Panasonic DG V-Elmarit 100-400mm F4-6.3 II Asph. – Super Telephoto Zoom, Dual I.S. 2, Weather Sealing, Micro Four Thirds
The Panasonic DG V-Elmarit 100-400mm F4-6.3 II Asph. stands at the pinnacle of super-telephoto zoom lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system, delivering exceptional reach and advanced optical performance for wildlife, sports, and outdoor photographers. Designed to address the demand for lightweight, portable long-range lenses, this Mark II version incorporates cutting-edge image stabilization, refined autofocus, and robust weather sealing. Professionals and enthusiasts will find its extended focal length range, rapid response, and optical precision ideal for capturing distant subjects with clarity and detail, even in challenging environments.Engineered with Leica’s renowned optical expertise, the 100-400mm II leverages an advanced aspherical element design and Nano Surface Coating to suppress ghosting, flare, and aberrations. The integration of Dual I.S. 2 stabilization technology, along with a new zoom lock mechanism and compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, positions this lens as a versatile tool for those seeking uncompromised performance in the field. Whether shooting 4K wildlife video or high-resolution stills, the lens ensures sharpness, speed, and reliability for demanding professionals.
1. Extended 100-400mm (200-800mm Equiv.) Super Telephoto Zoom Range
With a focal length range of 100-400mm, equivalent to 200-800mm on Micro Four Thirds, this lens offers unmatched telephoto reach for capturing distant wildlife, sports, and action scenes. The optical construction is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness throughout the zoom range, surpassing many competitors in its class. This allows photographers to frame elusive subjects tightly, even from great distances, without sacrificing image quality.
- Focal Length: 100-400mm (200-800mm equivalent)
- Optical Zoom: 4x
This enables professionals to shoot wildlife, birds, or sports events without disturbing the scene or compromising on detail.
2. Advanced Dual I.S. 2 Image Stabilization Compatibility
The lens integrates seamlessly with Panasonic’s Dual I.S. 2 system, combining in-lens and in-body stabilization for up to 6.5 stops of shake reduction. This technology is crucial for handheld super-telephoto shooting, where even minor vibrations can blur images. Compared to earlier models, the II version offers improved stabilization algorithms for smoother panning and sharper results.
- Up to 6.5 stops stabilization
- Compatible with LUMIX cameras with Dual I.S. 2
This allows photographers to capture crisp, blur-free images and video even at extreme focal lengths or in low light conditions.
3. Leica Certified Optics with Aspherical and ED Elements
Engineered to Leica standards, the lens features a sophisticated optical formula with 20 elements in 13 groups, including aspherical and extra-low dispersion (ED) elements. These components minimize chromatic aberration, distortion, and color fringing, producing high-contrast, razor-sharp images. The use of advanced glass types gives it a competitive edge over standard telephoto zooms in micro four thirds format.
- 2 Aspherical elements
- 1 Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) element
- 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements
This ensures professional photographers achieve superior image quality with true-to-life color accuracy and minimal artifacts.
4. Nano Surface Coating for Flare and Ghosting Control
Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating dramatically reduces reflections across the visual spectrum, suppressing flare and ghosting even in harsh backlit conditions. This is especially critical for outdoor and wildlife shooters who often work in unpredictable lighting. Compared to previous coatings, Nano Surface delivers enhanced contrast and clarity.This enables users to shoot directly into sunlight or in high-contrast situations without loss of detail or unwanted artifacts.
5. Weather-Sealed, Dustproof, and Splashproof Construction
The lens is built to withstand challenging environments with comprehensive sealing at all joints, dials, and buttons. Its robust design ensures protection against dust, moisture, and light rain, making it suitable for fieldwork in unpredictable weather. This level of durability surpasses many competing lenses in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.This allows professionals to shoot confidently in rainforests, deserts, or coastal environments without risking equipment failure.
6. Fast, Silent Autofocus with Linear Motor
A high-speed linear motor delivers quick and virtually silent autofocus, ideal for both stills and 4K video recording. The AF system supports advanced features like DFD (Depth From Defocus) and continuous tracking, making it highly responsive to fast-moving subjects. Compared to its predecessor, the II version offers smoother focus transitions and reduced hunting.This ensures wildlife photographers and videographers never miss fleeting moments due to focus lag or noise.
7. Teleconverter Compatibility for Extended Reach
The Mark II version adds full compatibility with Panasonic’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters, extending the effective focal length up to 1600mm (35mm equivalent) without sacrificing autofocus or stabilization performance. This feature is a significant upgrade over the original version, meeting the needs of extreme telephoto shooters. Autofocus remains supported throughout the extended zoom range, a rarity among super-telephoto lenses.This allows birders and sports photographers to capture even the most distant subjects with precision and confidence.
8. Internal Zoom and Focus Mechanism
The lens maintains a constant physical length during zooming and focusing, thanks to its internal zoom and focus design. This prevents lens creep, improves balance on gimbals and tripods, and enhances weather sealing. Compared to external zoom designs, this feature ensures greater reliability and operational smoothness in the field.This enables seamless handling during fast-paced shoots and minimizes the risk of dust or moisture ingress.
9. Zoom Lock and Focus Limiter Switches
A new zoom lock mechanism prevents accidental extension or lens creep during transport or shooting at awkward angles. The focus limiter switch allows users to restrict the focus range for faster AF response, particularly useful in wildlife and sports scenarios. These tactile controls provide added precision and operational speed compared to earlier models.This allows photographers to maintain control over framing and focus, optimizing workflow efficiency in dynamic environments.
10. Lightweight, Compact Design for Portability
Despite its super-telephoto reach, the lens weighs just 985g and measures 171.5mm in length, making it one of the most portable options in its class. Its compact form factor is ideal for travel, trekking, and handheld shooting, outclassing many full-frame equivalents in size and weight. The tripod collar is removable for further weight reduction and flexibility.This empowers professionals and enthusiasts to carry and use the lens for extended periods without fatigue, maximizing shooting opportunities.
Summary
The Panasonic DG V-Elmarit 100-400mm F4-6.3 II Asph. is the definitive super-telephoto zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds, offering a unique blend of extreme reach, advanced stabilization, Leica-certified optics, and rugged durability. Its compatibility with teleconverters, rapid autofocus, and compact design make it a top choice for wildlife, sports, and outdoor photographers who demand reliability and performance in the field. Compared to both its predecessor and competing models, the Mark II sets a new benchmark for versatility and portability in the super-telephoto category.Available now at ebphotovideo.com, this lens empowers professionals and enthusiasts to capture distant action, elusive wildlife, and dramatic landscapes with uncompromising image quality and operational ease. For those seeking the ultimate telephoto solution without the bulk and weight of full-frame systems, the Panasonic 100-400mm II delivers an unmatched balance of reach, clarity, and usability.
