A big lens for the Micro Four Thirds system, the Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER OIS Lensfrom Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER OIS Lensis a 400mm-equivalent super telephoto prime, developed in partnership with Leica, that promises sharp imagery and excellent handling. With a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture users can work in low-light conditions and create images with a shallow depth of field. Ensuring optimal image quality, the design incorporates two Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion (UED) elements that combat aberrations while a Nano Surface Coating is applied to minimize flare.

Optimized for the capture of distant and fast-moving subject matter, this lens is equipped with a quiet triple linear motor autofocus system that has a 240 fps sensor drive for exceptionally fast performance in both stills and video. Also, a POWER Optical Image Stabilizer will compensate for camera shake and works with Panasonic's Dual I.S. and Dual I.S. 2.0 in-camera stabilization functions. Along with this, quick access lens controls, including a focus limiter, focus button, and focus memory switch, are available for tactile control over numerous settings.

Further benefitting the professional nature of this optic is a splash, dust, and freezeproof design for use in less-than-ideal weather conditions. It is compatible with teleconverters for added reach and the DMW-TC14 1.4x Teleconverter is included for creating a 560mm-equivalent lens at the cost of one stop of light.

Open Box Products Have a Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty    Micro Four Thirds System    400mm (35mm Equivalent)    Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22    Two Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion Elements    Nano Surface Coating    Triple Linear Autofocus Motor    POWER Optical Image Stabilizer    Focus Control Limiter; Focus Memory    Splash, Dust, and Freezeproof Design    DMW-TC14 1.4x Teleconverter Included

With a 400mm equivalent focal length on Micro Four Thirds cameras, this telephoto prime is well suited to working with distant subject matter.

A fast f/2.8 maximum aperture excels when working in difficult lighting conditions and provides extensive control over depth of field.

Two ultra extra-low dispersion elements minimize various aberrations in order to produce a high degree of clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy.

Nano Surface Coating has been applied to individual elements to reduce flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color neutrality.

A triple linear motor autofocus system delivers smooth, near-silent performance that is especially beneficial to video applications when working in noise-sensitive areas. It is also able to drive the motor at up to 240 fps for high-speed applications and is silent for use in video.

POWER Optical Image Stabilizer minimizes the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting, and also supports the Dual I.S. and Dual I.S. 2.0 functions for increased stabilization performance.

Physical controls located on the lens barrel provide quick access to many commonly adjusted settings. This includes a focus control limiter for changing from full-range focusing or 9.8' to infinity for faster operation in some circumstances. Also, there is a focus button and a focus memory switch that can be set up to store focus position or to recall a specific camera function. In addition to these more unique controls, there is an AF/MF switch and a POWER O.I.S. on/off switch.

Splash, dust, and freezeproof design benefits working in inclement weather conditions down to -14°F.

A quick-shift, two-part rotating tripod collar permits quick switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations, and keeps the lens controls in the same place once rotated for more intuitive handling.

The lens comes supplied with a 1.4x teleconverter, providing users with a 560mm-equivalent focal length at a cost of 1 stop of light. For even more reach, an optional 2x teleconverter is available for an 800mm-equivalent focal length.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the 1.4 TC included in the box?

A: Yes, the Panasonic DMW-TC14 1.4X Teleconverter is included with the lens.

Q: 2. Does this lens have an aperture ring?

A: yes

Q: 3. Does Sync IS make tripod use redundant for video recording?

A: Not really, no. At least not at a longer focal length like this.

Q: 4. How does autofocus perform when using this lens for video?

A: The autfocus performs very well for use in video.

Q: 5. Does the TC change the minimum aperture?

A: The aperture (lens working diameter) itself is static and always unaffected by a TC, however because the focal length does change the f-stop + TC is calculated at the max aperture, so a 2x TC takes an f2.8 to a f5.6 but an f22 does not necessarily ratio to an f88 .

Q: 6. will the oly 2.0tc work with it?

A: The Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm f/2.8 POWER O.I.S. Lens has not been tested with the Olympus Olympus MC-20 M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter. Technically it is compatible but the lens might not have all features.

Q: 7. In terms of image sharpness, would this lens be considered an upgrade of Olympus 300mm f/4 Pro?

A: Both of these lenses are superb; you cannot be anything but pleased with their image performance, handling and build quality. One review suggests better image quality numbers for the Olympus. However, numbers are not images and the difference, if there is any, I do not think actually impact image quality. The Panasonic has that f/2.8, while less a need than in film days, still helps stopping low light action. I think in terms of image sharpness, it is a tie. Go for the Panasonic if you need the f/2.8.

Q: 8. Does the image stabilization work as well on the Olympus cameras?

A: I normally use this lens with the Pana G9 but I did try it with the Oly Pen F and it works well. I think its better on the G9 (dual stabilization) but not by that much. On the Oly's you have a choice of lens OIS, or IBIS if the lens OIS is disabled. Either works well. The two will not work together as they do on a Panasonic body. Its a great lens, I would not let a very small stabilization penalty preclude use with an Oly body.For your info, there is an Oly firmware update dealing with use of the 200f2.8 lens. I have no idea what the issue for Oly was but I recall the needed update was anticipated even before the 200f2.8 was distributed.

Q: 9. Will this lens work with the Black Magic cameras?

A: Yes, if your Black Magic camera has a Micro Four Thirds lens mount then this, or any Micro Four Thirds lens, will be compatible.

Q: 10. Country of origin please

A: Currently, the country of origin is Japan which is Subject to change.