Building off the success of its predecessor, this iteration of the mega-zoom, Micro Four Thirds Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens from Panasonic features the ability to expand the zoom range when paired with the optional 1.4x and 2x teleconverters while shaving off more than a centimeter of length for a more compact form factor. The lens now offers macro capabilities, with a full-frame equivalent magnification of .5x that is expandable to 1x with the optional 2x teleconverter. The lens retains its Leica branding, with an optical design employing aspherical and extra-low dispersion elements to significantly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations throughout the zoom range for a high degree of image clarity and sharpness. The POWER O.I.S. system also benefits image sharpness, minimizing the appearance of camera shake when shooting at longer focal lengths with its compatibility with Lumix G cameras' Dual I.S. function.

Operability has also improved with the introduction of a zoom limit switch on the lens body, improving the focus limiter function even further. The body's gapless construction that renders it dust- and moisture-resistant has an added level of freeze resistance, expanding the lens' field-readiness. And while its lightweight, compact form factor is suitable for handheld shooting, the 100-400mm f/4-6.3 also features a removable rotating tripod collar for fast switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations when working atop a monopod or tripod.

Micro Four Thirds System | f/4 to f/22    200-800mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)    Compact Ultra Telephoto Zoom    .5x Max. Magnification (35mm Equivalent)    POWER O.I.S., Dual I.S. Compatibility    Rotating Tripod Collar & Built-In Hood    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm    Dust, Splash, and Freeze Resistant

• Telephoto zoom designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, this lens offers a 200-800mm full-frame equivalent focal length.
• Compatibility with the optional 1.4x and 2x teleconverters pushes the 35mm equivalent lens focal length to 1120mm and 1600mm, respectively.
• The minimum focusing distance is 4.3', which pairs with a 35mm equivalent maximum magnification of 0.5x to support working with close-up subjects. This magnification level is expandable to 1x when used with the optional 2x teleconverter lens.
• Designed in collaboration with Leica according to the company's strict quality standards, the lens has an optimally arranged structure featuring one aspherical lens, two extra-low dispersion lenses, and one ultra extra-low dispersion lens to deliver clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy throughout the entirety of the zoom range and across all edges of the photo.
• POWER O.I.S. mechanism helps to control camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. This system is also compatible with the Dual I.S. function in select Lumix G cameras, which more effectively minimizes the appearance of camera shake by using both sensor-shift and lens-shift type stabilization methods.
• The on-body Zoom Limit Switch allows you to quickly constrain the zooming range of the lens to allow for improved autofocus performance and prevent over- and under-magnification.
• Newly freeze-resistant, the lens body is resilient in outdoor and harsh environments, supported by its gapless, dust- and moisture-resistant construction.
• A rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality when working with selective focus and shallow depth of field techniques.
• A quick-shift, two-part rotating tripod collar permits quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations and keeps the lens controls in the same place once rotated for more intuitive handling.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can you use this lens with Lumix S5 Mark ii's Phase Detect Autofocus? Will it benefit?

A: Yes Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens (L-Mount) can use the phase detection autofocus on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II Mirrorless Camera and the lens will benefit for that higher quality autofocus system.

Q: 2. How to know this is MK II from apperance? Looks the same as MK I from apperance.

A: The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens and the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens has the same look. However, the II adds 1:2 macro focusing capabilities and compatibility with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters.

Q: 3. Does the tripod foot have Ara-Swiss style rails?

A: The tripod collar of the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens is not Arca-compatible.

Q: 4. How does it compare with 0lympus 100-400 and will it function well on the OM1

A: The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens is very similar to the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens. The Olympus lens offers greater magnification though. So when taking photos of a flower closest to the minimum focusing distance of the lens, the flower will look larger in the Olympus lens. Also the Olympus lens will offer dual I.S. and also focus stacking. The Panasonic lens will not.

Q: 5. Does this lens retain all of it's functions on the original G9?

A: Yes, the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens retains all of its functions on the Panasonic Lumix G9 Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 6. I just purchased the 100-400 zoom lens. There's a knob on the side. Does anyone know what the knob is for?

A: Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens (L-Mount) knob on the side of the lens is for when the lens is connected to a tripod via the tripod bracket that knob allows you to rotate the lens from portrait to landscape orientation.

Q: 7. Is the autofocus system with a linear or stepper motor. also is this made in Germany or Sigma in Japan?

A: The motor type of the Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens (L-Mount) is Stepper motor and it's made in Japan.

Q: 8. It does not include a tripod foot?

A: Yes the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens comes with a tripod collar. When shopping our site you can always see what is included with an item by viewing the overview tab and finding the “In the Box” listing located on the right hand side of our web page. The collar is mentioned there.

Q: 9. Would this autofocus be compatible with Sigma FP?

A: Yes, the autofocus of Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3 Lens (L-Mount) is compatible with Sigma fp Mirrorless Camera BH #SIFP.

Q: 10. Why would this be better than the MKI?

A: The newer Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens is now able to use the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. It now has a freezeproof design, a new zoom limiter switch, and improved operating feel. It can achieve greater macro magnification, and has improved focus tracking while zooming.