Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. Lens
The Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. is a 100–400mm f/4 lens designed for Micro Four Thirds mount cameras. Used copies start from $1,146.82 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. Lens
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Lens Overview — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
Key Features — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
200-800mm Equivalent Reach: The 2x crop factor of Micro Four Thirds doubles the effective focal length, delivering up to 800mm equivalent reach for distant subjects.
100-400mm Zoom Range: Covers a broad super telephoto range in a single lens, useful for wildlife, sports, and nature photography where subject distance varies.
f/4 Maximum Aperture: Opens to f/4 at the wide end, a competitive maximum aperture for a zoom of this focal length range that aids in subject separation and low-light performance.
Built-In Optical Stabilization: In-lens optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake at longer focal lengths where handheld shooting is most challenging.
Dual AF/MF Operation: Supports both autofocus and manual focus, giving photographers the flexibility to switch depending on the shooting scenario.
Leica-Certified Optics: Co-designed and certified by Leica Camera AG to meet Leica's optical quality standards for sharpness and rendering.
Lens Specifications — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding, Adventure |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | Micro Four Thirds (MFT) |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 100–400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | Mirrorless |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 72mm |
Description — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH. is a super telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for the Micro Four Thirds mirrorless system. Its focal length range spans 100mm to 400mm, providing extensive reach for subjects at a distance. The variable maximum aperture runs from f/4 at the wide end to f/6.3 at full telephoto extension.
Built-in optical image stabilization works to counteract camera shake that becomes more apparent at longer focal lengths. The lens accommodates both autofocus and manual focus, offering shooters the ability to adapt their approach based on the demands of the scene. A 72mm filter thread makes it straightforward to attach commonly available filters.
Tipping the scales at 985g, the lens carries a meaningful but manageable weight for a zoom of this reach. The Micro Four Thirds mount ensures native compatibility across the MFT mirrorless camera lineup, making this lens a strong option for photographers looking to extend their telephoto capabilities within the MFT system.
Pros — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
- ✓Broad 100-400mm focal length range covers a wide variety of super telephoto shooting needs
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end is competitive for a zoom of this range
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps manage camera shake at longer focal lengths
Cons — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
- ✗Maximum aperture narrows to f/6.3 at the 400mm end, limiting light gathering in challenging conditions
- ✗At 985g, the lens adds considerable weight to a mirrorless kit
- ✗No information on minimum aperture or minimum focusing distance available in the specifications
Reviews — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
Videos — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
A Look At The Panasonic Leica 100-400mm Long Zoom Lens For Micro four Thirds Cameras — David Thorpe
Frequently Asked Questions — Panasonic 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH.
What camera mount does this lens use?+
The lens uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, making it compatible with MFT mirrorless cameras. It is not natively compatible with other mount systems without an adapter.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization built into the lens itself. This helps reduce the effect of camera shake, which is particularly useful when shooting at longer focal lengths.
Can I use this lens for manual focus as well as autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. Shooters can switch between the two modes depending on their subject and shooting conditions.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 72mm filter thread, allowing you to use standard 72mm screw-in filters such as polarizers or ND filters.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 985g. While this is manageable, it is worth considering when pairing with a lightweight mirrorless body for extended shooting sessions.
What is the maximum aperture of this lens?+
The lens has a variable maximum aperture, starting at f/4 at the 100mm end and narrowing to f/6.3 at the 400mm end. This is typical for a zoom lens covering this focal length range.





