The Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II is a Panasonic 100–400mm zoom for Micro Four Thirds, released in 2020. It covers 200–800mm in full-frame terms at a maximum aperture of f/4–6.3. It offers weather sealing, Dual IS compatible OIS, and a 985g build.
Best for: Wildlife and bird photography with long reach
Pros
- OIS with Dual IS support for Panasonic bodies
- Weather sealed for outdoor and adverse conditions
- Long telephoto reach up to 800mm equivalent
Cons
- Heavy at 985g
- Variable aperture narrows at longer focal lengths
- High price point
What this lens is good for
Bird and wildlife photography
A 200-800mm full-frame equivalent super-telephoto zoom, the Leica reach champion, with OIS that coordinates with Panasonic Dual IS. Handholdable for the range it covers, it is ideal for distant wildlife and birds, with a slightly brighter f/4 at the wide end than the Olympus equivalent. Full guide →
The Moon and far detail
The 800mm equivalent reach and close 1.5m focus make it effective for the Moon and distant detail. The variable f/4-6.3 aperture means good light helps, but the stabilisation and manageable 985g weight make long handheld sessions practical.
Dual IS compatibility
This lens triggers Dual IS on compatible Panasonic bodies, combining lens OIS with body IBIS for improved stabilisation.
No confirmed Dual IS pairings in the database yet.
Compatible teleconverters
All teleconverters →Specifications
| Lens | |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Type | zoom |
| Status | current |
| Released | 2020-03 |
| Mount | mft |
| Optics | |
| Focal length | 100-400mm |
| FF equivalent | 200-800mm |
| Max aperture | f/4 |
| Min aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture blades | 7 |
| Elements / Groups | 20 / 14 |
| Focus | |
| Autofocus | Linear Motor |
| MF override | Yes |
| Min focus distance | 1.5m |
| Max magnification | 0.27x |
| Stabilisation | |
| OIS | power_ois |
| Dual IS compatible | Yes |
| Physical | |
| Weather sealed | Yes |
| Filter size | 77mm |
| Weight | 985g |
| Dimensions | 172mm length x 83.7mm diameter |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | $1,497 USD |