Panasonic H-FSA100300E Lumix G VarioUltra Lens - Black

Five years ago, I bought the predecessor to this lens, the Panasonic H-FS100300E with Mega OIS, for use with my Panasonic DMC-G6 and later the G7. It was a remarkable lens, light in weight, high on performance (and only around £380 in those days!). Somewhat reluctantly, I sold it last year to raise funds towards the enormously-expensive Panasonic H-RS100400E 100-400 mm Leica telephoto - which gave me that extra reach for wildlife shots but, as I soon discovered, it almost doubled the weight on my ageing shoulders. So, I've now sold the 100-400mm lens and reverted to the 100-300mm. This new lens, the HFSA100300E (note the added 'A') is a worthy successor to the old H-FS100300E that was first listed here on Amazon in 2010 and which I believe is now being discontinued. As far as I can tell, it's basically the same lens with the same internal glass, but with much-improved electronics and added weather sealing, plus a bit more metal in its construction. The updated 'Power OIS' gives even better results for stills and video, the latter in particular. Its compatability with the in-body stablisation of my DMC-G80, resulting in Dual IS, gives amazingly sharp and stable shots, even hand-held at the top end of the len's range. I honestly can't fault this lens for performance and value for money.

I am new to photography so from a novices point of view here we go, originally I bought the older version of this lens but returned it mainly because of focusing problems with video. I decided to pay the extra and get the newer version which is this model, the focusing is a lot better much quicker and responsive. There is a difference of 5 or 6 years in the technology between these two lens models, so I would think some of the latest technologies will be present here in the latest model. I have certainly noticed a difference in the improvements of this lens + splash proof weather protection. I am extremely happy with this lens its the most costly lens I have but also my favourite, superb for wild life and for me a great all round lens. Highly recommend not cheap but well worth it.

I'm not an expert photographer by any means but have been impressed with this so far. It has enabled me to take some decent shots of wildlife (birds) from distance which was one of the main reasons for buying it. At 300 it does lose a bit of focus / picture looks a bit soft but other than this all good.

This lens produces some cracking shots. In my instance it is the cameras focus system that prevents me getting more. Overall…. Well pleased

Great lens. Fast accurate focus, excellent results at 100mm. Focused but a little soft at 300mm, but sharp at 280-285. Power image stabilisation really effective and allows great handheld shots up to about 250, passable up to 300 but better with tripod monopod. Samples taken handheld on dull day with Panasonic lumix dmc g6. Build quality is good. Overall an excellent lens....

At the price, with image stabilisation, solid build quality and given its reach (200mm-600mm equivalent) this lens is an excellent buy. As you would expect it can be a bit soft at 300mm but back of slightly and it sharpens up. I was drawn towards the Panasonic Leica 100 to 400mm but, for a lens that will be used only occasionally, I couldn’t justify the cost.

Happy with it

I chose this over the Olympus because this is weather sealed. The price is good for this lens, but you do need decent light to get the best out of it. The photos are one's I took recently (yep amateurish) but it gives a flavour of the lens at 300mm, F7.1, 1600 shutter, iso on auto. The lens is not heavy and easy to carry around all day attached to camera. Weather resistant was an important factor to me as I've used it in light rain. I think for starting out then this lens is well worth considering and fits Olympus (now OM )& Panasonic m4/3 cameras.

Quando si acquista un'ottica come questa penso già si sappia quello che si cerca e si desidera per questo non mi dilungo in descrizioni superflue. Non conosco la prima versione ma questa versione aggiornata (revision II) mi ha lasciato letteralmente stupefatto. Ve lo confesso, non mi aspettavo grandi risultati da questa ottica ed invece sono rimasto letteralmente "scioccato" e se penso al valore di mercato attuale ne sono rimasto piacevolmente colpito. Andiamo al sodo, ho riscontrato un'ottima risolvenza della lente, incisività di gran livello ed un o "sfocato" / bokeh incredibilmente pastoso nonostante le sette lamelle del diaframma. Non noto presenza marcata di cromatismo che per carità ci sarà ma croppando la foto non riesco a scorgere in nessun modo. La vignettatura è limitata e reputo questo un aspetto assolutamente positivo perchè ci sono ottiche anche più blasonate che fanno assai peggio rispetto a questo modello. Altro aspetto difficile da descrivere è la resa cromatica. Non sò se sia dovuto all'evidente trattamento ottico delle lenti o ad altro ma i colori sono fedeli ed accesi, non virano ne sul caldo ne sul freddo ed'è mio pensiero che questa ottica sia frà quelle da me possedute che in assoluto fà il meglio sotto questo aspetto. Il "soffietto" dello zoom che ricordo essere sigillato da polvere, protetto da schizzi ed in grado di lavorare a basse temperature ha un escursione manuale dolce, non dura e non morbida che non permette un escursione casuale (non'è presente un blocco manuale dello zoom ma non serve in questo caso). Lo stabilizzatore di immagine è assolutamente efficiente pensando alla lunghezza focale, è una delizia usarlo. Ho subito abbinato a questa ottica che comprende di serie del suo indispensabile paraluce un buon filtro di protezione della lente frontale in modo da poterlo usare con più "disinvoltura". Peso e dimensioni trasmettono una sensazione di "equilibrio" e praticità. Sono assolutamente convinto che questa lente darà molte soddisfazioni a chiunque cerchi un prodotto ottico in questo range focale. Lo consiglierei sicuramente ad un amico e lo consiglio senza nessun interesse anche a voi. Questa la mia opinione / recensione sul prodotto. 5 stelle più che meritate.

Gelukkig was alles heel aangekomen en snelle bezorging verpakking was heel alles zag er tip top uit

At first, I was unsure whether I should even get this lens, as I am not a wildlife photographer. Although I liked the idea of the reach a superzoom provides, I was worried that atmospheric haze and heat would degrade the image quality to a point where I would see no actual benefit. While these remain valid concerns, I am more than pleased with what I was able to achieve with this lens. Many of these pictures, taken at dusk or dawn at the longest focal length, remained sharp. Another great thing about it is how lightweight the setup is; I was able to use a small travel tripod to steady the camera for longer exposures. So all in all, I would recommend it. Regarding the Amazon processing of the order, mine was dispatched in a day and arrived in two, without any issues.

Buen objetivo. A máxima focal pierde pero enfoca muy bien. Lo recomiendo.

För mig är linsen det rätta valet. Jag är ingen 100% natur fotograf eller fågelskådare så det är sällan jag behöver 100mm till plus vikt är viktig för mig, mycket hellre ha med denna lins än P Leica 100-400. Vad som är inte lika bra. Ingen montering på stativ, köpte en sådan från r-roesch.de som alla andra och det är en ok lösning. Skärpan är bra nästan hela vägen till 300mm men någonstans efter kanske 275mm blir det lite mjuk. Fokusringen är lite "trög" men det lär finnas en firmware uppdatering som kan förbättra detta. Summering: om du behöver 100-300mm ibland och vill inte betala för den dyrare alternativet 100-400, då är denna lins bra.