Panasonic 100-300mm zoom a bit "sticky": I recently purchased a Panasonic Vario O.I.S. f4-5.6 lens. I find the zoom to be a bit sticky. If I run my hand around the barrel then for...

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

I recently purchased a Panasonic Vario O.I.S. f4-5.6 lens. I find the zoom to be a bit sticky. If I run my hand around the barrel then for awhile the zoom extends and retracts smoothly....a small layer of oil from my hand seems to be what's helping. I don't have this problem with my Panasonic Vario 45-200mm zoom. Anyone with similar problems with Panasonic zoom lenses? Is there anything safe that would make the barrel surface a bit smoother?

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

My advice would be to return it to the retailer you purchased it from and get a replacement.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

Was hoping for a better option but you are probably right. Wish there were other alternatives.

billjohdoittoday Loc: Arkansas

mossgate wrote:

I recently purchased a Panasonic Vario O.I.S. f4-5.6 lens. I find the zoom to be a bit sticky. If I run my hand around the barrel then for awhile the zoom extends and retracts smoothly....a small layer of oil from my hand seems to be what's helping. I don't have this problem with my Panasonic Vario 45-200mm zoom. Anyone with similar problems with Panasonic zoom lenses? Is there anything safe that would make the barrel surface a bit smoother?

Mossgate: I have both of the lenses you mention and haven't had any problems with either. As already suggested, it sounds like you've got a defective lens that needs repair or replacement.

Bill

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I have the same lens on a GX7. When brand new last December it seemed a little sticky. It no longer does and I've not done anything other than use it.

Try using the lens for awhile before sending it back. The feel may never be silky, but it is not multi thousand dollar Nikon or Canon either. (On edit, a Nikon zoom of similar range for a "DX" body is about $2300. This 100-300 is about $500.)

If you have any tips for getting the best out of the auto focus for wildlife video, please post them!

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

bsprague wrote:

I have the same lens on a GX7. When brand new las... (show quote)

.

Nice to know the problem might resolve itself. It functions okay but just doesn't glide smoothly as you would expect a zoom lens to do. Will give it a couple of weeks to see if it just needs a little breaking in.

I haven't done any video yet. The only "wildlife" that I've photographed so far have been rock squirrels, ground squirrels, and quail.;-) My avatar is a vicunia (sp?) that I photo'd at the Phoenix Zoo. But not with this new lens.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

mossgate wrote:

....My avatar is a vicunia (sp?) that I photo'd at the Phoenix Zoo. But not with this new lens.

Make sure you take it to the Desert Musuem west of Tucson. I have a couple "life's best" shots of a hawk and owl I took with this lens.

It is your thread, so if you want, I'll post the two .jpgs.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

bsprague wrote:

Make sure you take it to the Desert Musuem west of Tucson. I have a couple "life's best" shots of a hawk and owl I took with this lens.

It is your thread, so if you want, I'll post the two .jpgs.

Yes, please send your photos. I returned to the Phoenix Zoo yesterday, when to my disappointment the Desert Botanical Garden had a FULL sign at the entrance. I just purchased a full-year membership and here I was unable to get in without a reservation. So off to the zoo I went just a short jog down the road.

I gave my 100-300 mm Panasonic lens a good workout. I hate using a tripod but will probably have to get used to it at some point. But it's hard track moving objects when anchored down to three heavy legs. So most of my photos came out just a little soft I'm guessing from slight motion on my part. But I did get a few sharp ones, at least in comparison to most of them, so I guess I can't blame the lens. Here is a tight crop of one. Hope it does not show up too small of see the detail.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

mossgate wrote:

Yes, please send your photos.
.....

Two photos and a video link:
http://vimeo.com/84832972

(Download)

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

It is your thread, so if you want, I'll post the two .jpgs.[/quote]

Beautiful photos!! :thumbup:

You were using a tripod, right? What camera were you using the lens on?

I had my 100-300 mm on my Olympus E- M1. Seemed I had to refocus several times to get right on target so sometimes missed the perfect pose on some of my subjects.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

mossgate wrote:

It is your thread, so if you want, I'll post the two .jpgs.

Beautiful photos!! :thumbup:

You were using a tripod, right? What camera were you using the lens on?

I had my 100-300 mm on my Olympus E- M1. Seemed I had to refocus several times to get right on target so sometimes missed the perfect pose on some of my subjects.

I was using a monopod that was partially extended and the foot was tucked behind my belt. I think my hands shake more than my 67 year old body and doing this sort of attaches the camera to my body. Yes, full extention with the foot on the ground might work better except I can't respond as quickly.

The lens is on a GX7.

The lens and camera are new to me. I'm finding that focus at full zoom is very difficult. I continue to try the many auto choices, and even manual, with mixed results.

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

bsprague wrote:

I was using a monopod that was partially extended ... (show quote)

Good to know. The focus issues must be a characteristic of this lens. I see a new invention here....or maybe it is already out there somewhere....a camera support that would attach to the waist/chest that would allow the whole body to move while eliminating hand shake.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

mossgate wrote:

... I see a new invention here....or maybe it is already out there somewhere....a camera support that would attach to the waist/chest that would allow the whole body to move while eliminating hand shake.

It is any monopod with a ballhead attached. You can tuck the foot behind your belt, in a pocket or pouch like a Boy Scout uses to carry a flag. Or, you can duct tape a "S" hook to the foot to loop over a belt.

If you want to spend some serious money, look at the Mogopod with Mogopod Crane Belt. http://mogopod.com/

billjohdoittoday Loc: Arkansas

bsprague wrote:

If you want to spend some serious money, look at the Mogopod with Mogopod Crane Belt. http://mogopod.com/

Now that's an impressive monopod. It's currently outside the range of my budget, but I put it on my wish-list anyway. Thanks for bringing this to my/our attention.

Bill

mossgate Loc: Phoenix, AZ

bsprague wrote:

It is any monopod with a ballhead attached. You can tuck the foot behind your belt, in a pocket or pouch like a Boy Scout uses to carry a flag. Or, you can duct tape a "S" hook to the foot to loop over a belt.

If you want to spend some serious money, look at the Mogopod with Mogopod Crane Belt. http://mogopod.com/

After checking the mogopod on Youtube I got distracted and learned some interesting things about macro photography from one of B&H's webinars. Funny how one subject leads to another. Your responses have been quite insightful so thanks so much for replying.