Panasonic 100-300 morning 11 advantages over mk1

Interesting that you seem very happy with the 100-300mm. I find it really good at 100mm, but not so much at 300mm. I use this lens only when the 100-400 is too big/heavy for what I'm doing (e.g. jogging).

I understand the only difference you can expect with the Mk II is the Power OIS over the older Mega OIS, but I haven't tested the difference.

Optical quality wise, no difference as far as I can tell. Here're some 300mm heavily-cropped shots I recently took with the Mk II:

I have found it fine up to about 275mm after which it softens off

TheDream168 wrote:

I understand the only difference you can expect with the Mk II is the Power OIS over the older Mega OIS, but I haven't tested the difference.

It also adds weather sealing, improved focus motors and aperture, and smoother zoom. The Power OIS adds dual IS support.

I've had 3 copies of the Mk i and eventually sold them all after disappointing results, bought an Oly 75-300 recently and it's really good, could be I've just lucked on a good copy though.

JSB1960 wrote:

I've had 3 copies of the Mk i and eventually sold them all after disappointing results, bought an Oly 75-300 recently and it's really good, could be I've just lucked on a good copy though.

This may be copy variation. I went from the 100-300 Mk I to the 75-300 Mk II. I don't see any significant optical difference (nor do I notice the 1/2 stop loss). The smoother zoom mechanism and smaller size are pluses though.

Went to Park Cameras and chatted to them. The benefits of the dual IS are not available on the GH4 as there is no IS in the body only the lens.

As that is one of the main improvements I think I will save my pennies for when I upgrade the body as well eg Panasonic G9