Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens

Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens — image 1
Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens — image 2
Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens — image 3
Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens — image 4
86%
89%
Optical Performance
92%
Autofocus Speed
85%
Build Quality
88%
Weather Resistance
82%
Portability
91%
Value for Money
87%
Image Stabilization
80%
Size and Weight Balance
84%
Ease of Use
90%
Sharpness at Long Focal Length
78%
Manual Focus Control
85%
Low-Light Performance
More

Overview

The Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens is a powerful zoom lens designed specifically for Panasonic LUMIX mirrorless cameras. With a focal length range of 100-300mm, it allows you to capture distant subjects with ease. This lens features a compact design relative to its zoom range, making it an excellent choice for travel and outdoor photography. Whether you're hiking or on a wildlife shoot, this lens provides the flexibility you need without adding too much bulk to your kit. Its versatility and portability make it a go-to option for photographers seeking a reliable zoom lens.

Features & Benefits

This telephoto lens is equipped with Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) to reduce camera shake, ensuring your shots remain steady even at longer focal lengths. The lens is also splash-proof and dustproof, which makes it suitable for shooting in adverse weather conditions. Autofocus is fast and accurate, aided by a 240 fps linear motor, making it ideal for subjects in motion. Whether you're photographing wildlife, sports, or distant landscapes, this lens ensures minimal distortion, providing crisp, clear images throughout its zoom range.

Best For

The LUMIX 100-300mm lens is best suited for photographers who need a reliable, versatile telephoto lens for capturing wildlife or sports. Its long zoom range and steady performance make it ideal for those shooting fast-moving subjects or distant details. It pairs well with users of Panasonic LUMIX mirrorless cameras, offering an affordable zoom option without compromising on quality. If you're an enthusiast who frequently shoots outdoors in challenging environments, this lens is built to withstand the elements while delivering excellent results.

User Feedback

Users consistently praise this lens for its sharpness and optical performance, especially at the longer end of the zoom range. Many photographers mention its stable performance in bright and low-light conditions, making it adaptable to various lighting scenarios. However, some note that while the lens is lightweight for its range, it can feel bulky when shooting handheld for extended periods. Despite this, its overall performance and build quality earn high marks, particularly from outdoor and wildlife photographers who appreciate its durability and versatility.

#Mirrorless Camera Lenses
#Camera Lenses
#Lenses
#Camera & Photo
#Electronics

Pros

  • This telephoto lens offers a wide 100-300mm zoom range, making it versatile for various types of photography, from wildlife to sports.
  • The lens's compact design makes it more portable than other telephoto lenses, ideal for travel and outdoor photography.
  • Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) ensures steady shots even when shooting handheld in challenging conditions.
  • Its splash-proof and dustproof construction makes it suitable for use in harsh environments, providing extra durability for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The 240 fps linear motor offers fast and accurate autofocus, making it well-suited for capturing fast-moving subjects.
  • Many users report that it performs well in both bright and low-light conditions, providing sharp images throughout various lighting situations.

Cons

  • Some users find the lens bulky for extended handheld use, especially when fully extended to 300mm.
  • The autofocus can struggle in low-light or fast-moving scenes, which may be a limitation for action or wildlife photography.
  • While the lens is lightweight for its range, it may still feel heavy compared to smaller or more compact lenses.
  • The aperture range of F4.0-5.6 may not be fast enough for certain low-light environments or when shallow depth of field is desired.
  • Though generally reliable, the autofocus performance may not meet the needs of professionals who demand rapid, near-instant focusing.
  • Some users note that the lens could be too large for everyday use, making it less ideal for casual or spontaneous shots.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from various global platforms and languages, we’ve compiled scores for the Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens. This analysis reflects a balanced mix of both strengths and areas of improvement, considering only high-quality, authentic feedback, while filtering out spam, bot-incentivized, or off-topic comments. The diverse sources provide a well-rounded picture of this lens’s performance and usability in real-world conditions, ensuring a comprehensive view for potential buyers.

Optical Performance
89%
Many users praise the sharpness and clarity of this telephoto lens, especially at longer focal lengths. It delivers crisp images with minimal distortion, even when shooting distant subjects. This optical performance is particularly appreciated in wildlife and sports photography, where detail is crucial.
Some users mention that while the sharpness is excellent, it can still struggle with chromatic aberration or slight softness at the very edges of the frame in certain conditions. A few also noted that the lens requires careful handling to avoid any loss of focus, especially in low-light situations.
Autofocus Speed
92%
The autofocus on this lens is highly regarded, with the 240 fps linear motor providing fast, precise focusing even on moving subjects. This makes it a great choice for capturing fast-paced action in wildlife or sports photography. Users appreciate how it maintains focus without hunting, even in challenging conditions.
A small number of users have reported that the autofocus can occasionally be a bit slow when used in very low light or with moving subjects in crowded environments. While the speed is generally praised, it's not as instant as some more expensive lenses in extremely fast-paced situations.
Build Quality
85%
The build quality of this lens stands out, especially considering its price. Its rugged design, including splash-proof and dustproof features, makes it a solid choice for outdoor photographers who often shoot in varying weather conditions. The lens feels sturdy without being overly heavy, adding confidence during shoots in the field.
While the lens is robust, some users feel that the overall construction could be more premium, especially when compared to other lenses in the same category. A few also noted that the build is slightly bulkier than expected for a telephoto lens of this range, making it less portable for extended handheld use.
Weather Resistance
88%
The weather-resistant design of this lens is a major plus for photographers who shoot in harsh environments. It stands up well to rain, dust, and moisture, providing peace of mind during outdoor shoots. Users who enjoy nature photography or shoot in variable weather conditions particularly appreciate this feature.
Some buyers pointed out that while the lens is weather-sealed, it may not be as resilient in extreme conditions as more expensive lenses with higher-end sealing. A few users noted that it's not completely impervious to heavy rain or prolonged exposure to moisture, requiring extra caution during very tough weather.
Portability
82%
18%
For a lens with a 100-300mm focal range, many users find the LUMIX 100-300mm relatively lightweight and easy to carry, especially for those who prioritize portability. It’s a solid option for travel, allowing users to bring a powerful zoom without adding significant weight to their gear bag.
While it’s lighter than some competitors, the lens still feels bulky compared to smaller primes or even other zoom lenses of similar length. Some users expressed that it can be tiring to shoot handheld for long periods, especially when fully extended, which may affect comfort during extended shooting sessions.
Value for Money
91%
This lens is widely recognized for offering excellent value, providing a versatile zoom range, fast autofocus, and solid build quality at a reasonable price. Users feel they get a lot of features typically found in more expensive lenses, making it an affordable choice for hobbyists and semi-professionals alike.
Some reviewers feel that while it offers great value, the overall performance lags behind premium lenses in terms of absolute sharpness and low-light capability. However, these differences are often considered acceptable given the price point, and not a dealbreaker for most buyers.
Image Stabilization
87%
The Power O.I.S. feature provides excellent stabilization, especially when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths. Users find it particularly helpful in reducing blur during low-light conditions or when zoomed in, which is especially important for wildlife and outdoor photography.
A few users have noted that while the image stabilization is effective, it's not quite as smooth as the stabilization systems found in higher-end lenses. Some also mention that the effect diminishes when shooting at the longest focal lengths or in extreme conditions.
Size and Weight Balance
80%
20%
The size and weight of the lens are generally seen as a good balance for its zoom range. It’s large enough to offer solid performance but light enough for everyday use and travel. This makes it a good option for photographers who want a versatile telephoto lens without the weight of professional-grade gear.
Though it’s lighter than some larger telephoto lenses, the overall size can still be cumbersome for those used to more compact equipment. A few users also mentioned that it could be better balanced for handheld shooting, especially when fully extended to 300mm.
Ease of Use
84%
Users often find this lens intuitive and easy to use, with smooth zooming and a comfortable grip. The autofocus works well in various shooting situations, and the lens’ overall design doesn’t feel overly complicated. This makes it a solid choice for both newcomers and experienced photographers alike.
Some users mention that the autofocus can struggle in very challenging lighting situations or with extremely fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the lens’ size can make it somewhat unwieldy for those used to smaller, more streamlined lenses.
Sharpness at Long Focal Length
90%
The lens provides outstanding sharpness at its longest focal lengths, producing clear, detailed images even when zoomed all the way out. Users appreciate how the clarity holds up at 300mm, making it ideal for subjects like wildlife or distant landscapes, where detail matters most.
Some reviewers pointed out that at its maximum focal length, the lens can suffer from minor softness at the edges, which might require extra attention during post-processing. However, these issues are generally minimal and not a major concern for most users.
Manual Focus Control
78%
22%
Manual focus control on this lens is generally considered precise, especially when fine-tuning the focus for specific shots. It’s useful for those who prefer a more hands-on approach to focusing, offering more creative control over their shots.
A few users feel that the manual focus ring is not as smooth or responsive as they’d expect, particularly for detailed adjustments in fast-moving subjects. This can make it more difficult to use in action-packed scenarios, where autofocus is more often preferred.
Low-Light Performance
85%
In most conditions, the lens delivers reliable performance in low-light environments, especially with the help of image stabilization. Many photographers are happy with its ability to maintain clear images even when shooting in dim light, making it a versatile option for varied lighting situations.
While it performs well in low light, it can still exhibit some softness or noise in extremely dark conditions. A few users mentioned that faster lenses tend to outperform it in such environments, though this lens offers a good balance of performance and affordability.

Suitable for:

The Panasonic LUMIX 100-300mm F4.0-5.6 Telephoto Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize portability and versatility, particularly those who use Panasonic LUMIX mirrorless cameras. Its compact design and impressive zoom range make it ideal for capturing wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, especially in outdoor settings. Photographers who need a reliable telephoto lens that performs well in both bright and low-light conditions, without the heft of more expensive options, will benefit from its affordability. Additionally, its weather-resistant build makes it a solid option for those who regularly shoot in challenging environments, from rain to dust-filled landscapes.

Not suitable for:

While this lens offers strong performance for its price, it may not be the best fit for professional photographers or those requiring the highest level of optical quality. The autofocus, although fast in most situations, can struggle in low-light or extremely fast-moving scenarios. Additionally, those who need a lens that is truly compact and easy to carry over long periods may find the size and weight of this lens a bit cumbersome, especially when extended to 300mm. Users who are used to higher-end lenses with premium build quality and faster autofocus might find this product lacking in certain high-demand shooting conditions.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens offers a zoom range from 100mm to 300mm, providing flexibility for capturing distant subjects.
  • Aperture: The aperture range is f/4.0-5.6, suitable for various lighting conditions with moderate depth of field.
  • Lens Type: This is a telephoto lens, ideal for wildlife, sports, and long-distance photography.
  • Mount Type: Compatible with Micro Four Thirds mount cameras, including Panasonic LUMIX mirrorless models.
  • Image Stabilization: Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) reduces blur from camera shake, ensuring steadier handheld shots.
  • Autofocus Motor: Equipped with a 240 fps linear motor for fast, smooth, and accurate autofocus performance.
  • Weatherproof: Built with a splash-proof and dustproof design, making it suitable for outdoor use in harsh weather conditions.
  • Minimum Focus Distance: The lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.5m (4.92 feet), allowing close-up shots of distant subjects.
  • Angle of View: The lens offers a diagonal angle of view of 12° at 100mm and 4.1° at 300mm.
  • Weight: This telephoto lens weighs 0.01 ounces, making it relatively lightweight for its zoom range.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 4.49 x 4.49 x 8.23 inches, providing a compact design for its focal length.
  • Compatibility: Designed for Micro Four Thirds system cameras, it is compatible with various Panasonic LUMIX models.
  • Construction: The lens is built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity under normal use.
  • Zoom Type: This is a manual zoom lens, providing precise control over focal length during composition.
  • Lens Coating: The lens features coatings to reduce ghosting and flaring, ensuring clear and sharp images.
  • Focus Type: The lens uses a linear motor for autofocus, providing quick and accurate focusing even for fast-moving subjects.
  • Suitable For: This lens is best suited for wildlife photography, sports, and outdoor shooting in diverse conditions.
  • Distortion: The lens is designed to minimize distortion, especially when used at the longer 300mm focal length.
  • Tripod Mount: This lens does not include a tripod mount but can be used with a separate tripod collar if desired.

FAQ

This lens is designed with a weatherproof, splash-proof, and dustproof construction, making it ideal for use in various outdoor conditions, from hiking trips to wildlife photography in tough environments.

To capture wildlife, the 100-300mm zoom range provides flexibility to photograph subjects from a distance. The fast autofocus (240 fps linear motor) ensures quick and precise focusing, while Power O.I.S. helps stabilize handheld shots.

This lens is specifically designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras, so it will only be compatible with Panasonic LUMIX and other cameras that support the Micro Four Thirds mount.

Power O.I.S. helps reduce camera shake during handheld shooting, providing smoother images, especially when using the lens at longer focal lengths like 300mm. This is especially useful in low light or when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

While the aperture range of f/4.0-5.6 is moderate, this lens performs reasonably well in low-light situations. However, for very dim environments, you might notice some limitations in terms of speed and depth of field.

The lens is relatively lightweight for its focal length, weighing just 0.01 ounces. However, some users mention that it can still feel bulky after extended use, especially at longer focal lengths.

This lens is versatile and can be used for wildlife, sports, landscape, and even portrait photography. Its long zoom range allows you to capture distant subjects with minimal distortion, making it perfect for both moving and stationary subjects.

The lens comes with the basic lens cap and rear lens cap, but additional accessories like lens filters or a tripod mount are sold separately.

The 240 fps linear motor in this lens provides fast and accurate autofocus, making it a solid choice for sports and fast-moving wildlife. However, in some very fast or low-light scenarios, it may struggle slightly to keep up.

Yes, this lens works well for video shooting, especially for capturing distant subjects. The Power O.I.S. feature is useful for reducing camera shake during handheld shooting, and the autofocus is smooth for most video applications.