable to 102,400), the camera effectively reduces noise, maintaining both high sensitivity and resolution to excel in low-light situations, making it ideal for shooting everything from low-light events to an all-nighter under the Milky Way.
  • Capture with Speed: With shutter speeds up to 1/8000, the Z 5 can capture fast-moving subjects with clarity including fast-action sports and wildlife. This higher maximum shutter speed enables photographers to better tame even the brightest mid-day light to unleash the potential of fast-aperture NIKKOR glass. When the moment strikes, the camera can also capture full resolution bursts at 4.5 fps with full AF/AE.
  • Silent and Smooth: The combination of the camera’s silent photography mode and In-Body 5-Axis VR stabilization provides quiet, stable shooting to document sensitive moments without distractions.
  • Vast Lens Selection: Whether shooting glamorous portraits from a studio on the sidewalk, long-distance wildlife, epic wide landscapes in the field or street photography, the growing lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses provides Z 5 users the versatility to capture incredible shots with sharpness across the frame and superior light gathering in any situation. For even more flexibility, the vast array of traditional F-mount NIKKOR lenses can be used via the Mount Adapter FTZ to enhance images with a unique focal length or beautiful bokeh, while gaining the benefits of in-body stabilization.
  • Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots: Equipped with two UHS-II card slots for overflow, backup or separating RAW and JPEG photos, the Z 5 enables photographers to shoot with extreme confidence when using widely available consumer SD cards.

Simple Yet Sophisticated for Expanding Creativity
A great option for emerging creators getting started, the Nikon Z 5 is packed with powerful tools and user-friendly controls to help users explore and capture their artistry with ease.

  • Focus Anywhere: The Z 5 boasts 273[1] on-sensor AF points, to quickly and accurately track subjects throughout the frame, while Eye-Detection AF capabilities help precisely capture the eyes of humans and animals. The wide array of AF points covers nearly the entire frame, and multiple AF modes allows the user to have pinpoint control or fully automatic assurance to easily lock onto a subject.
  • Easily Shift Gears: The Nikon Z 5 offers the ability to effortlessly switch between manual mode for the ultimate in control, as well as a large variety of automatic creative modes to help mirrorless users capture truly distinct images and video.
  • Creativity Built-in: Equipped with 20 Creative Picture Controls, and advanced features like Focus Shift Shooting and multiple exposure mode, users can compose unique images, produce extraordinary depth of field, or combine several shots and layer images on top of each other with the in-camera image overlay function.
  • Advanced Video Capture: The Z 5 makes it easy to document any creative vision in 4K UHD/30p[2] or in 1080/60p (full-frame). When recording video, the PDAF system is rapid to react, allowing users to quickly lock critical focus on subjects, and is fully customizable to fit any production style. In-camera VR image stabilization and electronic VR reliably eliminate the shake when shooting video, plus users get the added benefit of focus peaking and the ability to capture stills while recording.
  • Flexible Recording Modes: In addition to the traditional interval timer and in-camera time-lapse modes, the Nikon Z 5 is equipped with a new Time-Lapse Movie mode that gives users the best of both worlds for more streamlined movie making – the ability to use images from interval timer mode and create a time-lapse in-camera.
  • Unique Lighting Options: For enhanced creative control, the camera features a hot shoe, and is fully compatible with the Nikon Speedlight wireless lighting system.
  • Get Connected: The Nikon SnapBridge[3] app makes it easy to remotely control the Z 5 or seamlessly transfer and share content to a smartphone, tablet, Mac, or PC thanks to built-in Wi-Fi[4] and Bluetooth[5] connectivity.

Rugged Reliability and Engineered for Versatility
In addition to providing high-quality imaging capabilities, the Nikon Z 5 is compact and comfortable in-hand while promising the rugged reliability as well as innovative features and controls that Nikon is known for.

  • Legendary Nikon Build: Designed with a durable, weather-sealed exterior for worry-free use, the Z 5 employs the same magnesium alloy shell and robustness as the Z 6 and Z 7. Both the camera and NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens are built with consideration for dust and drip resistance and are ready to tackle the next adventure.
  • Functional Operability: The camera sports a powerful, high-resolution 3.2-inch LCD monitor with the capabilities to tilt, touch, tap, swipe, and pinch for an intuitive and flexible user-experience. Meanwhile, the 3.6M-dot Quad-VGA EVF ensures users can see exposure, ISO, white balance and creative picture controls in real time, making the transition from optical viewfinders seamless for new mirrorless shooters.
  • Packed with Power: Powered by the new EN-EL15c battery, the Z 5 offers significant advancements in the number of shots per charge and is the first Nikon camera to enable constant power through the USB port, even with select portable USB power banks[6]. For added power and grip, the camera is also compatible with the MB-N10 hot-swappable battery pack.
  • Webcam Ready: When connected via the USB-C cord, the Z 5 can be used as a webcam, making the camera a great option for modern vloggers, influencers and gamers looking to improve their livestreaming capabilities.

NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3: Portable, Yet Powerful
The NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses and is the smallest FX-format NIKKOR Z lens yet. Optically designed to take advantage of the advancements of the wide Z mount, this lens delivers sharpness across the entire frame and a versatile zoom range for everyday use. The 24-50mm is less than three inches long when retracted, making it the perfect lens for shooters seeking a versatile yet compact option for lightweight travel and street photography. When used together, the Z 5 and 24-50mm lens are the ideal discrete travel kit that can easily be packed and carried for all-day adventures. This compact NIKKOR Z lens is also an enticing option for Z 6 and Z 7 users who want a small all-around lens for portraits, landscapes, and street photography.

New Z Teleconverters Take NIKKOR Z Lenses to New Lengths
Designed for photographers and videographers who need more telephoto reach in their kit, the new Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4X and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0X bring added versatility with 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to select NIKKOR Z lenses. These lightweight teleconverters are great tools for those photographing sports, wildlife and aviation, reducing the need to crop images and allowing for tighter compositions with maximum resolution.

The new TC-1.4X and TC-2.0X teleconverters maintain superior rendering performance and minimize various lens aberrations, while retaining focusing speed, VR functionality and minimum focusing distance. As an added benefit, the new teleconverters allow Nikon Z series cameras to retain functionality on all focus points up to f/11, making it easy to focus on and track subjects throughout the entire frame. Featuring the same robust construction as NIKKOR Z lenses, the teleconverters are designed with a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to resist dirt and smudges, and offer a durable, weather-sealed body to protect against the elements.

When the teleconverters are used with the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (availability scheduled for late August), the focal length on the telephoto end is extended to 280mm (1.4x) or 400mm (2.0x) producing a significant expansion of this telephoto lens’ shooting range. These new teleconverters will also be compatible with applicable interchangeable lenses for Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras that Nikon will release in the future.

New Webcam Utility Software for Nikon Cameras
In August, Nikon will release a beta version of the Webcam Utility software for many Nikon DSLR and Z series mirrorless cameras, including the new Z 5. Initially available for Windows 10, the free software will allow compatible Nikon cameras to be used as webcams. When connected via USB, this free software will provide users with incredible sharpness, clarity and flattering depth of field for all of their livestreaming needs including teleconferencing and gaming.

For more information on how to use your Nikon camera as a webcam, please visit https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/live-streaming-with-nikon-cameras.page

Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Z 5 will be available in August in several configurations, including body-only for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 1,399.95*, a one-lens kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 for an SRP of $ 1,699.95* and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for an SRP of $ 2,199.95* for those seeking extra reach when photographing wildlife or travel adventures. Also available in August, the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens can be purchased separately for an SRP of $ 399.95*. The new Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4X and TC-2.0X will have an SRP of $ 549.95 and $ 599.95 respectively and will be available in late August.

For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new Z 5 and NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens, as well as the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit?www.nikonusa.com.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

1. With recording of still images using the FX-format image area and single-point AF. 231 focus points with movie recording.

2. When using this mode, the frame is cropped approx. ×1.7.

3. Using the SnapBridge App System Requirements:

a. Android 5.0 or later or 6.0.1 or later
b. A device with Bluetooth 4.0 or later (i.e., a device that supports Bluetooth Smart Ready/Low Energy) is required.
c. The SnapBridge app is available for compatible iPhone®, iPad® and/or iPod touch®, and for smart devices running the AndroidTM operating system. The app can be downloaded free of charge from Apple’s App Store® and GooglePlayTM. SnapBridge can be used only with compatible cameras.

4. This camera’s built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.

5. The camera’s built-in Bluetooth® capability can only be used to connect the camera to a compatible smart device running the SnapBridge app, and to take advantage of SnapBridge features.

6. Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W is the recommended portable charger. Use a USB cable with two Type-C connectors supplied with the portable charger. For more information about the portable charger, please visit the manufacturer’s website: Anker.com/support

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-50mm F4-6.3 specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 24–50 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Nikon Z
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4–6.3
Minimum aperture F22–36
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Optics
Elements 11
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings 2 ED + 3 aspherical elements, Super Integrated Coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.35 m (13.78)
Maximum magnification 0.17×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual No
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter No
Physical
Weight 195 g (0.43 lb)
Diameter 74 mm (2.91)
Length 51 mm (2.01)
Materials Composite
Sealing No
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 52 mm

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR sample gallery

19 Jul

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The Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR is a multipurpose zoom lens for Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount cameras. Intended to be a ‘do anything’ lens, the 24-200mm should be perfect for travel and everyday photography.

As such, we’ve been shooting with the 24-200mm in as many different situations as we can find. Check out our gallery of samples to see how it performs.

View samples from the Z 24-200mm F4-6.3

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS sample gallery

18 Aug

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The Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS is a do-everything lens for the RF system, designed to cover pretty much any situation from sweeping landscapes to capturing distant details. Is this new zoom an ideal travel lens for the EOS R and RF? Check out our sample gallery to judge for yourself.

Please note that we’re converting these images in ACR 11.4 using a pre-release version of Adobe’s profile for the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS.

View our gallery of samples from the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic adds Leica 100-400mm F4-6.3 tele-zoom to Micro Four Thirds lens lineup

09 Jan

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Panasonic is adding a high-end super telephoto zoom lens to the Micro Four Thirds lineup: the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH. This lens has the longest focal length of any MFT lens, and Panasonic promises fast autofocus thanks to its 240 fps AF drive speed.

This lens is equivalent to a whopping 200-800mm when attached to a Micro Four Thirds body and features much-needed ‘Power’ optical image stabilization to keep things steady. It has has one aspherical, one UED, and two ‘regular’ ED elements, as well as a nine-bladed circular aperture. The minimum focus distance is 1.3m, with a magnification of 0.25x. 

A cool feature of this lens is its compact tripod collar which rotates with the camera body, taking the buttons with it. The collar has a tripod screw mount built into it, into which a longer (included) ‘foot’ can be added if additional clearance is need. The zoom lock is built into the lens barrel, as is a small pull-out lens hood (a full-sized hood is available as an optional accessory). The 100-400mm is also sealed against dust and moisture.

The Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 F4-6.3 will be available in early April at a price of $ 1799.99.


Press release:

Panasonic Launches LUMIX G 100-400mm Telephoto-Zoom, LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR Lens

Las Vegas, NV (January 5, 2016) – Panasonic has today introduced a new telephoto lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras – the LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH. Telephoto-Zoom (H-RS100400) with Power Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.).

Small, light and highly durable, the latest addition to Panasonic’s range of interchangeable lenses is perfectly suited for photographing birds and other wildlife in all types of environments.

The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups and incorporates a number of aspherical and extra low dispersion elements to assure best quality and avoid flaring. The advanced construction of the new Telephoto-Zoom leads to highest quality standard earning the LEICA Logo for a LUMIX Lens once again.

Outstanding image quality and Telephoto-Zoom performance

Elegantly designed with a metallic black finish, the new 100mm-400mm LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR lens from Panasonic provides superb image rendering across the entire zoom range. The lens’ 200-800mm focal length (35mm equivalent) and 0.5x Magnification capability provide highly detailed shots from distance, as well as stunning close up capability– ideal for subject matter regardless of shape and size.

In order to capture steady, vibration free images across the entire zoom range, the lens also incorporates Power O.I.S. to keep unwanted shaking under control and ensure pictures look crisp and clear. 

The 100mm-400mm lens is also suited to a variety of photographic styles – with nine diaphragm blades providing a circular aperture to produce a smooth and beautiful bokeh.
 
Smaller and lighter than other Telephoto-Zoom lenses

When compared with conventional super telephoto DSLR lenses, the latest addition the LUMIX G line up offers outstanding mobility – perfect if you’re travelling and don’t want to pack too much. Similarly, the lens also boasts a durable, gapless construction so you no longer have to worry about unwanted dust or light rain damaging your equipment.

In addition to the lens’ practical size and weight, a compact, two-part tripod mount has also been incorporated to enable faster conversion between landscape and portrait orientation. While conveniently and speedily turning to the 90° angle, the levers for Focus Limiting, Power O.I.S. and the manual focus switch remain right at your fingertips as they do not move when you turn the lens. 

The lens also incorporates an integrated, hide-away hood to help you capture that perfect shot, without having to worry about sun glare.

Stunning 4K video capability

Panasonic’s new LEICA Telephoto-Zoom lens is perfectly suited for 4K video recording with its construction assuring the best contrast and colors. Furthermore the Telephoto-Zoom incorporates Panasonic’s high speed and precise 240 fps AF-motor. Due to the modern design, filming can also be conducted silently, so you can get up close to the subject without drawing attention.

As well as high resolution video, the lens’ 4K capability also enables you to take photos like never before. Panasonic’s 4K Photo function – found on LUMIX G cameras including the LUMIX DMC-G7 – lets you extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video (30fps) easily right on the camera’s screen with a simple fingertip touch.

Key features:

  • Longest focal length for Micro Four Thirds
  • Compatible with Dual Image Stabilization
  • 240fps AF Drive
  • Zoom ring lock
  • Weather Sealing
  • Integrated Quick Shifting Tripod Mount
  • Integrated shift-away lens-hood

Panasonic Leica DG 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size FourThirds
Focal length 100–400 mm
Image stabilisation Yes
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Aperture
Maximum aperture F4.0 – F6.3
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Circular blades
Optics
Elements 20
Groups 13
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical ED, 1 UED, 2 ED elements
Focus
Minimum focus 1.30 m (51.18)
Maximum magnification 0.25×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Micromotor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Extending front
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 985 g (2.17 lb)
Diameter 83 mm (3.27)
Length 172 mm (6.75)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 72.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

08 Jan

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Panasonic has just announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 Leica DG Vario-Elmar lens for its LUMIX G range of Micro Four Thirds System cameras. We’ve gone hands-on with the high-end, super-telephoto zoom that sports the longest focal length available for the MFT system. 

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

With a whopping 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 200-800mm, the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm affords the longest focal length available for the MFT system. This should make it a boon for photographing birds, wildlife, and landscapes – without breaking your back due to weight and size.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

In fact, as you can see here, the 100-400mm Leica lens is quite hand-holdable, which is remarkable for the 800mm equivalent reach the lens provides. Naturally, the small size and weight do come at a cost: with an equivalent maximum aperture of F8 and F12.6 on the 200mm and 800mm equivalent ends, respectively, subject isolation and noise performance on a MFT camera won’t be the same as what you might get with a full-frame 800mm F5.6 lens. Which, by the way, would run you $ 13k and weigh your pack down an extra 10 pounds. This lens weighs a modest 985g, or ~2.2 lbs in ‘Merican.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Can you spot the difference from the last image? It’s subtle, but in this shot we’ve extended the integrated shift-away lens hood that reduces sun glare. The hood just snaps back and forth, which makes it quite convenient – no need to take the hood off, flip it around, and reattach it.

Additionally pictured here is the Unlock <–> Lock ring which allows you to lock the zoom, so the barrel doesn’t extend inadvertently.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Here’s the lens at its shortest, zoomed out to 100mm. Focal length demarcations are provided for 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400mm.

There’s a focus range limiter which allows you to limit focus to subjects only beyond 5m. A direct AF/MF switch allows you to shut off AF, and a Power O.I.S. switch allows you to engage or disengage the the image stabilization system. If you’re using a DMC-GX8 you can use both the optical image stabilization in the lens and the built-in sensor-shift stabilization to provide incredibly effective vibration reduction.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Here we’ve extended the lens to its maximum telephoto setting: 400mm. While the lens extends quite a bit at this setting, it still remains very hand-holdable. Impressively, the lens sports a durable, gapless construction so unwanted dust or light rain shouldn’t damage it. As such, the lens is described as weather sealed.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

A convenient, two-part tripod mount is integrated into the lens. It’s a rotatable mount that allows for quick and easy swapping between landscape and portrait orientations. Unlock the tripod mount screw with your left hand and…

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

… speedily turn the mount 90º for portrait orientation shooting.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

Under the hood, this lens packs some impressive features. Among them: a 9-blade aperture for smooth out-of-focus highlights, and a 240 fps drive AF linear motor with high speed and precision for fast focus. With the correct lens profiles, we hope Panasonic cameras with Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology will be able to focus this lens quickly for fast-paced shooting.

Focus is also silent, which means you can use autofocus during filming without the focus drive ruining your soundtrack.

Hands-on with the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens

And that’s not all. The lens is constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups, with one aspherical and a number of extra low dispersion elements to ensure minimal flaring and other optical artifacts. The lens also boasts an impressive minimum focus distance of 1.3m, yielding 0.25x magnification (0.5x equivalent).

The lens, which is made in Japan, will be available in mid-April for $ 1799.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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