bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

There are at least three, probably more UHH members with the new Lumix/Leica 100-400 lens. Attached to a GX8, it is a 5 pound combination that is weather sealed, has image stabilization and the effective telephoto reach of some huge and heavy DSLR systems. It is intended to be good at both still photos and video footage.

My purpose in starting the topic is for owners to share knowledge, tips, techniques, etc about this lens and various M4/3 cameras that might be used with it. If you own one or want to own one, subscribe by marking "Watch". Perhaps we will learn the strengths and weaknesses at an increased learning rate!

Note that one UHH member, "suntouched" started a topic in May about her GX8/100-400. It was her suggestion that a "shared" topic could be useful.

To start, post that you have one!

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

From a M4/3 standpoint, it has an equivalent FOV of 200-800mm

vtoyscape

Hi,I'm an occasional user of UHH but do glean useful info from fellow users.I shoot with both Nikon D750,D300s and Lumix GH2&G7. The latter with 40-150mm and 150-300mm lenses, both giving me superlative results.
I shoot one-handed from a scooter as I am paralyzed on my left side, using a bean bag resting on my handlebar as a makeshift tripod. I agree that the lighter weight of the 4/3 system helps manipulating the equipment better.
I suggest when shooting at tele distance that you match your shutter speed to the zoom distance and brace the camera and lens for stability, also using Auto Iso.
Remember to turn the stabilizer off when your camera is rock steady on a tripod,otherwise, a false stability reading may result from the camera or lens.
I like pairing my tele shots with shots from the Olympus 9mm f8 fish eye lens, for great effect and distortion. No focusing or aperture settings are necessary for this lens but you will have to set your camera to shooting w/o lens in the menu.
What I really appreciate about the micro 4/3 is that the lenses are all interchangeable with any other 4/3 brand of camera,i.e. Olympus.
Hope these tips help and looking forward to advice from others.
victorT(Canada)

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

For reasons I can't yet sort out, the effective equivalent when shooting 4K video may be about 1250mm. Here is a sample: http://vimeo.com/174030195

Most of it is shot on a tripod with I.S. on. The last clip is handheld with me leaning on the hood of my RV. As with most video, it is edited to piece the parts together. Vimeo allows viewers to download the "original" so you can view it on a 4K monitor or TV. I can also put up unedited clips if someone wants to see or download the "real thing" strait out of the camera.

So far, I'm seeing that handheld still photos work well at relatively slow shutter speeds for a long telephoto.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Thanks for the suggestions. Hopefully this topic will stay focused on the 100-400. Where in the zoom range is it sharpest? How low can the shutter speed go? Can it be hand held? If so, how high does the ISO need to be?

Maybe I'm dreaming, but I am hoping this can be kept on the topic of the 100-400 lens!

Linckinn Loc: Okatie, SC and Edgartown, MA

Joining the list. I have the 100 - 300 on the GX-8, and find the whole rig wonderful. Looking to get the 100 - 400 later in the year.

Good thread; hope it keeps going.

SCChop

I purchased the Panasonic Lumix/Leica 100-400 a couple of months ago to use on my OM-D E-M1. I haven't been too happy with it (most of the advice I read said to use the lens OIS vs the in-body stabilization of the E-M1). I used it primarily for bird photography, usually all the way out at 400mm. Finding focus was problematic most of the time; I grew frustrated with it and have decided to sell it. I choose another route--keeping my E-M1 and 12-40 f2.8 Pro as my 'walk-around' camera and purchased a Nikon D7100 with a Nikon 200-500 f5.6 as my birding/nature camera (which, so far, I love--except for the weight!). If anyone is interested in purchasing it, I have it for sale on Amazon--in perfect condition but just not for me. I took some great photos with it, but they were few and far between--the Nikon camera/lens combo I have now is much better, at least for me. The Panasonic Lumix/Leica is a solid, well built lens; despite its compactness, it gives a lot of reach for the m4/3 camera. My opinion is that it probably works better on a Panasonic with the in-body stabilization and lens OIS.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've been looking for a good storage bag for the GX8/100-400. I want a "holster" style to hold the camera with lens attached like the Lowepro Toploader Zoom 55 AW II (http://smile.amazon.com/Lowepro-Toploader-Zoom-Camera-Black/dp/B00K1FGFFI/ref=pd_sim_sbs_421_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=5172yX9QJxL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR141%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=WRT3D0VCKBDV9SQA62R7). They all seem too big in the opening for the camera if they are long enough for the lens.

As a temporary solution I bought the inexpensive OP/TECH USA 7801182 Snoot Boot Wide Body XXL (http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LCL73YW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It is supposed to be a lens bag. But, the GX8 fits through the opening with the lens attached. There is no structure, only neoprene padding.

Anyone have a favorite storage bag?

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I had the 100-300 on a GX7 for a couple years. I liked it better for video than photos. My best still shots were in the mid zoom range and mid f-stop range. The 100-400, so far is better and autofocus is faster.

The GX8/100-400 as a set is weather resistant making it more of an outdoor kit.

Frankly, after months of anticipation and desire, I decided to not spend the money to upgrade. Then, completely shocked and surprised, I got the GX8/100-400 as a 70th birthday present from my DW! I love that woman!

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

As a place to start, I'm on an RV trip in British Columbia and Alberta. An Eagle showed up for my first real wildlife opportunity with the GX8/100-400. I think this attempt has the shutter speed to low (1/250) and the ISO to low (200). The bird is moving to defend its position against a few smaller birds that want it to leave. The motion blur may add to the "story", but I'll work for better. If you look closely you can see a spider web attached to the branches in front of the bird that crosses the leg.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Didn't want to attach!

(Download)

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I want one. I'm in.

I own a LUMIX GH4 and the 12-35 f/2.8 and 35-100 f/2.8 pro zooms, so a wide zoom and super tele zoom are on my radar.

I'm most curious to learn how users are dealing with the "shutter shock" issue on the GX8 between about 1/60 and 1/320 second.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I'm ignoring it!

I also updated the GX8 firmware the day I opened the box. It now has an "Auto" setting where there used to be only a choice between electronic and manual shutter. In "Auto", the camera switches to electronic shutter in the suspect 1/60 to 1/320 range. Since my habit is to leave it in electronic shutter anyway, it makes no difference.

From what I can tell, the internet pixel peepers seem to find that the main shutter shock "problem" is with the Lumix 14-140 lens. The 14-140 also has a firmware update to accommodate the "Dual I.S." feature. I have that lens and can see on the screen when the GX8 switches to electronic shutter in auto mode. I can also tell that people have to work pretty hard with controlled shooting of charts or sheets of newsprint to "prove" shutter shock is a problem.

One of these days I may take a "real" real photo of a "real" object or animal and say, "Damn that shutter shock". So, far it has not been an issue with this GX8 or the GX7 I had before it. Ignorance and electronic shutter can be bliss!

There is a downside to electroninc shutter. One day with my GX7, I was shooting a family practicing rodeo skills. I did a lot of panning shots that turned out funny and unusable. If you go to a rodeo with the 14-140, switch to mechanical and try to take pictures that make shutter shock invisible.

For my wildlife purposes with the 100-400 lens, I think I need to stay above 1/320th anyway.

All that said, if you don't want weather sealing or 20mp, the GX80/85 is looking like a popular choice with an entirely new shutter mechanism (and lower price). It may be that between the GX8 shutter shock stories and the raves over the GX80, the GX8 may be a slow seller with bargains coming!

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

Think tank makes expandable holsters in different sizes. They are excellent.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

I have an OLY EM-!. I first tried the OLY 300 f/4, but decided a fixed focal length was too restrictive for my type of shooting--sadly, because it's a really nice lens--so I returned it and bought the PL 100-400.

I like that it's smaller and lighter, and that it is a zoom. It seems very sharp. all my issues with M4/3 revolve around autofocus, which is slow and clunky compared to my Nikons, especially the D500. I usually end up manually focusing and using focus peaking. As long as I'm not too worried about shooting BIF, I'm good with it.

I often shoot from a kayak or in other situations where light weight, weather sealing, and having the versatility of a zoom are paramount, so this combination works well for me. If i'm going to be on shore, and can handle the weight, I bring the D500 with my 200-500.

Thanks for starting this thread.