Panasonic 100-400 any experience?

J Michael wrote in post #17964797
Sample images have been slow in coming but I came across this set recently:

http://www.vgbphotos.c​om …nasonic-Leica-D/n-mjJCcd/

This is the first time I've seen these photos. The aviation images are very impressive. Sharp with lots of detail.

I'd like to try this lens with either the G9 or E-M1 II at an air show.

Comparing the Pany 100-400/E-M1 II to the Canon 100-400/80D, I'd have a smaller package and save 1.78 lb.

as I stated earlier I have been using a canon 1d3 and a sigma 150-600 sport for a few years now ,but age (galloping towards 73) and general aches and pains have slowed me down to the point of not even attempting long walks etc ,even mounting the camera and lens on a tripod and gimbal became to much to even shoulder mount . my initial plan was to go for a sigma contemporary lens to lighten down the load ,but the salesman in the shop said why not look at micro two thirds as things have progressed in the last couple of years .
I put the question up on the u.k based talk photography forum " does any one use Panasonic or Olympus for wildlife" and was inundated with replies and links .to be honest I was blown away with some of the i.q I was seeing . myself and my son then took a trip to our local retailer who knows us both so allows us to take cameras and lenses out around the city centre for trial shots ,using our own cards .after putting them on the i.mac I went back the following day and bought the g80 ( the g9 is far to pricey in the u.k but one day) its the g85 stateside and the leica 100-400 this is a dream combo and all up weight is less than 3lbs ,it also gives more reach than the sigma sport and focusses down to just over 4 feet . to
you also have to take that sublime 2 x crop factor into account so effectively your getting 200-800mm focal length . I was warned that there might be noise issues with the smaller sensor but the latest sensor technology seems to have subdued that to a manageable level .have I made the right move probably yes for me on a personal level as I tend to like to go walkabout and just take wildlife as I see it appear ,the rig is certainly fast enough to focus and the evf keeps up with birds in flight easily .time will tell so keep watching this thread for updates .

and as a bonus I might not have people coming up to me going thats a big lens ,is it expensive etc etc etc

Very attractive photos, Black Fox.

Well, I have a lot of money tied into Canon gear, so I can't just run out and buy the Panny 100-400 & camera.
I'll have to rent the gear first and give it a try. And downloading manuals and reading. It will take some time,
and I hope to do it this summer.

I shoot aircraft in flight and in good light. Usually no higher than iso 200. AF performance is important.
That leaves me to consider either the G9 or the EM1-II. Lots to think about.

I cant as yet comment on performance on birds or planes in flight sufficiently ,but I honestly cant see a problem with either .I to had a lot of money tied up in canon gear so it was very lip biting to jump in the deep end ,especially considering the light levels in the u.k are way behind yours .so far I have had no problems that cant be put down to simple user error .i.e today I was having problems focussing on insects heads ,but I have now found out you simply increase or decrease the focus point size by pinch and drag .as I have said I'm still on a massive learning curve with this and it can only get better

I watched a bunch of youtube videos on both the G9 and the 100-400mm, they seem to be very well liked. That 100-400mm is tiny compared to most 100-400mm zooms.

couple of shots from yesterday the little grebe was shot directly into the sun so shadow recovery has worked well ,the butterfly feeding again utilises the close focus ability of the lens ,both shots hand held ,I'm still on a vast learning curve with the camera (third time out) and after getting home I found out I could actually reduce the size of the focus point to get finer focus ,so hopefully things will improve on this

now just over a week into this camera and lens combo and its getting better and easier every day ,heres a couple from todays effort

couple more from yesterday ,not much about at the moment ,there all sitting on eggs .but definetly getting the i.q with this lens /camera combo

and a couple more

one from last year

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2dyr​Ggv