Gave in to temptation - got the 100-300.

The Panasonic 100-300 Mk.II had been tempting me for a while, but at €499 new with a 5 year warranty I ran out of excuses not to get one. My first native long lens.

It balances and handles well on my G80. Initial impression was that at 300 mm the Dual IS2 wasn't giving me the stability I was expecting, but when I switched the IS off the difference was staggering. I also didn't feel the AF was very fast - smallest square 1-area center focus - but perhaps for such a large lens that is to be expected.

We're in the middle of a heatwave here, so I didn't really feel like going out. Took just a quick snap from the front door to make sure it is working properly. I read about f/7.1 at the long end being the sweet spot, so that's what I used. Very happy with this for a quick first snap.

slightly cropped for composition

I have this lens/camera combo as well.  Are you saying you get better results when you switch off the lens IS and use only the in-camera IBIS?  I.e., disable Dual IS2?

No, I get no IS at all when I switch off the lens IS.

Enjoy the 100-300mm II lens! I got one a week or so ago. I like the colours. Hand held shots are better than I expected.

F.

Hi

I have this lens and body but haven't used this lens much yet.

Were you doing hand-held or tripod when you tried IS on and off on the Lens?

I've often seen it written that if on a tripod you should turn off IS but I'm not sure if they mean lens, body or both. Also, on the G85 it doesn't appear you can turn off IS.

I just tried four test shots indoors with the subject being the fine print on a small bottle from 15 feet away

My results, worst to best

• Hand Held - Lens IS disabled - Worst, clearly not a good idea
• Hand Held - Lens IS enabled - Looks pretty good but next bullet is better
• Tripod - Lens IS disabled - Can't tell the difference from the next
• Tripod - Lens IS enabled - Can't tell the difference from the previous

Mark

opiecat wrote:

you got better results with no IS?

Where on Earth did you get that idea?

opiecat wrote:

Mark9473 wrote:

opiecat wrote:

you got better results with no IS?

Where on Earth did you get that idea?

i guess you need to clarify what you meant when you said the difference was staggering.

"Initial impression was that at 300 mm the Dual IS2 wasn't giving me the stability I was expecting, but when I switched the IS off the difference was staggering. "

i thought it was better. i guess not

You are aware that with IS switched off, there is no stabilization, right? Do I really have to spell out that the stability is much better with IS switched on?

Enjoy the new lens.  I've not used mine lately, as I got the 100-400, but nevertheless it is a fine lens.  Your temptation is less costly than mine.

Mark9473 wrote:

The Panasonic 100-300 Mk.II had been tempting me for a while, but at €499 new with a 5 year warranty I ran out of excuses not to get one. My first native long lens.

It balances and handles well on my G80. Initial impression was that at 300 mm the Dual IS2 wasn't giving me the stability I was expecting, but when I switched the IS off the difference was staggering. I also didn't feel the AF was very fast - smallest square 1-area center focus - but perhaps for such a large lens that is to be expected.

We're in the middle of a heatwave here, so I didn't really feel like going out. Took just a quick snap from the front door to make sure it is working properly. I read about f/7.1 at the long end being the sweet spot, so that's what I used. Very happy with this for a quick first snap.

slightly cropped for composition

I'm not sure why anyone struggles with this lens in any way.  I have the mk1, which uses lens OIS only, and I can get sharp images at 1/20th without any fuss.  Also, ignore people who say this lens need stopping down, I shoot mine at 300mm 5.6 a lot, and find it plenty sharp enough.

FrankS009 wrote:

Enjoy the 100-300mm II lens! I got one a week or so ago. I like the colours.

The coatings look excellent, perhaps that's got something to do with it. I'm liking what I see too.

Hand held shots are better than I expected.

Mark Kaprielian wrote:

Were you doing hand-held or tripod when you tried IS on and off on the Lens?

Hand held.

I've often seen it written that if on a tripod you should turn off IS but I'm not sure if they mean lens, body or both. Also, on the G85 it doesn't appear you can turn off IS.

AFAIK either the lens switch can be used or the camera; it switches between Dual IS2 or IS off completely.

Roger Engelken wrote:

Enjoy the new lens. I've not used mine lately, as I got the 100-400, but nevertheless it is a fine lens. Your temptation is less costly than mine.

Thanks. I wanted a longish lens for an upcoming trip to Scotland. Little interest in something as big and expensive as the 100-400.

Cagey75 wrote:

I'm not sure why anyone struggles with this lens in any way. I have the mk1, which uses lens OIS only, and I can get sharp images at 1/20th without any fuss.

I have a feeling that for me, this will require some training and experience. Time will tell.

Also, ignore people who say this lens need stopping down, I shoot mine at 300mm 5.6 a lot, and find it plenty sharp enough.

Thanks, good to know. I'll give mine some testing.

Mark9473 wrote:

The Panasonic 100-300 Mk.II had been tempting me for a while, but at €499 new with a 5 year warranty I ran out of excuses not to get one. My first native long lens.

It balances and handles well on my G80. Initial impression was that at 300 mm the Dual IS2 wasn't giving me the stability I was expecting, but when I switched the IS off the difference was staggering. I also didn't feel the AF was very fast - smallest square 1-area center focus - but perhaps for such a large lens that is to be expected.

We're in the middle of a heatwave here, so I didn't really feel like going out. Took just a quick snap from the front door to make sure it is working properly. I read about f/7.1 at the long end being the sweet spot, so that's what I used. Very happy with this for a quick first snap.

All lenses are slightly different, don't just use it at f7.1 because you read that is its sweet spot. Do the testing yourself with your lens. My v1 of the lens is just as good wide open at f5.6 as at any other aperture.

This and the Oly 75-300 II are the best m43 telezooms. I can't wait for Oly to come out with it's 200-450 next year!  Forget BIF, we'll be able to read their minds!

HRC2016 wrote:

This and the Oly 75-300 II are the best m43 telezooms.

I hesitated between the two but there wasn't that much price difference between the two so I chose the Panasonic. Thought that Dual IS2 and DFD focusing would make the difference.