suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

For those that expressed interest in this lens earlier-
Had a hard time pushing the "buy" button but finally did over the past weekend-
Received this lens today-
Took a couple of quick test shots mounted to Olympus M-5 mainly to see that everything was functioning properly and to check out the difference when it is mounted on the Gx8 with the Mega O.I.S. activated (tomorrow)
First impressions- lens is well balanced and not too heavy, felt comfortable in my hands. For tripod use it is nice to have a lens collar that is detachable and rotates quickly from horizontal to vertical perspectives. Focus was very quick on the M-5 and seems spot on although the proof will be in the download.
The lens hood (that many complained about) is not a problem. Several of the consumer reviews downgraded the lens from 5 stars to 4 stars just because they didn't like the hood!! The zoom was quite stiff at first but softened up a bit so I think it will be ok. I am taking the lens out tomorrow mounted on the Gx8 to shoot birds- some hand held and some on tripod and short video. I will post this weekend. I am open to helpful hints from all you experienced long lens users-

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Thanks for posting. I'm following with interest!

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Me too!

This thread should be helpful

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1422285

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Thanks for the link.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

Any time!

SCChop

I've had the lens for a few weeks now (I use an Olympus OM-D E-M1) and have been very satisfied. It's not too heavy, seems well balanced on my E-M1, focuses well (I keep the lens OIS off, and just use the 5-axis in camera stabilization--a review on YouTube said to use the lens OIS on an Olympus at max zoom and turn off the camera stabilization--I'm too scared to do that!). I haven't used the tripod mount on it yet--I've taken everything handheld. I rented a Panasonic GX-8 just to see how it performed with the lens, but I didn't like that experience--didn't focus any better than the Olympus, colors were off, and settings changed by inadvertently touching or brushing some of the buttons. If you do nature photography (I do a lot of bird photography), you're going to love it I suspect!

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Shoot it wide open! I think you'll love the photos you'll get. :D

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

There was an uhh member who posted images of this lens not too long ago. Outstanding Leica quality glass. DP Review was positive too. Enjoy it.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Did you read Daniel J Cox's Corkboard Blog articles on the lens?

http://naturalexposures.com/corkboard/

Scroll through... There are several. He had extensive experience testing pre-production samples of the lens.

Linckinn Loc: Okatie, SC and Edgartown, MA

Please do post after trying on the GX-8. I considered the lens for my GX-8, but have not yet pulled the trigger.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I think I've had mine for a month and I reckon it's a great lens. The lens hood is a bag of nails when compared to the Olympus 300mm f4 PRO and Olympus 40 - 150mm f2.8 PRO but it works OK. I think the lens resolution comes close to my Olympus 300mm f4 PRO (I use them side by side on 2 x EM1 bodies). I'm afraid that I an useless with it at 400mm for BIF and am currently trying it out at about 200 - 250mm. Might go back to my 40 - 150mm f2.8 + 1.4 TC for BIF, as out of the three lenses this is the one I have had most success with. I can hand hold the Panasonic all day long, but not the Olympus 300mm f4. Tried the 100 - 400mm and the 300mm + 1.4 TC on a heron at 50 metres or so away and they were both rubbish. Up to 30 metres the 100 - 400mm and 300mm are excellent, as far as I'm concerned. The zoom ring is still stiff but the zoom lock is spot on.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Try this:

http://naturalexposures.com/birds-in-flight-settings-for-panasonic-lumix-cameras/

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

How is the weather sealing on the 100-400 compared to the Oly PRO lenses, when mounted on an e-M1, or other sealed Oly body?

Can I do this on the water?

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

(I took delivery of the 300 f/4 yesterday, and it is very, very, nice. The dual IS works very great, and the thing is not nearly as large as I imagined. Hand held shots at 1/80 with the 1.4X tc on it were pretty good, I still need more practice.

I just wish it was a zoom, because shooting from a kayak, It's very difficult to control the distance to the subject. I always seem to be a bit too far off, or sometimes a bit too close.

I may have to send it back, with deep regret, hence my interest in the Panny.)

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Before passing any judgements on this lens, and even though this lens is only f6.3 at 400mm, it will still be wise to do a MFA check and adjustment if necessary.